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I have just purchased all the gear in this rack but in reality it is made up of two separate units...

Unit One - Arturia Minibrute 2 + a 6U Rackbrute which contains ALL the modules in the TOP TWO Rows.
https://d1aeri3ty3izns.cloudfront.net/media/32/326520/1200/preview.jpg
Also provides me with a controller keyboard and the additional 48 Patch points on the Minibrute!

Unit Two - Doepfer A-100 LC6 6U Case which contains ALL the modules in the BOTTOM TWO Rows.

A few items from Gear4Music but mostly from Matttech Modular (Many thanks to Matt for taking a LOT of time to assist me and answer my many pointless questions!)

I am a total "noob" and this is my first real foray into the world of Modular...I have a stack of Hardware synths (Korg Oasys-88, Korg Kronos, Korg Triton, Waldorf Quantum, Moog One) in my studio but decided that if I am going to practice "Social Distancing" because of the Covid-19 virus, then I may as well learn something new, interesting and useful!

Still a few spaces to fill...suggestions are always welcome!!!

Regards...

Ivan Flack
(Cookstown, N. Ireland)

EDITED Mar 18th 2020, 11:14

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!

Thanks for all the feedback. I probably will get the Mantis.
I actually had a dream about buying a rack and all I remember was saying to someone "People spend this much money on furniture and furniture doesn't even do anything."

Thanks, that helped a lot. The Varigate 4+ sounds intersting.
There is a lot to learn

Also, I think that Erica Synths Bass Drum module may be overkill for your current purposes. To me, it's pretty big and has a small range of utility. If you pick up that Pique, it already has an 808 kick drum simulation in one of the modes and FM drums in another mode if you have the DMC firmware installed.

You will be able to make some harsh noise with the Shard and Basimilus Iteritas Alter. The Malekko Varigate 4+ could be a consideration for you instead of the Mimetic Digitalis for a pitch and gate sequencer. Maybe look into that?
I haven't tried to feed a line input (for samples/external gear) into my Shard yet, but it destroys every other source I have put through it. A distortion would probably be a good addition, or a small guitar pedal i/o if you have some gnarly distortion/reverb/delay pedals that you want to incorporate.
I'm thinking in terms of Merzbow, MSBR, Vomir and that kind of stuff if that's the direction you are hoping to go.

I want to make Noise-stuff...
I am not sure about everything, that is why i´m in this forum
and that is why i need help from you guys. Now, i am in trouble, right?! ;-)

i am not trying to generate MEANINGFUL musical patterns

I see sources for triggers. Where will you be getting pitch information? How will you generate meaningful, musical patterns? If you can explain that to me, you'll be fine. If you can't, you might be in trouble.

The first two Eurorack VCOs were the Intellijel Rubicon 2 and the Tip Top Z3000 mk2.

If I had to do it over again the Tip Top would have been an Intellijel Dixie II+. Nothing wrong with the Z3000. I would just prefer the interface on the Dixie after some wiggle time.

I would recommend a minimum of 2 VCOs so you can do sync as well as fattening your sound with two oscillators rather than one.

EDITED Mar 17th 2020, 18:06

Intellijel Rubicon 2 VCO. Lots of possibilities there and you can get some pretty gnarly sounds out of it via self-patching.
Joranalogue Filter 8. 6, 12, 18, and 24 db/octave low pass, plus high-pass and other filter flavorings. Wonderful modulation capabilities.
Make Noise Maths. Yep. It's analog. Say no more.

Yes Ricky´s channel is great, you learn so much.
I know that i will need more stuff like VCA and filter in the future.
But right now, i want to start and learn. It is also a budget-question ;-)
I am curious of what i can get out of this system.
But thanks Ronin for that input, i will definitly check out your suggestions.

Right now i ordered:
Case, horologic solum, numeric repetitor, basimilus iteritas, shard and the waver-mixer.
I try the output via my external Mixer, if that doesn´t work i will get an output-module.
But in the future i want that noisish-harsh sound with a pounding bassdrum.
Do you think, i can work with those other modules, you suggested in order to use
Erica Synth bass drum and the basimilus as drum and the Shard as the noise-factor?

here is an update:

Thanks, guys

Integration

MIDI to CV and CV to MIDI. This allows note data to flow between your DAW and your Eurorack. This may also include MIDI CC messages being translated to CV in Eurorack and back again. The more CV inputs and outputs... the higher the cost.

