I would think so...however, I'd also be concerned that there was a potential mismatch if the idea is to plug the modular right into the amp. While the A-138d is designed to be used with stompbox send/returns, plugging it directly into an instrument-level input might cause both some overloading and impedence mismatching. For that reason, you might want to look at a load-matching device such as Radial's Tonebone Dragster to correct any issues in that connection.

And admittedly, I'm not 100% sold on using the A-138d for that purpose anyway. It's not bad as a send/return, but I think there's better and, more importantly, smaller candidates for that out there (Malekko, Bastl, etc). As far as outputs go, though, get something that has some isolation on it (ground loop hum issues between synth and amp are a very real possibility!). But looking a little further, I do see something of a problem with using the Ears module as an input. For one thing, it has no direct input jack for a 1/4" plug. It's also intended as something of a contact mic module...not exactly what's called for here. My suggestion would be to look at Sputnik's EF/Preamp instead; this offers impedence matching for instruments, has a full-on envelope follower, decade-switched input preamp level control, and the proper sort of jack to hook in directly to the modular.


Thread: Chords

Some other options are Telharmonic (Make Noise), has its own voices. Elektrofon Klang is new and does 4x CV out. Modules like Braids and Plaits have at least triads, as does the WMD Arpitecht Triad. Get both types and all of them, obviously.

Klang looks good, doing progressions from memory.


Yah the Intellijel 7U seems like a really nice case. To keep the cost down just a bit, I may end up going with the Tiptop Audio Mantis, cost per HP seems more reasonable however I can definitely see the advantage of the Intellijel with those 1U modules and that nice aluminum chassis so that's something to think about for my build.

After taking a hard look at the original idea, and meeting up with a local musician that has a Eurorack setup, I have realized Eurorack and me for live work just does not gel, however it sparked some new ideas for the home studio.

First modules arrive tomorrow :) Starting with how I want to sequence (was able to find a Variatic Sequent which I really wanted, and I was able to find a Brain Seed, thanks for showing me this one mt3!). Next step I will figure out the case, then VCO, noise/random generator, VCA, filters, LFO, headphone out/line out, a logic module, etc etc

Here is the actual build so far...

ModularGrid Rack

Out of curiosity do people usually start a new thread when the rack idea totally changes? Or is it cool to keep this thread going?


Thread: Chords

I would like to have a chord module for my rack. I know there are two types: One that usually gives four cv otputs from one cv input like Harmonaig or Flames Chord Machine 2 and the other type with internal oscillators/voices like QU-Bit Chord v2.
I would appreciate some advices how to think before I make my choice about what type and what module I shall consider.
I have no specific plan how to use the module but I know I want CHORDS!


Who's ace? @robocoder!

Thanks, Roberto, for making sure my module made it from Japan to The Bronx safely - you saw it had arrived before I did!

Cheers, Benton


Last Jam : DARK PLANTATION
Elektron Analog MK1 + Arturia Beatstep Pro + Modular Synth

https://www.facebook.com/MusicSpringRolls/videos/2485203738164462/


Hi lugia,
Thanks for the input, I knew already about the pittsburgh, but i am actually looking forward towards having controls at hand and not at foot! :)
Lately I was having most pedals raised for that reason.
Would you have any idea if the doepfer's attenuated output could be quiet enough to be run into a guitar amplifier?


One thing worth noting: Pittsburgh Modular had a stompbox Eurorack cab until a few years ago. Here's the page: https://pittsburghmodular.com/patch-box/ It's discontinued, but if you look around in the usual used gear locations, you might turn one up. While it doesn't hold a lot of modules, it would make for an excellent foot controller for a bigger system.


Purchased a Prizma v1 from @barebones - good comms, timely shipping, good packaging, module arrived as advertised and in good working order. Thanks!


@octon

Bought a Roland Demora, great communication, excellent packaging, everything really good! Thanks


Hi there,
I am a guitar player with a nick for electronic sounds. For some years now I have been thinking to use modular to process my guitar, basically using it as an incredibly powerful effect box to do all things that I difficultly can with my pedalboard: freeze, sample & resample, filter, chop, etc....

