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I just had very pleasant experiences buying from jdev and Junk Rhythm.

I guess you could refer to sequencing as discrete modulation, steps of defined value executed in order (typically used for pitch) whereas folks often prefer continuous, smooth value changes for modulation - e.g. for flowing changes in timbre / tone color.

If you really want to go modular I'd suggest to sell the Sub 37 and get a Moog Mother instead. I did the same and couldn't be any happier with the choice. The Sub has very limited capabilities to connect to a modular system (the CV inputs are limited to filter, pitch, volume and gate).

Imho sequencing is a specific type of modulation. so.. both?

Hello all,
I have been working on my modular, and I have a nice case built that stands over the top of the MS-20 mini. I then picked up an original Arp Odyssey, that is loads of fun. The Arp has some useful patch points located on the back. CV, gate, and trig ins and outs. I will be making a eurorack panel that holds all the patch points of the Arp, so they will be right in front of me, and it will look cool too. This is my current set of modules that I have, and I am looking for some feedback on the next one I should get. I usually prefer to build DIY kits when they are available. Thanks for your input.

thanks for additional info haha, def noted and added to the rack. any recommendations for the case other than the Moog stuff? something decently priced...
-- abesirevic

also, here are some cheap modules that do some cool stuff:
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/music-thing-modular-radio-music
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/music-thing-modular-turing-machine-mk-ii
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/expert-sleepers-disting
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/synthrotek-echo
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/ryo-optodist

this is where modular synths get good!

i highly reccomend getting that 3 tier moog rack, and just starting out with the stuff you have there, and i have a reason for that:

people describe getting a new module feeling like its a entirly new synth. if you bought the modules you have setup on your rack, youll have room left to order more in the future.

if you just order everything at once, you wont have any more room for more modules. and eventually, you'll grow bored of it.

so order modules over time, not all at once.

as for price, its tough to find a good quailty piece of equiptment at a decent price. but ive been researching for months for the best prices, and the 2 cheapest brands of modules (while still having great quality) is EMW and ladik.

EMW has about everything you need. They are cheaply priced and offer good sounds, which is good if you're on a budget.
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/modules/browser?SearchName=&SearchVendor=154&SearchFunction=&SearchSecondaryfunction=&SearchTe=&SearchTemethod=max&SearchBuildtype=a&SearchMarketplace=&SearchIsmodeled=&SearchShowothers=1&SearchShow1u=&order=popular

ladik is even cheaper than EMW, and also has good sound. I have the ladik VCO1 and it sounds pretty fantastic.
HOWEVER! Be note of this: the depth of ladik is huge, this isn't a good thing.

When I mean depth, I mean how far the module goes back. the ladik VCO1 and the filter bank I have are so close to touching the back of my rack, which is really annoying cause it blocks the patch for adding more modules. the only way to prevent that is to have a case that has more depth, which usually isnt too big a problem. heres a picture http://imgur.com/LMQme6z

You can usually check the depth of a module in the specs. In a module info page, it'll usually say "x mm depth"

basically, ladik is great because the most expensive module they have is $134. but they can take up some space, so make sure your case is big enough! https://www.modulargrid.net/e/modules/browser?SearchName=&SearchVendor=215&SearchFunction=&SearchSecondaryfunction=&SearchTe=&SearchTemethod=max&SearchBuildtype=a&SearchMarketplace=&SearchIsmodeled=&SearchShowothers=1&SearchShow1u=&order=popular

i know im giving you giant answers for small questions, but I know where your coming from and I want to help as much as possible.

thanks for additional info haha, def noted and added to the rack. any recommendations for the case other than the Moog stuff? something decently priced...

yeah man a couple months ago I was in the same position you were in. took me months to get my head around the powering part.

as for the module, I'd say its pretty good. you have everything you need since you would be able to patch a function from the Mother-32 to any of the other modules. for the roland effect module, if you run your synth through a DAW (like me), you can add digital VST effects (saves $). but if you dont than you can keep it.

only thing I would get differently is the case. get a bigger case than you need. this is because if you ever want to add something new, you won't have room. Meaning the only way to get that new module would to buy another case with another power supply and blah blah. i would get that 3 tier mother-32 rack, just to stay on the safe side.

FYI very important: i noticed you don't have a Output module. this is important because without it, you have no way to connect your synth to an amplifier (the thing that connects to your studio monitors/speakers). the output module I use (and think is fuckin rockin) is the Pittburg OUTS Mk II https://www.modulargrid.net/e/pittsburgh-modular-outs-mk-ii

P.S.: if you dont have an amplifier (like the Scarlett 2i2) connecting to speakers, your synth will basically be a box with knobs.

now, if you were like me, you might be completly lost into getting sound to actually come out of your synth. if you need a complete run down on setting it up, I can tell you. it isnt complicated.

im headin to bed, its 2 AM where im at. ill respond in the mornin.

also, if you need reference to anything, here's my current rack

EDITED Apr 30th 2016, 06:18

thanks for the info. I knew i needed a power module but wasn't sure where to start, so it's awesome you picked up on that. as far as modules go, what do you think?

well you're gonne need a power supply!

power supply works like this: you have a power module (which plugs into a wall), and on the inside of the module there is a flying busboard, with little boxes. when you get a new module, you plug the ribbon cable into that busboard.

now, I am not sure if the Mother-32 has a built in power supply, but it probably doesn't. you're gonna wanna pick up a power supply. the most popular one is the uZeus https://www.modulargrid.net/e/tiptop-audio-uzeus. it has 10 slots for modules.

it is reccomended to be included into 84 HP rack, but if you have 2 rows of 60 HP you should be good.

