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Thanks Jim, my space problem is also physical, I don´t have room in my desk lol. I have to think very calmly about opening the Eurorack door, it gives me some vertigo.

I´m curious, is there a proper place to trade or swap modules?

no - have you tried contacting Synthrotek?

ps good luck with that they're (anecdotally) not known for being helpful, unlike most other modular compnies...

PS: I love your avatar ;)

Thanks XD

I don´t have a lot of money, that´s one reason against starting with modular.
-- GrumoSound

remember you don't have to buy all the modules in one go - you can always add another module as and when you can afford it etc

For now I´m not sure about it, I´d need a small case (2 x 60hp) and the Mantis is too much big for me.
-- GrumoSound

but you will next week or next month... a smaller case will be more expensive per hp than a mantis - and an extra 88hp will give you space to expand - I know this from my own experience and from other people who have not taken my advice coming back to me and saying they wish they had taken my advice - usually within a small space of time... this is because they've filled the small case with the modules that they wanted only to discover that there were more modules that they needed in order to get the module that they wanted to work better together!

saying that - advice is given and doesn't have to be taken - so you do what you want...

just try to remember planning slightly ahead can save you money in the long run - modular synthesis is not an inexpensive endeavour and any savings are good... as you'll be able to spend the savings on more modules!

PS: I love your avatar ;)

Thanks XD

I don´t have a lot of money, that´s one reason against starting with modular.

Hi,
I recently ordered the Synthrotek Mix kit for eurorack and have successfully assembled it.
It seems to work, however I experience significant signal amplitude loss when patching CV through any of the 3 channels. It sorts of passes the signal to the output however compared to the input signal it's much weaker. Is this a known issue? The assembly is good and tested however I can't really use it for CV as intended.

Any ideas or experience with this module?

Was totally worth it, the Kalyke works now with a 34hp 4ms case. And I now have additional space in my tip top rack, which I haven't thought of till now 😂 good for my GAS🐒

ES9 is a DC-coupled audio interface - it allows you to send both audio and cv to and from your computer - it can be controlled by midi to some degree - so that it can also be used as a mixer - I don't know if it can be used as an interface and a mixer simultaneously - you would have to read the latest manual, which is available on the Expert Sleepers website

if you want to bring external instruments up to modular levels then you will need some sort of pre-amp module - or some vcas will also do this - the intellijel quad you have racked, for instance - but you may find you are using multiple channels to get enough gain - a mutable veils clone would be better as it has a lot more gain on each channel (if you want to use a vca for this) - personally I would get a dedicated input module - but be sure that you buy what you want by doing research and thinking about how many channels you want and what other features - envelope follower, gate extractor, pitch follower are all possible - and are all available in other modules - examples would be doepfer (cheap and cheerful and a bit gritty), befaco (more expensive but clean) and the sonicsmith ev1 converter (which adds pitch following amongst other thing) nb all of those are mono for inputting guitar/bass and
possibly vocals

other points: the Pams you have racked is the original - which was discontinued years ago - I would at least get a Pamela's New Workout (used - as again discontinued) or a Pamela's Pro Workout - the latest version which adds quite a few features...

do you need scales, the midi to cv module, pams and an es9 for sequencing? probably not all of them...

using es9, pams and the midi to cv module as sources of pitch - they will all be already quantized - this makes scales redundant (& I intensely dislike this word in regard to modules)

keep pams (one of the newer versions anyway) - as it can be used as a random pitch generator as well as the many other things it can be used for

keep the es9 - as it will be your audio interface - and install either cv tools, silent way or vcv rack (vst version) to allow you to sequence from your daw... whichever works for you

get rid of the midi->cv module it's superfluous

and get a matrix mixer...

tiptop mantis is an excellent choice of starter case - I have one & if I were to buy another case (most of mine are DIY) I wouldn't hesitate to buy another mantis

also read my signature: and think long and hard about what it says... apply this to your thinking before you start spending money on modules!!! you don't have to follow the advice therein, but at least think about it...

Only ES-9 costs more than 550 pounds new....
And you also have Arbhar and Morphagene.... Forget about spending less than 3000 pounds even getting good second hand

Sorry I meant 3000! And I should have said it in the post, but I will eliminate modules from the rack as it stands now, when I get a better grasp of what I need. I could use some help on that point.