DAW audio to CV. This can be done via a USB module acting as an audio interface (like the Expert Sleepers ES8 or ES9) or an audio interface that is DC coupled. The ES series can be used for audio AND CV flowing between the DAW and Eurorack rig. So you can record, playback, and modulate the DAW and Eurorack modules... true integration. But be aware of latency. It's a fact of life with audio interfaces.

Many audio interfaces remove DC voltage because it's typically not audio and is usually an unwanted artifact. So it's best to check around.

As far as DAW software: Ableton Live with CV Tools, Bitwig Audio, and for a free virtual Eurorack environment VCV Rack.

I went with the 7U Intellijel case. More expensive but is all aluminum in the chassis and comes with a locking lid and a carrying handle.

But for your FIRST case and a choice between the Mantis and Rack Brute, I'd go with the Mantis... especially if it's not meant to leave the house. The Mantis also comes with adjustable legs. I find that to be important as you'll be spending hours looking down at your rack. I don't like giving up a rackspace for power supplies.

The only downside to the Mantis is that it isn't stackable like the Rackbrute. But my own personal taste is that I don't like my rig vertical or in a "wall" configuration. I like table-top views. Those may be considerations for you as well.

Mantis - almost always slightly better value for money ($/hp) and doesn't use a power module - so doesn't waste space!!!
I'll probably buy a second one next year - when I run out of space in my current racks
I use a guitar stand for each of my DIY 9u/104hp and they are reasonably stable - the Mantis would be more so - if you want portability this may be a good solution instead of the bracket

In the middle of a redesign, here are three things I missed. Maybe there are other users who feel the same need, so here are some ideas for future versions of MG.

• Grouping Modules:
  Select multiple modules and add them to a group, much like you can do that in graphics programs.
  Reason: It seems many people arrange their modules in groups, either functional by type or building complete voices as macros etc. If playing around with hardware layouts for usability options, it´s painful to move each and every module on it´s own. Repetitive, likely to accidentally swap with some other module that you wanted to stay where it is. The less hp the worse. So grouping things would allow to move things in a single motion, much faster, more reliable.

• Power Groups:
  Currently we get total power consumption, split per row. On very broad systems, you may want to have two PSUs in a single row. Or just want to know how much power a voice block consumes, in case I want to move all of it´s modules to a separate place. By defining power groups and selecting which modules are members, power calculation can be much more flexible.

• Combo Racks
  Basically "groups of groups".
  Think of two cases sitting next to each other. If you build a single rack in MG that covers the whole width, the power calculation is broken. If you build two separate racks, it´s hard to see the overall layout. Doesn´t get easier with 4 cases. An arrangement view that allows moving complete racks would be much appreciated. I currently use images and arrange them in external software. Would love to do that within MG.
  Ideally, this would come as a tree structure, where you can build smaller racks (easier to navigate at normal zoom) and then combine them to a bigger picture. If you change something in one place, it should be updated in the other location(s) as well, so changes can be done on all levels.

Hi Cristoo,

I own both and agree with your initial thoughts. I would buy both again, just received my 2nd RB6U today and a 2nd Mantis is on the shopping list. Don´t assume you won´t want a bigger system, I made that mistake at the beginning, but see where that got me :).

Adding to your findings:

Rackbrute:
- Got my 2nd RB before the 2nd Mantis. I´m building a small portable system first, studio extension comes later. As that unit has mostly black faceplate modules, the RB looks much better. That does of course not impact how modules sound. It´s just a bit of eye candy on top of the important things.
- Metal case, more solid, but also much heavier.
- There is an Arturia softshell Travelbag that looks solid, has paddings etc. Check MW for reviews on the Mantis bag.
- Combine 2 RBs with a flexible angle between them, this also serves as a carrying handle. Much better suited for medium live systems if you perform or move between home studio and friend´s places.
- Said Combo gives you a gap between upper and lower, good if you can use that, bad if you don´t. I feed longer cables there to get them out of the way.
- Smaller PSU in an odd width (5hp). If you run out of power and can´t move modules between cases, there are option like StrongPWR (4hp). They add to the overall cost of course. I hit the limit, but was able to move things. Use modulargrid to estimate power consumption.
- Placement of PSU module is a bit limited, as the default cable to the distribution board is quite short. It has a standard connector though, an extension is possible, but may need a custom approach. I´m also concerned about interference, but that´s theoretical for now.
- No decksaver option, so dust protection must be improvised (or fold the upper above the lower in my case).
- Without the bracket, a single RB works great on desktop, but is still a bit higher than the Mantis. If you work in studio only and place it directly on the desktop, Mantis is preferred.

