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awesome thanks guys

plaits has an internal vc/vcf/lpg - most oscillators do not have this...

I'm assuming that the e352 doesn't...

pitch from bsp to vco pitch input (maybe marked v/oct)

output of vco into vca and then possibly into a filter (or vice versa)

gate from bsp into cv input of vca or into envelope generator and then into cv input of vca

I haven't got an E352, but I do have Plaits and use it with the BSP. Pick either the yellow or the green sequencer. At the back, you will find "pitch", which goes into the Plaits V/Oct. And the trigger goes into the trigger. That's the basic setup. It works well with e.g. the resonance modes ("mini-Rings"). You can adjust some parameters by long-pushing the left button. See the manual for more info.

You can also patch the trigger to an envelope generator, as with analog VCOs that don't have triggers themselves. You can use the velocity to modify parameters, e.g. the timbre or the harmonics. But I don't find that very easy to do with the BSP as the pads aren't very accurate for velocity, so you'll have to use those knobs at the top to correct it all.

Ok, got it.
If the CV input of the sampler track 1 V/Octaves you can control your synth samples chromatically, So check for this spec in the features of the sampler you are considering.
The Squarp Rample can do this.

Very neat!

I mean that I can store my own synth samples on the sampler (wav, aiff, etc.) that I can control and play via an external keyboard

Hi, take a look at the Squarp Rample.
There are no samples duration limits, can play 4 mono or 2 stereo samples, support layers (think round robin or other creative purpose), you've got Fx and parameters under CV control.
If it's important for you to see the sample's waveform on a screen I would also consider an Erica Sample Drum.

"I would also like to store my own synth engines on it and control them via CV/gate"
do you mean importing a single looped cycle waveform?

EDITED May 23rd 2022, 12:41

Can anyone walk me through how i connect my synthtech E352 and Plaits to the beatstep pro so I can play Them on the 2 beatstep sequencers?

What do I need to connect to what?

Hello everyone,
I'm currently looking for a sampler for specific purposes. I like to use field recordings to give a song a certain surface. These are usually around 5 minutes long. The sampler should therefore have no problem with long samples. I would also like to store my own synth engines on it and control them via CV/gate. A granular function is not important to me. I think Morphagene also has a lot of potential but the recording time is limited. I've only read good things about Squid Sample but unfortunately too short with 11s recording time. The only module I found is the 1010 Bitbox micro. Are there any other alternatives?

Thanks Garfield, no brewery sounds in this one, I should use some brewer sounds as percussion sometime as some of the Pump noise I've recorded with Contact Mics onto pipes would work well through the Patching Panda Punch VCA.
The cat likes cuddles, thankfully she's not chewed any cables for ages now, she knows she gets cuddles when I'm playing the modular.

This turned up on the TV a couple of days ago:

One's already on its way here. As the video progresses and we get to the real 303 meat...and, oh my god...they DID IT!

See, the problem with replicating the TB-303 is two fold:

1) The filter doesn't have enough "grit". And...

2) The "glide" isn't easy to do...because Roland probably did that function "wrong" in the first place. But I was amazed when this did that "not really linear" portamento that's key to the 303 sound...and that's something that NO ONE has gotten right throughout the history of 303 clones!

...until now. And they even added a little bit of craziness by putting a headphone-out jack right next to the aux input. Minimoog feedback trick, anyone?

Just to make sure of this, though, I'll be putting this on a scope when it gets here so that I can look at the glide activity and a few other things. But when the demo switched for a bit to that wonderfully-hollow squarewave sound...wow. Just...wow.

Looks like Uli's got some competition over in China!

The immediate issue with using the Behringer System 100M modules is that they're HUUUUGE. I did put a Behringer copy of the ARP 2500 Filtamp in, though...it's an excellent LPF, and it comes with a VCA at the output. But as for the rest...well, here it is:

Assuming that this is for a Tiptop Mantis cab, which has its own, beefier power, I removed the 4ms P/S. And as for percussion, most of us will tell you that using a standalone drum machine, instead of building one in a modular build, is the way to go. You can use it as a master clock for other things, plus you can get some of Uli's recent offerings. For example, I've got two RD-6s (they're not just drums...they also give you two channels of trigger sequencing per unit) and an RD-8mkii. Both are really pretty damn good as far as emulating the originals' sound. Anyway...