Thank you for replying!

I have updated it now, it was the wrong link earlier.

So I only need the es9 and an inputmodul to meet my needs for connectivity?
Doepfer Input module has only one Input, if you need more inputs, you will need more input modules.
Although it is not necessary for everyone to have an envelope follower
For example, you have this one from Ladik, very cheap with 4 lines.
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/ladik-a-520-4ch-in-line-preamp

Lastly, the two hundred pound thing is a typo, right?
I would at least be able to do this for below 300 pounds, if possible.
Only ES-9 costs more than 550 pounds new....
And you also have Arbhar and Morphagene.... Forget about spending less than 3000 pounds even getting good second hand
-- Markusbjorli

EDITED Mar 28th 2023, 13:35

Lastly, the two hundred pound thing is a typo, right?
I would at least be able to do this for below 300 pounds, if possible.
-- Markusbjorli

ModularGrid evaluates the above rack at €4.049

Thank you for replying!

I have updated it now, it was the wrong link earlier.

So I only need the es9 and an inputmodul to meet my needs for connectivity?
Lastly, the two hundred pound thing is a typo, right?
I would at least be able to do this for below 300 pounds, if possible.

EDITED Mar 28th 2023, 13:09

doepfer PSU3 is mains AC

Frequency Central is mostly 12v AC - I think their new one is DC

Most others using wall or rug warts will be DC - Arturia, 4ms, befaco, tiptop etc

if it's not stated in the manual, ask the manufacturer - most have support email addresses listed on their web sites... if they don't respond, then don't buy from them

yeah on signing a contract to do so on a day rate - expect it to cost thousands and take months... plus on-going maintenance fees...

or you could teach yourself JavaScript and do it yourself - it will only take you some months...

Hi,
Better share a link to the rack, so we can see the details of the different modules.

If you search on Youtube for Eurorack ambient or Eurorack Drone you will find many videos, some with in-depth explanations, especially for drones.

Modular is neither better nor worse for what you are looking for, what it is is very flexible and scalable, and mainly very expensive.
< Can I hook my modular setup up to logic, and record stuff from the modular in to logic all with the help of the expert sleepers es9? I know it allows you to record multitracks into the daw which is nice, but does it also work as an input?>
ES9 is basically an audio and midi output module. There are pre-amplified input modules, since you need to amplify the signal to Eurorack levels. Interesting that they have Envelope Follower, so you can generate CV from external sounds. For example the cheap Doepfer https://www.modulargrid.net/e/doepfer-a-119

I don't understand the two power sources. If you need more power you can include a source like https://www.modulargrid.net/e/4ms-company-row-power-45
I think Brains and Plaits overlap. I would stick with Plaits (or a clone) and add another oscillator with built-in modulation like https://www.modulargrid.net/e/erica-synths-black-vco2
You would also need an effects module, like clouds or Monsoon
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/calsynth-monsoon-aluminum
And a matrix mixer would be a good idea, to modulate the cv, it takes up little space https://www.modulargrid.net/e/crazy-chicken-matrix
And now, to finish for now, vca's
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/nano-modules-alt

Lastly, the two hundred pound thing is a typo, right? Because that's worth it Maths....
Best regards

EDITED Mar 28th 2023, 12:35

most cases are DC powered - similar to a laptop - in fact some power supplies actually use laptop bricks for converting AC mains power to DC +/- 12v and +5v

Hi JimHowell1970, thanks for the reply. Can you indicates some brands that uses this kind of power supply ? I'm interested in 4ms, intellijel, arturia rack brute, in particular, what's about this manufacturers ? Thanks

