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I'll guess the most simple solution is...
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/befaco-out-v3

Though I have an external Mixer before I head to the computer.

@fathomsmoire I use an ES-9 which can send info two ways, but not sure it's really the best idea and it takes up a good amount of space (in fact I got a 4MS Pod just for it). So, I'm curious myself what other people suggest.

Recently got a Mother 32 as an entry into modular synthesis and I'm 100% hooked. The Mother 32 is quite amazing on its own, but I've been slowly trying to plan a 2 row eurorack to build upon it.

It would be 2 rows of 104hp with the Mother 32 racked inside of it.

My main question is, what is the easiest, most minimal way to send Eurorack signal to an audio interface for recording inside of a DAW?

It would essentially be - Eurorack --> 1x Stereo DAW Track --> Plugins for reverb/delay/compression.

I have a Steinberg UR44 as an audio interface. Do I need some small module to attenuate the signal? Appears that the Steinbergs Line Ins only go down to -10db.

Appreciate any help!

Thanks.

ok - I would probably loose the pip slope - function is probably enough for envelopes - and you have batumi for modulation

this would allow for a bigger filter - any of the 8hp doepfer ones that catch your eye/ear or ripples, for example

oops, done!

maybe an idea to make the rack public! I can't tell exactly what everything is, but looking pretty good

I've gone back to the drawing board and tried to make a more workable and simpler system as a starting point, including more utilities and modulation. Hoping I'm getting there!

I'm planning on getting a bigger case already, but since this is the case I have now I thought I would try something in that size with the elements that Jim suggested.
Thanks in advance!

Thanks for your answer Jim!

I have a few modules I can use as mixers (Moddemix, Shades, 3xVCA and Quad VCA) and in other ways if necessary

Regarding the case, I really only have a small desk with limited space available, so I don't think a bigger case is a good idea for me.

-- Martebar

you appear to have a mix of mono and stereo modules - but no panning to get from mono->stereo

re more space - there's always - the wall, the floor or a new desk!!!

and remember 1hp is only 5.08mm so an extra 36 hp is a whopping 18.3cm - or 7"

Will just chime in to agree with Jim, Lugia, and baltergeist, Maths has gone from a "Why did I even buy this?" to one of my favorite modules pretty quickly.

Agreed. Maths is probably the last module I'd ever sell, because it would be the first I'd buy again.

Thanks for your answer Jim!

I have a few modules I can use as mixers (Moddemix, Shades, 3xVCA and Quad VCA) and in other ways if necessary

Regarding the case, I really only have a small desk with limited space available, so I don't think a bigger case is a good idea for me.

Glad you like it!
This is my first serious patch with Monsoon. Very tricky and unpredictable. Even the smallest adjustments can make great differences. But that is good :-)
The device in the front is my Minibrute 2S and the rack is Rackbrute 6U.

Good guess @GarfieldModular as it is a four note melody, but it's coming out of my Keystep, from there it's an NTO into the Wave Multiplier, into the VCFS, and then into the Mimeophon. Glad you enjoyed it, I'll keep em coming :)

One module I suggest on occasion as a "Maths substitute" is Doepfer's A-171-2, provided you install a pair of them. This doesn't work in many skiff cabs, though, as the 171-2 is 60mm deep. However, it does save a whopping 4 hp. Or a not whopping 4 hp...depends on how you look at it.

On the other hand, we could just all accept that Tony nailed the design of this thing with the current revision and plan for a 20 hp hole that has to be there for it. It's 100% one of those things where the designer makes something so ideal that it would be difficult to totally replace it, like Moog's transistor ladder VCF design.

Hi Rookie,

Oh that's beautiful and nice! Nice lighting in this video :-)

By the way, do I recognise an Elektron device in front of your modular system?

Interesting track with a nice concept as you described! Thanks a lot for sharing this and kind regards, Garfield.

I am looking for a modular in rack solution. Probably save and get mantis case and 512 vector sequencer and expansion plus WMD Performance Mixer.

Hi Gabor,

That's a lot of fun that track and full with funny sounds! At some stages it sounds to me a little bit that the system is angry with you and yelling at you: "You have to use me more, get more sonic stuff out of me", something like that ;-)

Nice video too, it's joyful to see you playing around with your gear!

Thanks a lot for sharing this and kind regards, Garfield.

If it’s not required to be racked, I would consider the beat step pro. Affordable, two melodic sequencers (pitch, gate, and velocity) plus 8 drum triggers. Patterns up to 64 steps and a couple of different options for pattern chaining, muting, etc. Hard to beat for the price.

Hi Steve,

Wow, that's very nice and subtle at the same time! That's a serious cool and nice sound you got there, with the Pressure Point + Brain combination I guess?

What can I say? We need more of these beautiful Tuesdays Steve!

Thanks a lot of sharing this with us and kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Troux,

Ha, ha, I didn't know (but could have guessed) that frogs where big mosquito munchers, good to know and my appreciation towards them suddenly increased a lot! :-D

Now calling frogs my friends... that goes pretty far because other than using them for some good frog-sound-samples and getting rid of mosquitoes, I do appreciate if they kept their mouth shut! ;-) Bloody noisy bastards, if you would ask me...