TOP: Doepfer A-119 gives you your audio in...plus an envelope follower and a comparator-derived gate out so that you can also impose dynamic contours from incoming signals on all sorts of other modules. Doepfer's little ring mod/S&H/noise is after that. Then I added a dual slew gen from Ladik that offers switchable discriminators so that you can have portamento on upward or downward CV movement...or you can set them so that they work like "normal" portamentos. Ensemble osc is after that, then an Instruo tona provides a second oscillator with a built-in waveshaper. Not only can you use the tona as a doubling VCO to make the 4ms oscillator obscenely fat, it's very capable as its own VCO voice due to that CVable waveshaper. Next, Veils...probably one of the best solutions for combining VCAs with a basic mixer that's got a "breakable" mixbus. Then there's the Filtamp (actually, it would be a kick and a half to use this with that Instruo waveshaping VCO!), and after that, a G-Storm fave. Their Delta VCF is a clone of the SSM filter that was used in Korg's Delta ensemble keyboard as well as in their Poly-61. It also gives you a bandpass filter setting. Typhoon follows, then I added a Freq Central Stasis Leak, which gives you stereo chorus, reverb, and a tap-tempo delay. And lastly, a Happy Nerding (damn, I hope he's OK!) FX Aid for even more effects fun (and you'll see why in a bit).

BOTTOM: First up, since you've not got front panel DC bus indicators on a Mantis, the Konstant Labs PWRchekr handles that duty. This lets you keep an eye on DC rail health over the system. Then the QPLFO after that is just nuts...it can work like your usual quad LFO, but it can also output waveforms with a duty cycle that can range from the low end of audio out to an utterly crazed 71 MINUTES! And for things such as generative work, something like that is super-helpful. Frap's 321 and the After Later Dual VCA (VCAs based on the Mutable topology, but in an x2 package) are your modulation modifier "core", allowing you to tamper with your modulation and get results that the modulator modules by themselves can't really do. Maths is next...y'know, Make Noise really made a killer-app-type module with that thing...and offers lots of modulation potential. Hell, you'll be finding new things that it can do for years! For envelopes (as well as some really complex chaining and other madness), I put in Intellijel's Quadrax with its Qx expander, the latter allowing you to chain envelopes and create ridiculously complex mod signals...or four envelope generators with CV over both rise and fall. Following that is the Disting...around mid-cab so that it's easy to drop into either the modulation OR audio paths. O-scope's after that...although I'll (and certainly others as well) tell you that unless this has some other features, you should drop it and use an external scope. Otherwise, it's a one-trick module that's occupying 15 hp that could be used for functional use instead. Anyway, following that is your mixer: a Tesseract Tex-Mix with four mono inputs. Also, these inputs have their own exponential VCAs, so that deals with the output level control. The Tex-Mix system also offers two FX busses (2 mono send, 2 stereo returns) for effects. So you could use the Typhoon as a "global" effect, or the FX Aid, and still have the 1-in/2-out Stasis Leak, which is perfect for the Tex-Mix effects busses. Note also that you can input mono to the FX Aid via the left input only. And last, a Happy Nerding Isolator, in their new mkii version (2 hp slimmer, plus an additional headphone preamp...giving you TWO headphone monitors, one of which can take the Tex-Mix's "cue" function so that you can have a dry pre-mix sound; this is the sort of thing that, if your tuning or something else goes wacky, you can put that channel on "cue", monitor that via the Tex-Mix phones to fix the issue, and go right on...with pretty much no one knowing that there was a problem.

Now, this is a pretty comprehensive system. It's definitely got more going on than the previous version, mainly due to the fact that you don't have a whole bunch of oversized modules stealing functional space. More expensive...but this is partly due to finishing the build out and also to not putting all of those B-100M modules in there. It's built tighter, which means more functionality and more sonic possibilities. See what you think...

Hi Wishbonebrewery,

Interesting track! Did you use your brewery for an input signal? It sounds a bit like that. Great experimental sounds, for example around 19:00, it gives me goose bumps :-)

Glad to see your cat again who seems to be still very interested in your rack, is it? :-) Does he/she actually likes the music? Or is it rather curiosity?

Thanks a lot for sharing this with us and kind regards, Garfield.

This is really good, amazing you managed to get all that out of one source.
-- wishbonebrewery
Thank you a lot ! HO que great for that kind of exercise !

This is really good, amazing you managed to get all that out of one source.

You might need to crank up the volume on this.

Three sound sources, the Noise from Kinks, Error Instruments Indian Resonator and an Ambient field recording, Threw a few beats in the middle too. Some joystick play effecting the Indian Resonator though there is some Random and LFO hitting the joystick too. Later on I'm riding the Feedback and joystick while the Pitch CV is being modulated from the NE Clep Diaz.
Listen out for the Frog croaks and the Ice Cream Van :)

Ok monolog continue :)

I've made some revisions and changed out the analog VCO to a Digital that can do more on it's on from start. Went with the classic Plaits where the menus seems not to deep and alot of value for the money.

Also read up on the Milky-way and heard alot of issues with it, and swapt it for a Beads instead.

Still looking at adding a Sequenser and another VCO like the STO or Dixii if I see it needed.