I want to get the Moog one, and it doesn't seem to have a power supply

are you buying a case with or without a pre built power supply?

I'm just starting out building my rack, but this is what I want to get for now, any thoughts? Thanks!

As seen here :

Thought I could use an extra source to play with my ms20.. could this work? like the resonance of the rings and i'd love the weird delays from the black hole, and lfo would give me nice options to add as well..
I don't think I'm going to need extra space, cause I've got some synths with sequence and arp options and stuff, hoped this would just add another dimension to it

EDITED Apr 28th 2016, 13:05

Picked up a used ripples module and I find that I get incredibly low volume when patching a signal into it. Even when using the VCA output and the gain input I get a very low signal. The other outputs put out a barely audible signal. At the moment, I'm just running Braids through ripples, and ripples to my blue lantern stereoscopic VCO. This is my first filter, and I'm pretty new to eurorack. Any advice? Is there a trim screw to adjust output volume?
Thanks

I'd definitely take one as well if you end up doing a panel run. Thanks!!!

This is a pretty cost effective rack. I'm gonna keep hunting for a good combined VCA/Envelope module to save space and a better midi to sync interface. This is bare bones to get you started.

To broadly generalize - there are versatile bread 'n butter synths oscillators that output the typical sine, tri, saw, sqr - eg: Doepfer A-110, Tiptop 3000, Intellijel Dixie etc. Saw-core or tri-core implementations will generate slightly different wave shapes (visible on an oscillator) and sound slightly different. On the other end of the spectrum there's the specialty ones that use custom wavetables or specific sound generation algorithms to evoke a singular personality e.g. The Harvestman Piston Honda or Donut, Noise Engineering Loquelic Iteratus, Make Noise Telharmonic. Of course there are also modules somewhere in the middle - familiar wave outputs, but some extra functionality or features: Synthesis Technology`s E 350, Make Noise DPO etc.

I highly recommend reviewing as many videos & sound demos as you can to get a feel for sound & functionality and in particular would recommend visiting a specialty modular store (even if a trip is required) to try the stuff in person.

Do not panic about making exactly the right choice - it may not be clear what you will eventually settle down with until you acquire some experience with modular - and there is a great market for used gear so it is pretty easy to trade towards what will eventually become part of your own personalized instrument.

EDITED May 2nd 2016, 19:50

Don't know where you're located, but certainly if you're anywhere near NYC, I'd recommend visiting Control in Williamsburg Brooklyn (http://www.ctrl-mod.com). They also do mail-order (including used gear), and from my experience they're the absolute best. Plenty of folks use Analogue Haven too. You won't find much a modular selection from Sweetwater - seems mostly Pittsburgh make, and while I've ordered plenty of studio stuff from them, I doubt they have the expertise to guide you towards your first rack.

Be sure to do your research BEFORE you buy - there's also tons of great info on Muffwigglers.com In particular it's good to check on a module maker's track record re: build quality, customer service and general customer satisfaction. Can't speak to buying used gear here, but have done well on Muff's b/s/t section (buy/sell/trade).

Good luck!

I've been lurking here, Muffs and on Electro-Music for a while now, tempting myself with a modular synth purchase. After getting a tidy sum back from the government for tax season, I think I'm ready to finally pull the trigger.

Question is: Where should I purchase from?

I've mostly been an in-the-box guy up until now, so most of my purchases have been from Sweetwater. I found this shop when searching for "modular synth", but haven't purchased from them before. From what I could find, it seems like they're a pretty legit place. Another one that comes up a lot in my searching is Analogue Haven.

What do you guys recommend? Also, is buying used a good idea?

That Shiny Beast makes me feel like Making love to a vampire with a vactrol on my knee.
Along those lines.

That 'Trout Mask Replicant' looks more like 'Eeeheelahacktriacity' to me ;-))

-- wiggler55550

That comment is Safe as Milk :-)

That 'Trout Mask Replicant' looks more like 'Eeeheelahacktriacity' to me ;-))

Thank you Tazio and easyskywalker : )

I want to use speakers for the synth so, as Tazio mentioned, I will add the Intellijel's μJack. Removing Grids will add some room for that. I'm looking for evolving percussive sounds and I think Elements will work great on this. Rings strumming is awesome, though.

Thanks CitizenKlaus. I have modified the kit based on your feedback.

@jdev & @tylrprtr are great buyers! Thnx!

Hi, I would really appreciate some feedback on this potential rack. I want to get the Atlantis + Metropolis action going with the possibility to add some effects and additional synth voice. Anything missing? Any module that should be replaced by some other?

