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Bought a uO_C and a uTemps Utile from @MatrixModulator . Buying custom made stuff can be a little nerving. I had no problems. Great communications. Delivered WITHIN the time frame promised (he finished a couple of days early and shipped early). MM checked and double-checked I that I was getting the modules and panels that I wanted. I'm giving an A+.

The only thing I can even think to mention that I didn't like was that the cables included seemed a little short unless you're plugging in directly over a power supply. I'm using an Intellijel case where the power is under the bottom rails. I swapped the cables out with a couple of units that were closer. On the plus side, he goes the extra mile ensuring that the module won't fry if you plug it in backwards. It will work with the power cable in either orientation.

The bottom line is that he'll be the first person I contact if I need anything else built. I will definitely repeat.

@pablomateo delivered according to spec. All good.

Would love to be able to select multiple manufacturers at once rather than just one at a time. There's getting to be so many different manufacturers now that it really dilutes searches and some of them are more obscure than I'm interested in. Lots of alternate panels and such too. This would be great for when I'm looking for a certain type of module and would like to compare what a couple manufacturers offer.

Thanks alot for the input! Will definately look into it, cheers :)

The Wasp is a stylized filter. As long as you have a reasonable expectation of what to expect from it, you're good. You might consider a multi-mode filter. Joranalogue has a really great filter coming out for around $200US or so. It might be a good idea check it out. It's about twice the cost of the Wasp. But I think you'll get a lot more functionality out of it.

I'm assuming that you're going to use the MS-20 for most of your basic needs? Envelopes, LFOs, VCAs? If you're augmenting the the MS-20, perhaps you'll want to think about effects like reverb, delay, etc? Tip Top has a DSP box that seems to be pretty popular. 1010Music also has their BitBox Series 1 that can do looping/sample playback, DSP, basic sequencing. You have to load it with the appropriate firmware to do anything that is in each of the three categories. But you might get a lot of use out of it. The ability to record within your rack could open up creative possibilities when you run out of modules but want to continue with an idea.

I have Maths and love it. But I am wondering if maybe you would want to consider Stages? Mostly because it could be used to sequence
-- UserFriendly

Hey! My initial idea is to invest in another sequencer and mixer actually. But they're quite expensive, so I thought I'd start with some simple modules and add along the way :)

Also, I forgot to mention: I have a Korg SQ-1 which I will use for now.

EDITED Sep 25th 2018, 18:32

Thanks, better now!

Seemed OK for a basic translation to English, but...OK. Should be more readable now.

I have Maths and love it. But I am wondering if maybe you would want to consider Stages? Mostly because it could be used to sequence

I have a bigger case and other modules but I am struggling to stay focused with it... So I am working on a smaller more focused case. What do you think about this set up? my main focus is interesting percussion generation.

cheers!

I bought a used Jones O'Tool Oscilloscope from @mt3. Nice trade, just a little delay in shipment because of personal reason, but just a couple of days. Package good (maybe not perfect, but anyway it survived a trip from Canada to Europe, so good enough ;-)), and quite responsive. Good seller.

I bought an used DYI version on MI Peaks from @polyana. It has been a quick and nice deal. He provided me also a video of the working gear to prove that it was in mint condition. Recommended seller!

I bought an uClouds and uO_C (with little customisations) from @PinPinKula, it was a nice deal, he is very responsive and patience (he answered a lot of my dumb questions). Good packaging (even too much impenetrable ;-)) and quite fast! He is a pro maker, so he is recommended!

EDITED Sep 24th 2018, 19:25

I had a great deal with @Tambo buying a MN Renè. He was very responsive, super fast in shipment, good (and original) package, mint condition... So, long story short he is a great seller, recommended!

EDITED Sep 24th 2018, 19:25

Just received an ADE-33 Event Boss in perfect order from @loorenz. Exceptionally nice guy and extremely helpful.
The definition of a Good seller.

There is an alternate firmware for O_C that further divides O_C into two usable modules. I can't recall the name of it but it's out there. You may want to hit the second O_C with that. You may want to go analog with your envelopes, though. I find cycling through menus to adjust a parameter when all I want to do is tweak the release a tad to be a bit tiresome.

