All Posts

fpcd

Ola.. Yes.. these are ones that I have. I just don't have the case for another week or so. Ok.. great. I will look into a VCA then. Thanks for the advice.
Peace
dr space

Messed around with modular today after work and came up with some fun tones:

The Cursus Iteritas is one wacky module can get flutes, trumpets, percussion and birds out of that module. Very different than the percussion focused BIA.

Thanks Jim! Very helpful as always. I have the hang of this very useful module now in my Doepfer system as well as the handy A-148 Dual S&H module and A-118 Noise module. Combined are super great for patching generative melodies in concert with LFOs and VCOs.

I have it in my setup and it is ok- it does the basic oscilloscope monitoring and has a tuner. I like the small size and easy to use functionality. I do wish that it had more tools like a voltage meter and quantizer.

Thanks Garfield, the BIA is a superb module for percussion. To get the sound I feed it thru several LFOs at different rates to each of the BIA patch points for pitch, S/L/M, B/A/T and so forth. That adds wide variety and functions as well as layers to increase the wall of sound exponentially. I use a lot of stuff from the IME/Harvestman Kermit MK3 as well for S&H, noise and random LFO generator to add bite to the Noise Engineering BIA and Cursus Iteritas. This allows me to run a full set on only a few modules plus VCAs/mixers, attenuators and so forth. I am still learning the ins and outs of Intellijel Quadrax and the Kermit and Bionic Lester. Those are super deep modules and can do incredible stuff. I love Quadrax plus the expander for self patching happy accidents. Many modes of envelopes and filter cutoffs possible with that module plus it can function as LFO as well.

@GarfieldModular, the shows I've played have been using twitch which works pretty well for one performer or group at a time. Might be a growing modular audience there too.

Hi Steve,

Yes, that might be an idea, bundle all our modular synths together into one large cacophony :-) Might be quite interesting! Shall we use Soundjack for it, or what are you using? Problem with Soundjack is that you can't give a clock signal to each other, not at least that I know of. Another problem I have with Soundjack is that I can't get the sound from my computer to my monitors for some weird reason.

Kind regards, Garfield.

Thanks @GarfieldModular! Now that I think of it, maybe we should all do a ModularGrid forum stream one day 🤔🤔🤔

Hi Steve,

Cool stuff again. Amazing how much live/streaming activities you are involved in lately. Nice performance :-)

Keep up the good work, thanks a lot for sharing this and kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Mowse,

Oh yes! If your entire album is going to be like that then it's going to be an hyper-spaced album, fantastic!

I look forward in hearing your album and kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Sacguy71,

Oh this is way cool man! :-) How do you do that kind of hammering percussion sound?

Sounds interesting and thanks a lot for sharing this. Kind regards, Garfield.

Do you already have this selection of modules? Or are you planning to get them?

The biggest immediate need I see is for some modulation sources, and VCAs. I'd suggest something like Pamela's New Workout (8 linked clocks, LFOs, etc.) or Quadrax (4 modulation sources which can be anything from envelopes to LFOs, with lots of CV possibilities, along with something like an Intellijel dual VCA, or Veils, Tangle Quartet, or any other multi-VCA module. There are a million options out there, but these are crucial parts of any modular system.

Ahh - now I understand. I’m away from my rack at the moment, so have had to think through the patching in my head.
I could use my Disting EX as a pair of filters (or choruses), and the miniBrute’s filter as a 3rd. However, I suspect I need some better in-rack mixing to tie it together. Maybe a Doepfer a 138-s, or an Intellijel mixup perhaps? It would also be interesting to see what happens when panning the off-phase filters left and right.

Mine came as well and still learning to use it as it has sooo much to it in one module. Here is a quick demo of mine:

I love turning it into a single voice with the dirty oscillator, S&H, random, and LFO. It breathes life to boring Doepfer basic VCOs.

Would love to get some comments on what modules might compliment what I have in this case? I think it is going to generate some very interesting sounds.... I don't know why the picture does not show up. Sorry..
peace
Dr Space

I have had similar issues plus a lot of vanishing messages from my inbox. Any idea why this is? In the beggining I thought the senders changed their mind and deleted their messages, however It does happen these days often that once I read a message, it disappears.