I want to use this together with my Elektron gear.
-- Studioman

Metropolis and the µMIDI both have quantizers built in. How do you anticipate using the µScale?

Is anyone here using Ladik's C-214 envelope with retrigger?

Anyone ever try to power a Beatstep Pro with one of these?

For DIY drum kits consider Ginko Synthese Grains. Cheap, can do drumsounds as well as Grids-style triggering (not at the same time)...

You don't need Grids to trigger, you can use the burst-out or clock-out from the wogglebug. Or use Maths for both.
Elements is awesome, together with wogglebug you have a nice starting point (if you're into weird sounds).

What I meant is how are you going to monitor your synth? Headphones/Speakers?
You might want to look into something like Intellijel's μJack or other similar products ;)

The questions as always is what do you want to do with it?

Also Elements is taking almost half of your rig. Have you seen MI's Rings? You might be happy with that and use the free space for other things.

EDITED Apr 24th 2016, 00:55

Hi, Tazio : ) Elements has stereo output, do I also need a mixer?

How are you getting the sound out of your rack?!

Hi, I've just sketched a patch. I'm new into modular synths, but I think this could work well. Any comments or suggestions will be pretty much appreciated.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/75xhwy0210wcdy4/modulargrid_20204.jpg?dl=0

Duplicate

Also I would like to see a tag / attribute "is an expander for [link to module]"
-- wiggler55550

I am always in for "flat" solutions. People could just write it to the module description and place the link there?
I mean, that is not a property we need to search for e.g. does someone need a "show all expander modules" function?

Apparently, the trend for custom panels is here to stay and expand, which is fine in itself, and not a problem at all, quite the contrary.

most have no manufacturer attached and can be filtered out by unchecking "show exotic modules".

Another branch out of mainstream is the 1U high modules.
Now regarding Modulargrid's database, it's getting difficult and annoying to sort out all of these.

I suggest that alternative panels or modules are categorized as such.
I mean all variations of the "base" reference module.

On the search tool page, there would be a check box for alternative panels to be included in the search.
Another check box would allow 1U panels to be included in the search; right now you can search for the 1U but not exclude them from a search.

Exclusion of 1U should be easy to do.
The thing with different faceplates and related base modules is more complicated.
There are problems to solve like "User X uploaded the base module, User Y uploaded a different faceplate. What happens if X deletes the base module."
But I see that something has to happen in this area.

Another aspect to manage is the actual availability of modules.

Yes, this should have been there from the beginning.

What do you think?

That are all good points. Most of them are already on the to do list. Time is just the factor.

Good deal with @bark. Thanks.

Also I would like to see a tag / attribute "is an expander for [link to module]"
-- wiggler55550

Yep! Add that very useful feature too please.

I suggest that alternative panels or modules are categorized as such.
I mean all variations of the "base" reference module.
-- Zentek

I second this.
Also I would like to see a tag / attribute "is an expander for [link to module]"

EDITED Apr 22nd 2016, 07:44

Hello,

Apparently, the trend for custom panels is here to stay and expand, which is fine in itself, and not a problem at all, quite the contrary.
Another branch out of mainstream is the 1U high modules.
Now regarding Modulargrid's database, it's getting difficult and annoying to sort out all of these.

I suggest that alternative panels or modules are categorized as such.
I mean all variations of the "base" reference module.

On the search tool page, there would be a check box for alternative panels to be included in the search.
Another check box would allow 1U panels to be included in the search; right now you can search for the 1U but not exclude them from a search.

Another aspect to manage is the actual availability of modules.
It would be nice to know when a module is not produced anymore and only available on the second-hand market.
The manufacturer who provided his seal for a given module does know if he intends stopping the production.
Brands that have disappeared could also be easily identified.
Therefore, with this information, we would get:
- officially available
- officially discontinued
- availability unknown

What do you think?
Other improvements?

EDITED Apr 22nd 2016, 07:59

How about: hover over a blank spot in your rack ...and a popup tells you how many blank HP are there. ..
-- pescatore
+1

Also, in the summary at the bottom of your rack,
- show the width in hp
- show the name of the deepest module

For me using a rather shallow skiff it's a constant nuisance when planning on using a module,
learning late in the decision process, it's too deep for my case.
Speaking of which it would be helpful in the process of 'manufacturer approving' to make sure
power requirements and depth of the module is given.

I've enjoyed modulargrid for a few years, mainly for Eurorack.

How about also supporting Pedals? Pedals have been an integral part of my overall creative sound stack since I can remember. Would be incredible to have that support here. Thanks, for listening!

This soundscape is completely made with my modular synthesizer. No samples. No field recordings. Just VCOs, LFOs, filters, step sequencers, analog delay and spring reverb. Year of production: 2012
-- MRau
Nice! Brings back memories of Ummagumma :-)
Care to share some patching notes?

I have added Motovilo to the list.

To administrator:
Motovilo Modular is a legitimate new Russian brand and for now 5 modules were already manufactured under this brand. As partner of the company, I ask to add "Motovilo Modular" to brand list. Thank you.

Best regards,
Dmitry,
SSSR Labs.