I'm also looking for a module that could do sampling, like cut-up, lopping and mangling of sorts any recommendations?

-- Meenthgrea

I think you are looking for Morphagene by Make Noise.
Have fun and good luck!

I'm starting to break the ice for my minibrute 2s and created a small inexspensive eurorack to expand the subtractive sythesis sound. Feedback is welcome

Thank you both.

The reason for the choice of modules was that I was looking for modules with "additive elements" to beef up the basic subtractive structure of the minibrute. I will definetly take a look at maths, the veils clone and the quad lfo modules. A few hours before I posted this, I spoke with sweetwater thus choice for a case would be the 7u by intellijel as well as the doepfer vcos, vca, and filters. But more improtatnly I'm looking for something to separate the subtractive synthesizer with additive modules if that's possible.

As for the genre/style, I'm looking into making power electronics/dark ambient with my eurorack build. The sound I'm acheiving with the eurorack build is primarily drone/noise/percussion. Something close to Blood and Sand by The Grey Wolves (this is just one of many influencetial styles of the genre).

I'm also looking for a module that could do sampling, like cut-up, lopping and mangling of sorts any recommendations?

What I have researched so far regarding effects modules has lead me to 2 options at the moment due to the hp size and possible cost.

FX AID XL from Happy Nerding Vs Endorphin.es Milky Way - both at 6hp

The Milky Way with 16 effects is half of the XL

The search will continue...

Ahh thise look great cheers. I realised I only actually would need one as the case actually can do 28 modules and I have 29 lol. Ill prob just chop a ribbon though.
-- Chromat1c

what do you mean by 'chop a ribbon'? I wouldn't cut one...

the simplest way to do what you want is to crimp an extra idc connector onto a longer existing ribbon cable... videos available on youtube - no need for specialist equiment - just the 10 pin idc connector & some gentle even pressure, from a vice (or a large book)... just make sure you have the connector the right way round (triangle to red line) and leave plenty of slack...

nb buying the idc connector may cost nearly as much as the pre-made cable, if that's all you are buying, & if you are in any way nervous about this... just spend the few quid on the pre-made cable...

EDITED Sep 23rd 2023, 13:28

I gefinitely agree with @Sweelinck, get a bigger case... and as you have the minibrute, I'd definitely recommend the rackbrute 6u... so they can be joined together as a single unit...

The problems with a smaller case like this are mostly that you will almost definitely want more modules very quickly... that's not to say that you'll want to fill the case in a week (you might), but you almost definitely will in the future...

I also somewhat agree with him on the modules are tailored towards particular genres, but I'm more of the thought that any module can be used for any genre... it's not the module that makes the music, it's the artist... but it is a good idea to indicate the sort of music you want to make...

now onto your choices of modules...

1 psychosis... why a stereo mixer? neither the minibrute or the hysteria & vcf combo are stereo... I guess (manual) panning and effects... but there's not a lot of control over either... better to split these 2 out and get something with cv-able panning... these are modules... better to have 1 module do 1 thing, why? so if you get bored or outgrow that 1 thing you can swap it... so better a mixer and an effects unit... for an effects module - the fx aid pro, is as good as anything for, price, size, sound quality and versatility... the smaller ones are ok.. but their interface is severely compromised by not having a display...

2 a doepfer dual adsr... why? what are you going to use the adsr for? using the filter as a pseudo vca? that takes 1 channel... so the other will be used for what?

3 hysteria... ok it's a vco... your only source of pitch information is the minibrute, which will already be quantized, so the quantize function is pointless, taking into account the rest of the modules present...

4 a filter ok

BUT what's missing... the important bits... particularly vcas and modulation at this stage...

for vcas: a quad cascading vca is a worthwhile investment (a veils clone for example) - it can also double up as a mono mixer... vcas are one of the fundamental building blocks of synthesis... they are massively important for note shaping and gain control within synthesizers and can also be used for modulation sources, to control the amount of modulation being sent to a module, with another modulation source (modulating modulation - a very powerful technique)

modulation: I'd rather have a decent quad lfo (batumi perhaps) or a good function generator (maths, perhaps) - or even better both - than an adsr in a limited set of modules to combine with a minibrute (the minibrute already has an adsr & no real way of creating a second gate to drive a second envelope generator)

maths - download the 'maths illustrated supplement' this is imo by far the most useful piece of documentation for eurorack modules... buy a maths and work your way through it... concentrating on what, why and how the patches work... this will not only introduce you to patch programming maths, but will also serve as a primer for patching modular synthesizers in general

if you only have the money for this case and this set f modules... I'd buy the rackbrute and a maths... you'll learn more and be able to do more... and then add a second voice in the future when you can afford one...

also take a look at my signature - read it, think about it, think some more, ask questions, think some more and then redesign your rack taking into account advice (not just mine), etc, or don't...

have you tried reflashing it?