EDITED May 22nd 2022, 14:17

A few small changes/suggestions.
Get Plaits instead of Brains, it will be a much better financial decision because of MI going out of business apart from all the other great things about the Brand.
Get Links Instead of a simple buffered mult while you can, it brings a lot more to the table, and will not be available anymore shortly, apart from clones.
Buy the Mutable Modules first, before they‘re gone. You will not regret it.
Then probably Maths and move on from there.
This seems like a very solid way to start and make up your Mind about what you want from Modular!

Best
Chris

EDITED May 22nd 2022, 12:58

modul are out

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/instruo-larachd

So i ve updated my first rack to be built and would like to get some feedback / advices.
Goal is to have a little synth to get bleepy weird melodies / wonky basslines.
This rack will be complimented with 0-cost desktop & DFAM desktop.
I d like to know if i missed something / or having something i dont really need / what can i add to get more interesting sounds

or get an MDLR 14u case and not run out of space for essential utility modules :-)

like many modules posted recently this one is devoid of any data or description.
Do it right or leave it to others who do take the time.

Continuing my journey in modular. Started off with a Teenage engineering pocket operator 400 and not been that exited turning knobs since I got my first Nintendo. Yes, I know, not real modular, but a good start to understand the fundamentals. It's still a fun piece and will use it, but it lacks depth.

I've come to the conclusion I really like just playing around with the system, turning knobs and explore what happens. Therefor, I've tried to leave out menu deep, preset moduals (except Pams) for that reason. I will use it to just play music as a stand-alone thing, so no plans to record. I also don't want to control it with a computer/midi right now, since it's the computer I want to get away from.

Been researching for some time now and have come done to this setup.

Pams: for rhythm, clock, randomization, melody
STO: as the main VCO in the system
Maths: as envelope and LFO modulation, as well as secondary VCO if needed
Forbidden planet: for filtering and aliens
Quad VCA: for modulation and a mixer until I expand to a dedicated one
Milkyway: as the effect module, mainly after a nice reverb, but with some extra thing for fun exploration
XOH: to output to headphones and speakers
RackBrute 6U: the case

This is the plan to be the starting point. Anything missing or suggested changes?

Going forward, I really want to get in a sequencer and some dedicated drum sound machines to enhance the melodies from the first row.

EDITED May 21st 2022, 15:12

Here my latest one with the Verbos HO as the only sound source.
It was time to challenge myself to make a track with only this fantastic voice ! More patch notes on the YT description.

You would be very wise to take everyones advice and get a Tip Top Mantis. You'll thank yourself as your module collection grows... BUT... Personally, I enjoy creating individual "instruments" from smaller cases, so I took a run at what I think would be a fun little 84hp inside the NiftyCase

PICO Seq is a surprising little sequencer. Pam's for all sorts of clocks and timed modulations. Plaits because authentic Mutable Instruments are the best (boo Uli). Forbidden Planet from your original build, but I like Lugia's MMM filter choice better. Maths because Maths isn't too complicated. Veils VCA as suggested above. Beads for granular and reverb. PICO DSP for another layer of FX. Mixup to finish everything off

To hit your 1500 Euro budget most modules can wait since you're planning to sequence (and presumably record / add effects) with Ableton. A great start would be: Plaits, Pam's and Maths, then add modules as you learn what you need

EDITED May 21st 2022, 08:09

Some observations here...

Cre8 case. Nuh-uh. Jim mentions the Mantis, and these days it pretty much is the goofproof workingman's synth cab. Lightweight, SOLID power, and expandable to a second Mantis via Tiptop's link brackets. And it's nowhere near this small, which is good because while you CAN make tiny modulars with 2-4 hp modules, these will be downright hellish to work with due to the dense panel space. For instance, you see that here with the Erica DSP and the 2 hp module to its right; unless you LIKE tweaking knobs with tweezers, don't do this.

Buffered mults are superfluous without multiple destinations that REQUIRE properly-scaled control voltages. You only have one module here that demands that, ergo no point in the buffered mult. Also, with builds this small, many of us recommend that you DON'T use mults of any sort in small-scale builds as you want as much functionality in the patchpanel, and mults eat this up.

+1 on the "why four channels of quantizing?" from Jim. Seriously, if there's only ONE oscillator, you only need ONE quantizer. And that even applies when you've got two oscillators, as you'll want one to detune a touch to get things HUGE.

Behringer Brains. No. When Uli makes something that hasn't existed in years/decades, that's...OK? I mean, he's still a total asshat, but he's being quasi-ethical with those (aside of handing Korg its own ass on a plate in the "2600 wars", which I thought was not only ethical given Korg's antics, but the only way for "normal people" to get the 3620 circuits) and the gear IS really useful. But when Uli goes at a small company, steals their circuits, steals their interface design, and tries to front that they cooked that up...oh, HELL no. And that, in a nutshell, is what he's done here. Actions like these are why you could make a mint by kidnapping him and setting him in a state fair-type dunking-booth at the next Superbooth..."C'mon folks and get a shot at an inhuman and totally unhousebroken corporate jackass! Only 3 balls for a dollar! Win yerself an actual Mutable Instruments Plaits! C'mon down, folks!" Pft.

