Hi all,
I'm putting together my first rack in a Make Noise skiff. I'm primarily a percussionist who does a lot of improvising and am essentially looking for this rack to be a texture generator. I have my first few modules picked out already but could use some thoughts on how to finish filling the rack/feedback on what I've picked so far. I'm thinking about another voice in addition to Rings and perhaps a utility modular but am not entirely sure. Thanks!
I've wanted to build a modular synthesizer for years, but I think now's the time. I want to build something small and inexpensive (~$2000), but one that will keep me entertained and diving into new sounds while not updating it for a matter of months while at college. I have a general idea of how to go about it (I think), different sounds and artists I'd like to emulate, and modules I find really interesting, such as:
Mannequins - Just Friends
ALM - Akemie's Taiko, Akemie's Castle
Qu-Bit - Nebulae V2, Chance
Pittsburgh - Primary Oscillator
Malekko - Varigate 4+, 8+
I want to pair it to Earthquaker Devices's Avalanche Run because I love how that pedal sounds, but that's besides the point. Here are the modules I selected considering what I find interesting and what I think will keep me interested for a long time without updating it:
https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_892010.jpg
Feedback? I'm a noob and I want the maximum potential out of my small system, so please give me feedback.
On https://www.modulargrid.net/e/forum/forums/index currently the latest four posts shown are as follows:
Feature Request But at this point where Moon and COTK are both heavily int… Today, 04:10 by modulargrid in ModularGrid
0-coast plus.... Hi, I have an Arturia Keystep, and an 0-coast. Also using s… Sunday April 14, 12:52 by ampism in Racks
Current Rack I built the 7U myself out of cherry, it's 220HP. I plan to… Yesterday, 21:20 by cg_funk in Racks
Moog werkstatt with 2hp Euclid Certainly...that's what the Expansion board was intended fo… Friday April 12, 19:56 by Lugia in You
In my time zone, it's Monday, April 15, but in ANY time zone, I have a hard time seeing how Friday, Yesterday, Sunday, and Today are different days.
But at this point where Moon and COTK are both heavily into this size format and there's others inching into it as well, it would seem like something that needs accomodating.
-- Lugia
I started some time ago to put a halfheight row to MU but I have forgotten why I did not finish that. I will pick up the idea...
Beep, Bopp, Bleep: info@modulargrid.net
Just purchased my second year as a Unicorn Account holder. This site is such a wonderful tool. I'm happy to support it.
- The biggest feature [..].
-- CaptainRockout
These are all well thought out requests, I see what is possible. And of course thanks for supporting!
Beep, Bopp, Bleep: info@modulargrid.net
Hi, I have an Arturia Keystep, and an 0-coast. Also using some stomp boxes (Boss reverb, delay). I want to slowly add to these, and create a rack to process the 0-coast sounds, but also add another voice to complement it.
Any thoughts on this? : 
Thanks!
I built the 7U myself out of cherry, it's 220HP. I plan to eventually make a matching 7U that stands upright to go where the 84HP intellijel is right now. But I do get your point!
Rack space is freaky expensive, it's also a great luxury to have all the modules right there and immediately patchable. I know that moving the DFAM out of the rack will mean it gets patched less.
Here's the thing, I'm not really using the DFAM nearly as much anyways. I really love the module, but it has some drawbacks that make it difficult in a larger rack setting:
1) It lacks a 'reset' input, so it's a pain in the ass to sync to other sequencers, you have to manually advance the trigger.
2) It has only coarse tuning knobs, and they are very fiddly.
3) Tiny-ass trim pots.
I think I may have just outgrown this module. I am using it mainly as hi-hats or as a paraphonic voice. I'm thinking of these guys as the more satisfying upgrade: CS-L, DPO, CIP, or maybe that upcoming Panharmonium thing. And maybe I'd still have room for a Maths and a Veils.
I'll second the #3 above...but only inasmuch as the MU section still needs something to accomodate half-height modules. And yes, even though COTK has a different idea of what MU half-height is, I would figure a "generic" half-height row measurement would work in the same way the 1U tile rows work in Eurorack for both normal and Intellijel format. But at this point where Moon and COTK are both heavily into this size format and there's others inching into it as well, it would seem like something that needs accomodating. A similar situation exists in the Buchla universe with the H series modules plus the 1U "ModuleModules" that Eardrill's got, but that seems more difficult to fix given that each module slot can have either two H-series or four ModuleModules, and this isn't a per-row thing.
That's certainly what I'd do. Fact is, if something has its own case, leave it there...given the cost of a Eurorack case and how much each hp costs, it's best to leave things that're cased in their cases, and use the higher-cost Eurorack cab spaces for things that require them.