EDITED Mar 28th 2023, 12:21

Okay, so I am contemplating diving into this rabbithole. But first of all, I am really unshure if this is the right way to go for my needs and wants.
The main thing I am looking after is creating cool textured soundscapes and drones both for my solo works (Neo classical and ambient I guess you would call it) and for my metal band project that where i make dark ambient interludes and soundscapes to use in the background and some times foreground of the music. If i had to give you some comparison to what I am after I guess I would say Johann Johannson´s last and first men, Vast by Yair Elezar Glotman and Viktor Orri Arnason,
The main focus will therefore be on darker ambient soundscapes and textures for my music. My thought process is that a eurorack system, with the rigth modules could help me create really interesting and cool soundscapes and drones, with a lot of texture and detail, but I have not found any good examples of someone doing stuff like this and showing it so I am not shure if this is the right way to go. To be clear my main focus would not be on creating whole songs and beats on the system, but more on creating drones soundscapes, textures and ambience.
Now I mainly do drones and soundscapes through creating pads in vital, and with my Software Juno 60, and mixing in some field recordings here and there. Sometimes timestreching recordings of my piano and using the reverbtails of my guitar.

So that is the first question. Is a modular setup, going to be good for this kind of thing, or am I better of just doing it in other ways. And that is one more question I guess. Is a modular setup going to enable me to do stuff in this vein that I could not do/would be hard without one?

Okay, so if I where to buy a modular setup, what should I go for? One important thing is that I could use it with my DAW (Logic). I would probably like to run fieldrecordings, and audio from acoustic instruments thorugh it, recordings of my piano or guitar. I am kind of confused about this. Can I hook my modular setup up to logic, and record stuff from the modular in to logic all with the help of the expert sleepers es9? I know it allows you to record multitracks into the daw which is nice, but does it also work as an input? I am kind of confused.
I will make this easier by just stating what I need.
I want to be able to use the modular in tandem with Logic. I want to have a modular where I can make cool drones textures and soundscapes from scratch and then record it (preferably in multitracks) into logic. I also want to be able to send audio, and maybe midi, from logic to the modular for this reason. It would be nice if I could send more than one Audiotrack into the modular at once, say for example I want to make a drone/soundscape, with a low pianonote, a Cello and a violin. Could I do all of this with the es9? Or do I need something like the bitbox 1010? I am a bit confused.

I have made a rack with the things I am considering for this kind of setup(I would preferably narrow it down to around 3000 pounds):

What do you think is a good setup for my needs? For the case I think I will go for the mantis, as it has a lot of space and is cheaper than the intellijel cases. Thank you for your help!

EDITED Mar 28th 2023, 13:53

If you light your cigar with a banknote, then I would not advise you to :

• Listen to a lot of music produced with modulars.
• Identify the modules used in the styles of music you prefer.
• Determine a reasonable budget to start with.
• Choose a case that is large enough (Mantis, RackBrute 6U, Intellijel 7U, whatever).
• Make a first selection including some core modules (VCA, VCF, modulation sources, utilities, etc.)
• Set up your project in ModularGrid and submit it to get tips.
• And maybe leave your semi-modulars in their own cases...

From experience, you could end up running out of time, or space, or budget. Or all three. Unless you light your cigar with a banknote.

PS: I love your avatar ;)

Hey everyone,
Quick Question. Is there a way someone could write a code for a rackmount organizer format? like for modular but just vertically? Might help out a lot of studios and it never hurts to build a wish list.
(If something like this already exists, please point me in the right direction.)
Please let me know if this could be done.

FYI you can fit deeper modules in any skiff or case by using standoffs. You can get packs of hundreds of them in different lengths from places like Amazon for about $15. You screw the standoff into the slot and then screw the module in via a thread in the standoff. I like the brass ones as the nylon ones can break too easily.

That would free you up to choose any 2hp (brand) module. Maybe the mixer would be a good match as you don’t seem to have one.

I've been scratching my head for a 2hp module to fill out this case and thought I'd put it out there to try and gather some inspiration. This won't be the end of my rack as things will get inevitably expanded on but I just wanted to get this space filled for now and I'm interested to hear what others may suggest.

note: its a Moog skiff so can only handle up to about 45mm depth (so I'm told).

thanks

Haha

“XFMR Ring Modulator” on sale now!
Active Ring Modulator Design with Transformer | (Eurorack)
Please visit our web site for more information www.vaemi.net

Click the link to watch XFMR Ring Modulator Demo Videos

• Tamura Input and Output Transformers

• Active Ring Modulator Design

• Illuminated Design to Track the Phase of Modulation

Links:
https://en.vaemi.net/product-page/xfmr-ring-modulator-active-ring-modulator-with-transformer-eurorack

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1447879595

https://reverb.com/item/67388161

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/vaemi-xfmr-ring-modulator

@Sweelinck , @Jukeshoe - Your feedback on both the music and images are much appreciated, thank you :))

◾️OUT NOW◾️Soundscapes NO:1 - LP by Tunç Çakır is available now on digital platforms!

