From what you say I understand that you will use MIDI to take both clock and CV from the computer to the case. You can use VCV Rack to generate the main clock and bring in some CV signals to modulate. You can start like this, of course, but keep in mind that:
-Managing the knobs "physically" is like a drug, once you try it you won't want to use the PC for it.
-To experiment in the field of generative and ambient, an effects module will give you many possibilities. I wouldn't know which one to recommend, since I'm not really into that field yet.
-Sooner rather than later you are going to need EG's, LFO's and VCA's, apart from additional utilities. Prioritize them before additional voices.


Thanks for spending the time to advise - it seems that even at this early stage I have not made the best choices as far as what I have purchased.

That's entirely normal and part of the exploration! Because that's what modular is. You don't buy a prefab instrument that goes "pling" when you pull a string or press a key. You buy a rack because you'll be adding modules as you explore the possibilities of synthesis.

The initail idea was to begin with 2 or 3 modules that would produce sounds that i could explore, have fun and expand on.
-- EuroBadger

Yeah, but as indicated above, 2-3 modules are very, very limited. It's like getting a small box of regular Lego blocks. Sure, you can build a little house with a basic roof. Roof tiles, wheels for a car, little men, ... All of those are extra purchases. Here too: Plaits is a very good starting point because of the built-in trigger. So learn it, then when you consider your next step (add a second sound at the same time? add drums? add an effect?), add modules. I started with I think just under 10 modules, just to get a few sounds going.


I like it, especialy from the 7 minute mark when the sound lures me deeper into this sonic landscape (love this part, could stay here a lot longer). The transition back to the surface (14;30 and beyond) could (according to my taste) be longer and smoother. But hey I am already glad that you brought me back to the surface :-). If it was longer and smoother it would be a great piece to meditate to. Thanx for sharing!


Thanks for spending the time to advise - it seems that even at this early stage I have not made the best choices as far as what I have purchased.

The Niftycase for it's price although small was classed as a beginner case and with enough conections, including plugging into pc with later a module going to the "to out" on the front of the case. It has its own power and looked like everything you need to start your eurorack adventures apart from the modules. Bigger cases would be great and I have seen some that I would have loved to have bought such as the Rackbrute (thanks Arrandan for pointing out the "Mantis"). But I am happy to upgrade over time and evolve as my knowledge/modules increase.

The initail idea was to begin with 2 or 3 modules that would produce sounds that i could explore, have fun and expand on.

I will look at Veils and it's clone forms, thankyou...I imagine doing it properly (quad) rather than a dual such as the ALA https://reverb.com/uk/item/38278842-after-later-audio-dvca-dual-vca-veils-redesigned-module

This has become quite an adventure already...


Hi, Welcome,
I am also relatively new, a little over a year ago.
More than suggesting specific modules, I am going to give you some opinions and suggestions.
-Case point. It's a shame you already have the case, 3U 84HP is a very limited space. Surely in a short time you will have to choose to expand. I wanted to start with 3U 104HP, in the end I started with 6U 104HP and a few months ago I added 3U 104hp more. They are not full at all, maybe 70%.
-Brains point. I am not a fan of brand B but what I can tell you is to avoid "reduced" modules. If you go for MI clones, you better try to buy them in the original size.
-Next module point. I am not sure which clock you are going to use to trigger both the VCO and the sequencer...
In your case, and to have as many functions as possible, I would recommend Pamela's NEW Workout.
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/alm-busy-circuits-alm017-pamela-s-new-workout
A single module that offers you clock and modulation functions. In the second-hand market you can find this version at a very good price.
For me this would be the next module, with a Veils type VCA.
The clones are at a good price.
For example https://www.modulargrid.net/e/tlm-audio-vacs-veils-2-clone
Now to continue you will surely need function generators (Maths, Rampage or similar), effects (important for generative and ambient), matrix mixer, LFO's (Batumi,...), and surely incorporate another voice, perhaps an MI Rings (a classic), or a complex VCO.
Money money money...


Welcome to the forum! Others will chime in as well but first - get a bigger case. Mantis gets advised often as it's pretty good value for money. You can say now you want to start small. But a modular setup grows and you'll be happy not to be stuck in 84hp after a few months. I can vouch for that - I wanted to start in 84hp and I'm at around 400hp now, a year and a half into it.