OK...here's a shot at reworking the build...

This is in the same cab...1 x 84 hp. Again, I still think that you'd be better served by building this in a Mantis.

Left end has a Konstant Labs PWRchekr so you can have some visual feedback on your DC rails' performance. Then the sequencer is next, and I went with a Tenderfoot Lattice, which is sort of like a scaled-down Tiptop Z8000. I put an Erica PICO quantizer by that, and since you're not going to be frantically tweaking a quantizer, that placement should be fine. Then to substitute for Maths (saving panel space, y'know), there's a Befaco Rampage, which is their take on a complex Dual Slope Generator (see the Serge modules to check out the original). Then we're into the audio end with the Plaits, paired up with a Joranalogue FLD6 wavefolder. A pair of After Later VCAs, built on the same topology as the Mutable Veils VCAs, follows, and then a Happy Nerding MMM. The MMM is a dual state-variable, with LP/BP/HP outputs on both -12 dB filters...so if you feel the need to crack plaster with BASS, you can series the lowpass sections for -24 dB slopes. More VCAs follow, to control either a single or dual output from the MMM. To get things into stereo, I put in a Doepfer A-138s 4-in stereo mixer, and then the final bit is a Happy Nerding FX Aid XL for your stereo processing.

But like I and others have said/will say, don't build this in an 84 hp skiff. You WILL want to add onto it, and having to include a second skiff in that expansion's price will just make things (more) expensive, when you can drop $335 on a Mantis and be done with it.

Patch ideas please -I am basically looking for something thats not mine, as Im fairly new to the modularness, and have been basically inventing stuff as I go. Id like to see what others come up with that I can work from.
Also, Id like another module, something that would give me percussion, maybe a clock tool or something else thats less than bank.

Joebot

Buzzing, hm? That would localize the issue to the AC-DC conversion, and it sounds like a component failed in that 12V wallwart...which isn't too surprising, since the requirement for 15V is based on a step-down that translates that to the various DC busses and since wallwarts are often horrid little pieces of cheapo crap. But if you power it with 12V, you're pushing the DC-DC converters in the synth's power supply really hard, as that's not the voltage the P/S is expecting. The result is that even if you specced the build for the power capacity of that Palette 62 and had everything added up correctly, the 12V wart is lowering the current available, which also appears to be playing a part here. Betcha if you put that 12V wart on a scope now, you'll see quite a bit of AC getting past the rectification.

Things like this are why bunches of us make a point of saying to NOT overrun the DC specs...which includes the external wallwart needed for the DC busses. Always spec your available current at at least 3/4ths of what the manufacturer says is the maximum current draw to avoid the ugly surprise of inrush currents popping the fuse (and ONLY the fuse...if you're lucky!) or causing other trouble. And that also goes for the Intellijel's onboard DC-DC conversion; if the specs for the Palette 62 says it wants to see a 40 watt wart, put a 60 watt one on it instead. Since the Palette 62 doesn't need the extra 20 watts, what that'll do is to let the bigger wallwart loaf along at 2/3rd's of the maximum draw at the DC end. And loafing P/Ss is what you want, as that reduces the component heat, which makes the wallwart happy and far less susceptible to kicking off due to a current overdraw.

but if you've got a kid or grandkid that's fascinated with sound and electronic tinkering, these are >fantastic. Take it from someone who grew up with all sorts of electronic toys.
-- Lugia

Yeah, and as I mention, the manual that goes with it (which you can download for free) is probably the best practical set of guides to music generation electronics (and basic electronics in general) that I've ever seen in my 64 years.

In my opinion, perfect for a 10-12 year old.
--rw
-- Ravenware

I started with a set of these: https://lectron.info/ Got them for my 8th birthday, immediately went for the oscillator build. The set I had, also, was marketed by the ultra-evil defense contractor Raytheon, the same people who brought you the Patriot missile.

It is very cool. I just had my first play around with it - with its 8x16 grid, it's a very visual way of working, which I like. It's a bit like the Deluge, but sequencer only. And it's tiny! The entire box it shipped in, containing the Oxi One, a carrying case, cables, and a module to connect modular with a single cable, fits into my BSP case!

that's great - sometimes bigger is better, and sometimes the opposite

Well, coming from the Argon8x and having the wavetable mode in Plaits, I know there can also be a big difference between VCOs. The Argon has these incredible wavetables where you just go back and forth through the table and you've got an instant classic. But I see what you mean. I have doubted my Feedback Lo-Fusion for a while, but I really started liking its instant old-school warm grungy sound. That's character. Do you have the same feeling about effects, e.g. different reverbs/delays?

yeah I think there's a lot of character in effects... there can be both subtle and massive differences in almost all of them... probably why I have so many!