Now I am finally deciding what I need to get started into this whole thing.

I am looking on the best starting modules to put in between my guitar and amplifier:
utilities:
-input module for guitar (amplification) - ears
-output module for amplifier (attenuator) - doepfer a-138d
-power - tiptop audio uzeus
fun:
- doepfer wasp filter
- mutable clouds (I know it is discontinued, anyone has any idea on an alternative?)
- morphagene (expensive! cheaper alternatives?)

...and then I need advice on which control modules to put to control these beauties (vca's? pamela? sequencers?)

as said, I need advice on the minimal setup to start into it and have some fun.

Cheers!


Not sure why you'd use several ONEs when something like this would make a lot more sense and only cost slightly more: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/1010-music-bitbox-2-0
Granted, it occupies a bigger footprint, but you have far more simultaneous sample voices, plus a lot of capabilities that simply can't be crammed into a 4 hp module. Also, this allows full sample editing and manipulation to be done in the build and on the fly, along with SD card capabilities, interactivity with Ableton Live, etc.


@aeonsilence

Fast communication and shipping, nice packaging, all good!


Just received a Disting MK4 from @tomlaan. Nice communication, all good!


Yeh maybe i can swap the first row out for marbles along with 2-3 one players that would give me 2-3*256 sounds


Perhaps a controlled random source would work. Something that operates along the lines of the Buchla "Source of Uncertainty", such as Doepfer's A-149 modules, Mutable's Marbles, or the Frap Sapel. By using something like this, it's possible to constrain and direct the random variance into a specific "zone" of random activity. Within that zone, you'd still have varying degrees of randomness, but with the additional control functions, you get a more workable stochastic result.


Wow, thank you. I will consequently work through your message again later and identify and execute all your mentioned points.

Concerning the Model D, i know it takes up a lot of space, its just that i was hoping to create a setup that allows me to have an "everything in one" solution, that apparently led me to missing out on putting in important modules, like vcas, also i see that it has limitated patching capabilities.

I will get back to this thread with a hopefully more "useful" and less "sexymodulesyndrome"-like build, thank you again for your awesome response.


Here's a new modular-driven single from our band Wilder beats, hope you like it! Full length album coming later this year.

Bandcamp: https://wilderbeats.bandcamp.com/track/demens
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/2kT8RI5A1kaus9wYvs64qc?si=otH9cu7sQPq81Llaylichg
Soundcloud:

Arpeggios mostly coming from Mother32+Strymon Magneto.
Bass from Make Noise STO.
Beat mostly modular, with some additions from Ableton.


Hey lugia thanks for the reply!
You're absolutely right with the lighting Situation thats why i got myself a few led lights to brighten up my Rack.

Its hard for me to part with voices even though i could use a tiptop audio one with samples i love having access to a myriad of sounds (i am doing glitch/hitech psy stuff) but i am not convinced in the one sample player yet..... I sequence it with voltage block. maybe i should let a noise/random source do the sample select thing to get more Variation?
With Metropolis+loquelic+qpas i do my basslines together with the second loquelic Mixed.
Shapeshifter+micro sequence cover my leads and sometimes fx.
The plaits and synchrodyne fill in melodies and occasional bleeps'nbloops

Other then that i got kick,snare,hihats and percussive samples from the tiptop one. Doesnt seem too much to me


There's a lot there you could switch out...or, for that matter, eliminate altogether. And that's what's crippling this right now. For example, how many sequential devices do you need when you actually have very little in the way of logic and other clocking modifiers?

Stop and look at this build carefully, asking yourself constantly "Will I need this in 18 months?" This seems awfully specialized...and if your musical direction changes, will this build still serve your needs, or just turn into a 12u money pit?

