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I always do my research before buying any gear, read the manual and some reviews, check out everything you can find on youtube.

-- GunnarWaage

this is very good advice... far better than any recommendation for a module that some random person on the internet can give...

What modules are in piles outside of your current racks?

What bands are going to want to record using your eurorack modules?

While using a rack intended for 19" rack gear is an odd idea, I actually used to have a customized eurorack setup in one of mine. It worked well like that until I outgrew it. As my modular grew, I realized quickly that being confined to 19" in width wasn't ergonomic for anything over 5 minutes of noodling because I had to stand as well as bend down to reach anything not at eye-level.

I have three 19" server racks in my studio that are stuffed with my rackmount gear. They are single-sided (the posts are centered on the bases) and I simply added casters to them from Home Depot so they can easily roll when necesarry. Server racks are easy to come by in the $50 - $100 ballpark on OfferUp or whatever. I used to have the four post type (like the one you are talking about), but found it's footprint to be far to big and using both the front and back was totally unpractical.
Of course, we all have different needs and ideas. I hope this helps!

Well you can make it sound any way you like, I'd say check out some videos, dual vco's are for sound design, on the other end you have something like Plaits which gives you presets. Spectral Processors are also effective when it comes to ambiance. I always do my research before buying any gear, read the manual and some reviews, check out everything you can find on youtube.

The most versatile complex VCO I have used is the Furthrrrr from Endorphin.es. It also has TZFM Through-Zero Frequency Modulation which the DPO doesnt have. I have TZFM though in some of my other ones and I don't use it much. I highly recommend the Furthrrrr.

To me a complex vco is an absolute must.

My favorite and goto is the DPO. For wavetables I use the Shapeshifter. I also have 1010 music MOK Waverazor which is very effective but a highly specialized dual vco. I also have the Bataleur by Birdkids which has dual vco capabilities.

I was using the Furthrrrr Generator and it really is fantastic, however I decided to let it go and stick to the DPO, it is when all is said and done the character that i like the most and thats ultimately what it comes down to for me, taste.

But for less than 120 euros you can get Doepfer A-110-4 Thru Zero Quad VCO SE.

With that one you can start experimenting with what you already have like the guys are suggesting.

Good luck
-- GunnarWaage

I heard that the DPO sounds like rubber and is limited to this character. I guess its not very versetaile?

For what do you use the DPO?
Can you tell me some more of its benefits, suiting to your needs?

To me a complex vco is an absolute must.

My favorite and goto is the DPO. For wavetables I use the Shapeshifter. I also have 1010 music MOK Waverazor which is very effective but a highly specialized dual vco. I also have the Bataleur by Birdkids which has dual vco capabilities.

I was using the Furthrrrr Generator and it really is fantastic, however I decided to let it go and stick to the DPO, it is when all is said and done the character that i like the most and thats ultimately what it comes down to for me, taste.

But for less than 120 euros you can get Doepfer A-110-4 Thru Zero Quad VCO SE.

With that one you can start experimenting with what you already have like the guys are suggesting.

Good luck

A nice little sequencer from Robaux.
Pretty straightforward build, could be good for a beginner as 3rd or later kit.

Lots of power and options available. You will want to spend time learning the modes and button presses, it’s not too complicated, but you do need to get used to it. Would be great in a performance setting after you’ve practiced with it for an hour or so.
By the way, mostly a single camera build cuz my side camera got confused.

Will be going in my main rack.

Build

In terms of music - I mostly do variations of ambient, but would want to do something more hard (industrial)

-- dithegrey

Sounds good. Depending on what other gear you already have, I'd say both of my filter recommendations remain in this case. QPAS for the spacey ambient side and FSS Timbral Sculptor for the heavier sounds.

I suggest anything from Noise Engineering for Industrial (and everthing else). Their complete voices (Cursus Iteritas Percido and Loquelic Iteritas Percido) are perfect for your starter kit, as they are fully formed and ready to go anywhere you want to take them as well as other worlds you never knew exsisted.