That's a good point. And the Lion is TRS, too, which I understand for send/return, but that means it requires dedicated cables. Something standard has its advantages.

yeah and it's trs to dual ts cables you need and no control other than where you plug the cables in...

Ugh.

exactly!

Not looking forward to telling my wife I'll be adding a second case... It's not like she's not supportive - she likes that I'm making music. It's just me being very uncertain about spending money again on it. I also like the idea of having a portable system for performances - which will be new for me but I'm starting talks. One Intellijel 7U + Oxi + iPad is eminently portable. Add a second 7U and it becomes far less so. Or that's how it seems to me now. If you'd told me I'd be lugging around a 7U + BSP + bag full of cables/PSUs + laptop bag with iPad and macbook pro to workshops every week... "Add a second 7U" is a meaningless delta when you're already dragging Google's data center around
-- Arrandan

well it all seems easily portable in a rucksack and 2 cases... so ok on public transport!! another option of course is buy a massive case for home and swap what you need into a single case for a gig...
I hope your wife is understanding...

EDITED May 20th 2022, 23:27

looks cool - hope you get on well with it - I'll have to find a review...

It is very cool. I just had my first play around with it - with its 8x16 grid, it's a very visual way of working, which I like. It's a bit like the Deluge, but sequencer only. And it's tiny! The entire box it shipped in, containing the Oxi One, a carrying case, cables, and a module to connect modular with a single cable, fits into my BSP case!

It's easy to miss the odd module - especially if it's not a common one... but if you ask me the more the merrier - I've got at least 6 in the rack and a few external ones...

I'm definitely happy I added the squawk. The always-present HPF and the flexibility are just so handy. I've used both my filters in everything I've done since the squawk arrived.

I have an old Frostwave Resonator - which is a pedal format(ish) MS20 filter... more filters is always better than more vcos - mostly vcos are vcos - filters are where the character is 90% of the time

Well, coming from the Argon8x and having the wavetable mode in Plaits, I know there can also be a big difference between VCOs. The Argon has these incredible wavetables where you just go back and forth through the table and you've got an instant classic. But I see what you mean. I have doubted my Feedback Lo-Fusion for a while, but I really started liking its instant old-school warm grungy sound. That's character. Do you have the same feeling about effects, e.g. different reverbs/delays?

That's a good point. And the Lion is TRS, too, which I understand for send/return, but that means it requires dedicated cables. Something standard has its advantages.

yeah and it's trs to dual ts cables you need and no control other than where you plug the cables in...

Ugh.

obviously time for another case then...

Gateway drug! Escalating addiction!
-- Arrandan

tell me about it - 8 cases... 1800hp-ish... cupboard full of effects pedals... etc etc... down to 4 guitars and only 1 bass though! so swings and roundabouts...

Not looking forward to telling my wife I'll be adding a second case... It's not like she's not supportive - she likes that I'm making music. It's just me being very uncertain about spending money again on it. I also like the idea of having a portable system for performances - which will be new for me but I'm starting talks. One Intellijel 7U + Oxi + iPad is eminently portable. Add a second 7U and it becomes far less so. Or that's how it seems to me now. If you'd told me I'd be lugging around a 7U + BSP + bag full of cables/PSUs + laptop bag with iPad and macbook pro to workshops every week... "Add a second 7U" is a meaningless delta when you're already dragging Google's data center around

How do you check which version firmware?and whats the procedure to update firmware on plaits
-- Broken-Form

The way I did it, was by trying if the color-blind mode works. You can find the details here: https://mutable-instruments.net/modules/plaits/firmware/ But basically, you turn on the module while pressing the right button. Instead of red/green LEDs, you'll get two levels of brightness. If that works, then you have v1.1, which is the latest.

iirc there are only 2 firmwares - the original doesn't have lfos - no idea how to check as mine is pre that firmware and I never upgraded it

the update procedure is usually in the manual for mutable modules

How do you check which version firmware?and whats the procedure to update firmware on plaits

I bought a uGrids from @TommyTank

Great comms, very responsive, well packaged, no drama

I like the befaco excalibus works very well for me up to video rates...

Possibly - the reason to use the Pams as master is that it's solid and it's easy to read the BPM - don't know the Oxi One at all - maybe you can clock that from Pams - altough vice versa is probably fine too

That should be okay:

looks cool - hope you get on well with it - I'll have to find a review...