Heyas,

just got the kermit mk3 and its one really remarkable modulator. In this small technoish patch it modulates an acl variable sync vco fm, hihats decay and crash tone both from erica synths...

Best,
jingo

Great.. Just duplicated and that worked. Thanks for the advice..
peace
dr space

Hello,

Thank you ! Yes it seems to be too much mixer but in fact I need all the mixer of the techno system for the drums..
You think I need to remove the Unify mixer ? If I keep the Quad VCA and take the double andore I have to put out the Vermona Melodicer..I would love to have it !

Other possibilities ?

I try my best to listen all of your advices !
And the result is ? Can you confirm its better now and usuable like this ?

EDITED Sep 23rd 2020, 21:56

A sneak peak at another track in the works for my first album, Reticulating Splines.

@GarfieldModular Thanks! Much appreciated. Just having a little fun with my Boston crowd.

it's better to use a link -

you appear to have a lot of mixing - but all appears for audio - also I'd split it up a bit

I'd keep the quad vca and add the double andore - 6 vcas is still not a lot for this size case

I'd want more utilities for multing/mixing/modifying modulation

I think you have to add a 1u row and then look for the 84hp 'tile' under 1u

@DrSpace I don't actually know the answer to this, but I do know you can duplicate other people's racks ("Duplicate Rack" above the rack name). You could then delete all their modules and add your own :)

Hello

I am getting the Nifty case soon and want to sketch out what I will put into it but I can't see how you can choose that in the racks when you create a new one?? Where is it hiding?? I can see many people have the picture of it in their racks?? Please help..
peace
dr space

Hello,

Thank you very much Lugia and sacguy71 for your reply and advices. Yes i understand, but i already own the Erica Synths techno system and i love it as a drum machine, I don’t want to remove modules from it...
Can we consider it is my drum machine (maybe with zularic and BIA if it is possible to use with it ?)
Yes too much distortion but i will use some of them with the drums modules if possible..

Lugia: Ok, i was wrong for the space economy, i will remove the ADSRVCA modules and maybe take Intellijel Quad VCA ? Or double Andore can play this role as sacguy71 recommend ?
I will check attenuverters, and remove maybe Plague bearer, thanks again !

Sacguy71: Thank you ! Yes i will try to work my rack again with Kermit and Double Andore (but it is big !)

Is it better like this ?
https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_1307378.jpg

EDITED Sep 23rd 2020, 10:43

Agree well for my future larger system, I plan to build something with the WMD Performance Mixer and 512 vector with add on module and some other goodies.

Was asked to play a small label fest for the autumn equinox and put this thing together:

https://stevehand.bandcamp.com/track/live-at-fire-is-free-autumnal-equinox-september-22nd

Using the same rack as last time, -MCO, +Pluck and +DTF to help explore some different textures.

Perhaps surprisingly, Clouds is really the star of this one. I read an interview with Emelie Gillet awhile back where she shared some of her disappointment around the lack of randomness and modulation that folks use with Clouds, so I picked up the Doepfer A-118-2. That plus Ochd can really take things in a texturally varied, almost 20th century classical direction at times. Eurorack... very interesting format.

Anyway, hope you enjoy if you give it a listen!

It's not a bad idea...as such, you don't have to have a complete voice in this, since it's just a "sidecar" for the Moogs. However, you're missing a KEY PART...an Erica MScale, which is a bidirectional I/O for the Moog CVs which can be somewhat different from standard Eurorack. Take the mult out (you should get some inline mults instead...this system is too small for dedicated panel mults) and put that in instead.

Agree if I was building a large setup like this Levit8, VC8, and Radar would be on my shopping list for key ingredients as well as a good performance mixer like the WMD Performance mixer.
-- sacguy71

Yeah, that little ecosystem that Erogenous Tones came up with for those three modules is super-potent! If it was smaller, it would be even better...but for larger systems, adding the entire subsystem above is a quick and easy way to drop power into things. As for WMD's mixer...it's definitely comprehensive, but a bit much. I like Toppobrillo's Stereomix II instead...smaller, but still quite powerful due to its many CV control points.

For dark industrial techno, you need super modulation and the best all in one module: IME Kermit MK3!