In another post I did today, I mentioned what I call the "sexy module syndrome". This build here is that in action. Lots of wild panel art (which will be loads of fun in a dimly-lit venue! as in, no fun AT ALL), very specialized modules, and not a whole lot in evidence that is "boring". And the "boring" stuff, in the end, is what makes these function. There's not too much in the way of general-purpose stuff, either...things that you can say "yes!" about when you ask that question in the last paragraph. Yes, eight Doepfer A-110-2s all in a row would look really bland. And they seem boring in of themselves...until you start adding other basics, and then you get to really unleash those VCOs with, yep, just as much capability as several complex oscillators (depending on what else you have on hand) but more importantly, less cost than several complex oscillators.

And about all of that jazzy panel art...

Here's an experiment: turn your display brightness down to about 10-15% of normal while looking at your build above. Can you still make perfect sense of what you're looking at? No, you can't cheat by getting your eyes a couple of inches from the patchpanel on the screen, because if you do that live, it'll look really derpy. Treat this as what it is: a simulation of light levels you may have to deal with in live performance. Does this build make sense in dim light? My bet is that it won't. And yes, I know a lot of module designers pride themselves on their "edgy" designs...but then, go have a look at Grayscale's listing, where there are LOADS of plain-layout redesigns of all of that "edgy" stuff because, basically, those "edgy" graphics ARE ANNOYING. And also, turn down the lights and "let's see what happens" comes into play; are you up for memorizing every single knob function, switch function, patchpoint function, etc when the patchpanel looks like total gibberish? That's where this leads.

Yeah, I know you have a lot of this gear on-hand already. But seriously...back up for a moment and look at some prebuilds, classic synths, etc. They work because they play into what the performer needs before they know they need it. Try removing some of those "can't part with" modules, decomplicating the build. Try coming up with an arrangement of modules that reflects the signal flow you require before you plug in that first patchcord. And how much did that Piston Honda cost? The one you can't use because of the "everything else" that you're supposedly so locked in over? Hate to tell you, but you're up to your navel in that proverbial money pit already, friend. Time to figure out some strategies to get out of it!


Step 1: Take that Model D out of the cab. It has its own skiff with power...and Eurorack cabs, when you start looking at the cost per space they have, are things that should be filled with things that require being in there. As an example, let's look at this just in the math...

A Make Noise CV Bus case costs $660 at Perfect Circuit. Now, this has 208 3u spaces (I'm not counting the 1u row here, as Tony's already filled that for everyone). 660/208 = 3.17(ish). The Model D is 70 hp (if you don't add on any of several Model D expanders that're out there specifically for allowing access to the rest of the patchpoints once you case it). This means that if you put this synth (that comes with a free powered case) in your Eurorack cab, it will take a roughly $210 chunk out of that case, thereby making your Model D cost $509. Mmmmmm...nope. Bad idea all around.

Step 2: You should be able to add the middle 1u tier by editing this rack...and you want to, so that you can get a very clear idea of how signal flows in the build are going to work. Otherwise, you're missing out on one of the more useful aspects of MG.

Next...now, there's A LOT missing here. There's no VCAs outside of the HexMix, for starters; you'll need more of them, particularly for manipulating CV/mod levels instead of just audio. There's no output module to bring your levels down to line level after the HexMix. I don't see any modulation sources aside of one lonely LFO and the Peaks clone. There's no filtering in here, either. All of these are pretty crippling omissions.

Another problematic thing is the two rather sizeable drum modules taking up a 26 hp chunk of your upper row while only giving you the useful output of a kick and a hat. That's not a good use of space, especially given that there are loads of similar modules out there that take up far less room. But as someone who's been doing live electroacoustic performance work since the beginning of the 1980s, I frankly wouldn't put ANY drum machine stuff in the...well, the thing that's not a drum machine. If you want electronic percussion, then use a drum machine; the argument for doing so is rather similar to the point behind taking the Model D out of the case. If the two modules cost $478 (which they do in the USA) together, and an Arturia DrumBrute costs $449 (which then gives you many more percussion voices, onboard syncable sequencing, a dedicated VCF, etc etc)...well, the choice is pretty straightforward, I think.

