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Erica synths makes an external matrix mixer I believe for eurorack if you don't want to use space for it.
-- benscott

they do... but it's quite big and complicated and expensive - at least 4 times the price of the doepfer!!!

EDITED Apr 22nd 2023, 02:03

looks like quite a decent start to me...

personally I'd want some more utilities... as they add more patching options... so versatility

& some modulation - envelope generators/function generators & lfos

and I'd probably go for a bigger case (mantis would be my choice - bigger/quieter/cheaper per hp etc) - sooner or later you'll inevitably need it & you're a bit close to the power specs for the uZeus - at least with the regular psu - & with the higher powered option there's no improvement on the -12v rail - remember to leave at least 20% headroom on all rails (& if you add more modules you'll probably want to change the jumper for the -12v to get the extra 100mA out of it...
-- JimHowell1970

Thank you for your help, particularly with the envelope/function generator and power/case aspects. These are areas I was hoping to cheap out on, but I think I won't for now, even if it means holding off on a purchase for longer.

I'm sort of tempted to just go with an updated version of this (should be visible if you click the image) and then see what other utilities I need as I go along. I also have a Bluebox mixer, so I'm at least ok for figuring out how to collect my various audio signals from the modular and send them to the rest of the world.

Can you get a Korg NTS-2 without the book?

The Korg NTS-2 looks nice but I simply don't want the book.
I'm sure the book is lovely and I'd recommend everyone read it.

Erica synths makes an external matrix mixer I believe for eurorack if you don't want to use space for it.

This Multiplier seems to be perfect (2hp) :

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/l-fusion-electronics-quad-0-1-active-precision-multiple

is a good solution?
-- centecente

think about what you need to copy... if it's v/oct (that you want to be accurate) or triggers that you want to re-patch mid performance - or you are trying to patch (for example) Maths outputs into unbuffered inputs - then a buffered mult makes sense... no idea about that specific one though... otherwise for modulation purposes then passive mults work perfectly well enough (and are cheaper and can be implemented outside the rack - thus saving space!

Thanks for converting and providing feedback! Wasnt sure how to show non jpegs...

just copy and paste the urls!

I've got drums covered by techno system and really wanted to keep it to 2 cases for playing out with. Will be keeping the modules and may swap out in future. Did the conversion earlier this week and really enjoying the sounds I'm getting!
-- B1RDSN3ST

good for you and good luck with the playing out...

looks like quite a decent start to me...

personally I'd want some more utilities... as they add more patching options... so versatility

& some modulation - envelope generators/function generators & lfos

and I'd probably go for a bigger case (mantis would be my choice - bigger/quieter/cheaper per hp etc) - sooner or later you'll inevitably need it & you're a bit close to the power specs for the uZeus - at least with the regular psu - & with the higher powered option there's no improvement on the -12v rail - remember to leave at least 20% headroom on all rails (& if you add more modules you'll probably want to change the jumper for the -12v to get the extra 100mA out of it...

You built out all these?? Wildly impressive. I've been looking everywhere for a converted Minitaur or kit. Lmk if you have any collecting dust. Cheers =)

This Multiplier seems to be perfect (2hp) :

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/l-fusion-electronics-quad-0-1-active-precision-multiple

is a good solution?

Thanks for converting and providing feedback! Wasnt sure how to show non jpegs... I've got drums covered by techno system and really wanted to keep it to 2 cases for playing out with. Will be keeping the modules and may swap out in future. Did the conversion earlier this week and really enjoying the sounds I'm getting!

Cascaded quad VCA is a very good option, both for audio and modulation.
For example Intellijel
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/intellijel-quad-vca
Or some clone of Veils.
An auxiliary mixer for modulation will give you plenty of play if you eventually want to add effects modules with feedback.
I have this in my sights
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/st-modular-matrico
and a classic
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/doepfer-a-138m
The filter theme depends a lot on your tastes...
Greetings,

Now I understand...
you both said to remove he Moog in order to obtain more space!
I can understand but I would lile to make this rak (Racbrute Arturia 6U) portable.
In the future I think to connect another rack to it of the same type, so 2 x Rackbrute 6U

But not now!!

Now I 'm only thinking at the modules and VCA or Multiplier seems to be the next in line
Also a filter for the second VCO as suggested

If you can telle me what module are considered good to look I will start to make sono analys/paralys!

thanks

Yeah, I totally made a rookie mistake, it never even crossed my mind to think about the power. But at least I found out before I bought all the modules - or worse, before I damaged anything.

