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Thank you very much, Warren!
First of all for your suport on Gamardah Fungus. I saw your order on a Bandcamp and will send your cd tomorrow!
As for my solo album, I'm working on it almost every day now. Hope to find a nice home (label) when I finish it.
Cheers!

Hi Guys, does this make sense? I want a highly performable Voice.
Thanks

I'm completely new to eurorack and I'd like to build a drummachine + bassline that I can uses in tandem with my analog synth.
For the case I decided to stick to a smaller format for now and I kinda like the idea of the Intellijel 4u Palette case.

Is the Frames module here overkill? Should I replace it with different modules like mixers/effects?

EDITED Mar 25th 2020, 20:46

New track! Been working on this one for six months so it's just as contrived and labored as you'd expect. BUT, it's also rather messy and unglued.

Main sound sources are Make Noise DPO (bass), Mutable Instruments Plaits (all of the "random" sounds), Korg Electribe 2 (drums) and Instruō Cš-L controlled by the Arturia MicroFreak (melody).

EDITED Mar 24th 2020, 21:07

ER-301 and Steppy 1U would be ace!

I would love a combo rack feature. I have an 6U 104 HP case and a 9U 84HP case. I would love to look at them both together and configure.

If I was trying to do what you want to do, I would probably approach this rack with a lot more modulation sources and VCAs. If you already have a lot of guitar pedals/external effects, you could save money by picking up a decent external interface module like the Bastl Hendrikson or XAOC Sewastopol II, and using your pedals instead of modular effects (but that's not quite as fun). Obviously, we all approach things differently, and you will probably get a bunch of different recommendations than what I quickly came up with based on your example racks and description. As for me... If money was no object and I was going for a chord capable IDM-ish type rack with some random sequencing, glitchiness, sample manipulation, effects, and a bit of analog monosynth flavor, I would probably go in a direction like this. I'm sure I left out something glaringly obvious, but you know what you like and want better than I do.

Thanks Farkas for your reply.

I realized Ive had most of the racks ive had up here for years on private. So here are a few of the racks ive designed over the years... I havent touched them in a long time, but at the time I was doing a bunch of research through all you guys and through the many racks designed up on here as well as youtube vids...

Clearly I have not made any of these yet, nor have I gone down the road of starting them basically all in the design phase. Which is entirely why i posed these questions and this thread here. I would still love some more help. I am going to investigate some more about those specific modules you have listed. I know I have included the LoFi module in most of the builds I came up with, having had the guitar pedal for years and years and years now, it has always been a favourite end of chain situation to add that grimy sort of warbley VHS sound that I am chasing overall with everything im talking about. So here are three of the racks that I sort of refined (all still online clearly, I have no idea how these would work IRL) so maybe whomever feels like helping here could give me some ideas about any of these... slash, basically like ive been saying here: I would love to get my feet wet by creating the smallest practical setup for me to get sounds like Im looking for, for the cheapest. Obviously I am going to be making compromises right off the top in order to get there, but I don't think its possible to get everything I would be looking for out of custom building a synth like this without a long time of buying and selling modules. But thats why I am here asking you seasoned guys these questions in general, because I need your help and need to understand the practicality of each module I would be choosing to start building a small rig...

Smaller than all of the rigs I am posting here that I have designed obviously by the way, these are all seemingly big expensive setups that I wouldn't be able to do for a long time, nor do I have any idea if they would be actually practical all together the way i have digitally put them together.

So yeah, continued interest in my cause and this thread would be appreciated.

super stoked on the updated & rearranged rig from todays modular shuffle :)

Thanks, yes, I did, but now I was just testing again and I'm seeing weird things, so I have to assume the problem is linked to my browser not updating the page after clicking the button, probably some extension that is misbehaving. Just tried from my phone and it's working fine.

