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As the title says.
Is warmstar electronics still producing modules?

I'm intrigued by their "Bends" module, but concerned that an order sent to their website won't go through.

Thanks for pointing that out. I have a Compare 2 now, mostly use it for the logic section. Still trying to figure out how to integrate it into my patches, to be honest.

The price of all of this with the NiftyBundle is $650 (minus the 2hp fx module)

I use an ES-9 to send everything to my iPad, where I use AUM to mix it. AUM can also add effects, side chain compression, etc, so I'm finding it very flexible. With it, you can record each track separately. I also send everything to a mix bus, on which I apply a final EQ (removing hiss if necessary, for example), and I record that as well for publication.

Hi dears
I'd like to record my session and experimenting with ambisonic and audio360.
My setup is eurorack modular (from vca out ti mixer), model-d and some DIY stuff. All mix with xenix1200fx
I'd like record every instruments in differenti traks.
What is a good solution on budget for recording?
Is Better an USB mixer like ZEDi-10FX (anybody use it?) or a sound card?

Thanks and synth the world

Excellent stompbox.

A relaxing ambient drone piece that arose from trying to avoid buying a Lyra-8.

Main patch notes: Generate 3 and Klavis Twin Waves II supply low end drones, while Odessa gives some high end. Odessa is multed. One stereo channel goes through Timiszoara (granular glitch mode) then into Melotus Versio (in Desmodus Versio mode). The other channel goes through Nebulae (in Mars Affects mode). Slight EQ in Ableton, plus Orion Valhalla reverb plugin.

Anyone know if the Enigma is compatible with a MK2 MTM Turing Machine?

One day the kids will see these expensive racks in old studios and get told "this is how we were making these sounds".

Of course there will also be WMD devices in there.

EDITED Nov 3rd 2022, 19:42

Hi all,

I just hooked up my new Hrad expansion module to my XAOC Devices Praga mixer and enjoy it quite a bit. However, one function still puzzles me. That is how the heck to use the send and return features on the module with my modular FX units! Any ideas?
I also have this question on how to use send/return on my Qu-bit Mixology mixer module. Instructions in the manuals are not clear or I am just dense.

Over the past 2 month I've been digging in to modular synthesis and come up with a rack aimed towards creating music such as jungle, idm, Ambient, hiphop and experimental. The idea was to mainly focus on drums but still have the possibility to create Ambient soundscapes.
I've been messing with music and synthesis for a while so I've designed the rack to be kinda familiar, for example not having to many hybrids but instead adding modulars that has specifik functions like delay, adsr doing its own thing. Ive added a good amount of different modulars, hoping it will give me a wide range of modulation and patching variations. Originally i added the buchla 258t but since its not available until January i added the Dannysound en129 and the MCO instead, i might even cancel the buchla 258t and keep DS en129, maybe!
fyi - i might sell the z5000 so i pulled it out of the rack.

equipment that i already own

Varigate 8+
vpme QD
Z5000
Chronoblob
intellijel mixup
Sample drum > arriving soon
Dannysound en129 > arriving soon

until know everything works as intended so that's great, but if there are any obvious mistakes, holes or just good ideas for further fine tuning, speak up.

EDITED Nov 4th 2022, 05:26

Yeah I have zero concept of space and workflow in this context so this commentary is gold lol

Added to ferranadsr's comment above this is moving me away from an 84hp bundle toward a 104hp "proper" system.

Making a system from nothing is way more intimidating though...

I suggest getting a bigger case and replacing all the 2hp modules with a doepfer equivalent. As you have it right now it would be very uncomftable to play while patched (because the jacks are super close to the knobs), not to mention I'm not even sure you can cram that many 2hp modules near eachother physically because of the power headers

I added Both to the options of the 1U tiles.
Now they can be of the type
* Intellijel
* Pulp Logic
* Both

IMO it makes more sense to display both Intellijel and Universal if Intellijel is selected as I would expect the most prevalent use case is to look for modules that will fit the user's rack

This is the way it is working now.
I did not call the new option universal because in more cases the modules are just available in both formats instead of that one combined universal format.
To not overcomplicate it the universal 1U should be entered as both. I think this is the best compromise and should address what users like to see but I am not very familiar with 1U. So what do you think?

Clank told me they don't make a silver panel, so I reverted the listing to the black version.

I really wish people wouldn't upload alternative panels to official module listings.