And anyway, if I link them up, both will show the same clock. Or should at least No fun memories of trying to get a BSP to work with a Korg SQ-1 as central clock. In the end it was quickly done, of course, but it required a computer to reconfigure the BSP, which I didn't have with me at that time...

yeah only issue with bsp... always carry a macbook pro is the answer...

I have 2 filters in there now - Squawk and the Lo-Fusion. Lo-Fusion isn't very dense but I've grown to like its raw sound. Perhaps Steve's MS-22 is similar and more in less HP, because both are based on the MS-20. We'll see.

It's easy to miss the odd module - especially if it's not a common one... but if you ask me the more the merrier - I've got at least 6 in the rack and a few external ones...

I'm definitely happy I added the squawk. The always-present HPF and the flexibility are just so handy. I've used both my filters in everything I've done since the squawk arrived.

I have an old Frostwave Resonator - which is a pedal format(ish) MS20 filter... more filters is always better than more vcos - mostly vcos are vcos - filters are where the character is 90% of the time

Matrix mixer - yes, I've been thinking about that. I saw DivKid's video on the Instruo Lion and it's an interesting non-standard approach to a matrix. Doepfer is of course a good standard. I'll need to look into matrix mixers more deeply, because there are so many different possibilities (attenuverters, ...)

I saw that video too - but I think a standard one is much easier to work with and no special loopback plugs to loose!!!

That's a good point. And the Lion is TRS, too, which I understand for send/return, but that means it requires dedicated cables. Something standard has its advantages.

yeah and it's trs to dual ts cables you need and no control other than where you plug the cables in...

Adding stuff is nice, but I'm running out of space. Add a tetrapad and all 3U is full. I feel like I'll need to just do it and decide what I will keep in the rack based on what actually works.

obviously time for another case then...

Gateway drug! Escalating addiction!
-- Arrandan

tell me about it - 8 cases... 1800hp-ish... cupboard full of effects pedals... etc etc... down to 4 guitars and only 1 bass though! so swings and roundabouts...

Possibly - the reason to use the Pams as master is that it's solid and it's easy to read the BPM - don't know the Oxi One at all - maybe you can clock that from Pams - altough vice versa is probably fine too

That should be okay:

And anyway, if I link them up, both will show the same clock. Or should at least No fun memories of trying to get a BSP to work with a Korg SQ-1 as central clock. In the end it was quickly done, of course, but it required a computer to reconfigure the BSP, which I didn't have with me at that time...

I have 2 filters in there now - Squawk and the Lo-Fusion. Lo-Fusion isn't very dense but I've grown to like its raw sound. Perhaps Steve's MS-22 is similar and more in less HP, because both are based on the MS-20. We'll see.

It's easy to miss the odd module - especially if it's not a common one... but if you ask me the more the merrier - I've got at least 6 in the rack and a few external ones...

I'm definitely happy I added the squawk. The always-present HPF and the flexibility are just so handy. I've used both my filters in everything I've done since the squawk arrived.

Matrix mixer - yes, I've been thinking about that. I saw DivKid's video on the Instruo Lion and it's an interesting non-standard approach to a matrix. Doepfer is of course a good standard. I'll need to look into matrix mixers more deeply, because there are so many different possibilities (attenuverters, ...)

I saw that video too - but I think a standard one is much easier to work with and no special loopback plugs to loose!!!

That's a good point. And the Lion is TRS, too, which I understand for send/return, but that means it requires dedicated cables. Something standard has its advantages.

Adding stuff is nice, but I'm running out of space. Add a tetrapad and all 3U is full. I feel like I'll need to just do it and decide what I will keep in the rack based on what actually works.

obviously time for another case then...

Gateway drug! Escalating addiction!

-

EDITED May 30th 2022, 13:58

• Behringer Brains (as synth voice)
• Mutable Instruments Peak (LFO / ADSR)
• Doepfer A-180-e

no need for a buffered mult - only 1 pitch destination - so passive is fine, better yet get some stackcables or headphone splitter type mults

• Z5000 (as multi FX)
• TipTip Forbidden Planet (Filter)
• Erica Pico DSP
• kNob AGNI
• Bastl Popcorn
• Quad Quantizer

why do you think you need a quad quantizer - you only have 1 thing that wants pitch? you mention recommendations for a sequencer below - how about one with a quantizer built in - a used metropolis for example would be a great starter sequencer...

• Quad VCA

good - but get a veils whilst you can - 2hp smaller and better features imo!

Hey guys,
I want to build my first rack to accomplish

no you want to 'accompany' - accomplish is something quite different - please check with a dictionary... I don't usually pick on incorrect use of English, as your English is way better than whatever language you speak - but it's the second time I've seen the same mistake in 2 days and, well you know....

DFAM & 0-coast. Something as a little synth for interesting bleeps & bloops for techno & basslines.
Brains is no-brainer for its price & versality.

plaits is still available, buy that instead, it's 2hp smaller and you don't sell your soul to Uli...

