Hi,

I just built a new rack:

and powered it with:
• Synthrotek Deluxe Power module
• 2 Doepfer bus boards, 1 4ms flying bus cable
• power brick

Unfortunately, when switching on the rack, the "-12V" LED of the Synthrotek Deluxe Power Module is flashing and so are my Verbos modules' LEDs. When removing modules, it turns out that the Synthrotek only works for around 4 modules, when attaching a 5th, I get the flashing again.

Huh? The Synthrotek should provide WAY more power than needed by the modules.

This does not seem to be dependent on which of the distribution boards/cable I use, and not on specific modules (whilst the 2 oscs seem to be the most demanding ones).

Any idea what could be the cause here? As I said, the Synthrotek should provide multiples of the actually needed power...

thanks & greetings,

Tom

Patch #1 test

You want to say something very original and sophisticated, but you don't know what?

Introduce yourself, or say Hello!
-- solitud
Hello All

Just been bitten by the modular synth bug after a background that mostly involves jamming on bass guitar etc. Looking at buying my first modular system and trying to weigh up all the options! Any help is much appreciated :)

I would add effects, but that's just me!
-- Mrknobs

Yes! Planning a skiff for effects only.

I think you'll be fine. But my 2 cents:

1. Rosie is a mono module. The 2 inputs are mono(both are in the center, not panned left and right). It's designed to let you crossfade between 2 mono signals. You can use the aux send and return to the Clouds to get some stereo reverbs, but you'll be patching back and forth between the Rosie and the Clouds... It's doable, but what if you bought another stereo module one day?
   so maybe choose another output module that has stereo inputs(Like the "Outs Mk. II" from Pittsburgh), if you don't want your Clouds' reverb and delays end up in mono.

2. If you want to add something, try some modulation modules(LFO, Envelope, etc).
   Yes, the MATHS can be used as a LFO or Envelope, but it's only one module.
   Maybe get a LFO to control the size and position of the Clouds?

Cheers! And happy tweaking!

EDITED Dec 23rd 2015, 15:16

Peaks seems to be perfect so I've modified my rack.

@pibou delivered the goods in perfect condition

@Belleville is spot on reliable

@makaton is a recommended seller

thanks to @AThousandDetails for well-packed speedy delivery of module in perfect condition

Peaks? U get either or:
2ADSR
2AD
2LFO
808 BD&SD
Delay.

Yeah! Peaks is the killer!!!

Peaks? U get either or:
2ADSR
2AD
2LFO
808 BD&SD
Delay.

For the HP is pretty unbeatable. The only possible downside is the lack of CV inputs for the knobs.

I would prefer a pingable LFO. The Doepfer is really big and not really cheap according to what he can do. And he's missing S/H, which I couldn't live without!
Apart from that, maybe you can choose the Double VCA produced by Doepfer, which isn't much more expensive.

Agree, Maths will be the first module when I start the second row.

Early Dec: Put the IKEA Rast on my Christmas list. Should be a slam dunk since it's cheap.

Dec 18: Power One HCC-15-3 is here.
Dec 19: Picked up a switch that's lighted, both when on (green) and off (red).
Dec 21: Ordered a set Vector rails (enough for 6U @ 104 HP), a fused (1-pole) IEC socket, and then ordered some IDC connectors for DIY wiring up some 22 gauge power cables for the modules in my system.
Dec 21 (update): Just started my system with a Doepfer A-119 envelope follower module!
Dec 22: Picking up M2.5 hex nuts and M2.5 x 6mm bolts from the local Grainger.

Currently working on:
Seriously considering going from the Power One to a fuse block to aluminum distribution bars, ala Hinton Instruments. Need to do some research on this, if there are any active components that are needed beyond the PSU or not.

EDITED Dec 22nd 2015, 01:52

well, the live rig is full. complete. kabeesh. very happy.

Ability for users to annotate their racks in some way.

I use Modular Grid to explore and research future modules. I use the racks to group modules under exploration and use the rows as default categories by shuffling modules around the rows as I learn more about them. This alows me to see all modules under research all in one view rather than in seperate racks.

If rows could be labeled this would assist my use case.

Examples of labels are;
Row 1 "High priority - I will buy/build this module"
Row 2 "Medium priority - Looking promising, keep following threads"
Row 3 "Low priority - Just discovered, keep researching"

Thank you for reading this feature request.
Cheers, John

EDITED Dec 21st 2015, 23:49

Nice!

There are so many great options. I would say Math is hard to ignore for a small system.
If you are into Doepfer check out A-171-2 VCS, if you can DIY check Befaco.

You don't need two. : )

But, in europe is even more expensive two of these ADSRVCA than Intellijel Quadra.

Hello,

I have been lurking here, and I went to CTL MOD in NYC this past week and checked out a ton of gear.

Here is the rig that I am thinking of, but am not too sure.

I GREATLY like the PHONOGENE module as my base, as I like the lucky dragons west coast sound, and I feel like you can do allot with this. Paired with the MATHS I think there could be allot of potential.