-- Ronin1973

hemispheres is what it's called i think. I may try it. and that's fair about the analog EG's. esp since tweaking analogs is a fun way to 'play' and give it a little more life. I may spring for a couple analog egs for that. honestly I've been looking at the pico mod and it's a simple AR/ASR eg but with a built in vca. seems like a good use of hp.

Title!

About to order up my first modules and case in a while.

The thought with the rack is to make it a jamstation at home basically.
The English Tear is for integrating the Korg MS-20.
I am trying to get some basic modules, and add on drums and more texture later on.
Is there anything I should remove and get instead?
All tips and ideas welcome, cheers.

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_749250.jpg

EDITED Sep 24th 2018, 17:07

I had a quite pleasant deal with @paco_mod. even though shipment part was quite a journey : ) . He was all the time present and communicative during the whole process. Definitely recommended Thanks @paco_mod.

EDITED Sep 24th 2018, 11:41

Please, the description should be corrected, it is a pain to read through!

After selling my op1 and buying mahts and erbe verb from a friend (also added z3000) this is what I've got now (this is the real situation of my case at present):

now I have to wait a bit for future modules. How's the situation going now? what can I add in my future buying list?
Thank you very much for your help and for your patience

EDITED Sep 24th 2018, 08:33

I was wondering if it would be possible to add the AE Modular synth format to ModularGrid. There are already plenty of available modules and it would be awesome to plan the racks with ModularGrid too. I’d be happy to provide the required measurements and graphics and add modules to the database of course.

YouTube videos about the format:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa9Em_H8Xs_YqhS8lbwsDdOXHucNug-hF

EDITED Sep 23rd 2018, 10:56

@JimHowell1970
wow just watched a video on the disting! very cool.
looks like that coupled with an lpg can make some cool noises (along with a seemingly endless other uses haha).
also didnt know what an lpg is so googled that and learned something else too :D

thanks for suggestions!

huh actually nevermind, i found in the fh2 manual that:

Each output has a 'smoothing' amount. When enabled, a low pass filter is applied to the output to
smooth sudden changes into an exponential response. Zero means off; other values apply
progressively more smoothing, up to a time constant of about 1 second

so i guess wont need one of these modules after all!

Kinks is really useful in 4 hp (there's a wave modifier, a comparator, noise and sample and hold) and so is disting (yeah it's a bit difficult to use, but it' so useful)

Marbles could add a nice degree of randomness into the mix and maybe a smaller vco (dixie 2 or something) and an lpg (lxd)

not sure why that rack isnt rendering properly above... may need to click it to view whole thing.

thanks @Lugia for the response/recommendations!

the Flame Quad Cv Recorder looks like the exact kinda thing, even mentions in the manual that the:

Smoothing algorithms eliminate the so-called 'stair-step effect' and ensure smooth playback even at very slow speeds

That said, it does look like it might be tricky to record fixed length automation without sacrificing a gate track for specifically start/stopping the record. I think thats where the voltage block is more appealing... downside being its limited to 16 steps and has quite a lot of crossover with what the digitakt would be used for anyway for the size of it.

I tried out just slewing the recorded envelope from the digitakt through the maths. Couldnt get as large a range wthout having the stair step effect occur, but worked pretty well!
With this in mind ive revised what I think want to buld next:

feedback and advice on what I should add/replace again really appreciated!

hi modulers :)
i’d like to use this module to alter the gates receveid from the pulses expander from a turing machine.
would it work ?
bests and enjoy !
gregg

OK...I think this might work better. Case is an Erica Aluminum Travel Case, 2 x 104 hp, fully powered, and I checked it against typical ATA carryon restrictions and it fits perfectly. Here we go:

There are definitely some differences here. First up, I kept the ES-8, but then combined the clocking and logic with an Intellijel Plog. Turing Machine was eliminated in favor of just the Permutation, and the Wogglebug was changed to Make Noise's current version, which saved a few hp. ANA is still in place, but the Maths was changed out in favor of a pair of Doepfer A 171-2 VC Slope gens...which, basically, gives you the same functionality as a Maths, but saves another 4 hp.

