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I'd probably try to focus on fewer voices. With Plaits, XPO and Cs-L/DPO you've got at least 3 sound sources in there (next to the three semi modulars you mentioned), only one VCF though. A pretty great one, that is. I love my XPO/QPAS combo but QPAS isn't gonna cover all the filtering needs for 3 oscillators. I'd add another stereo/dual VCF and/or a dual LPG like Optomix, LxD or MengQi's DPLPG.
Maths allows for mixing and function generation duties but you might want seperate modules for these tasks and open up Maths for its more sophisticated possibilities.
Mixers: Lion is quite a powerful matrix mixer and aesthetically it's a great match for Make Noise's black and gold line. The way you have to use pin and insert cables isn't for everybody though and might be something to get used to.
X-PAN needs modulation in order to really shine. Btw, I've had some great results modulating XPO, QPAS and X-PAN with Instruo's/DivKid's Ochd. It's only 4 HP wide, too.
Plaits, QPAS and X-PAN each come with a built-in VCA but that may not be enough. Especially if you wanna modulate your modulation which I consider really important in order to make a stereo patch really shine. Or for ping-pong sorta spreading of your left and right channel. Random voltages (noise source -> S&H) makes for some great modulation source as well. Really like to modulate Mimeophon's "zone" and "rate" this way.
I'd probably ditch the complex oscillator in order to make up the needed space for utilities, another VCF and modulation sources. I have an STO sit next to XPO for occassional complex FM patching.

-- CitizenGain

Thank you for that great reply and help. I have done a new update on case, Again the top ones is the ones I have. I've ditched the Complex Oscillator one. I want to be able to use the Rack on it's own sometimes, thats why I thought maybe that would be good but I would really like the modulation sources as you mentioned first. Space is an issue for me and setting everything up together won't be feasable all the time.
I obviously don't know what I'm doing lol, it won't let me share the new one so here is just an image of it

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_2229100.jpg?1681772929

I have put the bottom ones in order I would like to get them. Do you think Rene and Pam's Pro would be a good choice as well.

Would that set up work better now?

EDITED Apr 17th 2023, 23:10

I'd probably try to focus on fewer voices. With Plaits, XPO and Cs-L/DPO you've got at least 3 sound sources in there (next to the three semi modulars you mentioned), only one VCF though. A pretty great one, that is. I love my XPO/QPAS combo but QPAS isn't gonna cover all the filtering needs for 3 oscillators. I'd add another stereo/dual VCF and/or a dual LPG like Optomix, LxD or MengQi's DPLPG.
Maths allows for mixing and function generation duties but you might want seperate modules for these tasks and open up Maths for its more sophisticated possibilities.
Mixers: Lion is quite a powerful matrix mixer and aesthetically it's a great match for Make Noise's black and gold line. The way you have to use pin and insert cables isn't for everybody though and might be something to get used to.
X-PAN needs modulation in order to really shine. Btw, I've had some great results modulating XPO, QPAS and X-PAN with Instruo's/DivKid's Ochd. It's only 4 HP wide, too.
Plaits, QPAS and X-PAN each come with a built-in VCA but that may not be enough. Especially if you wanna modulate your modulation which I consider really important in order to make a stereo patch really shine. Or for ping-pong sorta spreading of your left and right channel. Random voltages (noise source -> S&H) makes for some great modulation source as well. Really like to modulate Mimeophon's "zone" and "rate" this way.
I'd probably ditch the complex oscillator in order to make up the needed space for utilities, another VCF and modulation sources. I have an STO sit next to XPO for occassional complex FM patching.

Hello guys and gals,
I’m a bit stuck. Do I really need VCAs?
Do I need effects?
Do I need a mixer?
What would you do to finish off this rack?
Help would be very, very helpful.
Thanks.
-- clivevass