I wonder if that's a feature that is not working, or if I missed something, but I wonder how the search works for modules, I made the simple test:

• click the Reset button
• type "Plaits" in the search field and press the Search button
• observe that https://www.modulargrid.net/e/other-unknown-mutable-instruments-plaits-eurorack-synth-oscillator-clone-module-black-magpie-textured and I'm guessing similar other modules do not appear in the results although the name of the module contains Plaits

Now, my understanding of a search bar is more or less SELECT * FROM x WHERE name LIKE "%mysearchterm%" but obviously that's not happening here, so what gives ? Is the search bar broken or is my logic broken ? :)

P.S.: shouldn't that module name be corrected ? Eurorack, Synth, Oscillator and Module all seem pretty useless...
-- toodee

Did you tick the include other/unknown box?

One more simple calm composition to help all of us relax a bit during these hard times.
All sounds based primarily on Mutable Instruments and Happy Nerding modules. Recorded directly onto a tape.
Take care of each other, be safe and stay home whenever possible!

-- yalivec

Oh my, it's so beautiful! I want full album like this.

On the other hand, if you were building a rig with 000 modules, then this would be perfect for covering an 18hp gap...

so edgy. . .
-- superunfrontable

~ superunfrontable in medieval times ~

"Oh you're sawing someone in half? rolls eyes Sooo edgy."

EDITED Jun 28th 2020, 20:50

I wonder if that's a feature that is not working, or if I missed something, but I wonder how the search works for modules, I made the simple test:

• click the Reset button
• type "Plaits" in the search field and press the Search button
• observe that https://www.modulargrid.net/e/other-unknown-mutable-instruments-plaits-eurorack-synth-oscillator-clone-module-black-magpie-textured and I'm guessing similar other modules do not appear in the results although the name of the module contains Plaits

Now, my understanding of a search bar is more or less SELECT * FROM x WHERE name LIKE "%mysearchterm%" but obviously that's not happening here, so what gives ? Is the search bar broken or is my logic broken ? :)

P.S.: shouldn't that module name be corrected ? Eurorack, Synth, Oscillator and Module all seem pretty useless...

I second all of the module recommendations that Exper suggested above (Atlantis, Rings, Clouds, Mimeophon). Rings even has a hidden setting that has a polyphonic(!) Roland RS09 string/organ chord mode. edit Plaits can also do some pretty chords. I love the BOC sound that you are describing, and if you are looking at modular as a supplement to other (polyphonic) gear, you can achieve some excellent and beautiful results (not just Merzbow-ish sounds, though you can do that too). The Lo-Fi Junky really does seem to be the BOC sound in a box, so you may want to consider that. Error Instruments also has a new module called the Vintagesizer, which is not yet on MG, that does sort of the same warbly thing. I picked up a secondhand Phonogene and a Radio Music for sample manipulation, and I get some trippy BOC-ish sounds that way. The only downside is that I had to invest in some other utility modules to really get the most out of it. Which brings me to my next point...
God forbid we all actually have fun doing this. Yes, modular is expensive. So what? No, modular will never be a substitute for other sound sources. So what? Most importantly it is a fun way to achieve results that you may have never stumbled across otherwise. Sure, I probably could have just picked up an Elektron Analog Keys to achieve a lot of the sounds I like, but I would have been miserable dealing with that interface. Now, I make music that I like all the time. I stopped making music for a long time because I just didn't enjoy using software so much. Now, I am so happy that Eurorack caught on with a wider audience. It really got my imagination running and fostered my creative spirit again.
If you think you would enjoy the interface and experience of modular, GO FOR IT. You can build an instrument that is unique to you. It doesn't have to be some spartan, utilitarian tool if that's not what you want. It can be an instrument that constantly begs you to play and experiment. Just be prepared to do a lot of research if you don't want to waste time and money.

EDITED Mar 22nd 2020, 10:40

Lugia, thanks a lot for your detailed explanation. Now I need a time and money to decide what i need exactly to buy.
I’m unlikely to buy it fast, so I hope you will like my upcoming videos without new modules too :)
Once more, thanks for your advices and thoughts!
Cheers!