QPAS is great. It has a very unique character that may or may not be what you are looking for. If you are looking for a more "vintage" sounding filter or something with self-oscillating resonance, QPAS might be a good second filter. Be sure to watch some demo videos (MylarMelodies and DivKid have good demos for QPAS). I would recommend taking a look at the Future Sound Systems Timbral Sculptor too. That thing never fails to impress me.
You didn't mention what kind of music you are hoping to make with modular. Maybe give us some details so that we can steer you in the right direction.
Have fun and good luck!

-- farkas

In terms of music - I mostly do variations of ambient, but would want to do something more hard (industrial)

I finally worked out a final solution for my piles of modules that aren't in racks...

I bought a 42ru rack: https://www.titanav.co/products/titan-av-42ru-19-adjustable-open-rack

I really like that this thing is on wheels, as I need to be able to roll it out of my studio when bands are in to record.

won't the bands want to use your modular??? are you trying to hide it from them? hahaha

JimHowell1970 suggest Befaco, which I'll look into. Are they modular in their design, or will I need multiples?

indeed I do... they're not modular and you'd need multiples - one per 2 or 3 rows & somewhere to mount them - shelves perhaps...

Also, is the TipTop Happy Ending still the cheapest way to get ears and z rails? Would it be cheaper to build my own?

I'd have thought that buying rails and inserts (or nuts, if you prefer) and ears separately would be cheapest - but don't know... also depends where you are etc... I think the b-company sell a knock off version that's cheaper...

JOMOX Modbase 09 MK 2...
Kick drum from JOMOX Alphabase with CV control and saved presets.
-- bopodoq

Oh yeah now we're talking! I love using my Jomox kick drum bass module with Hot Glue compressor and distortion makes serious beefy kick drums!

get a eurorack compressor mixer with distortion like Mutant Hot Glue. Erica Synths makes a good drum mixer with a compressor as well as Endorphin.es has Cockpit. I use these a lot with my modular drums to beef them up for kicks and snares.

JOMOX Modbase 09 MK 2...
Kick drum from JOMOX Alphabase with CV control and saved presets.

I guess you have all modules to get a huge kick.
FLD6 and crb4n are well for it.

Maybe you need to find the right compression or a better sidechaining.

I guess one general approach is:

adiditional wavefolding on the kick + modulated reverb/delay on the rumble + the right sidechaining + compression

1. I use befaco percall. I do wavefolding on a nice vco and send it to channel 1 of percall to get a instant kick. I use the multed copy of the kick without wavefolding and send it through a delay/reverb (mimeophon) to create rumble. I modulate the delay and reverb with synced lfos. - I send the rumble into channel 2 of percall to get it ducked against the kick. Addiotional i can modulate the strength cv of percall to get rhytmical chopped beats. End of chain is mscl for compression.

2. I use bastl waver as a drum bus. I send the kick of SSF Ultra Kick (which offers a finished kick + dynamics) trough Channel 1 on bastl waver to add some wavefolding/distortion. I send my Rumble from BIA or other modules through a delay/reverb and modulate it with lfos (mimeophon), then I send it in channel 3 of waver - to use it´s internal vca to sidechain it against the kick with the sidchain-envelope from Ultra Kick. With waver I can modulate the wavefolding and also break it rhytmically with the break cv, to get nice effects. End of chain is mscl for compression.

EDITED Oct 1st 2023, 15:57

I like to send LFOs into tube amps, resonant filters, reverbs, etc., here's one example:

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/forum/posts/index/11054

Frequency shifters can also be helpful in getting huge drums. I don't typically start with an actual drum sample myself when I'm trying to come up with drum sounds. You didn't say what you're doing now but given that you have that Quad Drum Voice there, I assume that's what you're starting with. So with what you have there I would try the Drum Voice into some combination of the wavefolder, the C4RBN filter, and/or Veils. Not sure how quickly C4RBN self-oscillates, but try setting the resonance just short of self-oscillation and play with controls and see what sounds you can get. You just have to experiment.

Read Jim's signature...