You may wanna ask yourself what's the purpose of your system. Show that rack to 10 different people and ask them what module they'd buy next. You'll get 10 different answers, all of which would take those people one step further towards their dream rack but may be completely irrelevant for your musical approach. Are there any modular synth artists or youtubers you really dig? Anything you'd like your system to do which it can't quite do yet? The answer to all of your questions is "no, you don't need that", if you're able to get all the results from your system you could wish for. Then all that's left to be added are some blank panels to cover up the holes.
As for my personal opinion and what I would add to the rack, I agree with JimHowell. Utilities are king. Switches, mixers, logic, attenuators/attenuverters.. Happy Nerding's 3x MIA covers a lot of these functions at only 6HP and it's really affordable, too. In fact I love all of Happy Nerding's utilities.
I'd definitely add a cascading/mixing quad VCA. Mutable's Veils appears on the used market now and then. Other great and inexpensive options are Intellijel's Quad VCA or ALM's Tangle Quartet. The latter one doesn't exactly have that cascading behaviour but has a mix output. Only linear response, too, other than Veils and Quad VCA.
I'd personally add another VCF, maybe a versatile dual one (Intellijel Morgasmatron, DinSync Sara, AJH Gemini, which is rather huge though), delay/echo/reverb like Mimeophon, some sort of end-of-chain mixer in order to blend wet and dry signals. Oh, and function generators (Shakmat Triple Steeple, Intellijel Quadrax, Joranalogue Contour 1, Cosmotronic Delta V). A designated CV mixer, too. I'd also have Assimil8or swap places with Tetrapad/Tête, just for the aesthetic of having them sit next to Metropolix (and because their inputs and outputs are located at the modules' top anyway which is great for bottom row modules).

Hi guys.

I've scrubbed my lst case asI decided to get the Make Noise 7u one.

Looking or advice, I'll be getting the case in a coupe of weeks, it's on order from USA.

The top row is the modules I've bought and the ones below are the ones I favour so far to get next, no particular order, just getting them if deals come up. I've done well I think with ones I have bought.

I'm unsure about Make Noise DPO or Instruo Csl, I like the sound of both but would like a different voice in there. I have 0-coast and Strega and also Moog Matriarch.

I need a mixer and was looking at Instruo Lion,.

I'm looking at just having fun with delay, stereo and harmonies etc

Many thanks

I’m very curious if users can share successful experiences with delaying cv signals with « audio delay modules ».

I suspect that looking for one module to do comb filtering and long and accurate delays will be challenging ?

Synthesis technology E102 is a very fun module.
Joranalogue step 8 implements accurate track and hold (and is a super fun module too)
For comb and such, Joranalogue Delay 1 is impressive.

For my part, just a 24HP suggestion chosen for playability and adaptability.

Though at that price you could buy a TR-8S, plus premium cables, and even (being 18 years of age or over - and to consume in moderation) a nice selection of beers from our friend Wishbone Brewery ;)

Personally, I did opt for a mix because I think it’s a good solution: external drum machines (including the ADX-1, TR-707, and a DrumBrute Impact that sounds great and is perfectly suited to live performance), with some ‘percussion’ modules of course.

I think class 10 sd cards are not supported. I've tried with two separate ones. The same files work on class 4...
Anyone noticed the same issue? Or I am doing something wrong?

EDITED May 16th 2023, 15:25

I never played a guitar for real myself, but I know things can get weird quickly when a guitar friend of mine (35+ years and counting) asked if he could buy my BeatStep Pro. Right. It's one of those "do boundaries even exist" moments. He's got about 20 guitars as well. Another friend tried to replace his rack of pedals by a one-does-it-all model ("Look, now my pickup is 30cm beyond the neck!"), only to find that other do-it-all models did other things.

Yeah, modules are very hard to grasp for non-modular people. Even if somebody is familiar with pedals, something like a VCA, panning scanner or modulation source (Orbit 3 for the win!) are completely alien. I just got the Error Instruments Tele Bender and I find I can't describe it in words to anybody who asks what it does. But it's so much fun! It gets even better because it's extremely pretty and looks like an obscurantis 19th century magick device from China (I got the red one), and only 30 will ever be made. I bought it to shock my fellow modular friends, partly at least.

In the meantime, I feel like modular is really making me think in components that connect together. I tried hooking up my Argon8 to my modular, which I succeeded in easily, but I had a hard time wrapping my head around all the capabilities in that synth. There's so much in there, coming at me all at the same time! I feel I'm already starting to find Bastl modules like Pizza and Ikarie hard to get because they do so much. They should just chop it up into 3 or 4 modules. Or make them 20hp wide instead of 8

Thank you for your time and consideration

I'd definitely want more utilities - logic, sequential switches, mixers (sub/matrix), clock dividers etc etc and possibly some more effects and modulation, before buying any more sound sources...