Lugia you sound a little angry hah. And lol, its certainly not about modular 'looking cool' in fact, it would be easy to make the argument that most modular gear suffers from pretty poor user interfaces (the opposite of a good VST/Kontakt instrument)... which is why i'm here asking these question.

But yeah, if basically the only thing all you guys are telling me is that Merzbow type messed up sounds and drones is the kind of stuff that modular does best then yah, ill probably stay in the box because to me, as experimental as I am with music and sound... melody is still key. Maybe ill do this drum rig modular setup ive been planning for years... but even then... I think a teenage engineering device could do more interesting stuff then 5 grand worth of modules. What are most of you guys here trying to do with modular? Or does a lot of it have a lot to due with the addiction of new modules/gear in general? I have that addiction so don't worry, im not judging clearly... I am generally curious though, if everyone here is telling me that pads are generally/practically impossible to do with a synth that is built, then what are the type of sounds you are all chasing?

U-he Bazille for instance, is a very cool digital modular system, and thats definitely capable of some beautiful melodic sound, as well as absolutely gross nonsense that is great to mess with obviously. And there are some even better stuff that can be done with reaktor across the board.

I like exploring sounds., and just jamming/patching on my own for hours on end. I am building up this rack system (also not pictured a minibrute 2s and DFAM. What's missing from this rack? What directions do you see that I might be missing? I have also a peak and subsequent 37 and digitakt running next to this rig.

I like elements of most music styles aside from straight techno/edm (just not my thing) I am more into funky sounds and rhythms, more rock based stuff, and elements classical minimalism with lots of syncopation. Think funky Steve Reich with a gritty edge?

There's not a particular direction I am trying to head, but I'm interested in gaining insight as to whether there are some glaring omissions in this setup.

EDITED Mar 22nd 2020, 01:21

I'm definitely an advocate of Happy Nerding's stuff...their 6 hp mixing/VCA modules are an awesome way to drop more functionality into small builds without spending loads of $$$. As for the PanMix...don't JUST look at it as a mixer. Rather, view it as a pile of dedicated VCAs specifically for your audio chain...which is pretty much what it is. By relying on the mixer's VCAs for the tail end of the audio instead of some VCA-specific module, you can then make more use of your VCAs for CV/mod purposes, which just makes that set of subpatches that much more powerful. Although, I do like the Stereomix 2's implementation better, as that gives you simultaneous level/pan per strip, PLUS you get the AUX bus setup on top of that...and that last detail, with its own VCAs, has loads of "abuse potential". Coupled with a reverb, for example, you can use simultaneous CV changes that allow the reverb to act as a stereophonic "Z axis", with the ability to emulate forward/backward movement into the stereo field.

I Agree !

I agree !!

This is just the start of an overview thread for my Euro setup. Content to come?

For me, it is simply the better control over the Tempo and a few more outs ☺️

Hi guys,

Yep, I thought about Toppobrillo's Stereomix or Happy Nerding's PanMix. The last one is produced by my friend from a neighboring town, so I can try it first. Also there is a smaller version PanMix Jr without cv controls, but a very cool for tiny cases.
Actually, now I've sold that small case from videos above and bought two cases: 104x2 for studio and 70x1 for travelling around. Many plans for future videos, hope that all this nightmare that is happening in the world will end soon.
Wish you all stay healthy! Cheers!

I'd just fill the rest of the case with utilities - kinks and a small matrix mixer, or kinks, disting mk4 and a filter - possibly one that can be used as an lpg too

out of interest I use Marbles as my master clock, what do you find are the advantages of using tempi instead?

EDITED Mar 21st 2020, 11:59

I use Marbles for Gate and V/Oct to make some dizzy melodies. Wogglebug modulates the CV´s of some other Modules. Tempi is the Main Clock. Sometimes, Iam so surprised of what gets out the speakers, and it´s so much fun, and then, from one second to the other, it´s complete chaos :D :D

Not exactly the same thing, but they cover similar territory with random voltages. Marbles looks to be more fully featured and controllable than Wogglebug.