We now have a filter for Pulplogic 1U and Intellijel 1U modules.
-- modulargrid

Thank you !

If a module is universal and a user selects 1U Tiles / Intellijel in the filter should that universal module be displayed? Or should there be a third filter entry 1U Tiles / Universal ?
-- modulargrid

IMO it makes more sense to display both Intellijel and Universal if Intellijel is selected as I would expect the most prevalent use case is to look for modules that will fit the user's rack - the opposite would have users have to make a search twice to cover what is available to them.

Thanks, your English is good and so is your advice!

• Pamela's New Workout -- okay cool, I was looking at it bc it has a good reputation, so that goes straight in.

• The Cre8audio case has built-in audio and MIDI outputs, so that's covered here out of sight,

• Chipz and Cellz are mainly tempting because the ~£90 saving on bundle means you effectively get one for free. So fair point, but there's something to be said for a plug 'n' play system. Especially with a brain like mine.

• Envelope generators, noted, and I'm gonna check out some DMO demos as soon as I finish listening to this Terry Riley album, then update and maybe make a non-bundle version of this rack.

Thanks!

Hi,
I am a beginner, but imo:
-I would change the 3 modules 2hp of clock modulation from a Pamela's New workout, more functions, similar money, similar size.
-You will need an audio output, a mixer or at least something that attenuates the outputs of your voices (vca's), this means at least 6 hps more.
-You are dedicating more than 50 percent of your case space to 3 modules.
-I would move to a larger case, or, I would sacrifice cellz and chipz modules.
-A couple of envelope generators would be nice too.
-Find in Youtube some demos of rides-in-the-strom DMO module, versatile, affordable and "in your music scope"
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/alm-busy-circuits-grey-pink-pamela-s-new-workout
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/rides-in-the-storm-dmo-
Best regards,
sorry for my English.

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_2074210.jpg

My interests are creating bleepy bloopy electro and drone and textural weirdness from blissful new-age all the way to malevolent noise, so the Chipz and Cellz bundle plus Eowave Weather Drones gives me an intro to both aspects: two very different voices plus routes to combining them, for an unexpectedly reasonable price.

I'm trying to cover a wide range of musical and technical bases in a small footprint for a relatively modest cost, so the first purchase is the bundle, Chipz & Cellz with case and cables, plus the two Takaab modules. Next comes Weather Drones, then the 2hp modules to incrementally increase functionality in rhythmic and melodic areas. At some point I'll probably get a Beatstep Pro but initially I'll be exporting straight to DAW or into a Tascam digital recorder.

Since I have the knowledge of a gibbon and the skills of a neanderthal I've tried to approach it the way I would conceptualize a visual art or writing project, thinking things through in terms of thematic lines and desired affect. This technique has served me well making ambient music in MIDI, although I admit I might be an idiot for trying to apply it to literal pieces of actual technology.

Literal and thematic criticisms are, ofc, both equally valid and welcome, but try to be kind. Or if you're being brutal, try to be constructive!

I talk with someone who say its 2,1mm... and an adapter will cause bad contact... I can't find a 2,1mm on internet argh...

Working with Qu-Bit Nautilus while playing Plaits. "From the deep ocean trenches, to shimmering tropical reefs, Nautilus is the ultimate exploratory delay network." This jam brings in atmospheres of the ocean, from shoreline to deep trenches. Other voices include the Moog Mother 32, DFAM, and BIA. Qu-Bit Nautilus is quickly becoming a favorite among my collection of delays.

We now have a filter for Pulplogic 1U and Intellijel 1U modules.
Functionality is there but of course most of the data is missing. It can be added by users but it would be easier if I would bulk edit the modules.
Is there a list of manufacturers that only do one format but not the other?

Regarding that universal format. If I would add this how should the filter behave. Currently there are these 1U options:

• 1U Tiles / All Formats
• 1U Tiles / Intellijel
• 1U Tiles / Pulplogic

If a module is universal and a user selects 1U Tiles / Intellijel in the filter should that universal module be displayed? Or should there be a third filter entry 1U Tiles / Universal ?

Hadn't looked into slope detectors before, but they seem like really useful utilities. If I understand them correctly, they'll send out gates while they detect a changing cv signal, correct?

-- HGsynth

Btw you actually already have two in the Joranalogue Compare 2 but those can be linked and can do so many things besides slope detection. I have one too but also a Ladik Deriviator that I tend to use for slopes only, sometimes paired with some logic to autmate the record button on my Morphagene.