It's a bit like guitar players. Some people think you buy a guitar and that's it. Except modular is worse, far worse ;-)
-- Arrandan

hahahaha

Also being a guitar player, I'm not so sure that modular is worse!!!

there's a 1st crappy acoustic guitar, then a crappy electric and an amp, then an upgrade (probably for all 3), then another upgrade, then another electric and a hollow body and another electric and maybe a 12 string and some pedals along the way and more pedals and a pedal board and another amp and then upgrade the pedals etc etc

and then a bass and an amp and maybe some pedals for that etc

and suddenly you've got 6-10 guitars, a couple of amps, 10-20 pedals maybe more, probably a keyboard or 2, plus some recording equipment and other rack gear.... which could easily be way, way over 20k... possibly nearer 30... and that's with standard factory built guitars and amps, and no exotic hard to find pedals etc... start going towards an actual custom built guitar (by a named builder from a major manufacturer) or a desirable 'vintage' guitar, a hand wired point to point amp (or 2) and even a few unobtanium pedals and you could be over 30k just for one or 2 guitars, a couple of 'good' amps and a dozen or so pedals

and don't even think at looking at 'classical' instruments - like cellos - anything above a beginner model and you're talking thousands... and then there's the bow - more thousands... or a piano...

my ex used to not bat an eyelid at a couple of grand for a guitar... but couldn't understand why modules were often hundreds each... but she was really only accustomed to buying FMCG (as many people are) - clothes, shoes, consumer grade audio/visual, white goods etc - which are made in the hundreds of thousands if not millions and has never worked in retail or business...

but modules (and cases) aren't anything like FMCG - they're niche components of a custom 'professional' grade musical instrument... they're very low volume - the biggest selling module (Maths) is probably under 20k units in total... over 15 or more years... and most are probably in the hundreds or very low thousands in total... and made in batches of 10s or hundreds... and yet they still have to be designed, tested, refined, built, stored, shipped, retailed etc etc all of which adds up... and in a lot of cases are the same or similar costs as FMCG but have to be absorbed by a fraction of the sales.. which obviously drives the price up...

I think there is such a thing as “finished” if you want it to be…that’s what my wife keeps telling me…
-- clivevass
Hahaha, my wife is just the same. She thinks it can be finished because she's not in it. As for her own projects - to me, many look finished, whereas for her, it's just the first step. It's a bit like guitar players. Some people think you buy a guitar and that's it. Except modular is worse, far worse ;-)

Hiya,
this is the rack I have sat above my moog matriarch, i like using them together but also enjoy this as being a very capable standalone setup.
I recently replaced my 9u of rackbrutes with a 9u 104hp case, so I have some space to fill and looking for suggestions

I've had my eye on a Plonk for a little bit (I have an Erica Synths Sample Drum I want to swap one for), and was also thinking of replacing the Spice VCF with a Jove, I was also thinking a mixer and perhaps a cv crossfader. Any suggestions appreciated!

Thanks Jim, that's a really useful reply and gives me some modules to explore. Just to add, I've been developing an ambient style random glitch rig alongside this one but this is very specifically for exploring polyrhythms that still lock to a fixed tempo. So for example there could be at any one time 7 different time signatures running, all modulated for colour and character. I guess in some ways like Steve Reich created a number of years ago.. And not dance music.

I've been on a modular journey for a while now, just tweaking and exploring but it's come to me that I want to create certain music I hear in my head that I can't create on other hardware instruments, which is perfect! New music!!!

I'll check out a few of the things you've mentioned and see how I get along

I'd think more utilities and modulation sources and less sound sources...

you'll get a lot more versatility that way... I'd definitely want a syncable multi modulation source of some kind...

take a look at my signature for some hints!

I have the grandmother and strega, which I adore. I got a great deal on a 104hp case with power, so now I'm theorizing what I'd need for both modulation and percussive sounds. I'll let this marinate before I move.

There is no such thing as "finish"... modular synths are endlessly evolving custom instruments... maybe a case will be full at some point, but there are always other cases...