Remember: you're building this in a case with two rows of 104 hp each. Given that you have very limited space, your first consideration in creating a build here on MG is to consider what does not belong in the case. Then after that, consider what must be in the case in order to have a workable instrument. My advice would be to trash this build, for starters, but not before making note of a few specific things that do work, such as having the Rene, Plaits clone, HexMix and the Clouds clone in the next iteration. Then after studying those four modules and what they work best with (and fyi, that's the original Rene...the mk.II version has the ability to integrate with the Make Noise Tempi, with the result being a far more capable sequencing environment, this being one example of what I'm getting at here), start branching out from there BUT not before doing some studies of other classic modular systems. See what the various engineers figured out some 40-50 years ago in terms of necessary capabilities, signal flow and module layout, and so on. And also keep in mind that you should not be trying to build this successfully in one shot. A good build that works for years on end is one that's actually honed-down and refined over many iterations; otherwise, you risk building a very expensive and incapable money pit instead of a musical instrument. Constantly question everything as you do this...is this the right module choice?, does this layout make things flow better?, can I fit the same function into a tighter space?...these should be firmly in your mind while working this out. And how do I connect what I plan to use outside of the cab with what's INside the cab? There's a Keystep there...now, are there things on MG that play nicely with that controller (hint: there are) and what it can output?

No, it's not easy. And part of that is because this isn't cheap. Another problem comes from what I call the "sexy module syndrome"...the idea that, hey, THAT looks cool! I want it!...that always results in people leaving necessary yet UNsexy modules out of the build (like here!). Try seeing how boring you can make the build look. Perhaps make a mockup with all one brand of modules, then start whittling away at this, making substitutions, etc. And always avoid putting anything in the cab that can be done outside of the cab...multiples, for example. Buffered mults (when needed! as in, if you have more than five VCOs or thereabouts to run off of the same CV source) belong in the case. Passive mults, however, only belong in the case when you have room to spread out, which means you'd be dealing with a rather sizable build, not one this small. This is why multiple widgets exist, and stackcables, also. Consider: put a 2 hp passive mult at each end of each 3u row in this. Now, try and do this when the system's been filled up already with "function", meaning you now have to remove a total of 8 hp of that functionality. Not a good compromise of space.

Anyway, these are the sorts of things you've got to have in mind to eventually get to a workable result. Modular synthesis is 100% NOT a "throw stuff in box, connect wires, twist knobs, win!" sort of situation. Remember: you're considering spending several thousand dollars on this. You're going to want to do it right.


Hello people of the modular world,

i have been trying to figure out a good setup for live performances, that leaves me room for direct and predictable interaction, as well as some rather explorative ways to work with it. it would be set up in the 7u makenoise case for in and outputs.

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_932671.jpg

I will use it with the beatstep pro and a keystep controller.

i would appreciate some feedback!

FJL 91


hi playing around with this in two cases atm. the upper 2 rows are like additional voices i really like and cannot seem to part with. even though i know i probably got too many (complex) osc.
while playing live i found myself struggling for switching off / muting certain sounds.... is there a space saving variant maybe with buttons like the divkid mutes?
does the malekko mute switch and other mute buttons klick? or is it more wise to use the mutes on the gates triggering sounds?
thanks in advance

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_705895.jpg

ps: i also want to cram in my piston Honda mk3 but its really hard for me to switch something out


I saw your post from last year and completely agree...should have referenced or "+1'd" your request as well.
I wouldn't remove it altogether though. I definitely get -some- use out of it...just want it to be even better.

-- danishrancher

Hmm. Well I'd love for it to be fixed too!

I am just being realistic... The feature is totally broken and has been for as long as I've been visiting the site. It says I have 26 modules in common with a rack that has only 10 modules in it, and really we have only 1 module in common. It might as well just pick random racks for that matter.

The site is run by the one dude, and frankly, I'm just happy the site is on a stable server after being pwned by the Chinese spammers. I really need MG for only one thing, and it does that perfectly! :-) Thanks again!