Thanks for the advice - I was wondering about passive attenuators.

EDITED Apr 21st 2023, 01:45

What I'm working on is basically a "randomized" sampler to play live. One of my favorite things about the Microfreak is that you can modulate the arpeggiator/sequencer rate and get really off the grid in a tactile way. I want to do this in a sampler and sort of create like an instrumental hip hop version of free jazz. If there is a hardware sampler that does this (or a MIDI controller like the Torso T1), I haven't found it yet, so my plan is to go modular make the setup posted above. I think this a good simple starting point for the concept. In addition to this stuff, I already own a Moog Mavis, Microfreak, Keystep, and SQ-1, as well as a couple more normal samplers that cover me well in terms of regular usage, so I'm pretty much just focusing on this specific function.

I guess I just thought I'd run it by people here to see if there's anything missing here in order to pull off the bare minimum version of this (or any repeated functionality that I don't need). I tested a version of it in VCV Rack and this seems fine, but hardware is obviously different. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Please, for the love of god, put this out.

I want to expand my Digitakt with modular (Techno/industrial based).
Do i need other modules for cv, gate, clock, ... to work properly?

the answer to that is probably no - at least to start with... but you'll probably find you want more very quickly... and then run out of space, so...

Any case idea?

yes - ignore case for now - work out what modules you need to achieve what you want from your modular, then work out what modules you need to support them - mixers, vcas etc and then add about 20-30% for expansion - then find a case... my advice start with a mantis...

here;s the link to your public rack (jpgs suck)

and the erica synths black system 3 - because jpgs suck!!!

https://www.ericasynths.lv/shop/eurorack-systems/black-system-iii/

I plan to remove the Modulator, CV Tools, and one of the VCA units from the Black System III I purchased last year around this time to make room for Knobula units and Jewler Cast. My thoughts are that the joystick and sequencer can do LFO and more. I've also still got one VCA to use. In the past year I haven't used the CV tools module much and honestly not sure what functions/options it gives me. I wanted to add Ring Mod/wavefolding options along with some poly action for live performances is the main reason for this change. As a rookie to this modular stuff, what may I regret by omitting the stated modules?

well they can definitely provide some modulation, but you're removing more than just modulation... mixing, offset and attenuation (cv tools) are really handy to have in any modular - I'd spend some time patching with them - oh look I can have some subtle modulation and I can move it about!!! & they allow you to fix issues... and well vcas - if you're adding another sound source - then how are you going to shape the sounds of it and have vcas left over for modulation - maybe consider getting rid of both the erica vcas and getting something smaller and with more channels to replace them

personally I would probably just get a second case to add modules into and keep at least the modulator (which I might replace with a matrix mixer and zadar, though) and the cv tools... more to lug around though...

so maybe I'd use a laptop (&/or possibly a dedicated hardware poly synth) for the poly...

well the chances are you're not going to be able to fit everything you want in a 48hp and there's more bad news - that 380mA - I'd really only advise around 300mA of it... otherwise you'll probably end up with start up issues (when beads tries to take more power during startup - but you might be lucky) - they're really only designed to hold a few low voltage analog modules & they're really over-priced imo - a mantis is almost 5 times the size & over 6 times the available +12v for less than double the money & you'll need that extra space and power, sooner than you'd like to think!

better to plan your case around the modules that you want (& actually need to support them) than trying to cram too much in too little space

but for now - swap the happy nerding 3mia for the 3vca and then get some passive attenuators... and then buy a mnatis...

whilst I'd agree taking the moog out is generally the way forward - as it's got it's own case and power - it's up to you if you are happy paying double for those... maybe in the future when you need more rack space you'll change your mind...

the next module I would get if I were you would be a triple or quad cascading vca... for 2 reasons, 1 you'll be able to mix the outpts of the vco and the moog 2 you'll be able to shape notes from the vco, rather than just letting it drone

you'll probably want a filter next for the vco and then a mult (although I'd be more tempted to get a splitter or stackcables to save space)

Thanks but I like the Moog and I want it here

get the moog out of the case,no need to have it there
-- Broken-Form

This is my first post on this forum. Hello.

I've started a mini rack to expand on my 0-Coast/SQ-1 combo. It's a Doepfer 48hp powered case. I had everything all planned out, but then discovered that the power load was limited to 380mA, which is much more limiting that HP, so I have to start all over. I'd like some advice in order to put together the most efficient small rack possible.