Then, about how modular works. To get a note, you need a trigger (note NOW please) and a note value. The Ladik 610 will give you some note values from the CV out. But it also needs a trigger in. So you'll need a clock source and/or sequencer of some kind. Take a look at Pamela's New Workout (or Pro Workout). It features a clock and several kinds of organised triggers. Call it a clock-and-sequencer if you like.

So now you have your Plaits clone getting a trigger and a note value. The good thing with Plaits is that it can take a trigger - it saves you some complexity of adding VCAs and envelope generators. Plaits output isn't ready to listen to, though. How are you going to listen? Headphones? Connect to the line in of an amp or powered speakers? In any case, you'll need an output module. I started with the Befaco Out, which I thought was a good little module. There's plenty of others, like the higher end Joranalogue Transmit 2 in case you need XLR out (you probably don't).

With those 4, you'll have a basic setup: triggering notes, setting the tone, and sending it out. You still don't have filters or effects. And with other oscillators, you'll need VCAs and envelopes. And there's a billion options for sequencing as well, internal as well as external (Beatstep Pro is a good starting place for an external sequencer for modular). But if you want to start really small, it will work fine and give you plenty to explore.


Hello all, I'm a complete beginner, who over the last few months has spent a huge amount of time watching videos, checking out posts and some VCV rack. There is alot to take in if this is all new to you plus a huge range of modules to choose from.

So if you could point me in the right direction (as I could get totally lost) and advise on starter options, that would be a huge help.

I am looking to build an ambient set up, generative is of interest to me too.

Set up so far
Cre8Audio - Niftycase 84hp
Behringer brains - MI Plaits clone ( already feel After Later Audio Beehive would be better & less hp)
Ladik S-610 Composser N - random sequencer.

Not much space but can't wait to start making some sounds and having fun - Module number 3? what should it be...

Thanks in advance for anyone who can advise.


Long and peaceful like the Brooklyn Bridge.

'On ne devrait jamais quitter Montauban' (Fernand Naudin).
https://soundcloud.com/petrus-major/tracks


In a continuation of my monomaniacal focus on feedback patching, I re-did a recent piece of mine, extending it and shifting the perspective a bit. The mixing isn't quite perfect, but with headphones there's quite a bit going on while also nothing really happens... I think it turned out pretty sweet and I'd love to hear what you all think.

Made with:

ModularGrid Rack


I much appreciate your feedback! :)

I am inspired by birth, death and the events inbetween.

https://youtube.com/@aphewgoodman


thanks again folks. I have purchased an FX Aid XL It should arrive on Tuesday. I'm sure it will make me sound 100 times better ;).


Thank you! I love remote collaboration, and our collective experience during the pandemic has opened our imaginations for what is possible out of neccesity. Now that we're playing live again, I think the online compenent is here to stay.


Congratulations on achieving this collaboration remotely! We can only applaud. Special and personal mention for the fast synth sequences (e.g. 0:39).

'On ne devrait jamais quitter Montauban' (Fernand Naudin).
https://soundcloud.com/petrus-major/tracks


sounds like it's time for, the inevitable, case no. 2 then!
-- JimHowell1970

No way! :) I feel like even this sized case us too big for my Very Small Brain to handle.

-- ModLifeCrisis

hahahaha, it's tiny!!!

I have about 1800hp of cases...

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


Hard bargain...
Our last word: FX Aid XL (6hp) + your Make Noise Blank (4hp).
Give me five!
-- Sweelinck


Hard bargain...
Our last word: FX Aid XL (6hp) + your Make Noise Blank (4hp).
Give me five!

'On ne devrait jamais quitter Montauban' (Fernand Naudin).
https://soundcloud.com/petrus-major/tracks


sounds like it's time for, the inevitable, case no. 2 then!
-- JimHowell1970

No way! :) I feel like even this sized case us too big for my Very Small Brain to handle.


Thanks for your replies everyone. The FX Aid Pro looks good but is 14hp (I think), so too big for me. I suppose I could chuck my ALM SBG in there and use a pedal but I do like the idea of everything being in the case. I'm also considering the Doepfer Spring but I'm not sure whether it would fit in the Make Noise case once it is wired up.
-- ModLifeCrisis

sounds like it's time for, the inevitable, case no. 2 then!

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


Thanks for your replies everyone. The FX Aid Pro looks good but is 14hp (I think), so too big for me. I suppose I could chuck my ALM SBG in there and use a pedal but I do like the idea of everything being in the case. I'm also considering the Doepfer Spring but I'm not sure whether it would fit in the Make Noise case once it is wired up.