Mantis:
- Much more elegant formfactor, the curved design is just very, very nice. Does not alter sound, but makes the modular just so much sexier to look at. You may disagree. Looks great with silver faceplates.
- Plastic. Sturdy plastic, but plastic. Color may change over a long time, think old computers, but then again a paintjob can easily be done. I actually think about spraying mine in screaming orange, but that´s a different story.
- Fixed angle for the brackets. May or may not be a good thing, I can´t tell yet. The slight angle of the upper row is a godsend already, much appreciated, so I assume TTA did their homework. Brackets will give more stability, but I think I´ll probably skip them and build something with a custom angle.
- Dual Mantis is definitely immobile (when using brackets). Gives you gapless connection, pros and cons see above.
- Depending on your needs, price/performance ratio is on par with the RB, it´s just the question if you want to get mobility features vs power and space. Your usecase will decide that.
- Much beefier PSU, does not waste hp, more connectors from the board.

So in all honesty, it´s a draw in most cases unless your application would make one or the other difference a deciding factor.

Timeline of my shopping: RB #1, Mantis #2, RB #2. Next stop Mantis #2. So from my perspective, both are good value and I haven´t found any showstoppers.

Thanks

Hi cristoo. I went through the same deliberation about four months ago and have just ordered my second TipTop Mantis. I'm extremely happy with the first one. Plenty of power, decent build quality, the Mantis has 208hp vs the Rackbrute's 171hp (with power supply installed). The bottom row of the Mantis is something like 60mm deep, so you probably won't run into too many modules that won't fit. Some of the Doepfer modules are especially deep, so you should probably compare case depth too. If I remember correctly, they both have threaded rails, so you won't have to deal with sliding nuts.
I think the Rackbrute is meant to be a compliment to the Arturia Minibrute, so if you have one of those as an external synth, it may make sense to get the Rackbrute from an aesthetic perspective. Also, will you be transporting your case to gigs? The Mantis is light, but I don't think I would take it outside of my home without a Decksaver cover and a case/padded bag. Aside from these concerns, the Mantis wins in my book.
The only downside I can think of is that I was not initially fond of the vertical configuration for my Mantis. It didn't feel as stable as I hoped, so I have been using it in the 45-degree and horizontal configurations until my second one and dual mounting brackets arrive.
Hope this helps. Good luck and have fun!

Hi, after receiving advice on this site, I am interested in acquiring a Tiptop Mantis. But I'm also drawn to the 6U Rackbrute.
I did some research and believe the Mantis has a little more HP space and a better power supply- the Zeus power supply. But the build also seems less sturdy than the Rackbrute, and the Rackbrute might be OK for me power and space wise. It doesn't bother me about the Mantis being plastic. The Zeus power supply might be healthier for the modules I buy, but I like the less wobbly looking Rackbrute.
They are priced around the same price.

Also, I would need a The Type I plug (as defined by the IEC) for Australian wall power sockets.
The standard voltage in Australia is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.

Has anyone had experience with either of, or, preferably, both of these cases, (the Tiptop Mantis and the 6U Rackbrute)?

Which would you buy for your first case?

Thank you for the suggestion. BitBox is a kind of module I have not checked yet but it seems to be an interesting addition.

What do you have already?

Looking it over, briefly... you're loaded up on filters. I can't make a judgment call there as they seem to be focused around different ideals/sonic possibilities.

Some areas to research

Noise
Sample and Hold
Envelope follower
Quantizer
Logic
Mixers (get two simple mixers that handle DC and audio)
Audio mixer (stereo output with sends)

You might find a combination module with noise and sample & hold... and possibly an envelope follower all-in-one.
Noise: at least white... plus pink if you can find it.
Logic: AND, OR, NOR, XOR, etc.
Quantizer: you have one in Ornaments & Crime. But if you use it, then you burn the O_C for other functions

If you can handle the clunky interface, a Disting Mk4 is always a great module to have if you want to try out a particular function before buying a dedicated module. At under $200 and 4HP, it's a great way to figure out where you want to go without traveling there first (aka buying a dedicated module).