Album Links:
https://wicrecordings.lnk.to/SS_NO1

Soundspaces No:1 album consists of some recordings I recorded between 2005 and 2012. It was an album of sessions where I experimented with synthesizers, modules, electronic circuits, sounds and electricity. I used instruments-equipment mainly analog and mostly hardware. The things I do by playing the sequencer and keyboards or by programming them with the sequencer. The music consists of 3-4 channels at most, and it consists of recordings that I have recorded on a computer as stereo tracks or as a maximum of 3 channels. I made the mix completely analog with outboards. After recording it on the computer, I completed the album with an analog-digital hybrid mastering process between the tracks.The songs on this album are not exactly music in song form. They're more like recordings of a scene, a soundscape, an ambiance, a moment. It's more like a sound design. Yes :) I think it still consists of quite musical sounds. Maybe there will be a 2nd or 3rd album of this concept over the years. I am happy to share Soundscape No:1 with you now. I hope you enjoy listening to the album.

Patch 43 (A jamsession with DPO, a complex Buchla style oscillator)
Patch 44 (A Generative patch made completely with a sequencer and random CV's and logic's)
Patch 23 (Ambient, random CVs, and many envelopes and lfos are made by sequentially connecting each other. I used an arpeggiator to randomly select the notes. Although the main structure of the tissue comes from analog oscillators, a digital resonator and granular synthesis is the most characteristic sound of this patch)
Patch 29 ((Made with NI Reaktor and an analog system. Random sequencers and logics are used. Processed with noise, granular and glitches. A generative IDM style patch)
Patch 19 (Patch made with a resonator, granular, and different LPG)
Patch 24 (Analog drums made with random sequencers, analog synths, drum layers blended with resonator, a subtractive lead and finally a texture with granular)
Patch 54 (A random generative patch made using through-zero FM synthesis with multiple Vaemi Osi-Ops and Vintage Function Generator and granular synthesis)
Patch 51 (A 6 channel drum machine based on 8 bit sampling that we made ourselves. There are drums processed with granular synthesis and resonator. To play the drums, I used logics of our own designs, modules such as clock divider, shift register, gate combiner)
Patch 53 (A random-generative patch. Made using samplings from Phase Plant and the Vaemi Osi-Op + Elektron Machine Drum FM synthesis section. For formants, I have created many groups of analog and digital formant filters. Granular, on the other hand, is in charge as usual to support the fluency and variability of the sounds)
Patch 32 (A Granular Sampler player to create a Drone Synthesis by sampling a 1-second symphony orchestra, scanning the sample and processing it with granular)
Patch 20 (Electron Machine Drum + Vermona DRM1 + Resonator + Subtractive A patch programmed with 2 separate voices. Granular synthesis is again in the task of creating textures)
Patch 47 (A generative patch made with Vaemi El-Ma Orsted, recording electromagnetic waves, sampling, and processing with granular and filters)

www.tunccakir.com

EDITED Mar 27th 2023, 20:09

For now I´m not sure about it, I´d need a small case (2 x 60hp) and the Mantis is too much big for me.

Why? It's usually considered to be a waste of money re-housing semi-modulars in eurorack cases >

I've patched my Moog semi-modulars a lot more, using different applications and mostly better when they're inside my eurorack case. Yes you need to rack 'em, need the space and power... but it makes it a lot easier to integrate them in your setup. When you're ready to go fully modular, you can always put them back in the original case.