Added a pair of Erica PICO EGs, then the oscillators were totally changed in favor of a Mutable Plaits (the revised version of the Braids) and a Doepfer A-111-4 Quad VCO, which gives you your 'drone bank', but also allows for CV control over all four VCOs in various useful ways, as well as submixing down to a single output. Two Erica PICO VCFs were added: a Polivoks state-variable and a regular 4-pole LPF.

Bottom row starts with a Konstant Labs bus indicator in 1 hp. There was a single hp space, and...believe me...having indicator pilots on your bus voltages is very useful, especially in a travel rig that sees a lot of moving around. Drums: kept the Tea Kick and Plonk, but went with a pair of Moffenzeef Dial-Ups...glitch-based percussives...and a 2 hp Pluck, which gives you a Karplus-Strong modeled percussive/plucked-string voice. Added a Bastl ABC to submix drums down to one or two voices as needed. Also, the Tea Kick was switched to a metal plate version; wood's nice in the studio, but you need to keep durability in mind here if this is going to be used on gigs.

Rene mk2 was retained. Then, there's a mono-in, stereo-out digital effects unit, which I chose to tandem up with the same AUX send capabilities on the Qu-bit Mixology. This stereo mixer gives you VCA control over levels, panning, and AUX send levels across four inputs. Last, there's an Erica PICO OUT, which drops your synth level audio down to line level via a stereo 3.5mm TRS jack.

I think this should fit the bill. It interfaces directly with Ableton via either Silent Way (PC or Mac) or Volta (Mac). Everything is very straightforward, very controllable, which you want if you're also working on a live instrument at the same time. As for multiples, get several in-line multiple widgets instead of having them in-panel...this also saves space. And lastly, this was all checked against Perfect Circuit's catalog; even if they don't have something in stock, you can still purchase it while there and PC will ship the module to you when it's in stock.

Good luck!
-- Lugia

Thanks for your advice dear LUGIA. Have a wonderful time. Peace&Light:-)

1 get a 104hp 6u rack - maybe tiptop mantis - but check with the airline that the dimensions are good to go - I know they are in the eu, but not sure elsewhere - and remember to pick up the case - it's cheap and poorly built but will get you going

2 find an actual store near where you want to go - one or all of these 3

Analogue Haven (Los Angeles, CA)
http://analoguehaven.com

Big City Music (Los Angeles, CA)
http://bigcitymusic.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1_18

Boutique Pedal NYC (San Diego, CA)
http://www.boutiquepedalnyc.us/eurorack-modular/

and check what they actually have in stock - probably not a lot of time to order things in if they don;'t have them

3 some of the modules you have in the rack are not easily available anyway - so that makes things a bit easier - giekses nodrums may not be available (think he only sells from his own site, but may be wrong), snazzy dronebank - and the maths you have there is the old version - so i'd ditch all those and

4 you probably don't need both the turing machine (if you could find a built one) and permutations just get marbles!!

4 I'd really look at kinks - it's really useful in 4 hp - the same for disting - which even has a pitch follower and a tuner, both of which maybe useful

-- JimHowell1970

THANK YOU SO SO MUCH DEAR JIM. HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK-END.

No, actually, this makes a lot of sense, particularly if you retain the Clouds. Selling that would sort of cripple the idea that seems to be going on here.

Flame has a couple of things worth looking at for those purposes...both use manual controllers with internal sequencers to store controller actions. EMW, also, has a couple of devices: a pot-action single channel recorder plus a gesture recorder that uses something akin to Roland's D-Beam controller. If they're still around/available, those might be worth checking out.