-- Ronin1973

Nice! This gives me a lot to think about so thanks again for your time and advice.

I agree about using the O_C as it may have more useful applications. And I was thinking about starting with a Disting MK4 as a number of forums suggested it as a good place to get to grips with different functions.

Right, gonna do my homework. Then third time’s the charm? Let’s hope so!

It's hard to tell you where to go since it's your own personal journey. But I can throw a possibility your way.

A 1010 Music BitBox might make for a tasty addition. You could use it for sampled percussion, sampling loops of your own Eurorack patches (it syncs to clock and records using clock). It can also use the two alternative firmwares (that are free) for a wavetable synth or a multi-function effects box.

Is that the BEST use for the space? I don't know. But maybe that would be nice for you.

Looking it over, briefly... you're loaded up on filters. I can't make a judgment call there as they seem to be focused around different ideals/sonic possibilities.

Some areas to research

Noise
Sample and Hold
Envelope follower
Quantizer
Logic
Mixers (get two simple mixers that handle DC and audio)
Audio mixer (stereo output with sends)

You might find a combination module with noise and sample & hold... and possibly an envelope follower all-in-one.
Noise: at least white... plus pink if you can find it.
Logic: AND, OR, NOR, XOR, etc.
Quantizer: you have one in Ornaments & Crime. But if you use it, then you burn the O_C for other functions

If you can handle the clunky interface, a Disting Mk4 is always a great module to have if you want to try out a particular function before buying a dedicated module. At under $200 and 4HP, it's a great way to figure out where you want to go without traveling there first (aka buying a dedicated module).

I have during the last ten month gradually built the rack you can see in my post. I'm pretty happy with it and the modules in my wish list is what I think I need for going further.

I'm torn between the Modcan and the Batumi + Poti. I have the Batumi... but the grass seems a little greener on the Modcan side if you have the rackspace.

-- Ronin1973

A conundrum it would seem. I think I may go with Modcan, at least for now at the planning stage as it appears (on surface detail, to be a bit more approachable to me. I think I’ll do a bit more reading up on both though and I’ll drop the Quadra due to redundancy.

In terms of the other modules, have I made sensible selections and accounted for the necessary functions apart from a lack of complex sequencer and overly greedy selection on LFOs?

I'm torn between the Modcan and the Batumi + Poti. I have the Batumi... but the grass seems a little greener on the Modcan side if you have the rackspace.

Question about the latest build:

You have the Quadra, the Quad LFO, and the Batumi. That's three units each with four LFO-ish functions. Are you planning on needing that many or are they redundant?

You mentioned sequencing but I don't see anything that does any serious sequencing onboard. Maybe that's not where you want to go. But check out the Eloquencer or if you can find a decent builder the Westlicht Performer. I just bought a Performer but I have to reflow some of the work and replace a couple of damaged CV jacks. But it's a great sequencer. I also have a 1010 Music Toolbox. I like it but the most current firmware kind of blows chunks (why I got the Performer).
-- Ronin1973

Thanks Ronin! Regarding sequencing it's true I haven't accounted for anything major. Originally I was thinking the Eloquencer as it seems of more of what I have been used to. I'm going to read up on the Westlicht Performer you mentioned. I've been on the waiting list for a Cirklon for awhile as I have lots of external gear as well so I'm undecided as to whether I keep deeper sequencing external or look to build a more all in one system (for my basic needs) that I can travel with.

Regarding the LFOs (based on my level of knowledge) gonna confidently say redundant on my part. I suppose regarding LFOs the Quad LFO seems more immediate but the Batumi seems like it has deeper functionality.

I am looking to bring more fully analog modules into my eurorack system. What are your favourite fully analog modules / makers?

Question about the latest build:

You have the Quadra, the Quad LFO, and the Batumi. That's three units each with four LFO-ish functions. Are you planning on needing that many or are they redundant?

You mentioned sequencing but I don't see anything that does any serious sequencing onboard. Maybe that's not where you want to go. But check out the Eloquencer or if you can find a decent builder the Westlicht Performer. I just bought a Performer but I have to reflow some of the work and replace a couple of damaged CV jacks. But it's a great sequencer. I also have a 1010 Music Toolbox. I like it but the most current firmware kind of blows chunks (why I got the Performer).