I think there is such a thing as “finished” if you want it to be…that’s what my wife keeps telling me…

hahahaha... no that is finished when someone else wants it to be... so not finished just in a state of inertia...

Thank you for your suggestions. Sometimes you just want someone to confirm what you’re already thinking and suggest specific modules that you can do homework on. That’s when you get the aha moments, and realise this module can do more (or less) than you initially thought. So many modules, so little time!

yeah yeah I know, but often what you want and what you need are 2 different things... pointers in the right direction and then doing the research yourself (reading the modwiggler threads & the manual multiple times - if there is one - and watching youtube videos etc before you buy the module) are imo way better and more rewarding than "buy this module its my favourite" can ever be, or at least they have been for me over the last 7 years since I bought my first modules

EDITED Apr 16th 2023, 22:48

There is no such thing as "finish"... modular synths are endlessly evolving custom instruments... maybe a case will be full at some point, but there are always other cases...

I think there is such a thing as “finished” if you want it to be…that’s what my wife keeps telling me…
Thank you for your suggestions. Sometimes you just want someone to confirm what you’re already thinking and suggest specific modules that you can do homework on. That’s when you get the aha moments, and realise this module can do more (or less) than you initially thought. So many modules, so little time!

I rarely listen to tracks people post... but massive star trek fan - I'm called Jim after Kirk - because I negotiated watching (I think) the first set of re-runs of TOS on the BBC in 1973 when I was 3 years old - they were on at 11pm and my bed time was 7 or something!

I'm guessing the biological responses sample is Tuvok, but it really sounds like Leonard Nimoy's Spock...

24hp is not a lot to play with... usually these things just descend into these are the modules I use - so here goes:

maybe a peaks clone to start - it'll give you a kick and a snare - and then something for hats or metallic percussion - I've got plaits and crucible for those and a fss portland - which is fun especially when you dangle it outside the case and stick your fingers in round the back (if you like weird glitchy percussion sounds and squeals) - I've also got an fx aid xl that I keep meaning to reflash with the drum algos on it - mostly so I can use the rimshot and maracas... and an addac vc t-networks (need to finish the build) and a couple of lpgs... and a drm2 mk3 and a circuit bent tr505 - which I can trigger via midi if I want... and that's without patching from scratch - I didn't realise I had quite so many percussion voices!!!

there's nothing wrong with using Pam's for sequencing percussion - as long as you want very robotic sounding drums. and not a lot of interaction... which is fine, if that's what you want!! I use it myself, but I combine it with other things - a zularic repetitor, a dual trigger delay, branches and marbles, a sequential switch, some logic modules, a switched multiple (used as a gate combiner - shock horror) and a ll8ii (once I've rtested my build) (I might need another gate combiner or 2) for instance to humanise and switch it up on the fly and to quickly get other rhythms - I rarely use a straight 4 on the floor rhythm - maybe I'll add another kick in there at some point or a - but then I'm not trying to make straight dance music

so you want to Fuck Shit Up?

a sampler and maths would be a good start... I'd also add some sort of multi-fx and probably more in the way of modulation sources - and then some utility modules - a quad cascading vca, a matrix mixer...

plan your case around the modules you want & those you need to support them - rather than buying a case and then trying to squeeze modules in... I'd go for something like a mantis (nb that's a small case imo) - so you have room to (inevitably) expand into

Thanks for the reply JimHowell1970. Could you give me some examples of how YOU would finish this rack?

There is no such thing as "finish"... modular synths are endlessly evolving custom instruments... maybe a case will be full at some point, but there are always other cases...

saying that I already said what I would add (or at least pointed you in the direction) - I just didn't mention specific modules... the whole point of modular is that it's your custom instrument (and not mine) so as always happens it would just be a list of what are my favourites: for utilities and filters - doepfer... for vcas I always liked Veils (there are clones available) - an fx aid pro wouldn't hurt - I'd probably want another modulation source - probably either a zadar or batumi (& expander) and a matrrix mixer to combine them - into even more interesting shapes

Which modules would you go for? I’ve got vcas in Maths, but nothing really drones if I don’t want them to. But do I need more? Please help 😳

-- clivevass

you don't really have vcas in Maths - you can patch Maths as a vca-ish - but generally it's an "envelope generator" unless you are madly into the illustrated manual which you probably aren't - seriously I would add at least one dc-coupled quad cascading vca - as mentioned above, I like veils, but there are others - & Maths is better left to be Maths than using it as 'vcas' - & yes I would want more - as I use them for modulating modulation as well as for shaping notes

EDITED Apr 16th 2023, 21:50

Wow! Thanks!