Ahh thise look great cheers. I realised I only actually would need one as the case actually can do 28 modules and I have 29 lol. Ill prob just chop a ribbon though.

I guess it would be at first better to get a more versetaile fx module for starters. If you get Aurora and realize that you cant tame it - there is also a alternative firmware to use it as a conventinal reverb. Its worth to check it out in depth before you buy it - what it does excactly and if its suitable for your taste.

-- MCGM

The researching for a FX module has now begun, am passing on the Disting MK4 purely because I want dials to twiddle.

The MiniBrute 2s is a complete system. First, if you choose a RackBrute to expand your possibilities, opt for the 6U. The price difference is small compared to the 3U, and above all, you will not be blocked too early by the lack of space: it is always the first recommendation, whatever your artistic project.

Then, to be properly helped here on the choice of modules, it is very useful to know this ‘artistic project’, your wish regarding styles of music in particular. Many modules are relatively oriented to specific universes and this is where the association will really be useful with your Minibrute 2s which is quite neutral from this point of view.

The image on modulargrid of the v2 is incorrect, it is of the v1. It would be great if it could be corrected, so that it might help people in not getting scammed.

EDITED Dec 7th 2023, 10:23

I'm starting to break the ice for my minibrute 2s and created a small inexspensive eurorack to expand the subtractive sythesis sound. Feedback is welcome

A little while ago my Braids seeemd to be working fine, but now it's stuck in the CSAW mode. Nothing in the edit menu seems to make any adjustments and when I can manage to get back out of the parameters to the main level, I can't switch to a different voice. Any ideas, it's like the module's locked. Very frustrating.

hello. you can connect them all...if your power can handle it. I use the Koma BusBoard Buddy myself to split one into 3 connections.

Ginkosynthese Compressor kit build and demo

A diode compressor from GinkoSynthese.
Pretty good build, but not much documentation so not a beginner kit.

Does some interesting compression, and would be a good addition to your audio chain.

Build

Please, solve first your case problem. You will find again ‘the light (and fun) side of the modular’ ;)
-- Sweelinck

Thankyou, my case issues are now in hand. When my original case is looking full I will be on the look out for a Rackbrute 6U. Fun has been had so far but with such a huge selection of options at what can be high prices, working out what you should buy and why can turn into a headache for the beginner.

Thank you for the new options,I need to research something new as I have been fixated on Qu Bit Aurora for a few weeks now. You are correct, that with my lack of HP I need modules that can do many things - it still is hard not to want an Aurora though...oh life is hard.

-- EuroBadger

I also got a Aurora for the purpose of Ambient stuff. You should be aware, that Aurora is not a easy module and very special. Its not a module to feed just anything in and get ambient stuff out. I guess it would be at first better to get a more versetaile fx module for starters. If you get Aurora and realize that you cant tame it - there is also a alternative firmware to use it as a conventinal reverb. Its worth to check it out in depth before you buy it - what it does excactly and if its suitable for your taste.

So I got a new case. Intellijel 7u 104HP. It has 28 slots on the power board but in my design of the rack I have 29 modules.

So what combo of flying buss cables would you use for this and which modules would you put on those busses.

Which modules would you connect to the flying buss cable(s) or does it not matter?

EDITED Sep 24th 2023, 10:41

(...) with my lack of HP I need modules that can do many things - it still is hard not to want an Aurora though...oh life is hard.

-- EuroBadger

If I may, think a moment about what you just wrote here. Music is not there to make you suffer...
Please, solve first your case problem. You will find again ‘the light (and fun) side of the modular’ ;)

Approved! 6:40 is perfection.
-- FredFoxtrott

Thank you! Many people seem to like the fuzzy reverby feedbacky bit at the end ;)

This video suggests some ideas for extracting extra melodic mileage (and an accompanying bass line) from the Easel’s 5-step sequencer, using the keyboard arpeggiator and external delay and reverb.
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Everything QuBit makes is top-notch, but for a smaller system I'd go with a module that can run different algorithms or one that can do multi-FX.
-- 33PO

Thank you for the new options,I need to research something new as I have been fixated on Qu Bit Aurora for a few weeks now. You are correct, that with my lack of HP I need modules that can do many things - it still is hard not to want an Aurora though...oh life is hard.