Compression is the key

there's a lot of menu diving here, multi parameters tied to one knob to remember and tiny little screens.. for me once this system is patched it will be a nightmare reading/interacting with those screens. like JimHowell I'm neither a fan of this approach.
Ask yourself if you are more into pre programmed stuff, set and forget or if you want to have a finer, much straight and direct control over your modulation/cv and sounds.
I would add more utilities and stuffs that you could interact with: modulations, matrix mixer, more basic and utilitarian modules.. less headache, more fun and easier learning curve

I'm not happy with the punch and depth of my kick drums. Before I look at swapping modules I wanted to see if there were techniques or patch ideas that I maybe haven't discovered. What modules and techniques would you use to create massive kicks? And is there anything that you'd change in order to do so? TIA.

QPAS is great. It has a very unique character that may or may not be what you are looking for. If you are looking for a more "vintage" sounding filter or something with self-oscillating resonance, QPAS might be a good second filter. Be sure to watch some demo videos (MylarMelodies and DivKid have good demos for QPAS). I would recommend taking a look at the Future Sound Systems Timbral Sculptor too. That thing never fails to impress me.
You didn't mention what kind of music you are hoping to make with modular. Maybe give us some details so that we can steer you in the right direction.
Have fun and good luck!

Thanks!

Guess I will drop the Hector and add Fx Aid Pro then

As for filter - would QPAS be a good option?

I finally worked out a final solution for my piles of modules that aren't in racks...

I bought a 42ru rack: https://www.titanav.co/products/titan-av-42ru-19-adjustable-open-rack

I really like that this thing is on wheels, as I need to be able to roll it out of my studio when bands are in to record. I am also really happy now that I've worked out (in hidsight, the rather obvious fact) that I can mount modules on both sides of the rack - if I ever run out of space on the front. Obviously, 84ru is likely be more than I ever need, but it is there in case I do. Not that I am short on ru, but I could use it for overflow outboard gear if needed.

It is adjustable, so I can make it 410mm deep, which is plenty of room, but not too big of a footprint in the studio. I can also mount a power distribution board inside, and it is going to be easy to connect to my UPS via iec to iec.

I thought I'd share my experience in case anyone was interested in getting all of their modules in one spot.

Does anyone have any recommendations for powering a behemoth like this? I've been using microZeus for convenience sake, but want to move on. Preferably something that is modular, so that I can expand as my power needs grow.

JimHowell1970 suggest Befaco, which I'll look into. Are they modular in their design, or will I need multiples?

Also, is the TipTop Happy Ending still the cheapest way to get ears and z rails? Would it be cheaper to build my own?

I appreciate any thoughts or comments that you may have!!

Thanks, and happy beep booping!

I'm not a big fan of the modular in a module approach... it's not imo a very modular approach imo - more synthesis with modules than modular synthesis...

I'd much rather have actual modules or a es8 or es9 and use vcv rack... so I'd go for the FX Aid Pro every time over the hector...

I'm not sure you need both the midi -> cv module and Hermod + (hermod has midi->cv capabilities)

neither am I a big fan of the oxi coral and similar modules that are better played with midi and can do lots of voices... although at least you'll be able to play it with the hermod plus... mainly because I'd want separate chords, bassline and lead modules and the support modules that are needed for them - vcas, filters etc... because that's where modular actually gets to be worth it... at a minimum I'd want more filters - at least a dual/stereo one for the oxi... probably another for the sampler... don't see much point in a mono filter in thos set up

could also do with some vcas (a quad cascading one would be a good investment) and some other utilities - possibly a matrix mixer...

My opinion
I have many of each and Im now of the opinion
that if your goal is to play tonal music, owning 2 'quality' VCOs with the normal triangle,ramp,square & sine work and one with wavetables is my preference vs owning a single 'complex' VCO.
By “quality” I mean like $$$ VCOs, like from AJH, Synthesis technology, MacBeth etc

Two VCOS + a wavetable can make some very complex sound..and all track in tune
I have come to find that while complex VCOs make some cool noises they don’t play well together w/ other VCOs when it comes to solid tonality- some earlier examples
Teleharmonic,Orgone Accumliator,Rings…
If your just wanting to make interesting sounds
there are totally fine

My opinion
I have many of each and Im now of the opinion
that if your goal is to play tonal music, owning 2 'quality' VCOs with the normal triangle,ramp,square & sine work and one with wavetables is my preference vs owning a single 'complex' VCO.
By “quality” I mean like $$$ VCOs, like from AJH, Synthesis technology, MacBeth etc

Two VCOS + a wavetable can make some very complex sound..and all track in tune
I have come to find that while complex VCOs make some cool noises they don’t play well together w/ other VCOs when it comes to solid tonality- some earlier examples
Teleharmonic,Orgone Accumliator,Rings…
If your just wanting to make interesting sounds
there are totally fine

This setup was made for techno style compositions. No quantizer makes it more atonal and accidental. All pitches have to be set by ear and consonance have to be embraced.