I removed the effect I had and added the one you suggested. Do I need an FX Aid Pro as well?
-- Jamest2305

Depends on how many effects you want to add in your DAW later on. You can always leave it out first and see if you feel like you want to do some crazy stuff with effects in your rack later on.

Both the Erica Synths Bassline and the x0x heart are quite similar (...) having them both seems a bit overkill.

They're both kits I have wanted to build for ages and had always been at the heart of what i planned to do so want to keep these
-- Jamest2305

If you want them both that sounds reasonable, since both of them eat up some HP I'd remove the Atlantis in a rack that is this size.

I added a Doepfer Quad VCA. Will 4 be enough or should I add another?
-- Jamest2305

Combined with the added Lapsus Os Quad Attenuator it will be enough at first. You can always add one later on as they're not that big and you can get them fairly cheap.

• Something that creates envelopes, LFOs, random, i.e. modulation.

Isn't this what Maths does?
-- Jamest2305

Yes, Maths can be a modulation source amongst other things, that's why so many people recommend is for a starter system. Maths has four channels, two of which have a trigger and rise/fall control, basically giving you two LFOs or envelope generators aka modulation sources. Two modulation sources (not counting the modulator and envelope on the Atlantis) is not much. You can dedicate all the Maths Channels to modulating the Noise Engineering Manis Iteritas alone, let alone all the other modules.
The Ornament & Crime module theoretically has four modulation outputs but I assume you don't want the o_C only for modulation source as it can do many things. I'd add something like Pamela's New Workout or Intellijel Quadrax (or maybe even both)

Also, please take a second look at the case you are going to use. Since you've added a 104HP Palette Case Top Row, I assume you are going to buy an Intellijel Palette.
However, the Palette module you've added to the top row is only on the 4U Palette cases, which contradicts with your case settings that indicate a height of 7U. On the 7U version this top row is not present (although some I/O is on the back of the 7u Palette case), which would mean that you could remove that Top Row module, giving your case another 1U row.

You could also provide a link to the case you want to buy so me or someone else can create a valid ModularGrid template for you :)

tbh with you i wasn't sure which one to get, i have just built this erica synths diy modular kit and would really like that adding to my rack, that's 84 bhp. If I am going to do this then I would need a 9U case I would think. Any suggestions?

Thanks for the lengthy reply

If you want to make hard techno, by this I assume a bit in the styles of Charlotte de Witte or I Hate Models, you will needs loads of effects. I'd advice to keep your standard reverbs, delays and compressors in Ableton, otherwise it'll take up a lot of space and money. However eurorack effects can be more interesting as their parameters are often easier to modulate. The FX aid pro seems to be a reasonable choice as it offers a load of different effects. Maybe you can also look into the Endorphin.es ghost, it's a multi-fx module but it seems to be really suitable for hard techno as it has filter, delay, reverb, compressor and distortion. This can be used pretty good for those rumble kicks I think.

I removed the effect I had and added the one you suggested. Do I need an FX Aid Pro as well?

Both the Erica Synths Bassline and the x0x heart are quite similar - both have a saw/square VCO (bassline has also triangle tho), a filter that can do acid-type resonance, a gated VCA, accent input and VCF envelope depth. Unless you have a specific feature that you want on either of these machines, having them both seems a bit overkill.

They're both kits I have wanted to build for ages and had always been at the heart of what i planned to do so want to keep these

If you are interested in the possibilities of eurorack though, I'd remove either the Erica Synths Bassline or x0x heart and add the following modules:
- A separate VCA where you can control both the input signal AND the CV input signal (the Befaco Hexmix seems to do only of the combined output of the signal and CV in). Something like the Doepfer A-130-2 or the Happy Nerding 3x VCA. These give more flexibility to use the VCAs as simple attentuators as well. Maybe even more than 3 VCAs

I added a Doepfer Quad VCA. Will 4 be enough or should I add another?

• As a sound source it'd be nice to use more dissonant or richter harmonic sounds as well. An analog VCO (which usually has saw, square, triangle and sine) is nice as base or a sub sound but it'd look into modules that can do a wider variety of sounds. These are more difficult to learn but give you more flexibility. A Mutable Intruments Plaits is often mentioned for this. Since the module is discontinued, you can also use clones

will have a look at this

• Something that creates envelopes, LFOs, random, i.e. modulation.

Isn't this what Maths does?