If you can get a used one (discontinued) the Modor Comb Filter is brilliant, IMHO ;-)
Cheers, Ron

Thanks for the reply. I've tried the Arturia drum machines and didn't get along with them. I'd like to keep things minimal in one case.

I'm know I can use PAM's for other things but why not use them to sequence everything to a specific tempo where there are multiple units running in polyrhythm?

Sensibly most people suggest to get an external Drum Machine. I'd quite fancy a Drum Brute Impact myself.

I've got a few small sequencers, DNIPRO DOT and Robaux LL8, both very capable, but I've just gone and got a Arturia Beatstep Pro as its way more user-friendly than the LL8 (though Muting isn't quite as easy) its good for other stuff too. The DOT is good for little fills and the in-between percussion bits that can be made to float along as poly-rhythms etc from the 3 channels that have different step counts giving you interesting variety that you don't always need to control.

Personally I'd use Pam's clocks for other stuff rather than trying to sequence Drums & percussion with it.

EDITED Apr 16th 2023, 17:54

Hi, a little background. I have ~10 hardware synths and plenty of guitar pedals for the standard sounds. I’m looking to pair a small Eurorack with an Octatrack to create a FSU (F*** S*** Up) setup. Ideally using the Octatrack as a live sampler.

Any recommendations on modules? I think I’ll need a sampler (morphagene?) to feed back and forth from the Octa? I’m thinking about maths for modulation?

This is my first rack as well, looking forward to your suggestions!

EDITED Apr 16th 2023, 18:29

Thanks for the reply JimHowell1970. Could you give me some examples of how YOU would finish this rack? Which modules would you go for? I’ve got vcas in Maths, but nothing really drones if I don’t want them to. But do I need more? Please help 😳

do you need vcas? probably, definitely if you want to form 'notes' instead of just drones - they are also useful for modulation - modulate your modulation!

do you need effects? not necessarily... but, most people find that at least one filter per voice is a really good idea... & if you don't have effects (at least delay & reverb) somewhere else (DAW, pedals) then you'll probably want some in the rack - they are useful in the rack as you can use them in other places in the chain than just end of chain processing... if you have pedals or line level effects then you probably want some sort of send/return (with level adjustment) to get them to work properly

do you need a mixer? again not necessarily - they are incredibly useful though - & you probably want multiple types - sub-mixers, matrix mixers (are always useful) and an end of chain mixer if you aren't going into an external audio interface or mixer - although you may want one even if you are - nb some vcas are also mixers - buy one of these (a dc-coupled quad cascading vca)
as a sub-mixer at the very least

what would I do? add utility modules... mixers, vcas, logic, sequential switches etc etc

see my signature for some handy hints on how to get the most versatility in your modular for the least cash!!!

hope this helps... & feel free to ask more questions!

EDITED Apr 16th 2023, 14:08

Hello guys and gals,
I’m a bit stuck. Do I really need VCAs?
Do I need effects?
Do I need a mixer?
What would you do to finish off this rack?
Help would be very, very helpful.
Thanks.

Hi

I've got 24HP left in a particular rack and I want to add some drums. As a drummer myself I'm going to be very focused on something that I can tune and tweak and that will sequence easily through Pam. I'd also like it to be simple for performances i.e able to drop out kick / snare / hats etc on the fly

I don't mind single modules or a complete unit but I can't go above 24hp

Any suggestions?

Frequency Central's take on Electric Druid’s wavetable oscillator.
Nice sounds. And it includes an LFO, some good portamento, good CV controls, and more.
Straightforward build, nothing unusual about the build. Lots of parts, but not hard.

Build

Or at least the cropping tool? (sounds less harsh than the trashcan!)
-- Moogul
Not for photography! As for music - it's built up of several components, so you could reuse that drum line for something else later. Btw, for my EP I published last week, I also had several ideas that I started on and dropped. Put differently than the trash can metaphor, selection is part of the creative process. Firmly off-topic by now ;-)

Or at least the cropping tool? (sounds less harsh than the trashcan!)