To both Ronin and Lugia, thanks again. I’ve had a think about everything you have said and hopefully translated that advice into a slightly more sensible (read actually usable) rack.

I’ve tried to account for sequencing and being able to play the rack as I’m coming from a more keys oriented environment so chose the tetrapad and tete combo. Using Mangrove, Just friends and pluck for voices. I may have added a few too many filters but those present seemed interesting to me so I have kept them in for reference.

After reading about the ‘boring’ modules they seem less so now as I understand better why they are present and have incorporated those recommended.

I will stress that I am building this as an ideal rack that I will grow into in the real world, picking up a module or two to learn before progressing to the next which will undoubtedly change module selection over time. However, as long as I get a rack that has the necessary building blocks in place, with modules I have at the very least read up on, I can be fairly confident that the most basic foundations of my modular journey have been laid.

Below is the most recent build and I do apologise in advance if I have forgotten to factor something in or over provided in other areas. Many thanks again.

• séquence d'une note sur la mother 32 (la plus aiguë du clavier)
• Organizer avec du lag et du choir
• Bluesky en shimmer
• Thérémine avec du delay

Some of the strengths of Eurorack for sound mangling would be complex, audio rate modulation. A simple example would be plugging an oscillator into the frequency modulation of a filter cutoff. You can get a lot deeper down the rabit hole than that of course... especially with digital modules that weren't intended to be modulated at audio rates... but you do anyways :)

Another idea would be an interface like the Expert Sleeper's ES9. That opens a lot of options for getting sounds from your DAW into your Eurorack and back out (to record them). It will also allow for some hybridization between your systems as well as allowing you to modulate virtual instruments and effects with your Eurorack.

Oh, and check out using some filter banks and stereo filters like Make Noise's QPAS, envelope followers, and sample and hold units.

Quick and easy would be something based in Ableton Live triggered by scenes and simple settings.

You're looking to play sax over what you generate. That's an instrument that you really can't play with one hand and tweak settings with another. Everything in Eurorack must be patched and tweaked and might need lots of meddling with. How many bars and beats can you hold off playing your axe while you twiddle with Eurorack?

If you were already experienced with Eurorack, you might be able to pull it off. But if you're new to the platform, you're asking a lot of yourself.

Okay with that said, I'd look at the Tip Top Trigger Riot, a Euclidean capable module, as well as a Turing Machine module. I think Pam's New Workout can do Euclidean, but don't quote me.

The Monsoon is nice. But it's one of those modules that takes a lot of time to hit the "sweet spot" with and there's a lot of unlabeled modes and features. I wouldn't bother with it if getting to a sound quickly is where you're at. I'd replace it with a reverb module and multi-fx module that can do flanging, comb filtering (if possible), and possibly a phaser.

One thing that's missing is a performance mixer. You need to be able to manage all of your audio sources quickly, including effects. I don't see that here.

The Noise Engineering module can be powered from an alternative power bus. Check the manual. There's a DIP switch on the back to do this. Maybe that will be enough to get everything to play nicely.

Have you already bought this rack and populated it?

If not... wait to fill it. You won't know what direction you're going in until you spend a bit of time with what you have. If you fill that space ahead of time then you're trapped with what you have. That means either selling off modules or taking them out of the rack to make room for stuff you're wanting to use.

Here's my take on the system based around one Manis Iteritas.

An output module might be a good choice... but I'm assuming you'll take care of that outside of the rack.
I thought about sneaking in a logic module or some noise. Maybe an attenuverter.
But you can't have everything in 80HP

Some highlights:
A MIDI interface in case you want to use this with your DAW.
Effects via the Pico DSP and possibly the Disting Mk4
A dual VCA.. because you need them.
A Temps Utile and Ornaments & Crime. That will give you a ton of useful features and internal sequencing.
A master clock
Dedicated distortion... because if it isn't distorting, you're doing something wrong.
A Disting... so you won't get bored trying new things.
A second mixer because you might want to mix some CV or use the mixer as an attenuator.

Find Ricky Tinez on Youtube and follow him. He's great with small skiffs. But a word of caution, small skiffs are much HARDER to plan than larger systems. Space is critical, the size of modules can lead to cramped spaces to get your fingers into once everything is patched up. You might want to use longer patch cables to they lie flat or flatter and get out of your way.