A requested upgrade for the "similar racks" feature: limit returned racks to one per user to increase relevance and variety of the returned racks.

I did a "search similar" this morning and the return set was the same rack over and over again...all from the same person:
* RackName
* RackName (copy)
* RackName (copy) (copy)
* RackName (copy) (copy) (copy)
* and so on

If the return set were limited to one rack per user, I would be able to see (more useful) racks from other people.

Additionally/alternatively, return multiple pages of similar racks...I'd be happy enough to page through multiple results.

Thank you.
-- danishrancher

For that matter, it would be nice if the 'search similar' would only count one copy of each module. I have a OTool+ on my rack, and the most similar rack is one that has 49 more OTools, I guess we have 50 modules in common the way the script does math...

Basically the feature doesn't work at all, maybe you should just remove it altogether. That would be the easy solution.

-- cg_funk

I saw your post from last year and completely agree...should have referenced or "+1'd" your request as well.
I wouldn't remove it altogether though. I definitely get -some- use out of it...just want it to be even better.


A requested upgrade for the "similar racks" feature: limit returned racks to one per user to increase relevance and variety of the returned racks.

I did a "search similar" this morning and the return set was the same rack over and over again...all from the same person:
* RackName
* RackName (copy)
* RackName (copy) (copy)
* RackName (copy) (copy) (copy)
* and so on

If the return set were limited to one rack per user, I would be able to see (more useful) racks from other people.

Additionally/alternatively, return multiple pages of similar racks...I'd be happy enough to page through multiple results.

Thank you.
-- danishrancher

For that matter, it would be nice if the 'search similar' would only count one copy of each module. I have a OTool+ on my rack, and the most similar rack is one that has 49 more OTools, I guess we have 50 modules in common the way the script does math...

Basically the feature doesn't work at all, maybe you should just remove it altogether. That would be the easy solution.


A requested upgrade for the "similar racks" feature: limit returned racks to one per user to increase relevance and variety of the returned racks.

I did a "search similar" this morning and the return set was the same rack over and over again...all from the same person:
* RackName
* RackName (copy)
* RackName (copy) (copy)
* RackName (copy) (copy) (copy)
* and so on

If the return set were limited to one rack per user, I would be able to see (more useful) racks from other people.

Additionally/alternatively, return multiple pages of similar racks...I'd be happy enough to page through multiple results.

Thank you.


Good experience buying from @mrxndr - great price, quick dispatch, module in perfect condition. Thanks again!


Great to work with @RTFM , very friendly and fast communication and superfast shipping as well. Very honest pricing as well. thank you!


I wrote a guide on rack mounting the 0 coast and powering it from your case supply.

https://www.mentataudio.com/gear-studio-talk/how-to-rack-mount-a-make-noise-0-coast-in-a-eurorack-case/


ModularGrid Rack


This is the more recent version of my draft, i would be very thankful for some feedback,

FJL

P.S.: It would be used with the Makenoise 7U Case, also i have lots of guitar effect pedals which i will go in through the rosie.


Hello people,

the last days i have been trying to figure out a setup that i can do arpeggios/sequences, leads via the keystep, ambient/drone/pad sounds, and a really basic drum at the same moment with.

I somehow have the feeling, that this setup is really unbalanced and might not work. Also i am not sure whether or not the clock (tempi) can even trigger the pico drums module.

Also i feel like i am missing several things:

envelope generators, modulation sources, and utilities, while at the same time, i am overdoing it with the sound generative part of the setup. Nonetheless i love the moogish sound of the model d and wouldnt want to miss it for live performances due to its easily and fast accesible characteristics. On the other hand i love working with wavetables and see also the modulation potential of the 6 lfos in the SWN.

Any recommendations?

I would be very happy to get some feedback from you,

cheers,

FJL


We've made a couple new demonstration songs using our HG-16 Black synth.
Check out our Soundcloud page here if you're so inclined :)

-Audiospektri Finland


Thank you Lugia for taking the time to comment! I probably wasn't clear, but I do plan on getting a second 104hp skiff, that's why my grid shows 2 rows. I agree with you on economy of space, but I'm not quite as limited as it appears.