The rack is based around the Doepfer A-119 and MI Beads. I'm mostly into weird, experimental music, and use the preamp to input the sound of my double bass, and use the envelope follower and comparator to influence various parameters on the 0-coast and Beads. I also have an Erica Synths Dual Drive, but it's temporary - it will be replaced when I run out of space/power.

I need utilities. Attenuators, LFOs, mults, VCAs, etc. I'm sure you all know better than I. But I'm looking for modules that can be multi-functional, but draw very little power. I basically only have about 250mA/+12V available (more -12V and +5V). I was thinking the Ochd (80mA), the HN 3xMIA (80mA), and maybe the Xaoc Tallin (20mA).

That leaves me with 10HP/70mA left.

If I could fit one other effect module in there that included distortion, that would be a bonus.

What other utilities would be essential for this rack? Are there better options for my current modules?

Thanks!

get the moog out of the case,no need to have it there

Hi
I' m new in Modular Synth and I'm building my rack
I have have the Mother 32 and Maths right now

I'm waiting for the Erica Synth Wavetable VCO to come ( is in transit).

I'm playng this rack win Hologram Microcosm and a Delay Effects

What you suggest to think as a next upgrade?
A VCA Module?
A Multiplier can be good on the right on the rack, 2hp?

I play Ambient music with echoes from Carpenter Films...and some Interstellar remind..!

Any suggestion will be appreciated!

EDITED Apr 20th 2023, 17:29

Pierpaolo is a great builder, I still have a uOc build by him from years ago and still works perfectly like day one!!!

-- dreamworks

His build quality is SOLID.
Never a problem in about half a dozen of his builds in years.

it's 41hp not 40

Pierpaolo is a great builder, I still have a uOc build by him from years ago and still works perfectly like day one!!!

Right, Pierpaolo/RTFM is a great guy to deal with, know that from many occasions.

Thanks for the comments, I wasn't aware of standoffs but can see they're controversial!

I have inevitably gone over my hp allowance anyway now and added another row to accommodate the utilities and modulation I so desperately needed

No, but he contacted me a couple of days ago to tell me he has this option for the Res EQ. Great builder (has learned me a lot and got me into DIY) and very nice guy to deal with.

For individual outputs of the Res EQ bands: talk to Pierpaolo Cimino (username RTFM).
-- geusensdriesmusic

Thanks, that's interesting. Did he do that for you?

For individual outputs of the Res EQ bands: talk to Pierpaolo Cimino (username RTFM).

That would mean building 10 VCA's into the module, not an easy feat and that would be pretty expensive. I've never seen a VC ResEQ, but a fixed filter bank like Bark Filter or Fumana might be what you're after.
-- LYFoulidis

I have owned/checked out Antumbra Bank, ADDAC601, Ladik F-110, MMI 295, Moog-inger 914 and guess what - none sounds like the ResEQ. It is very non-linear, with a gnarly resonance where all the bands effect each other. An instrument rather than a processor. VC control would be essential for automating the movement of those knobs. I cannot move more than two of them, much less with any precision. So, no, there is no replacing the VC ResEQ.

EDITED Apr 19th 2023, 23:03

That would mean building 10 VCA's into the module, not an easy feat and that would be pretty expensive. I've never seen a VC ResEQ, but a fixed filter bank like Bark Filter or Fumana might be what you're after.

I plan to remove the Modulator, CV Tools, and one of the VCA units from the Black System III I purchased last year around this time to make room for Knobula units and Jewler Cast. My thoughts are that the joystick and sequencer can do LFO and more. I've also still got one VCA to use. In the past year I haven't used the CV tools module much and honestly not sure what functions/options it gives me. I wanted to add Ring Mod/wavefolding options along with some poly action for live performances is the main reason for this change. As a rookie to this modular stuff, what may I regret by omitting the stated modules?

Thanks for help and feed back, loving the mod life!

https://www.ericasynths.lv/media/BSIII-promo-1.jpeg

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_2169127.jpg

Now we have a black panel for the ResEQ as preferred by some. The ResEQ has been around for quite a while. What I had hoped for is an expander module with CV over all the frequency bands. Add gate sequences and have fun! Much more exciting to me than any visuals ;-) I heard rumors that there is a 4u version of ResEQ with CV control. Anyone?

If you don't want to use up your 3U space, there also the Intellijel MIDI 1U and CVx which can be expanded and the outputs can be customized via an app on your computer including Clock, Reset, Run, MIDI CC messages, pitch control, portamento, after-touch and a lot more. You'll need their MIDI 1U Jacks, but this might be a flexible option that won't take up too much space. I use it as my MIDI to CV interface and it works like a dream.

The Mutan Brain module shown here does not seem to have any sort of clock / run outputs, so I'm not sure it's going to work as you expect it, actually.

Mutant Brain can output clock (tick / and run) as a trigger signal for all gate outputs. Working perfectly.
Configuration can be done here: http://mutantbrainsurgery.hexinverter.net/

EDITED Apr 19th 2023, 13:40

The Mutan Brain module shown here does not seem to have any sort of clock / run outputs, so I'm not sure it's going to work as you expect it, actually.

I'm using the Flame µQMCV for this exact purpose, having the DT midi out (sending clock & transport) in the midi in of the µQMCV - that way I have 4 midi channels sending Gate / Pitch / Velocity, as well as the "Run" and "1/16th" outputs going into Pam's "Run " and "Clk" inputs, keeping everything in sync - a quite simple, efficient and complete solution in my opinion :)

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/flame-%C2%B5qmcv

As far as you are sending the standard start and stop midi signals from your Digitakt to the Hexinverter Mutant Brain, the signals can then be used in your rack to handle clocks and modulations accordingly.

But regarding your rack setup, you should familiarize yourself with the general modulation and sound generation capabilities. In order to play notes and sequences, which is probably what you have in mind for techno patterns, you need more CV modulation tools like envelopes and LFO's, maybe also sample and hold (s&h). To shape audio and sound you’ll need an amplitude modulation module like a VCA, a filter, a low pass gate and / or a mixer to which you can send the CV modulation coming from the envelope. If you stick with a small case size like this one, VCO + BIA is quite enough. Modular sound design is all about modulation rather than stringing lots of VCO’s together.

Hope that helps to make you dive deeper into the topic of modular synthesis.

A 80 ish song with patch notes.

Wow, a lot of detail and modules to look at! Give me a few days to research. Thank you

Yeah. Plenty of modulation sources are needed. Any effect modules you recommend?
-- Monib

I like the fx aid pro... I don't have one, I have the xl version, which I really like, but if I was going to buy another, it would definitely be the pro version... not only does it store all the algorithms (or at least most of them - 200 iirc) it has a screen which means that you can see what you are doing, the regular and xl versions only hold 32 algos and only have leds to show which number algo you are using - which means you need to keep a pdf or printout handy - or load the 1st 32 algo slots of a pro with the same algos - so you can use that as an in-rack cheat sheet... also Igor adds new algos all the time and doesn't look like he's stopping anytime soon

but... that will only really get you one effect at a time, though... so maybe a pro and an xl...

If I was going to do something relatively small & sampler based today, I'd probably go for an instruo Lúbadh (as the sampler), Maths & a pams pro (for modulation & clocking), at least one analog vco (possibly the tiptop/buchla one - for audio rate modulation & to sample), a matrix mixer (maybe 2, probably the doepfer one, as it's simple to use, for mixing modulation sources to create more complex ones), a couple of analog filters and/or lpgs (possibly doepfer), a couple of fx aids (a pro and an xl), an end of chain mixer (with a send/return) and a bunch of utility modules - probably a xaoc samara ii, a doepfer sequential switch, a joranalogue compare 2, a random or chaos module & a quad cascading vca (preferably a veils clone) - and I'd probably want a sequencer too (I've got a black sequencer, that I like a lot... which might look like overkill but I'd find ways to use it v/oct can also be used for modulation & with a powerful sampler I think I'd want the precision) - I wouldn't buy it all at once, but I'd start with a case that can at least house all those modules & preferably at least another 20% to expand into...

possibly something like this:

having built an example rack - I'd probably want to add at least one simple and small-ish mixer too (or anothe cascading vca - possibly happy nerding

seriously don't sideline utilities - they are the key to great patches...

if you are going to buy Maths - download "the maths illustrated supplement" and work your way through it a lot - spending time to think about the what, why and how of each patch... it will massively help your future patching

EDITED Apr 19th 2023, 00:49

Yeah, I think utilities is what is needed the most. I'm a bit sound source heavy

I'm looking at the happy nerding 3xMIA for a bipolar mixer, and also the TipTop Buchla Dual Voltage processor as possibilities. Any other must have utilities you'd recommend?
Cheers
-- samhstewart

Matrix mixers (doepfer or nlc), sequential switches (doepfer) , logic (joranalogue), a kinks clone and or a xaoc samara ii...

Yeah. Plenty of modulation sources are needed. Any effect modules you recommend?