In fact, let's look at this for a bit. Assuming both are Intellijel cabs, and not taking the 1U tiles into account, there's 376 hp of 3U space between these two cases. Then the street cost of those cases together is $1248...so a little simple math shows that each hp in those cabs has a pricetag of $3.32. That's not an insignificant number. So when you take a module that comes in a case (which, since the case is OEM, we'll put that at $0 per hp) like the DFAM, and drop it into a Eurorack case...well, with the DFAM, you're using $199.20 worth of Eurorack case, meaning you actually lose that much money by putting the DFAM in there. Not good!
Just purchased my second year as a Unicorn Account holder. This site is such a wonderful tool. I'm happy to support it.
This is what I'm playing with now.
The top rack is an 84HP 4U Intellijel case. I designed it so that it could be a fairly fun stand-alone synth when taken away from the 7U bottom.
I like the setup so far, but I've boxed myself a bit into a corner... I think I have to move the DFAM back to it's original case in order to grow any more. Suggestions welcome!
Certainly...that's what the Expansion board was intended for. However, keep in mind that the Werkstatt's pitch CV is set to something very abnormal -- but it can be rescaled for standard 1V/8va. Go here: https://api.moogmusic.com/sites/default/files/2018-04/Werkstatt_01_Manual.pdf and you'll find the recal directions plus a few other things you'll need to know.
Ok...so...Meanwhile I changed the cables from the module to the mixer with some of the better quality + above the Trigger button there is CLEAR button. Each time you change the preset,or you make some modifications, press Clear to clear the queue. It's way better now but i feel the problem is still not solved 100%. Also try to fix the module in the box as far from the source as you can.
I also exchanged some emails with intelijjel and they think it's from the dry/wet button and they gave me 2 options. 1. They offered to send me a new button to change it by myself..but i don't have the knowledge to do it.
2. Send it back to Schneiders Laden to do it.
They were very professional and easy to communicate.
I hope my post helps somehow...let me know.
Best,
Charlie
Hi,
I've recently bought a 0-Coast and I'm very impressed to the sound possibilities it has compared to my desktop synths, so I decided that maybe it's time for me to explore the world of modular synthesis.
Here's my idea, I'd like to build a synth that could do (in order of importance):
1. Droney/Ambient soundscapes that change over time
2. Some weird sounds/bleeps and stuff like that
3. Maybe another synth line that do more regular stuff.
I'd like it to be portable because if i can get enough confidence with it, I'd like to try to play it live, so I've thought to buy a 7U 104HP Intellijel case as my first (I don't know if all the modules I need for the stuff I've wrote before can fit in it, but I don't think to buy a new module more often than every two months so I think I can expand later).
I'd like to pair it with my octatrack that I'll use for drums and percussions. I also have a squarp pyramid that I've thought I could use for sequencing the modular (I'm also interested in some eurorack sequencers but I think I can explore them later).
What do I need first?
It would be cool if I could use the first modules I'll buy with the 0-Coast, I don't need that it does all the stuff I said before immediately, I think for now I can sample what I do as I am learning to use them.
I'm also fascinated about trying a more West-Coast style approach of synthesis.
I know it's a big request but let me know what do you think about my idea and what path should I take to realize it, thanks so much!
I own a Moog Werkstatt with the Expansion Board
No Mods
Is it possible to patch it with 2 Hp Euclid?
I'm totally new to this world
My first modules are 2hp Euclid,blue lantern Quad Quantizer and a 2 hp dual vca
If Anybody can help That would be great
Firstly, on this latest rack of mine, any new module I add gets placed directly over another module in the top row.
Indeed that is not what it should look like. Have to check that.
Secondly, occasionally I click on a modules's info button instead of the add (+) button. I use a track pad on my laptop and I'm kinda clumsy. Often times when I press back to go back to my rack the rack itself is not how I left it. It's often in some other, earlier configuration from the same rack. I would suggest some sort of save feature. Even if I could manually save the configuration to ensure it stays as it is. I think this would reduce frustrations.
The whole rack is saved on any movement of a module. If something looks strange, in most cases it is some kind of browser cache issue: just reloading the page will fix most issues.
Btw. the Rack Lock function is there to prevent the accidental movement of modules which often happens on mobile devices. Turn that on to prevent changes of your rack.
Thirdly, no big deal, I notice that the size (HP) of modules aren't listed on their individual info page.
They are in a grey label beside the function tags.
I love modular grid! I couldn't do without it. I love how it helps me arrange things before I commit to moving it all around.