OK...I think this might work better. Case is an Erica Aluminum Travel Case, 2 x 104 hp, fully powered, and I checked it against typical ATA carryon restrictions and it fits perfectly. Here we go:

There are definitely some differences here. First up, I kept the ES-8, but then combined the clocking and logic with an Intellijel Plog. Turing Machine was eliminated in favor of just the Permutation, and the Wogglebug was changed to Make Noise's current version, which saved a few hp. ANA is still in place, but the Maths was changed out in favor of a pair of Doepfer A 171-2 VC Slope gens...which, basically, gives you the same functionality as a Maths, but saves another 4 hp.

Added a pair of Erica PICO EGs, then the oscillators were totally changed in favor of a Mutable Plaits (the revised version of the Braids) and a Doepfer A-111-4 Quad VCO, which gives you your 'drone bank', but also allows for CV control over all four VCOs in various useful ways, as well as submixing down to a single output. Two Erica PICO VCFs were added: a Polivoks state-variable and a regular 4-pole LPF.

Bottom row starts with a Konstant Labs bus indicator in 1 hp. There was a single hp space, and...believe me...having indicator pilots on your bus voltages is very useful, especially in a travel rig that sees a lot of moving around. Drums: kept the Tea Kick and Plonk, but went with a pair of Moffenzeef Dial-Ups...glitch-based percussives...and a 2 hp Pluck, which gives you a Karplus-Strong modeled percussive/plucked-string voice. Added a Bastl ABC to submix drums down to one or two voices as needed. Also, the Tea Kick was switched to a metal plate version; wood's nice in the studio, but you need to keep durability in mind here if this is going to be used on gigs.

Rene mk2 was retained. Then, there's a mono-in, stereo-out digital effects unit, which I chose to tandem up with the same AUX send capabilities on the Qu-bit Mixology. This stereo mixer gives you VCA control over levels, panning, and AUX send levels across four inputs. Last, there's an Erica PICO OUT, which drops your synth level audio down to line level via a stereo 3.5mm TRS jack.

I think this should fit the bill. It interfaces directly with Ableton via either Silent Way (PC or Mac) or Volta (Mac). Everything is very straightforward, very controllable, which you want if you're also working on a live instrument at the same time. As for multiples, get several in-line multiple widgets instead of having them in-panel...this also saves space. And lastly, this was all checked against Perfect Circuit's catalog; even if they don't have something in stock, you can still purchase it while there and PC will ship the module to you when it's in stock.

Good luck!

Yeah, definitely a bad thing, since VCAs are what's used to control amplitude levels. Exponential VCAs tend to be used with audio signals, while linears work well for both audio and CVs, although to process CVs the VCA has to be DC-coupled. AC-coupled VCAs are only for use with audio signals. VCAs are one of the essential parts, basically.

Here's an idea: swap out the A-138 mixer for a Bubblesound VCA4p. This fits in the same space, but it gives you four VCAs, switchable between linear and exponential, with mixing capabilities plus the ability to use the VCAs independently of the mix function. Since you have a minimal amount of audio paths here, you could jumper this to be a two-input mixer on VCAs 3/4 and have VCAs 1/2 set up as independent VCAs for processing CVs. That way, you retain your mixing function AND get VCA control over CV modulation.

1 get a 104hp 6u rack - maybe tiptop mantis - but check with the airline that the dimensions are good to go - I know they are in the eu, but not sure elsewhere - and remember to pick up the case - it's cheap and poorly built but will get you going

2 find an actual store near where you want to go - one or all of these 3

Analogue Haven (Los Angeles, CA)
http://analoguehaven.com

Big City Music (Los Angeles, CA)
http://bigcitymusic.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1_18

Boutique Pedal NYC (San Diego, CA)
http://www.boutiquepedalnyc.us/eurorack-modular/

and check what they actually have in stock - probably not a lot of time to order things in if they don;'t have them

3 some of the modules you have in the rack are not easily available anyway - so that makes things a bit easier - giekses nodrums may not be available (think he only sells from his own site, but may be wrong), snazzy dronebank - and the maths you have there is the old version - so i'd ditch all those and

4 you probably don't need both the turing machine (if you could find a built one) and permutations just get marbles!!

4 I'd really look at kinks - it's really useful in 4 hp - the same for disting - which even has a pitch follower and a tuner, both of which maybe useful

Hello! I had an idea back in July for something smaller, but after months spent with my Pittsburgh Lifeforms 101 system I feel like I have a somewhat better sense of what I'm hoping to do, but with plenty I'm unsure about.

I'm looking to create big droney soundscapes and some melodic lines -- not leads as much as semi-random lines that could augment a larger piece of music strung together in a DAW. Both would have plenty of modulation and movement options, ideally.

I'm excited by the Cold Mac and Vector Space, but not sure how well they'd play together. And I'm not sure if I'm over/underdoing certain things, like if certain modulation sources are redundant or if I'm missing some type of module that this system is screaming out for.

I own the Wogglebug, o_C, the uVCA, and Clouds (which I'm considering selling). This is planned for the Intellijel 7u case.

Let me know if I totally whiffed here. Thanks!

Hello!

Im brand new to the modular world. Big into rhythmic stuff and drum machines. I was going to buy a jomox alpha base, but when i went to a shop to demo one it was already sold, so i was shown some modular stuff instead. Long story short, I decided to go for a 'hybrid' setup where i would control the rig from a digitakt. Here is the rack I ordered:

still waiting on the expert sleepers stuff, plonk and plaits to arrive. I have a doepfer dark energy which I've been using with my digitakt to control the BIA for now. Already really enjoying the workflow, and can see how the fh-2 along with the other sound sources should make this really fun. However, one thing thats kind of a bummer which Ive experienced before when controlling gear with the digitakt is that when recording automation of any type of performance controls like pb or mod wheel, it ends up sounding "step laddery" as the envelope recorded can only be as smooth as the 16 steps permits. Please correct me if I'm wrong on this or if theres some nifty workaround!
So long term goal is to get another 84hp skiff box, and put all the "controllery" type stuff in that box, with the other dedicated to percussive type stuff. So im wondering whats the best way to have smooth recorded automation?
I was looking at the planar2 and the voltage block
Any thoughts on one of getting one of theses or something else? both :D ?

Thanks for any help with this. All feedback appeciated!

The important points for me are the following:
1) Ths rack must travel by air as hand luggage. Now it's big!
2) Everything must dialogue with ABLETON.
What do you advise me to do?
What do I take from the rack?

Drone (like Indian classical music) and the possibilities to create rhythmic structures are very complex with the sound of my trumpet: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v = BJfiOtY31Xs & feature = youtu.be

I would like to buy this rack in Santa Monica, California.
I'll be in L.A. from 4th to 20th October.

Please, let me know what You think.

Thank you so much guys.

Have a wonderful time.

This is the new version of my rack:

The important points for me are the following:
1) Ths rack must travel by air as hand luggage. Now it's big!
2) Everything must dialogue with ABLETON.
What do you advise me to do?
What do I take from the rack?

Drone (like Indian classical music) and the possibilities to create rhythmic structures are very complex with the sound of my trumpet: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v = BJfiOtY31Xs & feature = youtu.be

Thank you so much guys.

I would like to buy this rack in Santa Monica, California.
I'll be in L.A. from 4th to 20th October.

Have a wonderful time.

I think you've potentially outgrown your cab. This is a decent array of modules, but to do some stranger timing actions, you'll need more space for more modules that can really make that hum. Ronin1973's suggestion is a good one, one I'd suggest tandemming with this: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/joranalogue-audio-design-compare-2 as well as some additional logic, Ladik's probabalistic skipper as well as their gate/trigger delay. The Dual Window Comparator I listed the link to will allow you to extract repeating/semi-repeating gate/trig pulses from modulation curves, such as ones from the Maths and/or Wogglebug (I also assume you have these already, since those are older versions of MakeNoise's current ones), and then you can use those alongside the Euclidean patterns and logic to generate extremely complex gate/trig patterns, potentially non-repeating yet suitably metrical.

Also, if you don't have these modules already, consider changing the MIDI interface to an Expert Sleepers ES-8, which will allow you to run software such as Silent Way or Volta so that you can integrate computer-generated CV/gates using complex software functions from something such as Max, pd, etc along with the analog functions in the modular.