Regarding the VCO, my train of thought was that the DFAM has two and the Mother32 has one with a couple other options. I think the Dixie ii+ is pretty solid, would value your opinion on this choice. Additional voices will be something I'm definitely adding as I fill out the second skiff. I'm totally with you on the QCD expander, something I am keeping in mind. I love rhythm so expanding clocking possibilities is attractive to me. Also with you on the EG. I really wanted to work the Jove into my first row, but will be there for sure in the second phase. I really like your point about a function generator, did a little digging on that already and liked what I was learning. I'm going to explore that more and see what I might add. I really wanted an excuse to add a Doepfer module, this may be the perfect avenue.

Thanks a ton!


First of all, a second VCO would probably be useful. One alone can sound a bit thin, but put two together and detune one slightly, and the sound gets real huge, real fast.

Consider replacing things that are large with the same things, but smaller. Such as: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/g-storm-electro-jp6-vcf or https://www.modulargrid.net/e/codex-modulex-%C2%B5motion . Keep in mind that in a restricted space such as this, you need to cram function in as best as you can, and the more functionality your build can have, the better. For instance, by doing those two replacements above, you then have room for the QCD's expander module, which really ups your clock modulation capabilities.

And speaking of clocking, given that you're dealing with two prebuilts that contain sequencing capabilities, you might want to look at modules that let you screw around with that aspect to a greater degree. In this case, I'm talking about Boolean logic, devices such as comparators and derivators, and gate/trigger delays. One example of this sort of function would be to use a comparator to fire off a gate when the Wogglebug's output crosses a certain voltage threshold, then feed that + a clock into an AND gate. That gate will then output a gate only when the comparator's and the clock's gates are both on; this is the sort of thing that can allow you to create a load of complex cross-rhythms between all of the parts of your patch setup...and potentially beyond, if you have other synths that can use those gate pulses.

One other thing that's lacking here is extra envelopes. Sure, the Maths can do those, but that's sort of like buying a Maserati then only using it to drive to the grocery store. Consider some sort of complex AR module, like Doepfer's A-143-1 or Sputnik's Quad Function & Trigger Source; with those, you can use the module as a bank of EGs, a complex function generator, or (in the case of the Doepfer) both at once. And this also dovetails with the clocking strategy above.


Thread: Reverb

Try direct: https://www.facebook.com/purrtronicsmodular/


As far as integration with Ableton, another option is the FH2. Basically it's MIDI to CV. It's less expensive than the ES8. But has no option to record audio. I would really investigate both of the modules and see which is the better fit for your workflow.


https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_906257.jpg?1559482639

Some minor updates that for some reason were not captured in the first image. I have that 10ph hole that I would like to fill with something that would help round out my setup and maybe I don't realize I could use. Looking for suggestions. Thanks!


Thread: Reverb

Thanks!
Seems to be a perfect choice for me!
But I have not found a seller yet. No hit at Schneidersladen but I keep on searching.


I cant wait for these modules to hit the market! These are fantastic modules for the price, dual vcf, vca, all the stuff you need but dont want to break the bank for. I dont think other eurorack manufactures havr to fear from this, its a great gatrway into the euro rabbithole. I really hope this will be a reality soon, i will be on the preorder list in no time, this is a no brainer really, a full m100 system for 1200€ ? Uli is a hero!


Please post pics or virtual love to see how they look this one is all about looking cool cause you like it and having a sound that comes from the designers preferences and might be f'd up kinda too. If you can comment on what makes it flavored different that would be very helpful indeed. I/O modules do not have to be from the same company.

This is what I must have from Knobcon in 2019 and the .VCO with that crazy digital drift engine sounds disturbing.

ModularGrid Rack


I have had a Mother 32 and DFAM for a few months now and am beginning to build a rack(s) that would compliment them both as much as possible. I've already gotten a Makenoise 104hp skiff and have picked up Maths and 4MS Qcd. I definitely plan to get most everything in the top row, the second row are being considered. Based on what I have currently projected to go in my rack(s), where am I falling short? Please comment, I appreciate it!