So right now my modest (and fancy) rig is
1) PHONOGENE
2) MATHS
3) Rosie for sound out.

I was also thunking of CLOUDS to round out, delay, to alter the phonogene sounds.

I don't have a ton more cash, so i was thinking I could bring in sounds and sequences from my computer using Audulus or something like it?

Am I missing something to build this in order to make full sounds? Will this kit work as is without clouds?

Any suggestions to fill this out or 2 modules [for now]?

I'm doing something similar using two of these, which give you a built-in VCA:

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/steady-state-fate-adsrvca

Ok, I like Quadra too, but its a bit expensive for my budget. Do you know similar modules or any other interesting ADSR?

I don't need full adsr on a modular and would go with the Quadra from your choices, but the Doepfers are solid too.
The Doepfer modules need to receive a gate signal to go through all adsr stages, a short trigger is not enough.

Yes absolutely, I am hesitating between these three:

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/doepfer-a-140
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/doepfer-a-143-2
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/intellijel-quadra

Could you give me some advice about which one to pick?

Some kind of Envelope Generator?

Hi there everybody. Here is my typical first post / noob question.

What about starting my modular with this sequenced by Beatstep Pro? Am I going wrong, or missing something important?

Thanks.

I play in a semi-frequently touring grindcore band, and 2016 is looking to be very busy for us. I'm looking for recommendations for a portable and durable case to fit a 60mm depth Doepfer VCO module, with at least 44HP. Since it's non-studio, the more portable the better, as we'll probably have to fly at least once next year.

If this is the wrong section, I apologize, this is my first post.

Thanks!

I have two suggestion that I think would be pretty easy to implement. Both would probably be added to the "edit rack" configuration page.

1. Add a field to specify number of power connectors

2. Add a field to specify maximum depth of the case

With suggestion 2, you'd know immediately if a module was too deep for your case. The system tells you the depth of your deepest module, but it doesn't tell you specifically which one it is. If the system had depth logic, it could warn you as you add them.

With suggestion 1, you'd also know if you had too many powered modules for your case. Just because 21 4HP modules will fit in an 84HP case, doesn't mean there's enough power connectors for all of them. If 6 or 7 were passive modules, it may still work.

Anyway, just a little thing I noticed. I love the site overall. A+++

EDITED Jul 8th 2016, 00:26

Still remaining:
Jan - May
* Tangle Quartet (~275)
* Nano Rand, Rings (~525)
* Erbe Verb (490)
* Frames, Disting (540)
* QCD, Quantum Rainbow (~400)

Jun - Oct
* Move 104 case, Brain Seed (~580)
* Akemie's Castle (~600)
* Intellijel Metropolis (~600)
* SSF URA (~300)
* Zularic Repetitor, Batumi (~560)

EDITED Dec 20th 2015, 16:51

I would not necessarily recommend to build a modular to get a lush, dreamy type synth.
It's difficult to play polyphony on a modular. For dreamy pads stay with your Matrix.
Modulars are more awesome strange noise and slightly out of tune machines.
I recommend to start with the typical building blocks Osc/VCF/VCA/Envelope/LFO. Add a Modulation Sequencer for fun.
Add one or two mystical modules of your choice for individuality
Atlantis is a synthesizer on it's own, like your mother (no insult here).
A main component for the sound in the mylarmelodies video is the Eventide reverb box, I think.

First I have to say, ModularGrid is such an indispensable site! I would have been completely lost and probably never had the nerve to jump into modular without it. I was happy to contribute by buying a Unicorn account.

Thanks for kind words!

My feature request is the ability to create module profiles/images that are not public. I have a few unique aspects to my rig that I'd love to be able to add to my personal rack but I feel will only cause confusion if they show in searches. Specifically, I've made a sort of breakout panel for my Kenton Pro 4 to make the outputs directly patchable within my rig. Additionally I have my Beatstep Pro mounted in a row. I know it's not 100% necessary to see this while arranging my modules but the visual sure would help.

You can absolutely do that. Just click the checkbox Do not list this module when uploading a module.
The module will not show up in the module search. However that is not a bulletproof type of privacy for your top secret prototype module: people can see the module if they guess the URL.
That is on purpose so you can still send a link to the module to a friend.

It would also be nice to be able to select multiple modules at once to move as a group. Like dragging a selection over a group or something like that.

That is a tricky one which might come some day but not soon.

I don't know if either of these topics have already been addressed so sorry if they have.

Keep up the great work!
-- Precarious

Thanks for supporting, have fun playing your modular!
Knut

First I have to say, ModularGrid is such an indispensable site! I would have been completely lost and probably never had the nerve to jump into modular without it. I was happy to contribute by buying a Unicorn account.

My feature request is the ability to create module profiles/images that are not public. I have a few unique aspects to my rig that I'd love to be able to add to my personal rack but I feel will only cause confusion if they show in searches. Specifically, I've made a sort of breakout panel for my Kenton Pro 4 to make the outputs directly patchable within my rig. Additionally I have my Beatstep Pro mounted in a row. I know it's not 100% necessary to see this while arranging my modules but the visual sure would help.