Hi Farkas, thanks for ur reply. Cellz and Chipz are from the Nifty Bundy from which I startet. Going to change those modules anyway. Still have a Octatrack and a Arturia Keyboard for Pitch and Gate
Whobblebug does really the same as marbles?

Actually, if you're going to go all in on a stereo modular mixer, Toppobrillo's Stereomix 2 would be a very good place to start. Sure, it won't fit in the current cab, but it DOES give you CV over panning, level per channel, a cue mix (very useful for adjustments on the fly), mutes per channel, AUX sends (with CV over level per channel) and a stereo AUX return, and so on. And while it's not cheap at $479, it covers ALL of your mix processing/control needs. And then some.

Hi Igor,

You are welcome and about panning. You might want to have a look into Make Noise modules (of course other brands have stereo modules too), they might have here and there an interesting module for you helping on stereo effects. The most obvious one is of course the X-Pan module (I don't have this module yet but I am considering it).

Or have a look into mixer modules with panning knob (I am using the Doepfer A-138o & p, the 138p comes with 4 channels and each channel has its own panning knob).

You stay healthy too and kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Asmodis. I'm not too familiar with the Cells module, but if I remember correctly it's a sequencer that comes with the Nifty Case, right? I don't know if you have any other external gear for sequencing, but you may want to look into something that gives you a little more precise control over pitch/triggers/gates/etc. I know random works pretty well in generative ambient and drone stuff, but at some point you will probably want to impose some order and structure.
And, as far as random goes, the Wogglebug and Marbles do some similar things. Do you need both, or could that space be better utilized with something else (maybe a filter)? Just a few things to consider.
Have fun and good luck!

I’ve had a similar experience with the Loquelic Iteritas Percido... Difficult to dial in sounds that really gel with the rest of a patch. It’s pretty wild in what it does though, and it is keeping me creative.
I’m going to take a look into Temps Utile. I’m not familiar with it. Thanks for the heads up.
-- farkas

You may also like Pam's New Workout as an alternative to Temps Utile. I would research both. I don not have PNW so I can't comment on which is better. But I do like my Temps Utile for Euclidean patterns, clock multiplying/dividing, and trigger/gate sequencing.

I’ve had a similar experience with the Loquelic Iteritas Percido... Difficult to dial in sounds that really gel with the rest of a patch. It’s pretty wild in what it does though, and it is keeping me creative.
I’m going to take a look into Temps Utile. I’m not familiar with it. Thanks for the heads up.

Multi-function modules are nice to have in the beginning because they allow you to get a "taste" of everything and alternative set-ups.

For me... I really love having the micro versions of Temps Utile and Ornaments & Crime. The Disting Mk4 isn't a module you want to try and adjust in real-time. But if you're patient, it's a great Swiss Army Knife module that will let you explore different functionality that you might want to bring into your rack as dedicated modules.

I have the BIA and Manis Iteritas. They are okay... but not the be-all end-all modules. You will find it impossible to get back to "that awesome sound" you had a moment ago unless you're very attentive to EXACTLY where the knobs were. The sweet spot between sonic goo and sonic glory is often a fraction of a millimeter. It's also hard to get them to a particular pitch with a tuner due to all of the crazy harmonics. You won't be layering them with much.