It's still an interesting idea, I need to talk with my wife about a pond in our (small) backyard... not daring to ask our neighbours, they will see (rather hear) this "brilliant idea" fast enough...

Cheers, Garfield.

Hello Pricto,

Thank you very much for your feedback and I am sorry for you that your VCA doesn't meet your expectations :-( Good luck with the search for a VCA without bleeding. It would be nice to know once you have found "your VCA", which one that would be :-)

Kind regards, Garfield.

Hello, I've just got an answer from Erica Synths and they say it is normal for this VCA to leak a little bit.
Guess I'll have to get myself something different, thanks for everything.

Cheers,

Pricto.

Nope and you are correct, I would need a quantizer with enough channels. Thanks for the heads up.

Fortunately I am in no rush and hence planning right now. Just installed the new VPME.de oscilloscope and having fun with them to see how the wave shapes change on different modulation patterns.

Hi EroGumby,

Did you made this entire track with just the above small rack only? That's amazing! I like the variation in sounds you got in there too.

Since I am myself not much into techno, I am not sure if the following feedback is right or not, I think techno experts here can give you a better feedback, however I feel that heavy bass/kick sound, yes that's nice but I do miss over those 7 minutes a bit of variation on that kick sound. Yes at around 3:45 you stop that kick sound and a bit after 4:00 you continue it, but in the same "variation" as you did before. As I said, I have no clue about techno music, so perhaps it's a must to do it this way :-) For my opinion, I could use a bit of variation in that kick sound, however other than that, all the creations of the other sounds are A) Amazing and B) variation enough there, so those I really like a lot! Especially since you are able to do that with such a small rack!

Well done, thanks a lot for sharing and kind regards, Garfield Modular.

A flute sampled in Disting mk4 and 2hp Pluck processed by Monsoon Parasite Granular mode.
All sequenced with Marbles.
Modulation with Marbles, four LFO:s, Maths and Synthorek Sequence 8.

regarding quantizers - does the pico quantizer have enough channels?

I see 5 vcos (not counting BIA) and only a 3 way buffered mult... so max 4 in tune at once... given the sequencers you mentioned

haha - that's why I always try to plan at least a few modules ahead

This would be the beginning of a very expensive Journey and I was successful to avoid that yet ;)

you already started the journey - and remember it's not like going down the pub

I think getting a decent sized case to start with, though, is a big help in the not getting a second case (and once there is a second...) I have wondered what would have happened if I'd started with a bigger case...

EDITED Sep 16th 2020, 20:16

Agree same here which is why something basic like Shakmat Clock O'Pawn and Erica Synths pico quantizer along with 2hp trims would be easier to use and better for me to have options to route to different modules. I have the triggable envelopes covered with Quadra and expander but like simpler modules that don't require a PhD in electronics engineering to learn. I will have my hands full learning modular as well as the two very complex IME modules: Kermit and Bionic Lester to deal with anything else complex. Plus the smaller focused modules cost less money.

I use Marbles as both a (generative) sequencer and a clock

the 'problem' with Marbles (and I think Pams) is that the quantizer is internal = ie you can't quantize external sources with either module - so neither may be what you want

both Marbles and Pams can produce random melodies and quantize them on output - Marbles has the advantage that you can play a new scale in and use that to quantize to - the so called re-mix feature - but Pams has more scales...

I'm considering Pams as a module myself - seems really useful - but I need actual triggerable envelopes more than I need any of the Pams functions and I massively prefer simpler modules

EDITED Sep 16th 2020, 19:56

Ah cool I need to check out Marbles then as potential module. I swapped it out using Pamela's new workout since it has a clock and quantizer. Then added 2hp trim for an additional attenuator:

personally I would get rid of the dual adsr and replace it with a smaller module - there are plenty of dual adsrs in 10hp or less - this would with the 4hp that is free allow enough space to add batumi> -- JimHowell1970

That's funny because I got my Intellijel Dual ADSR today :)
I like Maths for Inversion, Slew Limiting, as an Enevelope Follower, etc. but I wanted a full and classic Envelope Generator like in my normal Synthesizer (Novation Peak for example).

the other option would be to just get another case... which would probably be my solution
-- JimHowell1970

This would be the beginning of a very expensive Journey and I was successful to avoid that yet ;)

then maybe a good idea to tick private! otherwise it shows up in new posts etc...

well I generally use Marbles!!!

otherwise I use a BSP or the computer (audio sample) for clock

the only quantizers I have are the 2hp tune (which is ok) and the sinfonion which is way more than ok - but it is pricey

Hey - more a note to myself than a public one.

Hi Jim,

Correct, for some reason the images do not get updated in post right away due to lag after changes are made. Thank you for the suggestion to swap out MIA with the 2hp trims. For a clock and quantizer module, what would you recommend?

it may help if you explain a bit more - is this a starter rack or something aimed at filling a specific purpose? a percussion rack perhaps? how are you intending to sequence it? and listen to it?