Winter Modular Eloquencer sequencer and Endorphin.es Queen of Pentacles is a good way to get modular techno easily.
-- benscott

Would this be better than an Oxi One and RE-909? I've just got an RE-909 kit i'm about to build and was planning to use that for my drums.

Also, please take a second look at the case you are going to use. Since you've added a 104HP Palette Case Top Row, I assume you are going to buy an Intellijel Palette.
However, the Palette module you've added to the top row is only on the 4U Palette cases, which contradicts with your case settings that indicate a height of 7U. On the 7U version this top row is not present (although some I/O is on the back of the 7u Palette case), which would mean that you could remove that Top Row module, giving your case another 1U row.

You could also provide a link to the case you want to buy so me or someone else can create a valid ModularGrid template for you :)

EDITED Nov 2nd 2022, 10:52

Thanks @dubstepjoris for the detailed response!

To be honest, I'm hoping for the rig to be able to do a bit of everything. I've currently got a 6u Rackbrute + Minibrute 2s setup, which I'm planning on turning into a standalone synth for more beat oriented music, so this rig can be predominantly generative focused.

Good point about the trigger sources and quantizers. As @Manbearpignick says, I tend to use the O_c for shift registers and quantizing, so I'm hoping that the 2 there plus the Scales will get me where I want to go. Then again, I'm definitely eyeing the Harmonaig and a few others. It's amazing that with a rack this size, it still feels like I have to make compromises in places.

Thanks again everyone!

This is why I like the Eloquencer and Queen of Pentacles combo. You get a killer sequencer, drum voices, filter, and effects in two modules leaving room for utilities like a good mixer and VCAs and envelopes. For an attenuator, the WMD 4tten is great with sliders to help adjust levels for the various drum voices. But you could just buy an Erica Synths Techno System and be done with it.
That is what I would do if I had the cash and wanted a well sorted modular techno machine.

Nice. Cant wait :)

I really enjoyed this one. Great atmosphere! I had no idea that Eric Wenger was still developing software. Back in college, we burned an untold number of hours and cpu cycles generating Bryce landscapes. Nicely done!

I'd say this rig goes well beyond the Turing Machine IMO plus the O_c's own quad shift register is far more of a capable Turing just on its own. Between the RND STEP and Source of Uncertaincy for S/H and smooth random, there's plenty of source material for complex generative - especially with that matrix mixer close by.

Another round of playing with Qu-Bit Nautilus piped into Mimeophon. Most modulation is performed with ochd feeding Vector Space. This has become my favorite way to generate slower modulation that drifts within the time signature. Voices are two Moog Mother 32's, Plaits, and BIA for the steady kick.

-mowse

Thanks, all! This little module is really pulling some weight in the rack. More to come as I figure it out.

That should work, the only thing to double check is whether the 5.5/2.5mm DC jack connector is the right size for the case. Even if it's not though you should be able to find a cheap adapter.

The description of what you want sounds defined enough and the modules are well thought out. You also have enough VCAs and modulation sources in my opinion. You say you want to be able to make generative music - is this also your main goal with this rack, or do you want to create other types of music as well?

A few things that I've noticed, maybe you thought about these points already:
- You say you want to be "able to connect with external gear as needed", what kind of external gear? The options I see are optical and USB on the ES-8, 6.3mm jack in on the A-119 external input and XLR on the Transmit 2. Maybe it'd be wise to add a stereo 6.3mm jack in/output module, like an fx send/return or something. But again, depends on the type of gear you want to connect with.
- There are not a lot of trigger / gate sources from which you can synch / reset / sequence all your envelope generators and LFOs from. As far as I can see you only have eight outputs from Pamela's New Workout and six from Euclidean Circles (or four if you link the first two channels). This might be okay for you but I'd say that the clock sources on pamela's are used up quickly, you already need at least three to six to sync and reset the Metropolix, René and Euclidean Circles. In generative / ambient music this is less required but if you want to keep everything in sync maybe a second Pamela's New Workout + Pexp-2 would be good to have for some extra time-synched stuff.
- The go-to module for generative music is Music Thing Modular Turing Machine. You could also have this functionality in Ornament & Crime but it might be worth a look.
- You have seven voices and two main sequencers with (AFAIK) two output channels each. This gives you room to create melodies from LFOs, envelopes or shift registers such as the Turing Machine, but these melodies need a quantizer (at least if you want to use traditional scales). You only have one two-channel quantizer, which, if you focus on generative or non-tradional sequencing, might be not enough for what you want (although Ornament & Crime can be a quantizer as well).

Full disclosure: I'm fairly new at eurorack with only two years in.

...and seems like ModularGrid does not allow me to add 2x 1Us to 12U...
-- fjaartaf

Free users are limited to 4 rows per rack.
You need a Unicorn Account for bigger racks.

This is my first go at this and i'm not sure if I have enough utilities or have got the output mixing right.
-- Jamest2305

To have both an Hexmix and a ES-9 is confusing - the ES-9 is meant to send each sound source separate into your DAW, while the Hexmix is meant to combine all the signals and output the mix. If you want to get your modular sounds into something like Ableton, it'd choose the ES-9 over the Hexmix because having all the sounds separate makes it easier to tweak and mix.

EDITED Nov 1st 2022, 14:19

If you want to make hard techno, by this I assume a bit in the styles of Charlotte de Witte or I Hate Models, you will needs loads of effects. I'd advice to keep your standard reverbs, delays and compressors in Ableton, otherwise it'll take up a lot of space and money. However eurorack effects can be more interesting as their parameters are often easier to modulate. The FX aid pro seems to be a reasonable choice as it offers a load of different effects. Maybe you can also look into the Endorphin.es ghost, it's a multi-fx module but it seems to be really suitable for hard techno as it has filter, delay, reverb, compressor and distortion. This can be used pretty good for those rumble kicks I think.

Both the Erica Synths Bassline and the x0x heart are quite similar - both have a saw/square VCO (bassline has also triangle tho), a filter that can do acid-type resonance, a gated VCA, accent input and VCF envelope depth. Unless you have a specific feature that you want on either of these machines, having them both seems a bit overkill.

The atlantis seems to be a great one-in-all module (it has oscillators, filter, envelopes, VCA, basically an entire synth voice), but combined with the one-in-all Erica Synths Bassline and x0x heart modules I think this will discourage you to experiment a opposed to having separate modules for each functionality. What I mean by this is that these all-in-one modules have a pre-wired signal path - VCO goes into VCA controlled by envelope 1, goes into VCF controlled by envelope 2. If these kind of modules have your preference, you can just as easily get a 303-like synth + another mono synth - this does basically the same and saves you a lot of learning curve and money.

If you are interested in the possibilities of eurorack though, I'd remove either the Erica Synths Bassline or x0x heart and add the following modules:
- A separate VCA where you can control both the input signal AND the CV input signal (the Befaco Hexmix seems to do only of the combined output of the signal and CV in). Something like the Doepfer A-130-2 or the Happy Nerding 3x VCA. These give more flexibility to use the VCAs as simple attentuators as well. Maybe even more than 3 VCAs
- As a sound source it'd be nice to use more dissonant or richter harmonic sounds as well. An analog VCO (which usually has saw, square, triangle and sine) is nice as base or a sub sound but it'd look into modules that can do a wider variety of sounds. These are more difficult to learn but give you more flexibility. A Mutable Intruments Plaits is often mentioned for this. Since the module is discontinued, you can also use clones
- Something that creates envelopes, LFOs, random, i.e. modulation.

Hi there everyone.

I'm trying to create the 14U case with 4x 3U + 2x 1U (both in the middles of two 3U).
I've got this case: https://www.mdlrcase.com/eurorack-case-14u-126hp-performer-series-pro/

and seems like ModularGrid does not allow me to add 2x 1Us to 12U.

Am I missing something or its really impossible?

Thanks!

Thanks so much for the feedback! I've been trawling through the forums for a while trying to collect all the tips and info you and other power users have been suggesting about building racks - I'm happy to hear that I seem to be on the right track.

I was worried that I had some functionality blindspots in the design. Hadn't looked into slope detectors before, but they seem like really useful utilities. If I understand them correctly, they'll send out gates while they detect a changing cv signal, correct? Can those be used with audio signals, as well?

Also, that microcell looks sweet, I'll definitely have to check that out.

Thanks again!