Thread: &Y

A dark jam.
18 months in after getting bitten by the modular bug

&Y


Nice work :)

Enjoy your spare HP, don't rush to fill every last space, this is not like filling sticker books. Resist the urge to 'complete' your rack, its never complete so just relax.

https://youtube.com/@wishbonebrewery


Love the dark vibe and excellent soundcapture as well!


So, I connected with a drum and bass artist from Germany named ?BREAK ERROR and we swapped files back and forth for a few months. This is what came out of it. We really love it and would appreciate any thoughts:


Can anyone tell me, if this is a modded version of the Doepfer Theremin? Tell me more please :D


Sounds great! Thanks for sharing.
-- farkas

Thank you :)

I am inspired by birth, death and the events inbetween.

https://youtube.com/@aphewgoodman


Yes. Wrote a PM.

Beep, Bopp, Bleep: info@modulargrid.net


@ModLifeCrisis If you are aiming for dreamy soundscapes EarthQuaker Devices Afterneath would be a great option. Unfortunately the module is a 16hp... On the other hand there is the pedal. I’ve been using it for a long time. And if I hardly publish anything, this time I have a little example.
O-Coast > Afterneath pedal :)

@JimHowell1970 +1 for FX Aid, and +1 for your t-shirt :))

'On ne devrait jamais quitter Montauban' (Fernand Naudin).
https://soundcloud.com/petrus-major/tracks


Hi - thanks for your reply. People do amazing things with the BIA but it's not the sort of sound I'm after. I'm aiming for dreamy soundscapes that can modulate and evolve, which is why I was considering the MFX. Thinking about it, the reverb from Noise Engineering might be another option...

-- ModLifeCrisis

I'm not sure that anyone would associtate Noise Engineering with dreamy soundscapes - it can be done, from what I've heard, but it wouldn't be my first point of call...

I own 1 NE modules, the zularic repetitor (which I think is an excellent module) and am currently wearing an NE t-shirt

I'd also look at the fx aid pro as an alternative to the MFX (latest firmware has a scope) and has way more algoritms - claims to include a tuner - but it seems to be more like a pitch to tune to - I use a pedal tuner myself, but a phone app would be just as good (or most DAWS include them)

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


This is Enjoy Electronics. We've noticed that our device, "The GodFather", is already listed on ModularGrid. However, it's currently not associated with our manufacturer profile. We have been receiving numerous requests from our customers for this association to be made.
Here's the link to the module: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/other-unknown-the-godfather-by-enjoy-electronics
Could you please add Enjoy Electronics as a manufacturer and associate "The GodFather" with our manufacturer profile?


For a little percussion: Basimilus? (10hp).
The way you have arranged your modules seems well designed, in my opinion...
-- Sweelinck

Hi - thanks for your reply. People do amazing things with the BIA but it's not the sort of sound I'm after. I'm aiming for dreamy soundscapes that can modulate and evolve, which is why I was considering the MFX. Thinking about it, the reverb from Noise Engineering might be another option...


The way you have arranged your modules seems well designed, in my opinion...
-- Sweelinck

I agree. Personally, I would probably put the DPO in the top left to avoid bumping the frequency knobs, but if that's not a problem for you, don't bother.


For a little percussion: Basimilus? (10hp).
The way you have arranged your modules seems well designed, in my opinion...

'On ne devrait jamais quitter Montauban' (Fernand Naudin).
https://soundcloud.com/petrus-major/tracks


Hi folks,
I haven't posted for a long while, but I hope everyone on the forum is well.

A while ago I bought a Make Noise 7u case and have been slowly filling it up (mostly with Make Noise modules). I feel I need some help from the forum on the best way to arrange the modules I have, in terms of ergonomics.

If anyone has any suggestions for a better way to put my rack together I'd be very grateful. Also, if anyone has any advice for what to put in the final 10hp that would be good too.

My initial thought for the last 10hp is another fx module, I'm thinking the MFX from ALM as this also has a tuner and a scope which could come in useful - I'd be happy to leave the last 4hp as a Make Noise Blank (I quite like the idea of a bit of branding). But if anyone has any better ideas I'd be very happy to hear them. Thanks in advance for your time.

ModularGrid Rack


If you want fully editable envelopes, get a Rossum Control Forge. I think the point of Zadar is that its envelopes are 'quick and dirty'. You can call them up quickly and easily adjust a couple of the most critical parameters, namely time and range.


this user has left ModularGrid

Smart communication and fine transaction with @KitKatAndy
Recommended !