Thread: Reverb

This:
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/purrtronics-purrvrrb
It's the spring reverb that has no spring. The Purrvrrb is a digital emulation of a mono-in, stereo-out spring, but without the actual spring itself it's not subject to the issues that can happen (ie: feedback, noises from movement or impact, etc) to a true spring reverb. At $130, the price is great, plus the architecture of the module allows you to also use it to "stereoize" a mono signal. Also, this has a regeneration control, which allows the module to feed back on itself...which can be quite interesting depending on what you're feeding into it as well.


Thread: Reverb

I need a cheap non-spring reverb module.
Thinking of 2HP Verb or Erica Synths Pico DSP.
It does not have to be stereo.
Other suggestions?


Lugia: absolutely. As I've said above for any of the more basic utility style modules (essentially all the 2hp ones) I'll just pick up whatever I can find for cheap (Lardik & Bastl are great options in this regard). As to where I'll get the space (beyond the 10hp free as is) I'll likely re-sell my least liked favourite few modules. As I don't know what those will be yet I find it more useful to slightly over-spec, but that's just a personal preference. As a minor note I've found cost per utility to be a much more useful metric then $ per hp, as a 4xVCA in 6hp for $300 is more economical then a 2xVCA in 6hp for $200.

Ronin: I've got quite a few issues with your arguments, but thanks for the feedback anyways!
1) The A-100p9 is 10cm deep. There isn't a single module here that cracks 5. This means it's totally fine to have a rats nest of a few flying bus boards and a second smaller power supply, so your issues with depth, enough headers, and power aren't really problems for me.
2) I might be misinterpreting this but "planing for what I want" and disregarding more generally versatile modules is a great way to end up with an $7000 toy, incapable of anything more then some ambient tingles and maybe thoughtless techno. I'm looking, first and foremost, to make a fairly compact and complete tool I can use to produce music, without loosing the instant access to exploration and strange sonic territory modular brings.

Thank you both for your feedback!


There might be a way to add new waveforms to the Zadar, but the amount of "primitives" you have to work with (260) plus all of the complex transformation capabilities over those means that you probably won't ever have to do that. As for the ES-8 conflict issue, it shouldn't be a problem given that most DAWs these days allow you to specify which channels are being fed by/feeding which signals. You can probably set up a template that gives the Fireface and ES-8 clear directions as to who does what, and then use that as your main work template preference. I'd suggest going to Expert Sleepers' website (https://www.expert-sleepers.co.uk/) and looking over the Silent Way documentation as it relates to the ES-8 and using that with another USB audio interface. The other convenient thing, though, is that if you want to play live with only the modular, all you'd need is the DAW with Silent Way to handle your basic CV/gate functions with no need to pull the ADAT Lightpipes. And also, notice that the ES-8 has Lightpipe connections, so if there was a conflict, you could still fall back on those. But even moreso, the ES-8 has four inputs which the ES-3 doesn't have, allowing your modular to send control signals (such as clocking, triggers, etc) back into the DAW along with the capability of recording the modular's audio direct-to-digital.

No, the Erica cab doesn't have a fan. But what it does have is that amazing 140mm case depth plus excellent power specs, and the ability (if eventually needed) to add Erica's tube heater P/S addon for later tube modules, if you find some of those interesting. The Erica case is also vented, which helps to keep heat buildup issues (such as tuning drift) to a minimum.

Yep, modular is expensive. Nothing much you can do about that if certain functionalities that require specific modules are required. But while the build I put up looks complicated, ultimately, it's not. Everything's very straightforward as far as panel markings and controls, plus you have the ability to automate (via the ES-8) many of the Zadar functions, Akemie's algorithm selection, your mix levels, etc with the DAW/Silent Way able to track this via musical cues from the modular itself...yet there's still lots to tweak manually as well.