That module can be LFOs, EGs, dirty oscillators, S&H, noise generator and combine them as you like. True modulation gem for your style. Here is what you can with it:

I also recommend looking at the IME/Harvestman Double Andore it has dual VCA plus lots of tricks for techno and envelopes in one. I may pick one up along with Piston Honda MK3 or Hertz Donut MK3 to go with Kermit and Bionic Lester. I would ditch the Erica Synths modules and use an external drum machine or perhaps just get the smaller Erica Synths sample drums and save rack space and cash. I use my Elektron Octatrack for samples and drums and it works great.

Thanks for the suggestions. I certainly wasn’t expecting that a another filter would be a good thing to pair up with a Filter8. Something to think about when I’ve got a decent delay installed.
-- SJ900

Yeah, but the Filter8's capability for phase-shifting waveforms has loads of abuse potential. For example, let's say you have three filters that you want phasing at the same rate, but not the same phasing position. With the Filter8, you can open it up so it's not filtering and then use that phase network to turn ONE single LFO into THREE that do exactly that. Take your outputs from the 0, 120, and 240 degree points, and there you are! For modulating things like effects (triple chorus, anyone?), this is a big asset.

Mmmm...the Just Friends is a formant-based VCF. Are you sure you don't mean the Cold Mac for clock manipulation?

Well, when you look at this, there's definitely some shortcomings. For one thing, using the ADSR/VCAs isn't an economical use of space; it would make MUCH more sense to add several linear VCAs on a single module, then solve the other problem present here by adding some more modulation sources to mess with them. I think you're also concentrating too much on distortion effects here...you really only need A distortion device, but a wavefolder somewhere up the signal chain would actually make sense so that you can get more elaborate and controllable (and yes, distorted) waveforms that way, so DO keep the Wavefolder. And there's other issues as well...a lack of controlling modules such as attenuverters will hurt you here, for example.

I think the big problem here is that the Erica drum functionality is overriding the ability of the top two rows to be used both as a complement to the Erica modules and as a self-contained synth on its own. This is why I tend to tell people to NOT build a Eurorack drum machine...the modules for each drum voice are never space-economical and the operating needs of that modular setup are often fairly divergent from what a modular SYNTH has to have to really open up. You might want to remove all of that from the build before continuing so you can get a clearer idea of what those top two rows SHOULD be.

Fun jam I threw together this afternoon after work:
Kermit is a powerhouse of modular in one.

Agree if I was building a large setup like this Levit8, VC8, and Radar would be on my shopping list for key ingredients as well as a good performance mixer like the WMD Performance mixer.

Levit8 is the way to go for a larger build like this. The little switches you see on it offer a lot of alternate signal routings, plus you can easily split it into 2 x 4 channels. Some of my larger build experiments relied on these for CV/mod routing and adjustment.

Besides utility and functional support modules like Kinks and Links, a good mixer helps a great deal. For filters, I like dual mode filters that offer a wide palette of modes in one module and the ability to mix CV for modulation. The Dual Borg filter and IME Bionic Lester MK3 filters that are in my setup are bonkers and offer tons of variety in patches. I recently discovered logic and offset modules thanks to folks here who gave me such advice and these really add spice as well. Where are your LFO modules? Modulation is a big part of modular systems and I don't really see any here. I am a big fan of the Batumi LFO so easy to use with 4 independent LFOs that can work together as well. Kermit is a beast of a module but I don't recommend it to beginners as it is super deep and more of a computer super modulator than an LFO.

I'm going to piggy back on this thread because I'm basically doing the same thing; though in a smaller / different way.

Currently I've got more semi modular and "not semi modular but has a few sync / gate / outputs)

Semi-Modular (or ish):
- Moog Mother 32
- Moog DFAM
- Arturia Minibrute 2S
- Novation Circuit Monostation (some outputs, but not really semi modular)

Groove Boxes
- Maschine Mk III and a whole whack of expansions / Komplete Kontrol / Computer based stuff
- Novation Circuit

The Thought:
- Of my wishlist of things, subharmonicon is next and I was thinking about doing the 3 tier case and being done with it. Then I noticed they have a 4 tier rack and figured "Hey I could add the 60HP and get some modular bits of pieces to very slowly baby step into eurorack".
- I've been looking over some other threads in here and noticing folks getting stuck in fancy module syndrome, or missing pieces, so I'm definitely looking for help!
- I'm aiming to start small, semi modular is my friend because it's all there - with physical knobs, and enough patching to make that part fun but without starting full eurorack and thus requiring a lot more initial outlay of cash
- I'm also not afraid to be told to get another Mother 32 and run everything into an audio interface and do effects with Ableton or Logic VST's.