Simple curiosity: why is everyone selling this module right now? Is there a serious competitor?

2 dislike = 150e lost. Still loving modular (:


Radio / podcast resources :

The "Absent Elegy" track from my Reverse Image album has just been included in The Moderns podcast and the "Dimensional Breakthrough" track on Staalplaat Radio!

Check out The Moderns podcast... (it is a very beautiful podcast)...
https://themoderns.blog/2023/07/23/the-moderns-ep-272/

Staalplaat Radio broadcast on Mixcloud:
https://www.mixcloud.com/Cdrk/staalplaat-radio-13-july-2023

Please check out my Reverse Image album on Bandcamp :
https://khatulistiwa.bandcamp.com/album/the-silence-that-does-not-exist

Thank you very much :-)


Sounds great! Thanks for sharing.


Thanks for watching :)

I am inspired by birth, death and the events inbetween.

https://youtube.com/@aphewgoodman


Thanks for the info, I'll give the cap mod a try if I get a chance.


Try my cap mod to open up the filter a bit: should be in the build guide. Also: I think these work so much better when varying incoming trig/gate/cv level. Absolutely love these: I've got 4 of them in my main case.

My music on Bandcamp - Instagram - YouTube


Thread: ClintRack

I would go with the fx section in the MPC. Get to know theyr sounds and capabilities and then get something with a difrent sound colour and posibilities for your rack.
-- Niemandsland

Initially this makes a lot of sense..

really the best reasons to go for in rack effects are - it must be in the rack (portability or OCD issues) or you must have mdulation via CV (woozy modulated reverbs and delays can sound interesting) - or because a specific effect is only available in eurorack format (probably not that many) or you want to experiment with unusual signal paths (effects early in the signal chain before, for example, filtering or waveshaping/folding etc)

but all those can come later...

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


FYI as specified on their website :

+12V Max Current 10 mA
-12V Max Current 10 mA
+5V Max Current 0 mA

And depth isn't "2cm" (as described here) but "Depth: 4cm" (according to their technical details )

...hope that can help.


Two filters in one, though they can be chained. This is a passive device, no power used (think - same thing as the tone knob on your electric guitar).
Relatively easy build, through there were two nits about the boards fitting together and the knobs, but overall fine.

Sound-wise, it’s OK. Passive, so not a whole lot of activity, but does produce some mellow filtering. Not going to be in my main rack.

Build


Thread: ClintRack

I would go with the fx section in the MPC. Get to know theyr sounds and capabilities and then get something with a difrent sound colour and posibilities for your rack.


Thread: ClintRack

Hey, Thank you guys for the quick response.

Probably you'll save me some money by these answers. I already got some of the cheaper modules as a birthday present but I'll stick to those until I'm ready for more.

The Minibrute does not have a FX section, so I feel like I need at least a delay and a reverb and I want it to be outside my DAW. Would you use the on-board-effects of the MPC or go for the Dual FX, for example?


Thread: ClintRack

hi Blizz,

I would like to say you have all you need to start with the miniBrute and the MPC. Get to know them, learn how they vould work together before you start filling up your rack. If you know what the MPC and Minibrut can do and how they interact you know what you might want from the modules in your rack. Keep the learning curve small it always helped me in my creativity.

my two cents Niemandsland
-- Niemandsland

I'd very strongly agree with @Niemansland here...

there are a few "issues" with the modules that you've selected - too many (& too large - Magneto - imo) fx for this case... No mixing solutions... not enough modulation... a turing machine, but no quantizer (if you want to use a turing machine for pitch you will need a quantizer to make it play in a particular scale - tune the oscillator to get the set the root note)

when you are ready to commit money to modular - I'd take a look at the hints on how to get the most versatility for the least expenditure in my signature and have a good think about what it's telling you... then try again regarding what modules you want to put in your rack and those you need to support them...

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


Thread: ClintRack

hi Blizz,

I would like to say you have all you need to start with the miniBrute and the MPC. Get to know them, learn how they vould work together before you start filling up your rack. If you know what the MPC and Minibrut can do and how they interact you know what you might want from the modules in your rack. Keep the learning curve small it always helped me in my creativity.

my two cents Niemandsland


Thanks very much.

disquiet.com


O.k. they were already in the Pedal section anyway

Beep, Bopp, Bleep: info@modulargrid.net