Is this one the right power brick ?

https://www.audiophonics.fr/fr/adaptateurs-secteur/fx-audio-adaptateur-secteur-alimentation-100-240v-ac-vers-15v-4a-dc-p-13600.html

for

http://www.eowave.com/modular-cases/3u-black-powered/

This case is shipped with a 1.66A PSU and I need a 4A PSU

Thanks fam,

PCHMR

EDITED Nov 1st 2022, 10:03

PS: Here's one example that's quite excellent:

I'm seeing at least three Mutable Instruments modules (Beads, Plaits and possibly Clouds), a Pam's Workout, a Make Noise STO VCO, a 4MS SWN wavetable generator, a Qu-Bit Nebulae granular synthesizer, a Strymon Magneto Tape Looper handling the echo, a Qu-Bit Bloom sequencer, an Instruo I can't make out and the rest is all too blurry. Really nice output here, and great inspiration, Qwertz!

EDITED Nov 1st 2022, 06:33

Great idea about the AvonSynth. I wish I had known about that before I bought the 1983. I do like the tuning feature in the 1983, though. I use that regularly. Yes, aftertouch in the 1983 is an afterthought, not really useful for polyphony.

EDITED Nov 4th 2022, 07:36

Hey there,

The single most important thing to do before you build a modular synth system is to understand what it is that you're wanting to create. Sure, you've identified that you want to go ambient, but that's a very wide field ranging from Eno and Harold Budd all the way over to Nine Inch Nails, with stops at the houses of Philip Glass, Deep Forest and even Scraping Foetus along the way. With modular, you can spend a ton of money on equipment and not get what you're after. Do you want sweeping and moody pads? Are you after environmental sounds? Are drums needed? Plonky tubular skindrum sounds of the rainforest? Do you just want to write the next "Music To Get Stoned To" album, or is your writing melodic, formative, free-form or accidental? There are no wrong answers, but those answers will help guide you to deciding which modules and/or equipment makes the most sense to accomplish your goals. Remember that music is made from instruments and you just need to choose which instruments, modular synths or otherwise, will best speak your language.

Let's talk about your rack. In general, I think you're in the right direction. Maths is excellent, and it will help you manage some interesting drones, but I strongly encourage you to learn about what Maths is and isn't. Think of it as a superutility. Its strengths are in mathematically dividing, flipping and tweaking existing signals. Here's a great overview of Maths and what it can do: https://alijamieson.co.uk/2016/11/02/make-noise-maths-beginners/.

I'm a fan of Mutable Instruments, so much so that I own nearly all of them (except, actually, Marbles...I did for a while but ended up selling it as I have other modules that do a similar thing. Also, Marbles is a CV utility, really. It's similar to Maths in the sense that it manipulates control signal, and has some clock abilities, but it's not a voice, per se. Rings is quite good and its strength is as a ring modulator, so I wouldn't call it a "warm and fuzzy" filter. Beads and Tides are excellent—truly two of my fav modules from MI. Beads can be pushed into delay and S&H territory very easily, freezing an input signal for use as a repeating grain. Behringer has made an attempt to copy (as they do) these modules and I can't say how well they've done it as I've not used them. If cost is a concern, then Behringer certainly is one way to go, but I encourage you to do your research first, comparing the actual modules that they've copied. Nearly everyone has copied MI's modules. How well they've done the work is the real test. I can't say that Behringer has always done a great job, and there's something separate to be said about a company that just steals other engineer's ideas and copies them, but they are definitely the least expensive.

You're absolutely going to want good filters and a way to shape them across the time vector. Envelopes and LFOs are your tools of choice here. Be sure you have at least one LFO, preferably two or more, that you can patch into the envelopes and VCOs. Take a look at NANO's Quart (a quad LFO/EG) and the Xaoc Zadar, an EG/Function Generator.

Keep in mind also that, as a basic start, you're going to want several VCOs. Not just one or two but maybe three or more. This will give you the opportunity to set a few offset from each other to create droning or playable chords. You'll need VCAs to work in conjunction with your EGs. You'll also need a decent effects stage, whether that's modular or using good outboard gear or pedals. Finally, you'll need a good way to get audio out of your rack. You may also want to consider panning your signals to the stereo field, which is essential for really good ambient richness.

Just be sure that you understand what the modules are capable of before you buy them. There's nothing worse than spending a lot of money and realizing that the modules aren't doing what you expect them to. Be sure that you visit the manufacturer's websites for every module you are interested in, or go to youtube and see if there are any example videos that you can listen to. Make sure you listen to as many as possible so that you get a clear picture of the sonic capabilities of each module.

All this can cost a bundle, so it's important to ask yourself whether you can find a synth that can achieve the same result for the same price or (more likely) much less. For example, if you're going for ambient pure and simple, maybe consider an Oberheim OB-6 and a Strymon Blue Sky delay pedal and you're off to the races in style!