With it you can create DFAM clone with a kick and bass. Lich module is mainly for fx.

One sequencer is used for pitch and second for the velocity.

Multi has to be done with Y type cables.

With AC\DC this setup becomes WAY more universal. Ability to send and recieve audio to PC makes this rack kinda limitless. With 2.0 version I think I'll ditch fx units for vst, but I'm still not sure.

EDITED Sep 30th 2023, 20:53

Hello

I plan to build my first EuroRack and so far this is what I came up with (plan to buy either Intellijel or Befaco 7u case) . What do you think is missing, should be added or removed?
My main concern is Hector. Should I give up on this and replace if Fx Aid Pro?

Thanks for the help in advance!

This setup was made for techno style compositions. No quantizer makes it more atonal and accidental. All pitches have to be set by ear and consonance have to be embraced.

With it you can create DFAM clone with a kick and bass and you still have one unused vco for your imagination. 2 Lich modules are mainly for fx.

One sequencer is used for pitch and second for the velocity.

With AC\DC this setup becomes WAY more universal. Ability to send and recieve audio to PC makes this rack kinda limitless. With 2.0 version I think I'll ditch fx units for vst, but I'm still not sure.

EDITED Sep 30th 2023, 20:29

https://modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=235356

have you thought about patching a complex oscillator with the modules you'e already got... it'll probably get you a more distinctive and different sound than buying an off the shelf one... I'd do some research on this and play around with them, at the very least it will help you narrow down what you want from a complex oscillator, in terms of the built in functionality - wavefiolder, fm, am, pm etc....
-- JimHowell1970

Yes, Im also tinking about to patch a complex oscillator, but I didn´t figure out how to do it allready.
I would be very glad to get some tips to do it.

The idea is great and what you wrote assure me to give it a try. I guess it´s really more distinctive, different and individual in sound - and will help to learn about it and what I want.

My first idea was to feed 2 vco´s into bastl waver. Its a 3 input mixer with wavefolding, 2 vca´s and ringmodulation capability. Like nano modules Ona + waver +a through-zero VCO. But I don´t have a through zero vco at the moment.
I also got a nordular Wyrd matrix mixer recently, maybe that could be useful.
But I guess, thats not enough? - I need something to apply crossmodulation - or maybe with some clever patching, with stackables?

Im also trying out a Benjolin V2 at the moment. I guess this is also a kind of complex oscillator module?

My purely stupid brain just thinks Exponential makes for a more chewy filter sound when the envelope is applied.

This article by Chris Meyer (Learning Modular) will provide you with excellent insight into the subject:
‘Linear versus Exponential VCAs & Envelopes’.

https://learningmodular.com/linear-versus-exponential/

Two very educational videos are also included.

I'm loving this setup!

I have had the M32 and DFAM for awhile now and I finally picked up the Subharmonicon. Here is my first little thing.

you could always take the knobs off... pots are usable without them but it's much more difficult to knock them out of tune that way...

-- JimHowell1970

I actually hadn't thought of that. I might give that a try.

The only thing I don't like about it is that the tuning knobs are big and close to the FM controls (making it easy to knock the tuning out).
-- PragmaticusMax

you could always take the knobs off... pots are usable without them but it's much more difficult to knock them out of tune that way...

For my "desktop" rack, I didn't want to get a complex oscillator because I wanted the freedom that individual modules gave me as far as features and routing options.
I've recently been putting together a smaller portable rack and decided to get a complex oscillator as a way to save space. I had considered the Instruo Cs-L, but ended up going with the Cosmotronic Vortex. The Cs-L has some nice modulation routing features, but I felt it was easier to see what was going on with the Vortex. I'm happy with it (though I still prefer individual modules). The only thing I don't like about it is that the tuning knobs are big and close to the FM controls (making it easy to knock the tuning out).