EDITED Mar 27th 2023, 13:12

Why? It's usually considered to be a waste of money re-housing semi-modulars in eurorack cases - you are paying twice for both case and power!!! which is something you already paid for when you bought them

That´s true, I never wanted to be into modular, but when the QS arrived I saw that it lacks a power switch and that made me start to think about having both in a case, maybe it´s not the best idea as you say.

maybe a switched power strip is a simpler and cheaper solution for that issue...

you will need a power supply - this one is designed to connect to a busboard so you would need one of those as well - see the description of the module - there are others designed to use flying busboards (ribbon cables with headers on them) but these can potentially introduce noise - but rack warts (power modules) take space in your case which is better used for actual modules - so cases with power inlets mounted elsewhere are preferable

do you need an output module? maybe - what are you considering sending the output to?

I barely understand the module descriptions, that´s another reason why maybe I shouldn´t do it. I thought an output could be nice to have a quick control over their output levels.

In that case you need to do a lot more research before spending money... go to modwiggler.com and read the stickies in the 3u and 1u subforum - watch some videos, read some newbie threads, read up on module descriptions & ask more questions

Why? It's usually considered to be a waste of money re-housing semi-modulars in eurorack cases - you are paying twice for both case and power!!! which is something you already paid for when you bought them

That´s true, I never wanted to be into modular, but when the QS arrived I saw that it lacks a power switch and that made me start to think about having both in a case, maybe it´s not the best idea as you say.

you will need a power supply - this one is designed to connect to a busboard so you would need one of those as well - see the description of the module - there are others designed to use flying busboards (ribbon cables with headers on them) but these can potentially introduce noise - but rack warts (power modules) take space in your case which is better used for actual modules - so cases with power inlets mounted elsewhere are preferable

do you need an output module? maybe - what are you considering sending the output to?

I barely understand the module descriptions, that´s another reason why maybe I shouldn´t do it. I thought an output could be nice to have a quick control over their output levels.

Hi,

I´m thinking about racking my DFAM and Quadrantid Swarm but I know nothing about Eurorack.

Why? It's usually considered to be a waste of money re-housing semi-modulars in eurorack cases - you are paying twice for both case and power!!! which is something you already paid for when you bought them

• I think I´d need a power module and an output module, will these work?

you will need a power supply - this one is designed to connect to a busboard so you would need one of those as well - see the description of the module - there are others designed to use flying busboards (ribbon cables with headers on them) but these can potentially introduce noise - but rack warts (power modules) take space in your case which is better used for actual modules - so cases with power inlets mounted elsewhere are preferable

do you need an output module? maybe - what are you considering sending the output to?

• Do I have to take anything in mind?

you will want more modules sooner or later - at the very least an appropriate end of chain mixer, some extra modulation, effects and utilities will probably be handy too

• Which other modules would be a good complement for this setup?

see above

• How can I find an angled case for this? I can´t find any...

the tiptop mantis is a very popular case that is angled and is one of the better cases in terms of size/cost/power & manufacturer reputation - and is often recommended to beginners as it's not that big but will allow room for expansion and is quite portable

Thanks!

and now with the actual link!!!

Hi,

I´m thinking about racking my DFAM and Quadrantid Swarm but I know nothing about Eurorack. Please help me with this questions:

• I think I´d need a power module and an output module, will these work?
• Do I have to take anything in mind?
• Which other modules would be a good complement for this setup?
• How can I find an angled case for this? I can´t find any...

Thanks!

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_2210452.jpg

EDITED Mar 27th 2023, 11:47

Realy nice Raaf love the way you incorporated those bird sounds!

Hey community, sorry, this one is for the french speakers.
J'ai traduit le manuel du 6equencer en français, c'est quasi un clone (nombre de pages, design etc..)
téléchargement : https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NqzEDlsKhF8lzIYv6qNmLoa55v-M44uy/view?usp=share_link

edited

EDITED Jul 2nd 2023, 13:38

EDITED Jul 8th 2023, 16:22

Hey community, sorry, this one is for the french speakers.
J'ai traduit le manuel de Pizza en français, c'est quasi un clone (nombre de pages, design etc..)
téléchargement : https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eDDjbUD39TAy15b-Yb4yKkUNLM1akUqH/view?usp=share_link

Hey community, sorry, this one is for the french speakers.
J'ai traduit le manuel du Chord en français, c'est quasi un clone (nombre de pages, design etc..)
téléchargement : https://drive.google.com/file/d/1g07wGGH34bTC98qzAGhGTkaIhVvBbR8u/view?usp=share_link