Maths looks a bit complicated to me so i decided to pick up Peak instead.

I have both and I find Maths to be significantly easier than Peaks... as it's one function per knob, etc - Peaks I have to look up what each knob is doing in each mode - & if you include split mode and expert mode etc there are about 19 different knob combinations - have you managed to find a peaks - they've been discontinued for a quite a while!

• Curious about filter - is it nice or there are some better alternatives?

no idea - there are always alternatives, it's very personal & the more the merrier - I have 8 or so actual filters in my rack (and a few external ones) - Plaits includes a filter so you could skip initially

• Any interested but not wide & over-complex sequencers?
• I m planning to build it in Cre8audio Nifty Case so be able to sequence it alternatively with Ableton or AUM.

don't get 2 multi fx modules & wait and get either the new xaoc one or an fx aid xl - should be available again soonish

get a tiptop mantis - more space, that you will need sooner rather than later/better power/manufacturer has good reputation/case has good reputation/seriously better bang for buck all round - and a used beatstep pro... don't worry about unused space in the case - but do at least make some cardboard blind panels & decorate them with doodles or stickers

EDITED May 19th 2022, 23:52

Thanks for the advice, which is very useful as always, Jim. A bit deeper into them...

NP

use Pam's as the master clock in the rack - if you want to record, use an audio track with a kick on it every 16th note and run that through the es9 into Pams (set Pams to receive 4ppqn) ...

I would be using an external sequencer. Tomorrow my Oxi One should arrive to replace my BSP. Can't I just send that one's clock into Pam's?

Possibly - the reason to use the Pams as master is that it's solid and it's easy to read the BPM - don't know the Oxi One at all - maybe you can clock that from Pams - altough vice versa is probably fine too

2nd filter/effects module would probably be a good idea - change things up quickly and easily... possibly more mixing... for sub mixes of vco outputs - before hitting filter/effects

possibly replace the doepfer lfo with something like batumi (4 channels) - consider a matrix mixer with big knobs (doepfer) for combining modulation sources to get more interesting modulation

I have 2 filters in there now - Squawk and the Lo-Fusion. Lo-Fusion isn't very dense but I've grown to like its raw sound. Perhaps Steve's MS-22 is similar and more in less HP, because both are based on the MS-20. We'll see.

It's easy to miss the odd module - especially if it's not a common one... but if you ask me the more the merrier - I've got at least 6 in the rack and a few external ones...

LFO - Batumi, understood.

Matrix mixer - yes, I've been thinking about that. I saw DivKid's video on the Instruo Lion and it's an interesting non-standard approach to a matrix. Doepfer is of course a good standard. I'll need to look into matrix mixers more deeply, because there are so many different possibilities (attenuverters, ...)

I saw that video too - but I think a standard one is much easier to work with and no special loopback plugs to loose!!!

consider a control module - harlequins context, tetrapad, mtm control etc - for controlling things better...

A couple of people I know send everything to a Tesseract Sweet Sixteen to keep control in one place. Harlequin - sounds interesting, but I don't really get it immediately. I need to look at it more in-depth. Tetrapad - it's been on my radar for a while now. Looks particularly good for live sets indeed.

This is something I've been considering for a while too... I've built a number of Tesseract modules and the Sweet Sixteen looks great... I've got a TNSM v2 to build at some point - it's back of the pile at the moment though - with 15 or so modules in front!!

Adding stuff is nice, but I'm running out of space. Add a tetrapad and all 3U is full. I feel like I'll need to just do it and decide what I will keep in the rack based on what actually works.
-- Arrandan

obviously time for another case then...

• Behringer Brains (as synth voice)
• Mutable Instruments Peak (LFO / ADSR)
• Doepfer A-180-e
• Z5000 (as multi FX)
• TipTip Forbidden Planet (Filter)
• Erica Pico DSP
• kNob AGNI
• Bastl Popcorn
• Quad Quantizer
• Quad VCA

Hey guys,
I want to build my first rack to accomplish DFAM & 0-coast. Something as a little synth for interesting bleeps & bloops for techno & basslines.
Brains is no-brainer for its price & versality.
Maths looks a bit complicated to me so i decided to pick up Peak instead.
- Curious about filter - is it nice or there are some better alternatives?
- Any interested but not wide & over-complex sequencers?
- I m planning to build it in Cre8audio Nifty Case so be able to sequence it alternatively with Ableton or AUM.

Would appreciate any advices / improvements / ideas.

My budget is around 1500 eur.

Thanks for the advice, which is very useful as always, Jim. A bit deeper into them...

use Pam's as the master clock in the rack - if you want to record, use an audio track with a kick on it every 16th note and run that through the es9 into Pams (set Pams to receive 4ppqn) ...