Welcome. It looks like you are off to a good start, and VCAs will always be useful. Will you be doing all of your gate and CV sequencing from your DAW or Rene? If not, you may want to look into something like Malekko's Voltage Block for CV or ALM's Pamela's New Workout. I was hesitant to get PNW because I don't enjoy menu diving very much, but the menu system is really shallow and easy to navigate. It was a really valuable addition to my beginner system. Check out DivKid's YouTube video to see everything it can do. You may also find a small multi-effect unit valuable for reverbs/delays/etc. I see a lot of folks recommending the Expert Sleepers Disting Mk4 as an important multi-use effect and modulation source for small systems, but the menu diving on that has kept me away for now.
I'm pretty impressed with the Noise Engineering oscillators for industrial stuff. A lot of people really like their Basimilus Iteritas Alter and Manis Iteritas for industrial drums. The Loquelic Iteritas and Cursus Iteritas are really cool too.
I'm new to this too, so I'm still wrapping my head around good utility modules. Maybe the other folks here can comment on that. Like you, I was initially fascinated by the Mutable and Make Noise approach but I'm learning a ton every day. What I do know is that modulating your modulation sources is pretty fun, so something like a XAOC Devices Batumi may come in handy alongside your Stages (though PNW can handle a lot of LFO duties if you want).
Have fun and good luck.

Building up my first Eurorack Synth so far and Iam just struggeling if something important, I havent think of yet, is missing. Want to do some Drone and Ambient Stuff with this Modular. Thanks for your help, tipps and suggestions :-)

EDITED Mar 20th 2020, 11:25

Hello GarfieldModular,

Much appreciated for your detailed feedback!
I am so happy that my music helps someone to relax a bit these days.
Also, thanks a lot for your advice about stereo panning. Actually, I thought about this technique and in the future I plan to try it. The only problem for me about this is some technical points. My philosophy in making music is to record it in one take. No matter on a tape or digital recorder. So now I can't make panning variations on selected tracks in Logic afterwhile. But now I'm planning to buy a separate module for stereo panning to do it while recording. So, I hope in future I'll try this trick :)

Thank you once more for attentive listening! Be safe!
Igor

Thanks for the feedback Lugia.

My rack is a TipTop Mantis, and this is what I have in it. I have been looking through the forums and researching a lot of modules, but am not 100% where to go next. I am considering adding something like a quad VCA, maybe Rene, and possibly Clouds. At some point I thing I want to get an Expert Sleeper ES-9 in there to sync to my DAW (though Yarns get that done for now). I know currently it is heavy on the Make Noise and Mutable Instruments side, so what should I be looking at?

My main goal with this rig is to experiment with sound, probably leaning more towards industrial, darkwave, and some synthwave, but the more I get into this, the more I also like the generative stuff as well.

I also have the 4MS Listen and ListenUP (on the way) so I can route external sounds (guitar, drum loops, bass lines, whatever sounds interesting) through it. Any help is appreciated.

Which is the best? There are so many versions from a number of different sellers. Which one should I buy?

Frankly, I'm of the school of thought where the POWER SUPPLY and BUILD reign supreme. Case ergonomics are one thing...but if you've bought a case that has a power capacity that's near or at the max current load for its P/S, you're utterly screwed.

Let's compare two VERY different 2 x 104s...the Mantis, which we're dealing with here, and Pittsburgh's EP-208.

On first glance, the choice seems totally obvious: the Mantis retails at USD 335, the EP-208 at 699. Buy the Mantis and YAAAAAAYYYYcheepnizz...

Except...

Let's lift the hood on these. The Mantis offers a power supply with a whopping 3A on the +12V rail. But...look more closely, and this is a distributed 3A; each section for the +12V rail has a max capacity of 1A. The remaining rails are pretty pedestrian: 1.1A on the -12V rail, and only 300 mA on the 5V. You get 36 bus connectors, threaded rails, plastic housing with stacking brackets. Max depth is claimed at 61mm, but really is more like 55mm so that you have room for power ribbons.

Now, the more expensive EP-208. In this case, you get 4A on the +12V, 3A on the -12V and 2A on the 5V rails. No "zones", either; if you need all 4A on one header, you got it. 40 connectors here, sliding nuts, a beefy WOOD housing with carry handle and lid, and a maximum depth potential of 107 mm, but really most are around 90mm. Either way, the depth capabilities trash the Mantis, as do the power capacities.