I started a 60 HP rack with a few modules well liked by some youtubers I follow; added the uZeus for power, Maths because everyone seems to love it, Quad VCA because more VCA's is good - but I am totally open to suggestions.

The Big Question: Am I completely off track? My main goal is to enhance the rack of lovely sounding Moog gear, and other semi modular gear I have or buy in the future; Effects, Quantizing, Fancier Sequencing, maybe a little mixing (though I also plan to move from an audio interface to a mixer so I could simply pipe all the audio out of things into that as well as including guitars/bass/other things.

Thanks everyone in advance for the help!

• D

Hi OuterSanctuary,

Yes the Metropolis sequencer is indeed an intriguing module, you are right about that, it's on my wish list as well, then again, I got a huge wish list ;-) So if you like the Metropolis so much, keep that one then and (for the moment at least) get rid of the Shapeshifter and the Atlantis. Soon enough once you get started you will notice that you need more space, then get your second 7U Intellijel casing and then you can make your dream come through with the Atlantis and the Shapeshifter (if you still want them by that time).

Have fun and kind regards, Garfield.

Thanks ill take it into consideration i think you may be right with the vcos i will get a shapeshifter eventually. I will say however im totally fixed on the metropolis sequencer its perfect for the music i create but yeah i think your right i should actually try and make a modular synth not just connecting a full sythesizer to a sequencer haha. Thanks for your input Garfield :)

Hi OuterSanctuary,

Welcome to modular synths :-) Let's start with the "easy" part. If I am not mistaken you are looking/planning here at an Intellijel casing, nothing against it, really. Just if you get yourself an Intellijel casing with a 1 U row then only Intellijel 1 U modules (or compatible brands to Intellijel 1 U) are going to fit in that 1 U row... this means the Pulp Logic isn't going to fit. So get rid of that Pulp Logic module ;-)

I have been attracted by the Atlantis module from Intellijel myself several times as well and I still once and a while look at it and think: "Hmm, interesting!"...

But then I sober up from my sexy module syndrome and hold a virtual mirror in front of my face and wonder...

Why should I have a modular synthesizer and then get myself a complete synthesizer module? What's the real point of that? Sure, it's easy and in one go, you got pretty much, kind of lazy way of deciding not to decide to go into the details of all modules and just go the easy path of getting yourself a complete synthesizer module... in a modular synth?

I gave that thought a few moments and then, at least for myself, I felt... oh that's odd... indeed why I want to go for a modular synthesizer and then buy a complete synthesizer module, that doesn't make sense, now does it?

That's the reason why I haven't bought any complete synthesizer module yet because... well then I could have bought instead of a modular synth, just a complete external nice interesting synthesizer, couldn't I?

Don't get me wrong here, I do believe the Atlantis is a fantastic module, I am still considering it, but the price keeps me away from it together with my above "philosophy".

To summarise this: To start with a modular synth and then as the first or second module to buy a full synthesizer module... mwaaahhh, that sounds odd and weird at the same time to me ;-)

I hope you do get my point here? :-)

Instead of starting with the Atlantis and Metropolis, if this was going to be my rack, I would get rid of these two modules for the moment and start with others. I wouldn't start with two Dixie 2+, just start with one, get some experience with it and then decide if you love it so much that you need a second one or if you would like to give another brand's VCO a chance instead? So wait with that Shapeshifter as well, most likely one of the best modules in the world but a heavy one to start with, so you might want to consider another second VCO to start with. Then when you got experiences with that Dixie 2+ and the 2nd other VCO, then check if you still want that Shapeshifter and a 2nd Dixie 2+.

Not sure if you should start with an ADE-32 module, looks quite "heavy" to me to start with, I would rather consider at least one or perhaps two more simple LFOs. EGs you have for the moment enough I think but you are lack on a few classic LFOs.

Beside the QPAS filter, you might want to consider a 2nd filter for some variation. I can confirm though that the QPAS is nice, I just got it recently myself and I am quite happy with it. As a second filter, just as an example, you might want to go with a Doepfer - A-124 Wasp filter, little beauty that is. Or if you want a slightly milder one consider the A-106 SEM filter instead, both are nice filters to use.

Assuming you will get rid of Atlantis, Metropolis and the Shapeshifter, you can pamper yourself with even a third VCO, let's say the Plaits from Mutable Instruments? Then you have a bit more of a variety to play with and the good thing is... you still have space left in your rack. Leave that free space, you need that for the near future once you got a bit experience with your rack, your ideas might change a bit on what you want to add, etcetera.

Regarding those 1 U modules, make sure you don't forget to add an audio output module, that can then connect to your Intellijel casing output connectors.

I think this should do for starters, should give you some "food for thought". Take it easy, don't plan the entire rack full and I wish you lots of fun with planning and later playing your rack :-) Kind regards, Garfield Modular.

Edit: Removed typo.

EDITED Sep 22nd 2020, 21:25

First things first i should mention im a complete modular noob but im not new to synthesis. After spending a couple weeks reading forums and watching a tonne of videos i thought i would make a "dream" starter rack. I would massively appreciate it if you could look over this setup and any advice would be appreciated :)
Is there any blindingly obvious utilities im seriously lacking? Not enough modulation? (which i love) Do i have redundant modules? maybe due to not having the prerequisites to use it properly. I understand this could be absolute trash that cant even make a sound but If you are going to critisise it, please can it be constructive criticism only :)
From my basic knowledge i believe i have two sequencers that i can route to 4 sound sources two of which can be used as lfos which in the end i can route to the mixer module in the top so i can balance levels. If i am missing crucial modules for this to work please do tell me.
Also I intend to start my modular journey with the atlantis and metropolis modules. Correct me if im mistaken but would i have a functioning albeit limited synth with just those two modules?

Thanks for the advice and knowledge :)

EDIT: I did replace the granular processor with the ADE-32 Octocontroller but it didnt update for some reason.

EDITED Sep 22nd 2020, 20:07

Thanks for the suggestions. I certainly wasn’t expecting that a another filter would be a good thing to pair up with a Filter8. Something to think about when I’ve got a decent delay installed.
For now, it looks like I shall have to up my LFO/envelope game. Shall start doing some research, but initial thoughts are that MI Stages or the Xaoc Zadar could be put to many uses in my rack. The Kermit looks like a beast, but maybe a bit fiddly to use - certainly merits a deeper look.

I have the Dual Borg filter and love it. Get that one.

Hi Jim,

Well so far I have not have to use anything but sequencer, VCAs, mixer and mults in my patching learning experience. Below is my second rack and I am open to suggestions and recommendations before adding more voice modules. Right now I just have 2 the BIA and Cursus but the Kermit can be a quad LFO, EG, dirty VCO or combination of these which is unique in a module.

I will check out Sloths, Shades and Streams modules to see what they can do for my setup. I do want to add Pamela New Workout for clock duty and ALM Busy Circuits Boss Bow Two - 8 way sequential switch in the short run as these would open open patch ideas for clock generator, clock divider and switch patches.

Hi guys,

I would like to build a rack for dark techno, industrial techno. I am totally new to modular, just own the Erica Synths Techno System and i plan to buy the same Erica Synths case and fill it with module for melody, noise and effects. I plan it on modular grid and need your advice ! Can it work like this ? What i need to change ? What would you change to improve it?

I will buy modules little by little, and think to begin with Noise engineering basimilus iteritas alter, zularic repetitor and manis iteritas. Do you think its nice for begin ? I can use BIA and Manis with the Erica Sequencer, right ? Do i need other things ?

Thank you for your help ;)

Kevin

EDITED Sep 22nd 2020, 21:57

personally I prefer simple functional blocks for utilities and preferably ones that can handle audio and cv at the same time - plus manuals in plain english help - so I would never buy a cold mac, or recommend one

Ho, one last question: what do you think of the Cold Mac in this configuration? I haven't enjoyed it as much as I thought I'd do but it may come from my lack of actual modules. The manual mentions a "Cross FM combinations" patch that seems quite nice but requires 2 mangroves - I only have one at the moment. You mentioned the need of a submixer so maybe the cold mac could act as one?