Good advise, thanks. I will start using a Peaks-Clone not Maths. I have to be careful and not start using too many complex modules.

Thank you very much for taking your time helping me!
I will carefully evalute your recommendations and inform me about the modules I don’t know, as Kinks and FXAid.
I think it is a good idea to wait with O&C despite many recommendations from others.
I did not know about the 4 channel attenuator ”problem” with Clouds.
Is it the same with Monsoon?

Maths is very valuable for all kinds of different modulation. I've got one and have barely scratched the surface. I would recommend downloading the manual/patchbook and looking through it to decide if it is what you need. There's also a great video on YouTube by Loopop called "22 Reasons the #1 Eurorack Module is Maths." With that being said, it is a large module (20hp) which would take up most of the space in your case. As a beginner, I've also found it a little unintuitive and not immediately gratifying in my experience. You have to put in a little work into understanding what it is doing to get creative and get the most out of it. If you decide to expand to a large case, Maths would ultimately be very useful for you due to its functionality.
I just picked up a Pique from After Later Audio. It ships with the "Dead Man's Catch" firmware installed which adds a bunch of different modes to the original firmware. All sorts of different LFO, envelopes, drum sounds, and even a mini Turing Machine and sequencer. Again, take a look through the "Dead Man's Catch" manual (https://github.com/timchurches/Mutated-Mutables/releases/tag/DMC-v0.7-beta) to decide if it's right for you. In a small case, I would probably find a use for Pique and a small mult in every patch. It doesn't have a bunch of patch points to "modulate your modulation," but it does a lot right out of the box and could probably help you decide what you may want to invest in next.
Hope this helps!

Understood and thanks to both of you for the clear explanation! I wouldn´t like to burn more hp by adding a second PSU, so it´s either a beefier one or something completely external. I didn´t find too many module-based PSUs that offer substantially more power then the Arturia version (granted, at least they come in 4hp). Those torroidal transformers found in bigger cases come to mind,as they might allow for two smaller cases to be powered from a single PSU.

But I´ll give the cheapest option a go first, maybe I can rearrange modules and get around limits.

And what about a Maths for modulation/ utility? Thats what i often read.
Or is a small Peaks-clone enough for the start? Thanks

EDITED Mar 16th 2020, 06:09

The Arturia reads 15V/3A on the frontplate, so that indicates the demand from the powerbrick. However, it´s only specified to deliver 12V/1.6A on the +12V distribution. That´s just half the amps... is this limited by the power module itself or is the distribution board limited to 1.6A ?

No, this makes perfect sense. Remember, that power supply is also feeding a -12V rail plus the 5V rail. Each 12V rail has a possible maximum load of 1.6A, and the 5V rail can handle 900 mA.

However, if you're exceeding the current limits for your P/S, you're screwed. Your only solution is to add more current capacity via a second P/S, or to get a case that has a beefier power supply. You cannot exceed maximum rail loads without incurring some sort of problem...either damage to P/S components over time, or an outright P/S failure all at once. And depending on the power supply design, a "failure" might be more catastrophic than just popping the P/S itself.

NEVER come close to your power rail current limits. The proper rule of thumb is to exceed your rail load by at least 25%; if you have a load of 1A on your +12V rail, the power supply needs to be able to supply 1.25A. This is because, most of the time, manufacturers list the current load during operation and this doesn't reflect any inrush current loads that might happen when the synth is powered up. But even though inrush is only a problem in the first 100 or so msec when a circuit is powered up, that's all it takes for a catastrophic P/S failure. Also, the higher you can spec your P/S, the better, since a power supply under a heavy load is going to have more component issues due to thermal factors than one that's loafing along. A supply that can output 3A per rail or better will last a lot longer under a 1.5A load than one that only outputs 1.6.

EDITED Mar 16th 2020, 01:15

Surman's stuff is brilliant...much of it is on ECM, and he does a lot of workouts with reeds over constant, flowing VCS3 patterns. Another brilliant electric reeds player worth looking into would be Van der Graaf Generator's David Jackson...his use of electronics with sax, plus a lot of extended blowing techniques cribbed from the likes of Rahsaan Roland Kirk, create a sound that can flow from ethereal to sheer brutality at the blink of an eye.