Thanks a bunch!
-Jordan
-- meatbot
Thanks!
Beep, Bopp, Bleep: info@modulargrid.net
I've been experiencing a couple of bugs. I'll go into detail.
Firstly, on this latest rack of mine, any new module I add gets placed directly over another module in the top row. While this isn't a big deal, I was sure the intended functionality was to have the module placed in the first available (large enough) slot. See the screenshot here: https://imgur.com/a/Zu6AHPT
Secondly, occasionally I click on a modules's info button instead of the add (+) button. I use a track pad on my laptop and I'm kinda clumsy. Often times when I press back to go back to my rack the rack itself is not how I left it. It's often in some other, earlier configuration from the same rack. I would suggest some sort of save feature. Even if I could manually save the configuration to ensure it stays as it is. I think this would reduce frustrations.
Thirdly, no big deal, I notice that the size (HP) of modules aren't listed on their individual info page.
I love modular grid! I couldn't do without it. I love how it helps me arrange things before I commit to moving it all around.
Thanks a bunch!
-Jordan
Jumping Flash, as cool as a looping delay with control over CV module is..... you can get a lot of mileage out of guitar stompbox delays for a lot less money and also save space in the rack. I've owned many, and use a Source Audio Nemesis at the moment, but there are dozen affordable ones I could make use of just the same. Analog delays (EHX Memory Man and Memory Boy for example) are great and can be a bit more organic sounding, but I find digital emulations are less noisy.
Hi guys,
I have the same problem, its highest at 114hz almost -7db, using uZeus, did anyone find the solution in the meantime?
Cheers
Bane
Uhh, that's A LOT of VERy useful comments right there! I don't even know where to start picking up the right suggestions, but I guess some more time spent here, reading and learning can take me somewhere.
I am going thru all your suggestions, trying to reference what I don't know, and it's a real masterful set of advices! :-)
Let me read it all, understand it all, and I will be back with more questions :-) :-).
Thank you!
Maze Parameters
Octavian
Overview
- First patch involving Livestock Electronics Maze
- First patch where Dixie II uses multiple waveform outputs + 1st time it is self-patched (Saw into Linear FM Input)
- Very fast sequencer speeds + Run/Stop behaviour coming from Output 3 of Maze sends rapid clusters of notes to the 1v/oct of Rings, while it receives audio input from the Bandpass output of Cinnamon
- Since most of the routings favour the relationship between Input 1 and Output 1 in Maze, the behaviour and oscillation speed of the Dixie II affects many different parameters at once, and also has its own audible results in Quad VCA Output 1
Octavian
I really want to make sound effects but I don’t know where to start if someone can tell me if this is good for what I want to do
This is a rather smallish build, for starters. In addition to the above advice, I would add that you should try for maximum functional density. If there's a 20 hp module whose functions could be found in 16 hp, then go for the smaller size. If you find a VCO module that has two VCOs in the same panel space that currently houses one, then go for the two. As noted, Clouds, Braids, and Z-DSP are all either discontinued or superceded, so you can start by yanking those out if you don't have them already. But here's an example of what I'm talking about...
A Braids module occupies 16 hp of space. Mutable's upgraded version is the Plaits, which fits into 12 hp. But if you look at Codex Modulex's "shrunk" third-party versions of the Braids and Plaits (their uOsc-I and uOsc-II respectively), you'll notice that these are 8 hp, so this means you can effectively fit two of these (or one of each) into the space the Braids currently fits in and, in the process, double your oscillator compliment. Similarly, while Intellijel's uMIDI occupies 6 hp, it only gives you one channel of voice CV/gates. But if you went up 2 more hp, this allows you to use an Expert Sleepers FH-2, which gives you eight assignable CV/gate outputs and two inputs so that you could use clocking on the modular to control DAW tempi, allow a CV to change parameters in the DAW, and so on. Plus, you can expand it if needed, and it has a lot of functions the uMIDI doesn't but which you'll probably find useful.
A couple of other things to consider: first of all, if you're tempted to add mults, don't. Use inline mult devices or stackcables instead of losing functional HP to multiples. Second, if you can find a powered cab to use instead of one that requires the power supply to be placed on the patchpanel, go with that and free up four more hp. Lastly, consider what you're missing here, VCAs being the obvious one. Sure, they're not sexy...but they're essential as they allow level control for both audio AND modulation/CV. Perhaps look at a case with a 1U tile row? Intelljel has these, but they're formatted for their special tile format. Or you could simply try putting everything in a bigger 3U cab...many of us tend to recommend "going big" while doing initial builds on MG, then paring things down from that. Case in point (pun intended), have a look here: https://www.ericasynths.lv/shop/enclosures/studio/2x126hp-monster-case-140mm-deep/ Now, this is not only powered, it also has a depth that will allow pretty much anything to be mounted in it, and if/when you're ready to enlarge your system, you can add a second one of these with Erica's dual-case sidepanels and still have everything in one handy unit.