Regarding the mixer. As you already have an x-pan, you could stick with the make noise schema for mixing and grab a moddemix to add to the case. I like to use the moddemix and optomix as a sub mixer before inserting it into the aux in on the x-pan. So rather than having 1 large mixing module, you can cascade submixers throughout the case and still have the benefit of the other functionality they add. And as mentioned above, maths is great for this as well.
-- WmVoid

I think I'll go with the Optomix and the Moddemix then, sounds good place to start. I have funds for OCHD and Black Modulator and Happy Nerding Mixer as well, do you think these are worth getting just now? If I got them I can then save for Pam's and see if I can pick up a New or a pro depending on availability.

Yeah I have the Shared System that I've expanded a bit (mostly within the MN ecosystem). I chose to stick with DPO rather than XPO for now as I still haven't gotten all of the good sounds out yet. I have added an xpan and qpas, and plan on mimeophon at some point.

Re: Rene/Seq: Rene + Tempi is my 'preset manager' because you can connect them via Select BUS and they will stay synced as in tempo bank to pattern. Rene as a sequencer is unlike every other sequencer Ive ever used. It really is a cheat code to creating counter point melodies and long musical sequences and variations + modulation source. It has its quirks like not starting on the first note after a reset, but for me the pros outweigh the cons.

For more traditional sequencing, Ive used a mutant brain with digitakt and that gives you 4 v/g outs + 4 clock/gate outs all controllable and recallable from the digitakt. It is very powerful combo plus you get drums and samples outside of the rack. I'm not fully aware of the oxis specs, but it seems very capable as well.

-- WmVoid

I think I'll probably end up getting Rene + Tempi, but not the now, I'll use the OXI and see how I go with that, it is great, 8CV and 8 Gate outs. Doesn't have drums like Digitakt though. I think I'll have enough to learn and get on with the rest of the case, which was my plan ayway. Those modules should fill top row.

Can't thank you enough for your help.

EDITED Apr 18th 2023, 17:58

Regarding the mixer. As you already have an x-pan, you could stick with the make noise schema for mixing and grab a moddemix to add to the case. I like to use the moddemix and optomix as a sub mixer before inserting it into the aux in on the x-pan. So rather than having 1 large mixing module, you can cascade submixers throughout the case and still have the benefit of the other functionality they add. And as mentioned above, maths is great for this as well.
-- WmVoid

Thanks Wm

Checked out the Moddemix and this seems a good idea, yeah think I would like to keep with Make noise stuff now if I can! I want sure if best to get a large mixer or go down different module route but this is wise since I would have other functions, learning all the time lol! My original plan was to get the Shared System but decided to get case and slowly build it myself and maybe change a few things on the way once I gathered more info on Modular and what I want. But I would like to stay close to it but with the new modules like xpan and Mimeophon. Does that make sense

Thanks

-- Indianabones007

Yeah I have the Shared System that I've expanded a bit (mostly within the MN ecosystem). I chose to stick with DPO rather than XPO for now as I still haven't gotten all of the good sounds out yet. I have added an xpan and qpas, and plan on mimeophon at some point.

Re: Rene/Seq: Rene + Tempi is my 'preset manager' because you can connect them via Select BUS and they will stay synced as in tempo bank to pattern. Rene as a sequencer is unlike every other sequencer Ive ever used. It really is a cheat code to creating counter point melodies and long musical sequences and variations + modulation source. It has its quirks like not starting on the first note after a reset, but for me the pros outweigh the cons.

For more traditional sequencing, Ive used a mutant brain with digitakt and that gives you 4 v/g outs + 4 clock/gate outs all controllable and recallable from the digitakt. It is very powerful combo plus you get drums and samples outside of the rack. I'm not fully aware of the oxis specs, but it seems very capable as well.

I have bought a module from @RossMotus669 and everything is perfect. Very well packaged and shipped very fast. highly recommended

I consider Pam's an essential module for any system.
-- CitizenGain

I see a couple of PNW's for sale, I don't mind paying the extra if I know I'll get use out of the new functions but they will probabaly be lost on me till I learn more. I'll go for the Happy Nerding 4x St Mix then as well as mixer and if I need more later I can get another.

I'll leave sequencer just now and check some more out, I have enough to work with I think. I have the OXI One at moment but again, was looking for something to work in the rack more but this is not important just now.

What do you think I should get first? Concentrate on the modulation sources (Optomix OCHD and the Black modulator), are these good choices for me? I have enought to get them and PNW and Mixer just now, think that would give me plenty to get working with and keep me busy and a lot to learn.

Really appreciate your help.