If the idea of cramming functionality into a given space is key here, I'd suggest looking into some manufacturers who specialize in the 3-5 hp range. Ronin makes a very good point that if you go too small (ie: basing everything on 2hp's modules) you'll wind up with a patch panel that's a total nightmare to navigate. Companies such as Ladik and Bastl, however, also do small well...but there's more "real estate" to work with with those, and you'll also wind up with a few more functions than the basic 2hp ones provide.

There is, however, another less-obvious issue here. Let's do some math...

Ladik does a number of different ADSR envelope generators, all with additional functions that allow them to specialize in different functions that go a bit beyond normal ADSR EGs. Each of these are 4 hp (except their fully-CVable ADSR, which is 8 hp) and each costs around $75 (the 8 hp one is $80). 2hp, OTOH, has only one basic ADSR, which is 2 hp (of course) at $89. On the surface, it doesn't seem like there's much difference, money-wise. BUT...if you start adding up how much it costs each module to occupy its space in terms of $ per hp, it becomes obvious that the smaller modules are actually more costly in terms of space they occupy. If a Ladik C-212 (ADSR with extra inverse output) fits in 4 hp and costs $75, this comes to $18.75 per hp filled. But then, doing the same test with a 2hp ADSR, you get $44.50 per hp.

That cost per hp figure is actually a valid measure of how economical your build eventually comes out to be. Let's say you have a single row at 84 hp to fill. With a $/hp of $1575, a row of Ladik ADSRs (if you were to do such a thing) is ultimately much more cost-efficient than that same row in 2hp ADSRs ($3738). But then...let's say you did a whole row of Ladik's CVable ADSRs. At $80 per module, each hp then costs $10, giving you a cost per that theoretical row of $840.

And this issue is in addition to the point that your build above is 3 x 84 hp. So, going tiny might be great if you're trying to do a very portable modular...but if you're going to build something bigger, not only would you have a difficult patchpanel to use overall, the result would be far more costly and inefficient, cost-wise. Not to ding on 2hp, mind you, but while their stuff is awesome for the small portable crowd, in a (relatively) large build 2hp's modules are better suited to fill gaps with functionality instead of throwing that away by putting in a blank panel. So, basically, if you have the space, use the space.


This is very interesting and looks absolutely brilliant! Thank you! :)

However, the system is turning out quote a bit more complex (and expensive) than I thought it would be.

So if I may throw in some additional constraints...

I think it would be useful for me to be more limited (although not too limited) to begin with, and explore fewer modules. I'm also thinking that it could be a good idea to add a Mordax DATA (or similar), so that I can see a visual representation while experimenting with the modules.

Basically, I'm curious about what could be an minimal but viable variant (interesting to work with, and at least somewhat flexible in terms of what kind of sounds (pads, basses, etc.) can be produced). Let's say we had to cut it down to only one sound source, for instance, perhaps getting rid of µRinks, SMR, Clouds and/or Stereomix.

It may be a silly idea, but could the system work with only µRinks as a sound source?

Or what could the system look like if we only built it around Jupiter Spirits?

Some other thoughts:

Is that a fan in the Erica Synths case? (I would prefer if the case I'm using is silent. Perhaps they all are?)

If the system is smaller, could a skiff case could be a good place to start?

Are there any other cases that you can recommend?

Also, I wonder if ES-8 is preferable to ES-3. That is, if it wouldn't be better for me to connect directly to Fireface UCX (which connects to the computer using USB) via an ADAT connection. I don't know if there could be a conflict with having to USB audio interfaces.

Finally, Is it possible to add envelopes to Zadar (perhaps by patching the firmware), or are we limited to the evelopes that are preprogrammed in there? I'm guessing that the many envelopes and virtually endless modulation possibilities would compensate for that, but I still think it would be pretty neat to be able to do.

Thanks again!


I will take a closer look at the Squarp... it seems really compact - at least more than 101 and 102 together. And there would be a little cash left to fill up the missing M32 ;) Already did that with the Maths at the moment.

Thanks once more for your help and have a nice weekend!