There's LOTS of options here; don't try and get everything right in your first build, because no one ever does. Use MG as the modular building sandbox that it is, and work out possibilities to the point where you're sure there's no more possibilities to work out...THEN spend the money, as you'll be spending it a lot more sensibly that way!
I am no expert at all but can't agree more with Dinorrific.
I play ambient modular. Just my two cents here.
I use Maths a lot, same with Marbles and Tides mk2.
Morphagene is ace for weirdness, textures, loops.
Ambient loves looping delays as well, you got one in Clouds but maybe check out 4ms DLD or Magneto.
I loop lots of stuff into the DLD, with sound on sound technique, great for long evolving pads for instance.
Magneto has this wow and flutter thing that I absolutely love, it can loop and sample, pichtshift, there's even some shimmer into it.
You need VCA's as well. And a mixer.
Have you some examples of modular artists that you like ? Some YT links ? It might help.
Download VCV Rack. It's free. It's basically a Eurorack simulator. Many of the Mutable Instruments modules are available in it. The more you play the more you'll learn about making Eurorack patches and what gear you need and what gear you gravitate towards.
You will also find that many Mutable Instrument designs are available via third-party as micro-versions. This will save you a ton of space in your rack. You almost ALWAYS want the ability to add future modules to your set-up.
The other thing is that at least one of your modules is outdated. The Z-DSP unit has been revised. Mutable doesn't make Clouds anymore. You can find modules second-hand. But you're taking a chance on used modules.
I would recommend you consider what each module's core functionality is, and how they'll interact. True, modular is a very mutable interface, but you're going to need to look into a few different types of modules to help smooth over the way different modules interact - namely, smaller mixers, attenuators/attenuverters, and VCA's. This allows you to group and adjust control voltage on the fly, and there are some modules that will check off some of this list in one module (like Mutable's Blinds or Befaco's A*B+C).
You'll also want dedicated envelope and/or LFO modules. True, you do get that out of Tides, but Rings, Warps, Braids, and the Telharmonic aren't necessarily the best for something like audio-rate modulation, which Tides will give you in spades. I think you'll find yourself using it at audio rate more often than as a dedicated envelope generator or LFO.
I'd suggest taking a step back and start a little smaller. Pick out one of each:
* one of those main sound sources (look into Plaits - it's the next gen Braids)
* a modulator (like Tides)
* a dedicated envelope generator
* something that provides mixing and attenuversion and VCA, if possible
* a dedicated output module (which Pittsburgh's interface can provide)
* a sequencer, random module (e.g. Marbles), or Midi control module (unless you have something like the Arturia Keystep that gives you CV out)
This would give you a wealth of possibilities to work with while giving you space to explore and master control voltage. When you choose to expand and pick up more of the modules on your list, you'll be better prepared to use them. But you'll find that, after a bit of playing around, that that alone will give you a pretty wide palette of possibilities.
Hi all,
this is what I ended up loooking for something to make some nice sounds for Ambient + general purpose music (in fact, I never compose for one genre...), experiment, create textures and even sparkling sounds...
I am not sure if I have all I need, or if you can suggest better (I am sure you can, so please do).
Of course i don't know all modules, I have heard nearly all I have added, but I may need a filter or an additional LFO, or...
It's your turn :-).
Thank you.
@Schroeder a pleasure to deal with, fast shipping well packaged, no complaints! Thank you!
Right ! I really feel the need to modulate modulations or level modulations. AM is obvious as well. Thanks again !
Sounds right...the thing that a lot of people starting in modular forget are those, and they're pretty essential. Using them on audio is the obvious thing, but the fact is that when you start using VCAs to control things such as modulation levels, or use them as modulation tools to impose a second modulation onto a first, that's when the voodoo that modular has starts to get really apparent. Plus, they have audio uses that aren't so obvious, such as crossmodulating one audio signal with another via AM using a VCA, resulting in some rich ring-modulation-type timbres. They just look boring, that's all.
Thank you very much for your advices ! Let's dive into vca's then ...