Hey community, sorry, this one is for the french speakers.
J'ai traduit le manuel du Data Bender en français, c'est quasi un clone (nombre de pages, design etc..)
téléchargement : https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mhk6q-eScDqhVR0hRn7fwoWyB2gFNvw0/view?usp=share_link

If you're in Europe and don't mind a silver faceplate, SchneidersLaden is currently offering a 9.71% discount on this ‘paleface’ version.
(A piece of information that will probably conjure up things for @wishbonebrewery ;)
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/forum/posts/index/12056

I find mine really useful, great for little Acid lines when you get the envelop-out so you can tweak the filter along with adding an Accent pattern, works from triggers or CV as a standard VCA too.

Not quite Javelin, but check Patching Panda's Punch.
-- wishbonebrewery

Great idea, thanks!

Not quite Javelin, but check Patching Panda's Punch.

Looking for a good envelope like javelin with an accent in and a VCA.

EDITED Mar 26th 2023, 21:03

Vector-Wave synth kit from RYK Modular build and demo.
This is an all-in-one synth module with VCOs, LFOs, envelopes, filters, MIDI mods, and so on. A very deep unit, you should probably check their demo video after mine if you like it.
Not the easiest build. While all the surface mount parts are already installed, the solder pads for the LED matrix, jacks and buttons are VERY close to the surface mount parts, you need to be VERY careful with your soldering to not touch or short to those. The unit would benefit from more space.
Powerful unit as an all-in-one.

Build

So, if I understood correctly, through a power supply it is not possible that the AC current arrives inside the case?

most cases are DC powered - similar to a laptop - in fact some power supplies actually use laptop bricks for converting AC mains power to DC +/- 12v and +5v

some such as doepfer are mains AC powered (using a 'kettle lead' for example - like a lot of synthesizers)

a few use AC converters to supply 12-15v AC (most likely with eurorack 12v to an internal power supply which will convert to +/-12v and possibly 5v) - as far as I know the only ones that do this are some Frequenct Central supplies)

For sure, tubes are more dangerous, but I don't plan to buy modules with tubes insides

usually the tubes won't be on the inside, they'll be on the outside - to show off... not many modules use regular tubes though! I suspect the newer korg nano-tubes are less dangerous - but probably better safe than sorry!

so is your idea to use this for processing an acoustic drum kit?

I think it might be a good idea to start with a single channel, add some effects and then add channels...

so there seems to be stuff missing - filters, effects, modulation sources, utilities that are needed to get the best out of them...

take a look at my signature - substitute mic input for sound source and spend a decent amount of time thinking long and hard about it...

also spend at least the same time thinking about using a regular outboard mixer and some effects pedals and or rack effects... or a multi-channel audio interface and a laptop - both will get you most of the way to where you appear to want to go for a lot less money...

Left to Right :

Input Module Befaco Insrtument Interface V2
- is a v fleshed out interface module, Phantom Pwr for Mics, Sliders for attack and decay of envelope follower, gain, threshold for triggering envelope, inverted envelope out, its a little pricy but FULLY featured. it will be vital to getting CV signals out from drum hits and audio in from Mics.
So
IF
you want to have acoustic drums mixed into FX (delay, filter, phaser, bitcrush etc) AND have said mic's signal produce a Controlled Voltage Envelope, which can then be used to modulate a desiered parameter in the system then this module will be the gate way. So just 1 to start, 3 at fin? good to keep that in mind, 2 def, but three depends on goal and level of dependance on external mic for system control.

Next UP:

Ya Boi Sound Scraper,
It takes 5v so you NEED TO READ UP ON 5V AND DOEPFER A100 5V CONVERTER, but he wild so net to him is a filter to tame, Envelope, trig rev env from Beface InputV2 can be used to treat sound scraper as an instrument struk from befaco which in turn has been struk from Mic which was presumably struck by you. Again just pointing out this direction is SANS sequencer, as you and the striking and mics are all apart of using the synth. aside from Sound scraper Droning and filtering, LFO madness, etc.

EDITED Mar 25th 2023, 20:34

My new jam is online. I used a fieldrecording of jackdaws made by a good friend as the basis and inspiration for this jam. I hope you will enjoy it!