I have the Fold6 and really like it. I've also considered getting the Intellijel Bifold.

it's to do with how we perceive loudness... our brains work exponentially...

so linear is usually for cv and exponential for audio...

althoug it also depends on the envelope that you feed them... an expenential envelope into a linear vca will behave in the same way as an exponential vca...

personally I'd get a veils clone instead (even if it means waiting a short while before buying it) - does both linear and exponential + loads more interesting features + more channels - which is always good (you can never have e nough vcas) and probably cheaper per channel!

I have long used Synchrodyne, a module with very beautiful and deep wavefolder qualities, it can also jostle very hard in aggressiveness. But it is also an experimental tool that far exceeds the wavefolder function... we do not always know how far it will take you :)) Recently I have completed my palette with Fold 6, a wavefolder very focused on its function: intelligently designed, very progressive, powerful and warm. I definitely recommend it. https://www.modulargrid.net/e/joranalogue-audio-design-fold-6

I am looking to add a VCA module and ran across the Doepfer A-130 (Linear) and A-131 (Exponential) and while I understand "mathematically" what the difference between linear and exponential is, I'm trying to understand the use cases for each and which might be best suited for an overall general purpose VCA...I'm guessing the linear version would be but am interested to hear any feedback regarding the different use cases.

have you thought about patching a complex oscillator with the modules you'e already got... it'll probably get you a more distinctive and different sound than buying an off the shelf one... I'd do some research on this and play around with them, at the very least it will help you narrow down what you want from a complex oscillator, in terms of the built in functionality - wavefiolder, fm, am, pm etc....

I've enjoyed having MI Warps in my rack. I don't always use a wavefolder so it's been nice to have the other algorithms available instead. the frequency shifter and delay that are included in the Parasites firmware are especially good.
Let us know what you decide!

Hi :D

Im curious to get a complex oscillator.
I have already some drum modules and oscillators like: 4ms SWN, Ensemble Oscillator, ONA, BIA, Ultra Kick, plaits, plonk ..... and many more

I was thinking about to get rid about many modules and replace it by getting a versetaile complex vco for sounddesign and recording - with a wide sound palette and great sound.
Something that is not a signature sound module - meaning, like for instance - every patch with odessa sounds noticble like odessa in it´s soundcharacter.

Some questions are:
1. Is it worth to get a complex vco?
2. Do I get sounds out of it, which I wouldn´t get with the modules I allready have?
3. I heard about Brenso. - Can you recomment a good compex Vco to me?

Greetings

Chris

Hi,
I know that it depends a lot on each person's tastes, more aggressive, liquid, soft... it happens like with filters, but I am thinking of incorporating a Wavefolder/Waveshaper into my case and I would like to know your recommendations and opinions.
My idea is not to invest much in this module at the moment.
At the moment I am considering these options:
Fold6, Ultrafold, NE Pura Ruina
But I'm open to other suggestions, of course.
Thank you.

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=810930177701670&set=pcb.810930234368331

My custom modular synthesizer system. It is a system that my brother Efe Çakır and I handmade about 60-70% of, combined with very special components, and you can apply almost all synthesis techniques. I hope you like it. I think it looks great. You do not think so?

I need this.

Hi guys!

Frap Tools 321 joined my rack! This one is for you and all your great advice! Who thinks that I need onther osciallator?

Cheers, Ben

guitar input...

I've got both the doepfer a-119 (noisy - can be upgraded with a simple & cheap chip swap - no soldering - but still noisy, just less so - I particularly like it for fuzz bass) & the befaco instrument interface (not noisy and can handle phantom powered mics)

both have envelope followers and gate extractors - which are very handy...

Regarding connecting a guitar, I have the Befaco INamp that I can plug a guitar into, but it doesn't really have enough gain on its own. I ended up going through a booster pedal and then into the Befaco.

As for external mixers, I got a Tascam Model 12. It can handle eurorack levels, and you can either record onto an on-board SD card or use it as a multitrack audio interface. Not exacly cheap, though.