Disting MK4 is a great multifunction module that does a lot more than just FX. Unfortunately the interface is not intuitive and that can be an obsticle for some people. Disting EX includes a screen and has a better UI, but the interface can still be cumbersome.

Happy Nerding FX Aid Pro would be the way to go if you just want an FX unit. It does everything well and has a clear UI

Endorphines Ghost looks like an awesome all in one multi-FX unit

Everything QuBit makes is top-notch, but for a smaller system I'd go with a module that can run different algorithms or one that can do multi-FX. If all you're looking for is FX I'd go with FX Aid Pro (or one of the smaller FX Aid) or Ghost. If you think you might want FX+Tuner+Quantizer+SamplePlayer+CoffeeMaker then go with one of the Disting

-EDIT: Take a look at Noise Engineering Versio platform. These can load different FX firmwares

EDITED Sep 21st 2023, 16:39

Every rack will benefit from Pamelas Workout (New/Pro). Definitely a great 3rd module
-- 33PO

I am very happy with PNW with the minimal amount of dabbling I have done with it. My issue now is what effect module to get?

Yes having something that can do a wide range of things should be a good starting point - looked at the Expert Sleepers Disting MK4...then I saw the Qu bit Aurora! spectral reverb.

So many modules to look at but always fearful of too much of a function overlap.

What would you all consider to be a safe purchase within the ambient / generative field?

Thanks for watching, Fred!

We did not capture any video of the recording session, but I am pretty proud of this duet between me and electroacoustic double bassist and modular sythnesist ASDB. The visuals were magically made by artist Thoughtful. It's called Woodlands. It is a set-and-setting video to be sure.

All sounds are produced by the double bass then captured and manipulated by effect pedals and an A-100 rack full of modules, or they are Rings triggered by the envelopes generated by the bass' sound wave.

The main modules are:
Instruō Arbhar
Instruō Lúbadh
Make Noise Mimeophon
Mutable Instruments Rings

EDITED Sep 21st 2023, 04:23

This is expert level. Thanks for sharing.

Approved! 6:40 is perfection.

@cj18 great start

I really think that the patch bay would benefit from being in the middle row...
-- JimHowell1970

I think you're right. That would make more sense.

@cj18 great start

I really think that the patch bay would benefit from being in the middle row...

I really enjoyed that. Great dynamics and a lot of cool sounds and mixing in the different parts. Thanks for sharing. Cheers!

Ok, I've taken a lot of the suggestions on board, and I might pick up another VCO and VCF. My setup would look as follows:

-- photo shows old rack - I cannot get it to update, so just follow the link --

I do have a MI Veils module that is free at the moment, so that could be a winner.

Alternatively, I have a Waldorf dual VCA that is 20hp, and would fit the spot perfectly. I also have a Waldorf 20hp compressor module that would fit directly below. Thoughts?

I probably won't go that way, but maybe.

I'll start looking into some utility modules when I get a chance

EDITED Sep 20th 2023, 05:02

If it is aesthetics that you are after first, just buy another 112 and another 130. You'll end up with 4 functional voices and a solid grey System 100.

EDITED Sep 20th 2023, 14:44

Recently I've added a wavefolder to my rack to break out of traditional subtractive synthesis. I've been looking around for other types of synthesis and I stumbled upon through-zero (or thru-zero) frequency modulation. As far as I understand, through-zero FM doesn't have the pitch-shifting effect that you get when you increase the FM amount on linear or exponential FM oscillators. As far as I've also understand is that "traditional" FM sounds are typically made using sine oscillators.

This brings me to the Happy Nerding FM aid. It's advertised as "designed to perform through-zero linear Frequency Modulation (FM)". This module does not only have a sine output, but also triangle, sawtooth and square outputs. The way I interpret this module, is that with two sawtooth oscillators as inputs (according to the manual, this is what FM aid expects), I can create "traditional" FM style sounds with the FM aid when I use the sine output.

However, a lot of videos I've seen are going into the other waveform outputs of the FM aid, creating harmonically rich synched-like overtones and PWM type sounds. Happy Nerding themselves even have a video called "FM aid folds" and I've heard more videos in which someone mentioned "folded" waveshapes.

This makes me doubt if this module is designed to make tradidtional FM style sounds. Can anyone clarify this?