Haven't had any problems yet
Yep, VCAs are the missing things here. Consider adding some for audio and CV/modulation, given that you want that sense of gradual shift/flow with that sort of music. I'd suggest something that can break up the two different functions while also providing mixing, such as Happy Nerding's 3xVCAs. At 6 hp, they're small enough to fit in nicely, and they allow you to separate two mixed VCAs from a separate one in case you need to split up the VCAs' functions even further like that.
No list suggestions, but one technical one: try and keep things dealing with audio away from the power supply. That area is fine for modulation sources, CVs, etc, but if there's a bit of noise on your DC that creeps into the P/S, it can also sneak into the audio paths. The MScale, buffered mult, and MIDI interface are fine, but you might want a little more distance for the In/Out and the A-119, especially since both have preamps that can boost low-level audio. Otherwise, this is looking pretty damn good!
Leaving 1hp left and right does help with those narrow modules. I figure with bigger knobs you will def need extra space...
If you can handle the small knobs --- the Złob is treating me well.
Lots of vca in a small package.-- wiggler55550
The Zlob is very tempting indeed, especially since my system is very small(3u 104hp). I was thinking I could 3D print some knobs to place over the stock ones to make them a little bigger. I did this with my Korg Volcas for volume, filter cutoff and few other controls I wanted a little bigger and it made a huge difference in usage. There looks to be a lot of room on the panel to allow for this on the Zlob.
I'm also looking at VCA/Mixers and I'm down to these:
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/zlob-vnicursal-vca
-- chuckleone
If you can handle the small knobs --- the Złob is treating me well.
Lots of vca in a small package.
It's getting there, yep...I still think the Maths would be preferable to just the single VC Slope of the Contour because of all of the internal routings you can do with it to reconfigure it in some very complex ways. Why not pull the Contour in favor of a Doepfer A-140-2 or an A-141-4 for some additional "proper" ADSR EGs? Also, you might consider a comparator or two, since adding those plus a Maths would give you a decent compliment of modulation sources on which you could use the comparator(s) to fire gates when the modulation curves pass given voltage points. Put this together with some logic to work with the Varigate, and you'll have lots of rhythmic mayhem possibilities.
-- Lugia
Thank you very much Lugia for taking the time to provide, from the beginning of this thread, all your detailed and expert advices.
You convinced me about Maths, and I adopted your suggestions about the A-140-2, the comparator (I was totally unaware of that kind of module), and a logic to work with the Varigate.
All your comments have been a valuable input for me in this phase of discovery and understanding. I'm not completely a newbie in synthesizers (I began with an Arp Axxe in the 70's...) but the modular word is a lot different, and there are so many devices and options.
So thanks again.
A last question if it doesn't bother you. I already bought the RackBrute but I'am planning to order the modules in two steps for reasons of budget. If you have any suggestion, two lists, it will be very welcome.
'On ne devrait jamais quitter Montauban' (Fernand Naudin).
https://soundcloud.com/petrus-major/tracks
I'm also looking at VCA/Mixers and I'm down to these:
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/codex-modulex-%C2%B54xvca
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/zlob-vnicursal-vca
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/happy-nerding-3x-vca-black
Hi !
Here is Francois from Shakmat writing - if you have problems with your build, you can contact us at support@shakmatmodular.com. We can also try to resolve the problem here ! Your problem seems quite strange did you check if the biggest chip at the back of the module is correctly inserted ?
Yes, a lot of spam was captured, sadly some valid posts, too. Today I have deployed a new update which hopefully improves the situation a bit more. I don't let the spammers win!
Beep, Bopp, Bleep: info@modulargrid.net
Hello,
what would you add to this case ?
I make ambient/droney/melodic music.
I use external gear, MN 0 Coast, Strymon and Eventide reverbs, and the Analog Heat for drive/distorsion/filtering purposes.
And the Keystep for sequencing/arpeggios/play...
I record mostly in Protools, multitracking with light editing and some plugins for compression.
I guess I need some VCA's ...
What do you think ?
Cheers !
final filter
modulation
Yeah, if you're a routine user of Scala, you'll really like the FH-2. Plus, since it understands USB hubs, you can have both a controller and computer connected via that so that you can have your performance setup intact without having to yank everything to "blow" new Scala tables into the FH-2. And since you're going bigger, you might also look at Expert Sleepers' Disting...sort of a Swiss army knife of DSP-type functions hiding behind a 4 hp faceplate.
Haha yes I was trying to cram in all the bare essentials, much to my own detriment in terms of space for future modules/upgrades. I checked out the FH-2, seems perfect for my needs as I use scala a lot! Plus you're right, having the 1U intellijel format is a idea so ill go for the 4U x 104 hp cab. Thanks for all the help!