It would also be nice to be able to select multiple modules at once to move as a group. Like dragging a selection over a group or something like that.

I don't know if either of these topics have already been addressed so sorry if they have.

Keep up the great work!

Hello Everyone,

I'm super new to the modular endeavor but am really excited about it. Right now I'm trying to be a sponge and soak up as much knowledge as possible. I've been writing music for year and years, but now I'm really getting into synthesis and finally took the plunge and bought a monorocket case with two rows of 102 HP with the top rack being +5. Right now I have nothing in the rack and wanted to get some opinions. I currently have 2 mother 32s, a future retro revolution, a little phatty, a volca keys and lastly a oberheim matrix-1000 as a starting point (I won't be rack mounting them). What should I get to compliment these? I'm looking for lush, maybe whimsical type sounds maybe like this:

So originally, I was thinking primarily about reverbs, delays, clouds and rings from mutable (random other effects), with some modulation tools (maybe the tides modular?) to go with my synths I already have. Then I came across mylarmelodies videos of the atlantis and metropolis and damn...they sounded amazing and fun. This however totally deviates from my original effects idea. I feel lost. I think I just want versatility but then like a moron with a lack of knowledge, I start reading about some other modules and then completely shift my idea. So I guess all and all, what are your thoughts to someone who has little knowledge about synthesis, but wants to start experimenting with this stuff and leans towards building a lush, dreamy type synth? If this question is vague, I apologize!

Thank you all so much and I look forward to being part of this community!

a game changer

Note to self: If after playing with this for a while the Mangrove feels unnecessary, perhaps swap for Three Sisters, a delay, or other intersting VCA type modules.

Sawtooth Animator

This is a serious rack, man

Thanks for the suggestions, Brian!

Yeah, still working out which modules I want to go with for the bread and butter modulators, filters and amp. I will check out the Shapeshifter now. I'm open to all feedback, so let me know if you have any more ideas. Thanks again,

• Nick

EDIT: Derp, I forgot that you were referring to the module I already had on my rack (Shapeshifter). Still learning all the names.

EDITED Dec 16th 2015, 19:15

Maths, braids essential. How about filters lfo's, ADSR and VCA's ? Shapeshifter can get crazy and do many things.
Happen to stumble upon you 'cause I follow CR.

Removed the last mother. I can always run that externally, or in a new case which I'm inevitably going to start up lol. I added an Akemie's Castle for some fantastic FM possibilities, Evaton RF Nomad for noise/weirdness/sonic exploration, 4 intellijel buff mults and an ADE-32 for clock sync stuff. I'm done for now. I'll start working on the next rack when I play around and figure out what's "missing".
-- aeonblack

Must...have...all...the modules! Haha!
Nice system! One day, I'll have a big system like yours!
Rock on, man!

I would add effects, but that's just me!

My first simple design. What is missing? I feel like something is missing? Hmmmmm

Removed the last mother. I can always run that externally, or in a new case which I'm inevitably going to start up lol. I added an Akemie's Castle for some fantastic FM possibilities, Evaton RF Nomad for noise/weirdness/sonic exploration, 4 intellijel buff mults and an ADE-32 for clock sync stuff. I'm done for now. I'll start working on the next rack when I play around and figure out what's "missing".

Swap Erbe Verb in main case with Batumi and URA in this version.
Big issue is we have no mixer (Linix, Tangle Quartet, Cold Mac, etc)

Never get:
* MI Shades
* MI Branches
* MI Warps
* MI Streams
* Dave Jones O'Tool
* Intellijel uScale
* Quad Temporal Shifter
* Shapeshifter (Don't really care about wavetables)
* ADDAC 402, MI Grids, Zularic Repetitor (Hella full on sequencers)

EDITED Feb 5th 2016, 16:42

Not a problem :)

I decided to add in the Three Sisters filter to fill the last 10HP, but I'm still trying to nail down if there is something better I could be putting in there.

@OurMod is a great seller. Friendly communication and fast shipping. Module as described.

Yes, that damned gap! Hahah.

I honestly think you'll be hard pressed to shave much space no matter which route you take, 4 channels takes up space, no way of getting around that. I would say the only major place you can shave some weight is in the oscillators. If you can find slimmer versions of the same components elsewhere, it might be worth considering, but honestly, I think it looks really good the way it is. You can always just buy another rack! Haha
-- aeonblack

Thank you, sir!
Yes, my solution is build another rack/skiff! Problem solved!

Yes, that damned gap! Hahah.

I honestly think you'll be hard pressed to shave much space no matter which route you take, 4 channels takes up space, no way of getting around that. I would say the only major place you can shave some weight is in the oscillators. If you can find slimmer versions of the same components elsewhere, it might be worth considering, but honestly, I think it looks really good the way it is. You can always just buy another rack! Haha