Also, a bit off-topic: I was assuming that an FM oscillator and a wavefolder added to an oscillator have different, distinctive sounds. Is this the case or do FM and wavefolded sound quite the same?

Thanks in advance!

Hello,

I don't know if it has been requested before, but it would be nice to be able to "lock" the position of some module in order to exclude them from the "optimize rack space" command.
Grouping them would be cool too.

For instance :

• I want my mixer at the top row far left -> I place it, I lock it, then I optimize the rack space around that locked position.

• I have a batumi + poti + samara -> I group them, then I optimize rack space, and they stay next to each others as "one unit" in the optimization.

Combining the two tools would be amazing ("group" then "lock").

Many thanks !

EDITED Sep 19th 2023, 10:53

Unfortunately I cannot fit this on 2 rows, which would have been a lot neater.

definitely not something I'd worry about

I am pretty happy with the layout, but appreciate any suggestions on position changes that will improve workflow.

I'd move the vcas up to the top row, the mixer down to the bottom row and the middle 3 of the bottom row to the middle row...

I am also looking for suggestions for additional modules. I'd love to keep it all looking uniform, if at all possible, but realise that that is pretty unlikely. I have a random assortment of other modules lying around, so I'll have no trouble filling up the space, but I want something that both looks and sounds good.

I'd want more utilities... matrix mixer, more vcas (probably a quad cascading one like a veils clone or similar, they're for cv as well as audio), at least one clock divider (square wave sub bass from audio: /2 = -1ve, /4 = -2ve) , some logic, mults, at least a dual quantizer, attenuation/attenuversion/offset (happy nerding 3 * mia for example) etc

Possibly a Pams Pro... not just clock but also lots of triggers, gates, modulation... I'd keep the clock divider above (for the reason stated) and the logic (useful outside of Pams) - but a couple of the Pams channels could be used for quantization - and/or quantized stepped random...

An extra filter might be an idea... something that sounds different...

Also, thoughts on powering? I could use 2 microZeus, but would consider trying different power options (I've only used the Zeus in the past).

I like befaco power supplies - especially the excalibus... simple, but tedious DIY, or ready built... much quieter than the uZeus and avoids the rack wart...

Looks like a fun rack. I think I would want the sequencer in the lower left so that the knobs are unobstructed, and the output mixer in the bottom right. That way CV signal flow starts in the bottom left, goes up to the slew and VCOs, and then audio travels left to right and down to the phaser/delay and audio mixer. You could always add another VCO module, more envelopes, and some DC-coupled VCAs, but this would be a lot of fun as is if you want to keep it uniform. I don't have any suggestions for power aside from make sure you have some headroom. Good luck!

I have the following setup sketched out (and the modules ready to go), and I'm wondering what I should do next.

Unfortunately I cannot fit this on 2 rows, which would have been a lot neater. I am pretty happy with the layout, but appreciate any suggestions on position changes that will improve workflow.

I am also looking for suggestions for additional modules. I'd love to keep it all looking uniform, if at all possible, but realise that that is pretty unlikely. I have a random assortment of other modules lying around, so I'll have no trouble filling up the space, but I want something that both looks and sounds good.

Also, thoughts on powering? I could use 2 microZeus, but would consider trying different power options (I've only used the Zeus in the past).

Grateful for any ideas that you have!!

EDIT: I also have one rack unit free above this setup (not shown)

EDITED Sep 19th 2023, 09:36

Thank you so much. The implementation looks great and will be useful for many unicorn users. No need anymore to show links to other websites for their real pictures of the modules. Plus its now possible to send MP3s to show in a auditive way that a module is working or what have been achieved with a certain module. This is really great.
Kind regards
Chai Baba

EDITED Sep 19th 2023, 06:13

Hi,
IMO it would be a good idea to add some details, some phrases, some words when posting a rack.
Because if you don't know the reason for posting the rack, two things can happen: someone makes an analysis of the rack and makes suggestions that in the end are not applicable, as is the case with @JimHowell1970, or people simply don't comment on anything, since they don't know what to comment.

EDITED Sep 19th 2023, 05:21

Assembled around pairing it with a Digitakt

Thanks, these are incredble. Do you mind sharing how you think about planning/building a rack? I know you said they're kinda of anarchistic, but do you have a goal with each rack, or do you let them grow organically?