I encourage you to explore VCV, the software module building tool. It's a wonderful way to explore modular synthesis and experiment and learn without spending the thousands of dollars that you easily can do with this stuff.

Hope the info helps.

Finally, as I mentioned, I have a separate rack dedicated to MI modules and I find that I use it almost entirely for ambient, percussive and environmental sounds. It wasn't cheap to build this one (remember that you'll need cases and power supplies), but I'm glad I have it in my studio for when I'm feeling the need for such soundscapes. Check it out here:

EDITED Nov 1st 2022, 06:34

Yeah, educating yourself with VCV Rack for a while is a really good idea if you haven't done so already. If you find VCV Rack to be a bit overwhelming with all the module options and wide range of usability/quality (which is actually fairly representative of reality in terms of choice overload, so its good practice), I'd recommend AAS Multiphonics CV-1 as a great way for a beginner to learn the basics. It costs money but I think it goes on sale for $49 from time to time, probably for Black Friday or Christmas. It might seem overly simplistic but you can do a lot with, for example, chaining multiple sequencers together. Take the time to learn every module deeply and once you are comfortable with them and pushing against their limitations, you can graduate to VCV Rack and start exploring all that it has to offer. Or just jump into VCV and stick with the core modules at first.

I have several ways of implementing polyphony. One is I just feed my polyphonic digital piano into the modular via an input module and use the modular to modify the already polyphonic audio. I have the Bastl 1983 as well, but I also like the AvonSynth Midi to CV module, which is affordable and easy to use and gives your 4 channels of gate and CV + dedicated mod wheel and aftertouch outputs (I use a Nord Wave keyboard which has aftertouch). The Bastl will give you aftertouch but only in mono mode I believe. But of course it has a number of other features the AvonSynth doesn't. Another way I implement polyphony is with the Expert Sleepers Disting EX + midi breakout, currently I'm using the sample player in the EX and then feeding the output into other parts of my modular.

I agree with Manbearpignick and Adam. I think educating oneself is critical, especially when one can drop thousands on modules and then discover they're not the right ones. Know the sound you're trying to get, then learn how to get that sound, rather than just buying whatever modules you see someone else is using (not that you're doing that ) and then hoping it'll all come together (which it very well might).

+1 on the ES-9 and using VCV. I think VCV is probably the single most valuable educational tool there is right now.

To answer your VCA question in a word: yes. "You can never have enough VCAs" is a modular synth catch-phrase for a reason. You will use VCAs for literally controlling everything. You will also need a good way to get audio out, and a VCA can certainly be used for that. The Tallin is one example of a good multi-purpose VCA/mixer. And, as Adam pointed out, I'd recommend limiting your output to mono and save the capital spent on stereo circuitry for other bits.

I always go back to the basics whenever I find myself asking a lot of questions about something, no matter what it is. With modular, that means going back to the tried-and-true building blocks of all (subtractive) synthesis: at least one VCO, then a VCF, EG and VCA(s), more or less in that order. Repeat that group again. To get the techno you're after, I'd recommend at least two VCOs (I only see one, the Mantis). I suppose you could use the Disting as a VCO, but then you'd be sacrificing all the effects that critter has under the hood (watch out for running too hot a signal into the Disting...it clips a bit too easily for my tastes and can sound a bit crunchy).

Look at Erica Synths Pico modules for drums. Good stuff there.

The techo tweak happens from time to time by running your signals fat and then sweeping them into a tight little spiral using a good filter. By "good" I mean that you don't want to lose fidelity just to sweep something into a high-pass shape. I have found that the Xaoc Belgrad is a great filter with a huge number of shaping possibilities that also has excellent signal integrity. The Polaris, which you have, is an excellent filter also. Patch any of that that back into your VCOs to get some really interesting FM possibilities.

Maybe the overarching point here is that the sound you're probably after could be created using a far simpler set of modules than what I see in this rack. You def need to start with a sequencer of some kind and/or a beat machine. The rest is just riffing monophonic notes from several VCOs and tweaking the juice out of them with some wide ranging filters. Keep in mind that the Polaris also has some cool phasing ability, so if you used an envelope follower to bring that back into a (aforementioned missing) second VCO, you could get so sick you'd end up in the hospital with a gaggle of goth babes losing their minds in the waiting room.

EDITED Oct 31st 2022, 23:36