Now...let's have some fun! Let's load BOTH cases with about $4k worth of modules, hand them to you, and say "You need to take ONE of these and smack it against the wall REALLY EFFIN' HARD, and whatever's left, YOU GET!" I don't think you'll want to try this with the Mantis, frankly...but from my experience with wood-cased synths, whatever's in the Pitt should be relatively OK.

Basically, it's NOT JUST about the power. That's important, sure, but once you've found your suitable current over-spec (and you should ALWAYS majorly over-spec power...more amperage is always better than almost not enough!), take what's in the case into account and go for durability. Ample INNER space is good for heat dissipation, and that's good for all of your build's components. Rugged housings protect against ANY impact...and it doesn't matter to your synth if that impact comes during a load-in at a gig or if your cab slips off your worktable.

Sure, I think it's great that these cheaper cases ARE bringing down Eurorack cab prices at the lower end, as those prices were approaching total psychosis just 2-3 years ago. But there's a big difference between a cheaper case and a compromised case, and while some users would be fine with a plastic case like the Mantis, the minute it's out of your studio, it's in a certain degree of danger...along with its contents. Keep that in mind...

EDITED Mar 19th 2020, 00:40

Hi Yavilec,

You certainly know how to impress people when listening at your music! After the first few seconds when I started your "Lullaby Of Spring" I sprinted to my "listening chair" and enjoyed listening. If it comes to relaxing, calming down, indeed exactly what we need now in these weird and uncertain times of the Covid-19 virus, this music of yours is just that what one could wish for and enjoying it.

It usually takes me a while before I get my mind adopted to the music and start to get in relax mode but your music somehow managed to do that almost straight away!

One little hint/feedback, I am not 100% sure but I had the feeling that most of your music and sounds where exactly in the stereo middle positioned, so nice in the stereo sweet-spot so to speak. It wouldn't harm though to have one or two sounds a bit out of the stereo centre for some "stereo variations" other than that this track is perfect!

Well done, I will listen more than once to this track and of course I would have nothing against more music of yours :-)

You take care too and kind regards, Garfield.

OK...there's a pretty critical mistake in this build. And to examine it, let's look at the ACTUAL costs for the Neutron and Pico III in this particular configuration...figures in USD, but the point should be obvious...

To house the Neutron at 70 hp in a case where each 1 hp space retails at about $2.25 will cost you around $156 ADDED to the price of the Neutron. And the Pico III, while it does come in a Eurorack version, probably makes more sense as its standalone version given the tight panel space and the Buchla Easel-type cardslot...but if this was that version, it would cost an extra $98 to rehouse and repower it. And all of this is because these synths (unless the Erica is the Euro module version) already have cases and power, ergo you're doing this TWICE...and paying for it twice, too! It might be convenient, it might be space-efficient...but there IS that hidden cost in there if you decide on that course of action.

Hey Ronin, i get the point. For me i have to try out in the real world to learn all the shit. The Varigate 4+ may an option in the future. Do you have another module-suggestion for the current set up? Sorry, as i said i am new to the game. Thanks

Well, with the set-up I saw yesterday. There's not a way to adjust pitch in a controlled manner. I know you're not looking for something "musical". But if you can't modulate a sustained pitch, you're still going to be limited from a sonic standpoint. You could modulate pitch with envelopes... but then your pitch will change in accordance with the envelope.

The varigate 4+ offers pitch from what I understand. So that might be a good option if you're interested.

I've had over-heating problems with my Rackbrute 6U, its getting sent back after a lengthy trouble shooting session with Arturia Support, it smelt like melting plastic, when i put the exact same module + more into my Tiptop Happy Ending Kit they all run cool. Real shame to be honest as it was about the prefect size / setup for the money and for my plans.
Bought it from Bax-shop in the UK, having real trouble getting them to send a return shipping label for it, they keep saying they have emailed it but nothing ever arrives.