I would be using an external sequencer. Tomorrow my Oxi One should arrive to replace my BSP. Can't I just send that one's clock into Pam's?

2nd filter/effects module would probably be a good idea - change things up quickly and easily... possibly more mixing... for sub mixes of vco outputs - before hitting filter/effects

possibly replace the doepfer lfo with something like batumi (4 channels) - consider a matrix mixer with big knobs (doepfer) for combining modulation sources to get more interesting modulation

I have 2 filters in there now - Squawk and the Lo-Fusion. Lo-Fusion isn't very dense but I've grown to like its raw sound. Perhaps Steve's MS-22 is similar and more in less HP, because both are based on the MS-20. We'll see.

LFO - Batumi, understood.

Matrix mixer - yes, I've been thinking about that. I saw DivKid's video on the Instruo Lion and it's an interesting non-standard approach to a matrix. Doepfer is of course a good standard. I'll need to look into matrix mixers more deeply, because there are so many different possibilities (attenuverters, ...)

consider a control module - harlequins context, tetrapad, mtm control etc - for controlling things better...

A couple of people I know send everything to a Tesseract Sweet Sixteen to keep control in one place. Harlequin - sounds interesting, but I don't really get it immediately. I need to look at it more in-depth. Tetrapad - it's been on my radar for a while now. Looks particularly good for live sets indeed.

Adding stuff is nice, but I'm running out of space. Add a tetrapad and all 3U is full. I feel like I'll need to just do it and decide what I will keep in the rack based on what actually works.

I'm adding another vote for supporting XODES-style layout with three 1U modules stacked in a 3U row. You can sort of do it, but it doesn't save the module positions.

Sorry, did not see the thread. Someone voted you down but deleted his account. I have delete the downvote.

Français plus bas.
Eng.
Hello community,
Instruo realeases some very beautiful to watch and beautiful sounding modules. I own an oscillator of the brand called TS-L v2, a module of 6HP capable of a lot. In this video I capture 6 very nice and creative patches. Ok, the kick and bass ones are probably not that much creative (you know how to do kicks and basses I guess), but still it sounds really neat.
All the patches are detailed on screen, and the knobs on pictures match the actual patches. Thank you to Moduargrid for the modules pictures.
happy watching !
French :
Salut !
Instruo fabrique des modules non seulement beaux (question de goûts), mais qui sonnent vraiment bien. Je me suis offert leur petit oscillateur appelé TS-L en version 2. Dans cette vidéo, je capture 6 patches créatifs.
Le patchage est détaillé à l'écran et les boutons sur les images incrustées reflètent la position réelle des boutons des modules.
bon visionnage !

EDITED Jun 3rd 2022, 16:55

I bought a Dual Borg from @forcept
It arrived quickly, was well packaged, looks pristine and works great.

Interesting, I'm planning my next shifter, I don't have one, it will be the first!

So which is your favorite shifter, and why? do u think digital vs analog makes sense for a shifter comparison, or own both kind of approach do u think ?
-- fzzz

My 2 cents:

Own both is a very valid approach IMO if you have the $ and the space in your rack. I currently own the following frequency shifters myself:

Sketchy Labs Freak Shift (analog)
DACS Freque II (analog rackmount)
Mutable Warps (digital)
Happy Nerding FX Aid (digital)

I've also owned the SynthTech Deflector Shield in the past. My experience so far is that no two sound alike, but of course the ones that can accept external carrier signals have the potential for more variety of sounds. But IMO having the ability to output the up and down-shifted signal so you can mix/invert/otherwise process them before feeding them back into the module might be even more important in that regard. Note also that some shifters are limited in how much they can shift, which could be an issue if, for example, you decide you want to do octave shifts with higher-pitched signals.

Of the shifters I've used I'd say that generally speaking I prefer the sound of the analog ones, which in my case also offer a lot more control. But of course the digital shifters I own do a lot more than just frequency shifting. Still I'm glad they have that capability, sometimes your dedicated shifter is occupied and you want to shift something else, well then Warps or FX Aid can come to the rescue. So that's how I look at it.

EDITED May 19th 2022, 01:11

Alright, I found someone nice enough to let me try my modules with their rack: they work perfectly! I'll try to get a 15V alimentation tomorrow before going to the repairman ✌️

I also have the FreakShift and the Doepfer A-126-2. I did a quick comparison and posted some pros and cons of both here:
https://modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=3684106#p3684106
https://modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=3686851#p3686851

Note that the Xaoc is not analog, but DSP based and can this easily implement stereo processing at an affordable price.

-- oOCc

Interesting, I'm planning my next shifter, I don't have one, it will be the first!

So which is your favorite shifter, and why? do u think digital vs analog makes sense for a shifter comparison, or own both kind of approach do u think ?