I think you are probably alright for modulation sources - maths, pams and a triple sloth is not much less than I have in my racks at the moment - envelopes or cycling envelope (lfos) are the cornerstone of modulation - but utilities make them go so much further - in interesting ways - for example combining modulation from triple sloth and maths or pams works very well

Modular for video - love it - at least as much as the audio side

it really is a niche within a niche - I have absolutely no idea how many people there are into modular synthesis worldwide - I suspect somewhere in the 10s of thousands, maybe more, into eurorack alone I guess - but I have a reasonable idea of how many people use LZX based video systems - about 1000, maybe a few hundred more (including Vidiots - based on sales of core modules as of a year or so ago- but there is a lot of overlap - people having multiple core modules) and there are maybe a few 100 people extra who have either a the Dave Jones MVIP(?) or Erogenous Tones Structure or BPMC Fluxus 2(?) - which can all be used standalone or with LZX - there are a few other video synths that are standalone and some vintage ones (but these are very few and far between - often 10 or less were made of each)

I often post on instagram - username is the same as here - if you want to check out what I do: https://www.instagram.com/jimhowell1970

Thanks Jim! I'll shoot for Maths next and definitely keep my spending in perspective. As far as Maths goes: between that and Pam's I should be good on envelope generation right? I don't know how much need I have for envelope generators at the moment (seeing as not much in this proposed rack would benefit from non-cycling envelopes), but will I want more in the future or should Maths and Pam's cover me for the moment?

Also, I noticed you have a rack for video. How do you (or anyone else) like modular for video work? Seems like a deep and seldom explored cave.

its related to the 1.6A -12v and 900mA 5v - don't ask me how exactly - but that is where the answer lies

there are simple answers to your problem - buy fewer or different modules - buy a different case - buy another case

2HP Tune Quantizer. 2HP. - why? what are you going to quantize? I see Marbles and the outputs from that are already quantized - as are those from the minibrute - don't get unless you can justify this properly (so -2)

Doepfer A-151 Quad sequential Switch. 4 HP. - brilliant module - get

Ladik B-010 Bool2 – logic module. 4 HP.
Doepfer A-118-2 Noise S&H. 4 HP. - replace these 2 with kinks (-4)

Ladik S-186 Trig/Gate Delay. 4 HP. - ok - get

After Late Audio uBurst (Clouds).8 HP. - replace this with a happy nerding FXAid (-4)

Doepfer A-135-2 Quad VCA. 8 HP. - wouldn't be my pick but you will always need more vcas - get

Michigan Synth Works uO_C. 8 HP. - what are you intending to use this for? again think long and hard - do you really need 4 channels of whatever right now ? would a 2nd disitng make more sense in the short term - before the inevitable second case!!!

I've freed 10hp for you - amounts are in brackets at end of lines -maybe more depending on the answer to the ornament and crime questions

If you desperately want clouds - a word of warning - you will probably want 4 channels of attenuators as well for the cv inputs

EDITED Mar 15th 2020, 19:30

I would look at utility modules instead of (or as much as) more modulation sources - I've typed why in multiple answers here, on muffs and on reddit recently - use google too find out why - or find my posts - I'm either JimHowell1970 or Agawell on all eurorack centric sites (reddit/muffs/here) - but I would seriously consider getting Maths - see the illustrated manual (google it) for why

I don't really think that what you've bought is "heinously expensive" though, as that implies overpriced, but definitely not cheap - it's comparable to a decent slightly over mid priced electric guitar - and that still begs the same again (at least) on an amp and effects - and lets face it how many guitarists do yuo know with only 1 guitar and 1 amp etc?

This is due to the very nature of both the market and the manufacturers - the market is tiny so you are never going to get the economies of scale that are possible even with more mainstream musical instrument manufacturers (especially behringer) and really not compared to more mass market items

Most eurorack modules sell in the hundreds - a few sell a thousand, a very few sell multiple thousands - the Lubadh I suspect might sell a thousand, but probably not

The companies that do make them are generally small and based in the first world and most don't seem to outsource manufacture to 3rd world (although I think this is starting to happen more)

Even the economics aside - I estimate I spend at least 1000 hours a year playing with my modular (not including the amount of time I spend on the internet in relation to it) - as a hobby and I spend let's say 50€/week on my hobby (2.5K/year) - it works out at 2.50/hour - which is actually compared to a lot of other hobbies very reasonably priced indeed!!!