One last module to investigate might be the Mystic Circuits ANA, which is an arithmetical function module that acts on/transforms incoming CVs into new derived functions. Combining this with the Rene and, say, the Wogglebug would result in some interestingly-complex CV behavior.
-- Lugia

Very very interesting. Thank you so much dear Lugia. I'm working on it. Have a beautiful day!

Look up Euclidean Rhythm modules. That's great for getting "strange" rhythms going. You might be able to squeeze something in if you go with a smaller clock generator.
-- Ronin1973

Thank you so mucg dear Ronin 1973. Now I start working on your directions. Have a wonderful time.

Hi Lugia, I'm here again. Can you please tell me if there is something wrong with the following configuration? I decided to keep outside the case any sequencer. Don't have space for a vca. Is that a bad thing? Thank you again for your help!

I think you've potentially outgrown your cab. This is a decent array of modules, but to do some stranger timing actions, you'll need more space for more modules that can really make that hum. Ronin1973's suggestion is a good one, one I'd suggest tandemming with this: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/joranalogue-audio-design-compare-2 as well as some additional logic, Ladik's probabalistic skipper as well as their gate/trigger delay. The Dual Window Comparator I listed the link to will allow you to extract repeating/semi-repeating gate/trig pulses from modulation curves, such as ones from the Maths and/or Wogglebug (I also assume you have these already, since those are older versions of MakeNoise's current ones), and then you can use those alongside the Euclidean patterns and logic to generate extremely complex gate/trig patterns, potentially non-repeating yet suitably metrical.

Also, if you don't have these modules already, consider changing the MIDI interface to an Expert Sleepers ES-8, which will allow you to run software such as Silent Way or Volta so that you can integrate computer-generated CV/gates using complex software functions from something such as Max, pd, etc along with the analog functions in the modular.

One last module to investigate might be the Mystic Circuits ANA, which is an arithmetical function module that acts on/transforms incoming CVs into new derived functions. Combining this with the Rene and, say, the Wogglebug would result in some interestingly-complex CV behavior.

Hataken (tokyo festival of modular founder) + SunFalls + Plea @ Beacon Sound here in pdx tomorrow night!
--> https://bit.ly/hatakenpdx

Also swapped out morphagene for tetrapad for this show, to play the digitone in real time via the addac 222 cv2midi module. its super fun doing chord stabs along the eloquencer sequencing 2 channels and all the modular drums as well

EDITED Sep 21st 2018, 00:41

Look up Euclidean Rhythm modules. That's great for getting "strange" rhythms going. You might be able to squeeze something in if you go with a smaller clock generator.

There is an alternate firmware for O_C that further divides O_C into two usable modules. I can't recall the name of it but it's out there. You may want to hit the second O_C with that. You may want to go analog with your envelopes, though. I find cycling through menus to adjust a parameter when all I want to do is tweak the release a tad to be a bit tiresome.

I am interested in purchasing the product: trg 31 (139 pounds plus expenses). From Spain I hope to solve it soon. Thank you. https://www.modulargrid.net/e/vpme-de-trig31
-- Marianosnd

Hello, to order please send an email to vp (at) vpme (dot) de

honestly I may get another uO_c, and have one dedicated to envelopes fulltime. idk where to get 4 individual envelopes in 8hp. that and maybe pico voice. that way all my synthvoices have built in decay envelopes for rhythmic stuff, but can also use them to drone and use envs for modulation.

I am interested in purchasing the product: trg 31 (139 pounds plus expenses). From Spain I hope to solve it soon. Thank you. https://www.modulargrid.net/e/vpme-de-trig31

Big up to @RTFM for his marvelous builds (I received a neatly done Turing Machine with expenders yesterday). I defenitely recommend if you need anything assembled for you.

PLEASE TELL ME HOW IT WORK IN YOUR OPINION.
I NEED SOMETHING OF RYTMIC LIKE A STRANGE DRUMS FOR MY GENERATIVE MUSIC RESEARCH.
THANKS.

EDITED Sep 20th 2018, 12:34