I take it the rack with the overhang and disting mk2 is the one not the picture!

personally I would rather have basic 2hp trims than the MIA in this case - you already have a 6 way vca/mixer - this way you get 6 attenuators, instead of 3 for about the same price

Maths Without Maths
-- defragmenteur

Thx, this Video was very informative (and funny). A Make Noise Function or SSF Mini Slew could be a good choice for a Slew Limiter.

Thanks guys and understand. I made some changes to my planned second rack below to add an Expert Sleepers Disting that has quantizer and many features. I also added a Happy Nerding 3xMIA that has attenuators/mixer:

Do you think that this is a solid build or would you offer any changes and improvements? I plan to use sequencers outside of the rack to conserve space for utilities, sound and modulation sources. I can get a Mantis case for the sequencers, FX, and other things.

Goal is a portable jam box without using my Elektron gear.

I always suggest people work their way through the Maths Illustrated manual if they are considering getting rid of Maths - it shows that the sum of the parts is far greater than the value of the parts - if you are only using it for basic utility functions it is a waste, but you should ensure that you are aware of everything else it can do before removing it

this stands even if they have already gone through the illustrated manual once or twice...

in your case not only would I work through the illustrated manual a couple of times with Maths, I would also suggest that you work through it with the modules that you would be left with too...

personally I would get rid of the dual adsr and replace it with a smaller module - there are plenty of dual adsrs in 10hp or less - this would with the 4hp that is free allow enough space to add batumi

the other option would be to just get another case... which would probably be my solution

Details in the description.

sacguy71 - I didn't actually suggest you buy any attenuators - I just pointed out why you might want some, instead of using vcas - a 2hp trim module is a good idea for example - they are small and cheap - I have one either side of clouds for example

remember attenuators are utility modules too...

in general anything that's not a VCO, LFO, Filter, Effect, Sequencer is an utility

Shakespeare is correct though to a large extent - a lot of the micro case advocates are pulling modules from larger cases to focus on particular modules

these micro racks are great for what they do - but what they do is incredibly limited - what's the point of buying a modular you can realistically only patch 1 or 2 ways? and possibly can't be played in tune with anyone else (see the mylarmelodies micro techno video - no quantizer, no space)

EDITED Sep 16th 2020, 18:21

Maths Without Maths

Hi there,

i need some space in my small Rack to buy the Xaoc Batumi and my idea is to replace my Make Noise Maths with other Modules. Some of my current Modules have the same Features than Maths:

Envelope Generator:
Intellijel Dual ADSR

Attenuator:
Intellijel Quadratt 1U

LFOs:
Malekko Quad LFO

Mixer:
Intellijel Quadratt 1U & Intellijel Quad VCA

The only things that's missing is a Slew Limiter right? Does someone have an idea which Modules are needed to completely replace Maths in my Rack without a loss of Features?

Thanks in Advance

EDITED Sep 16th 2020, 17:29

Maybe just sell the two cases, modules and buy 2-3 prebuilt systems that have everything like these?

https://busycircuits.com/coupe/

https://www.makenoisemusic.com/synthesizers/black-and-gold-shared-system-plus

I don't see lots of attenuators in these systems built by two professional modular companies unless I am missing something? Plus no guess work for a beginner!

Ok guys I am confused. First you say I need more utilities with Links, Kinks and Matrix Mixer. Then you say I need more attenuators. Ok. So what layout do you recommend and why?

Also, about the Palette groove box thing... sure, they sound amazing. Professional people make these videos, to do a very specific flashy musical thing, in order to get you to part with your cash. But if you had to use the system above for an extended period of time, you'd learn very quickly that it is extraordinarily limited. For short term experiments, those limitations are inspiring. For long-term use, though, they're painful.

You came here looking for advice... so I'm not sure why you're arguing against the suggestions you're receiving.

You're showing a video of a 62hp Palette case (which includes a quad attenuator module, even in its very limited space!), to explain why you don't need attenuators in a 6u 84hp case. That seems weird. But even if you take their example, for a similar attenuator to hp ratio, you would need 10-12 in your case. You have 6.

If space is really the issue, my suggestion would be to ditch Links and replace it with an attenuating mixer module. Plenty of 4hp options that will give you at least three channels of attenuation. Both of your NE modules are going to really want some attenuation on their CV inputs... those 6 VCAs will run out quickly (and if you're wasting your VCAs as attenuators, you won't have anything left as an actual VCA). You could easily use 4-5 just on BIA (I always keep a 4ms SISM module right next to my BIA for exactly this reason).

Case space is a problem to have 20 attenuators for a couple voices when 6 VCAs work. I will see how it goes over time. Right now I only have 2 VCOs so 6 VCA should be adequate. Not sure why an extra passive attenuator would be needed for a small setup? Perfect Circuit has tons of demo videos of small setups and they never use them.

See here:

In their many 62HP setups there are zero attenuators that I can tell and these groove boxes sound amazing.

looks ok - not enough utility for my liking (sub mixing, panning, matrix mixer for modulation etc)

can't comment on how close it is to aalto though - never used it

If you are going to go for a bigger case I would go for a mantis (reasonably priced with decent power) - that way you will have space left over - if you don't like gaps get some blind panels