My renegade party days are behind me, but as a thought experiment I put together a little travel rig for the mission at hand out of stuff I already have. More often than not, when I'm sitting at the rack exploring, I am pursuing Emptyset-ish or Surgeon-ish sounds. In fact, a considerable part of my rack is dedicated to music like that. Through more trial and error than I'd like to admit, I've settled on about 208hp of modular (plus a few outboard pieces) for that kind of stuff. I tried to make it smaller than that, but one of the constraints I will NOT give myself is cramped tiny modules with minimal or confusing controls and knotted cable spaghetti blocking the knobs. That's one of those things you only learn after trying it and failing miserably. A larger case has more to do with building a playable instrument than chasing a dragon or consumerism, at least for me and many others that participate in this forum. We all have our own process and self-imposed limitations, often philosophical/artistic/aesthetic, often financial, often spatial... I'm not Emptyset or Surgeon, and I'm definitely not a wealthy man, but I have an artistic vision too, in fact multiple different visions, approaches, and projects at any given time.
Another trial and error process led me to purchase and ultimately get rid of most of my Noise Engineering modules. For me, the UI and sounds didn't match the experience and results I was working towards. Doesn't mean they won't work for someone else, but I'm hesitant to recommend them now. There are several euro manufacturers like that for me, but I only know that after trying them out for myself.
So anyway, here's my portable thought experiment crushing, dissonant, and chaotic rack. Some rhythm, some noise, some distortion, some feedback, some lo-fi... Take the suggestions or leave them.

Thank you for your insight and advice!
I assembled these modules in 2014, when I first found ModularGrid, just to try out the platform, and especially TrueGrid live browser patching space. So, I used modules that will run in TrueGrid. I wanted to try out something anorthodox, to see how the digital emulations would reproduce the behaviors of the analog in various scenaria. I have some patches there, made with the above abomination, for example this generative soundscape. Lots of fun!
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/racks/synth/88651/516
I am using only one oscilator as voice, through two filters. Everything else is used for control and cross-modulates in chaotic fashion. Also, I use the delay for CV.
I would not buy these modules to build this as my synth case, I am just experimenting.
These days VCV-Rack works much better, but TrueGrid was pure magic back then. Have you tried it out? It only works with few select modules.
See some other stuff I do here https://www.youtube.com/stgiann
Thanks!

EDITED Sep 18th 2023, 20:25

Very nice, thanks for sharing. It's very instructive :D

Love the site! Adding all my racks slowly but surely to my profile, so check em out if ya want.... kind of a messy anarchistic setup for the euros, cept for the modcan... but building a new studio and time to do much much refactoring. :D

enjoy!

Hey folks,
I had several situations I wished I could simply send a picture of a real existing module in my rack at home or a soundfile to somebody else here on modulargrid via a messenger service like on Facebook and many other web sites. This would make communication within an ongoing trade much easier and I would not need to use sombody elses e-mail adress or send mine to receive more infos about a module. I do not know how hard it is to implement this into this site but maybe something worth to consider.
Cheers
-- ChaiBaba

We have this now as an experimental feature for unicorn users. See https://www.modulargrid.net/e/forum/posts/view/40032

Image Upload in the Messenger

Besides module images I never wanted to host user uploaded images on the server because of the potential trouble with backups and malware.
But users pointed out that in case of the marketplace it is very helpful to send images via the messenger to not disclose their private data/ email adresses early. So that is possible now. You can send one image per message.
The images are hosted on a Google Cloud Server. Because that service charges money for hosting and traffic the new feature is an Unicorn Only feature.
Since I have no idea how expensive it is in the long run the image upload is an experimental feature, so save any important images localy, because the data might vanish again.

just bear in mind... no plan survives contact with the enemy... in this case you are the enemy...

countless times I've seen people with this attitude to start & countless times I've seen them either give up (and sell up or put the modular in a cupboard) or buy a bigger case very shortly after starting...

this is almost always caused by expecting too much from too little... constraints can be good, but too much constraint is constraining...

it's not a big deal there are many paths and learning by your own mistakes is an incredibly good one... although imo, learning from others mistakes, is significantly better...

anyway... good luck and have fun!!

I, too, place all of my mixers on the bottom row. However, after thinking about it, I think the top row would be best and the Behr may be on to something! With the jacks on the bottom and the modules in the top row, all cables would be completely out of the way. When the mixers are on bottom row, we still have to deal with all the sagging cables that sort of pool at the bottom from all the action in the rest of the case.
Something to think about....

using the "search similar racks" function i found a nearly identical rack:
maybe it includes the blurry modules that cant be recognized in the video...