Anyone is noticing strange behavior when accessing his/her racks from Android phone. Lots of times when you try to move a module the whole rack is moved as if you have switched on the Rack Lock switch.
-- norde

Yes, totally unusable for me on Android at the moment. Maybe 80-90% of the time the rack pans instead of the module moving. It seems to have something to do with the zoom level - moving modules is more reliable when you're zoomed in, but you have to be zoomed in so far that it effectively makes the site unusable.

EDITED Apr 14th 2023, 07:51

This build includes the complete Behringer system 55 with the following extra modules:

1 Behringer 960 Sequencer
1 Behringer 962 Sequential Switch
1 Behringer 904a Voltage Controlled Low Pass Filter
1 Behringer 992 Control Voltages
1 Behringer 1630 Bode Frequency Shifter
1 Behringer CP3A-M Mixer
1 Doepfer A170 V Dual Slew Limiter
1 Doepfer A156v Dual Quantizer
1 AMS Sample and Hold

This is rearranged and designed to fit in the dual Eurorack Go cases in which the existing System 55 is shipped.

Squad goals.

EDITED Apr 14th 2023, 02:42

Nice work there :)

Thanks Arrandan, for listening and commenting. I did have a few doubts about the percussion, but by that point I had spent quite a lot of time setting up the drum modules and trigger sequencing, so didn't want to waste that effort!
-- Moogul

Hi Moogal! Never, ever let effort come between you and a better result. There is a saying in photography that the most important instrument of a good photographer is the trashcan. It should be similar for a musician ;-) Just a general remark, not specifically targeted at your piece here!

Merci !! J'adore ce module. Je viens juste de faire un cover de The Normal - Warm Leatherette avec les paroles !

Thanks!! I love this module. I just have posted a cover of The Normal - Warm Leatherette. With the lyrics.

EDITED Apr 19th 2023, 05:29

Thanks Arrandan, for listening and commenting. I did have a few doubts about the percussion, but by that point I had spent quite a lot of time setting up the drum modules and trigger sequencing, so didn't want to waste that effort! (one of the ways in which modular systems can override musical taste!!). Good luck with the O_C - and do check out the EX some time!

Check out https://www.modulargrid.net/e/vult-freak

EDITED Apr 13th 2023, 11:14

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/shakmat-modular-dual-dagger

Hello all,
I am looking to add a stereo filter in my setup, but I'm a bit low on -12v power so my options are kind of limited.
I was looking at the Doepfer A-121s and while it sounds amazing, its -12v draw is too much for my system. So is MI Blades for example...
The only one that kind of fits is the Moon Phase by Patching Panda. Are there any other alternatives you may have in mind?
My power supply gives me 500ma -12v and with the Moon Phase my draw will be 450.

TLDR: I'm looking for a stereo multimode filter, about 60ma -12v and around 300 euros.

Thanks for any input.

EDITED Apr 13th 2023, 09:54

New video online. This jam is based on a melodic progression I composed on the Mother-32. I added a randomly created bass like melody by Plaits, clocked by Marbles. I used Delays and reverb in my DAW and on the FXaid and played on Hypha by Native Instruments on my midi keyboard. Please enjoy!

is it the same jerk who was harassing folks under various user names like NextG?

That sounds pretty good! And the demo track is very cool: somewhere between Daho and Kraftwerk... Nostalgia.
8 voice polyphonic, multiengine, sample playback, FXs... Impressive.

Ça sonne plutôt bien! Et le morceau de démo est très cool : quelque part entre Daho et Kraftwerk... Nostalgie.
8 voix polyphoniques, multi-moteurs, lecteur d'échantillons, FXs... Impressionnant.

I agree, with a large modular synth that has 6 racks, having the ability to edit multiple racks more easily in 1 screen would be cool.
I currently use 1 gigantic rack, but it's becoming difficult to see power usage. It would also be nice to see & edit individual racks at times, and the whole big rack (6 together) at other times.

Thank you! I'll study this later for sure

Make Noise Pressure Points as an 16 step Sequenzer: