There are quite a few VCAs that can amplify but are basically clean until the amplified signal hits a ceiling of 10V or thereabouts, so I don't think the overdrive in the Tallin is a natural function of it being an amplifier, rather it's something they specifically built into the module. I see people make the claim that "most VCAs just attenuate" sometimes, but that hasn't been my experience in Eurorack. I think almost any VCA that isn't strictly linear is going to be capable of amplification, and even some of the linear ones can amplify to a degree if the control voltage is high enough.

As far as other VCAs that do some type of overdrive or distortion, my first thought is tube VCAs like the Metasonix RK2 for example. Abyss Devices Saevitus and Synthetic Sound Labs Tube VCA/Timbral Gate are a couple others that come to mind. But if you search MG for "Tube VCA" you'll find quite a few. Aside from Tube VCAs I know Expert Sleepers makes a JFET-based VCA, "Persephone" that can be used to overdrive the input signal as well.

EDITED Dec 18th 2022, 02:32

Future Sound Systems Gristleizer TG4. Enjoy!

I recently heard the XAOC Tallin and found the built-in overdrive very intriguing. I'm guessing that this is the product of the module actually being an amplifier and not just an attenuator like other VCAs.

It still got me thinking if you guys know of other VCAs that, instead of transparently modulating the amplitude, either react uniquely with the incoming CV/audio or modify the output interestingly?

Bonus points for modules with unique features directly linked to the VCA format. What I mean is: I'm expecting a drive + VCA module to be able to produce a similar effect to the Tallin, but I can imagine that there are some funky modules whose combinations are more dependent on the VCA circuit

Smart transaction with @Zerius
Recommended seller.

Hi fellow synth nerds
I've been building a live rack for 3 years now and I've gave about 20 to 30 live perfomances with it in various projects.

What I love the most about modular synthesizer is the fact that as the posibilities are infinite, everyone have a different way to work and make sounds with it. For me, my eurorack as helped me to be more confident to express my fellings thought my music.

I built my rack to give live improv shows

Beats are made with a roland tr8s

I can mix with a 4 channel focusrite thats goes to ableton live were i threat drums and euroack then do a master
Or
I mix with a 8 channel focusrite were i treat kick, bass, snare&claps, hats&shakers, manis histeria and chords&arps independently then do a master. I can also live multi-track record this way.
In both ways i can adjust sounds and send effects with a small midi controler. I play with 120ms latency that doesn't impact the playability (i got used to it really fast)

The transportation and the importance of the show are the reasons why i'll choose one or another way of mixing.
In his "little" version my live setup fits in a 100L backpack (forclaz DUFFEL 100 BASIC) It is fully wired, can be installed and tuned in 20 minutes for a live show and does not require a car.
The "heavy" version require a larger computer. I choose that one when I have to record or if my performance require a better mix

Here is a video with one of my project "Jean feutre" with a french cartoonist :

The goal here is to treat music and visual arts as equaly. It is mainly based on improvisation and we can synchronize visual effects with sound thanks to midi.

I don't assume my way of doing live shows with my modular synth is the best one. I'm just here to tchat about it
If you have questions or feedbacks fell free to answer the thread !

EDITED Dec 17th 2022, 13:19

Hey there, not noly it is one of my favorite generators, Twin Wave mkII is by far my favorite complex LFO, used here to show what complex LFO are/do.

I've used a Fold6 with drive at 50% and fold just barely on to get kicks to punch specifically a ModBase09 mk2 through around 80 of 90 multi-hour techno streams. This worked well for 909 style kicks. I tried with a Unicorn Boom (808) and didn't like that much, but through a 100 Grit it got a super fat sound. So it all depends. I also use 2x TriTones with a smile curve on the master and this really helps out to get the hats, kick and sub to sound huge.

I jumped on it and rushed through, so got Friends and /W.

Whew.

EDITED Dec 30th 2022, 02:29

Yup, happened again just now too...can't get a /W for nothin...

I’d black out the case and rearrange some modules:

• The FH-2 is gonna have a long usb cable attached so best to keep it off to the side so it doesn’t hang over your Maths.

• The X Pan Out at the top makes for cleaner patching to your In/Out just below.

• 2HP VCAs spaced apart for easier patching. (Wherever you put them)

• Bitbox and Rene for faster dominant right hand navigation. Especially bitbox screen usage. And you can tuck the bitbox output cables up the side to your master out so they’re not in the way.

• The top row progresses logically from Sound to Space, Mono to Stereo modules. Your sound sources then Desmodus for synthetic tail mono in / stereo out patching followed by your stereo modules: Qpas, Mimeophon, Nautilus, XPan. Or Desmodus after Nautilus if you’re using it as a final reverb.

• Maths next to the LFO and Tempi (time defining modules), just below the mults for system wide patching.

Go to the “Sketch a Patch” in your My Modular, and draw up some patches. You’ll learn whether your modules and layout inspires you or needs improvements and tidying.

EDITED Dec 17th 2022, 01:49

In any case, I am at a point in my modular journey with tons of gear so saturated to focus now on recording and remastering tracks in my studio. I am glad to have WMD, Mutable Instruments and Hexinverter Mutant Drum modules since these three firms have closed up shop which is sad news but love their modules.

Lack of vactrols is the issue. Have seen a few go for around 220. This isn't too unreasonably all things considered.

Sinc Bucina is highly underrated.

EDITED Dec 16th 2022, 21:58

Same. Also, happened last time too. I got a 3 Sis through the lottery system...that was cool. The shopping carts should be limited to 1 per and also have a timer on them. I'm tired of fighting with cart systems and I'm pretty sure the wizzes out there have automated the whole thing too. Same thing happened at Control Mod and Control Voltage when they got stock. Sold out within 30 seconds and it didn't matter if you had it in your cart.

Not surprised. The exact same thing happened last year when I bought Data module and Catnip modules. Both sold out in minutes. I was lucky to get them in time.

I've been designing and building stompboxes for years. Just got hooked on eurorack this year and have been having a blast with this little setup. It's not just a layout plan. It exists in real life and, so far, I've just been recording and jamming with it on my own. I haven't quite figured out how to incorporate it into the live band situation, yet. For one thing, it feels like it takes me too long to set up and change patches. Maybe I just need more practice? Anyway...

I sort of think of it as a percussion skiff. My goal with this skiff is to create rhythmic, melodic backbones and soundscapes that I can add acoustic instruments to (i.e. hand percussion, bass, guitar, keys, etc...), occasionally vocals, too.

I am trying to keep it relatively compact. But all the comments here about difficulties with too many small 2hp or 3hp modules make a lot of sense. I happen to only have one 2hp module (div) but I find it really useful and use it in almost everything.

The TAPLFO and the PLVXf are units that I designed and built myself. The PLVXf is a Polivoks VCF clone based on the freely available schematics on the web and I like it a lot. The TAPLFO is based on the Electric Druid TAPLFO3c chip (https://electricdruid.net/product/taplfo3/) and has a lot of nice options, but maybe a few too many. I am thinking that a more compact redesign of the TAPLFO might be in order.

For some randomness, I used to have an Erica Synths Swamp (Wogglebug clone) installed but took it out to make space for the filters I now have (Zlob SVF, PLVXf, and SSM2044 - I am also working on an EDP Wasp clone that will be the same size as the PLVXf). I am now trying out the Zlob Diode Chaos to replace the Swamp and save a lot of space. But I think I might still be looking for a random module that suits me better.

As for sequencers... what I like about the Baby8 is that it has both gates and CV. With the individual gate outputs for each step, you can trigger up to 8 different things. What I don't like about it is that consecutive gate outputs do not trigger independently. They just make one long gate and only trigger once. So, I am looking into replacing the Baby8 with an Intellijel Steppy. Four tracks of gates but no CV. But I do have a Korg SQ-1 for CV sequencing. I'll see how it goes.

I really like having a delay in the rack, but could maybe go with something smaller. Suggestions?

Feels like I've already written too much. So, I'll leave it there, for now. Again, I only got started on this within the past year but I am having a blast figuring things out. So, thought, comments, suggestions are very welcome!

Orders opened at 8am my time today. By the time I clicked calculate shipping it was sold out.

Oh yes thank you for attaching that. I'm new to the modular grid forum. Looking forward to comments.

and the actual link to the OPs public rack so we can actually do stuff like mouse over and click through...

@echo7 - this is infinitely better for us - you'll get better advice etc...

levels looked exactly where they should be. > -- ChrisfromDC

You can confirm the signal was sent correctly into the module and 2-3 of the top 4 LEDs were lit while the remaining bottom 4 were cycling green, yes? And the file finished playing? At any point during the process did all the lights blink red?

Note: After you're done playing the file it will automatically reboot and look exactly as it did—no obvious indications. You'll have to press both A buttons simultaneously (not hold them but not tap them either; just a generic medium press) before you have the ability to scroll through the presets sideways. Then you'll have to press left or right to get to the Orange models.

I have two Plaits and had a problem midway through the second when playing the file through VLC (it must have some kind of EQ or volume booster, audio algorithm) but no problem with either when just playing the file directly off my desktop. And yes, after it was done it looked like nothing happened. I had to press both buttons before I could toggle through the models.

That might help.

Hello,

I'm looking for feedback on this rack build. I'm a composer trying to utilize integration with my DAW but also have my eurorack be able to stand on its own.

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_1104834.jpg

I currently own all of the modules and case EXCEPT FH2+expanders, bitbox mk2, Nautilus, and Desmodus Versio.

What do you think of this setup? The goal is using the FH2 for modulation options since it can generate complex lfos etc. as well as for polyphonic playing.

I will have a separate standalone mixer on my desk, so I tried to save some space not using dedicated mixer modules. Also included will be a Moog Mother 32 as well as a Keystep Pro, so there's more modulation options there.

Any advice, module recommendations/replacements welcome.

Cheers,
B

I carefully followed all the instructions for the recent Plaits firmware update, but after days of trying I can't get anywhere with it. Definitely booted it up in update mode, ran the update via the model input, levels looked exactly where they should be. Same Plaits menu as previously, however, and no indication anything took. Seems like most people who described installing this had not that much trouble and a good result. So what could I be doing wrong? Very frustrating.

the Make Noise LxD is EXACTLY what I'm looking for, but retailers are all sold out and people are listing them on Reverb for INSANE prices ($300-$500). Did Make Noise discontinue it without saying anything? Why are these so hard to find?
-- noahnicholsmusic

I don't think the lxd is discontinued - I hope not as I would also like one at some point in the future!

Make Noise are at least reasonably good at marking discontinued items as discontinued on here...

Why are they hard to find:
There has been (& still is, and will be for sometime) a global shortage of electronics components (covid -> manufacturing slow down -> distribution nightmare) - I'm guessing the vactrols are difficult to source in large quantities - and if you have only a small number of vactrols and no idea when you will get more - you'd put them in a module that has higher return and as high demand (optomix) than in a module with lower returns (lxd)

It's possible that lxds will be available again in the future, then again maybe not - don't hold your breath

Remember even Make Noise is a small company (as are all eurorack modules manufacturers) and therefore only makes small batches of modules and from time to time there will be temporary shortages of particular modules, even withoout the effects of a global pandemic - (extreme) patience is a good skill to develop!

If you can't find anything locally, Blue lantern is on etsy. Flavio is easy to contact. I recommend his Dual decay (ddk) module. He makes a few other percussion and fx oriented utility modules I haven't seen elsewhere. Worth a look.

How are you trying to process the kick? Are you wanting rumble? Just smack in general? Cleaning up the low frequency mud? Compression/sidechain ducking?

I process external drum machines through eurorack using two of these to boost the individual outs: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/blue-lantern-modules-booster-array They are cheap and work wonderfully for that purpose.
I also use a lot of other stuff to process the sounds, but the Worng Soundstage is a cool option for stereo mixing.
Have fun and good luck.
-- farkas

Nice! Thank you I will be watching those. Now sold out of course.. Also probably more expensive for Europeans.. But I will check out the technology and try to find something similar that is locally available. =)

Not as resonant like the LxD, but check out the ph Modular LPG: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/ph-modular-2hp-vactrol-lpg

It was an easy direct purchase. I have both and sometimes prefer the LxD for the resonant channel, but otherwise the ph fits the bill.

I've been looking for a good LPG for my system that doesn't take up too much space, and the Make Noise LxD is EXACTLY what I'm looking for, but retailers are all sold out and people are listing them on Reverb for INSANE prices ($300-$500). Did Make Noise discontinue it without saying anything? Why are these so hard to find?

Also, does anyone out there have any ideas about a similar LPG around the same size and price? I'm very limited on free space in the rack and need something with the same punchiness as the LxD strike input.

Cheers!

I process external drum machines through eurorack using two of these to boost the individual outs: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/blue-lantern-modules-booster-array They are cheap and work wonderfully for that purpose.
I also use a lot of other stuff to process the sounds, but the Worng Soundstage is a cool option for stereo mixing.
Have fun and good luck.

Hello, so I am finally starting to get an idea about the rack I wanna build, and I have two questions:
1) Is it worth further processing a dedicated bassdrum module like the Mutant Bassdrum? And do some of you process external drum machines through eurorack? how? :-)
2) What are some of the "meat and potato" kind of utility modules every techno percussive rack should consider having? Im especially interested in simple one or two function modules like the Doepfer A-160 clock divider and A-161 clock sequencer that I already have and love.. I guess some sequential switches? maybe a precsion adder? a low pass gate and an exponential VCA for the drums to smack?
Well, I guess any input and patch tip and module recommendation regarding eurorack live performance oriented techno drums and percussions would be greatly appreciated. :-)
Cheers!

Bella Gliss might be an interesting alternative if you’re happy with crowd funding https://www.crowdsupply.com/augmented-instruments/gliss

i bough it directly from their website!
it's currently out of stock u have to check from time to time

EDITED Dec 15th 2022, 17:52

Anyone know where to get one of these? Or anything similar?
-- Vbsmusic

have you tried clicking through and going to their distributors page?

have you tried wigglehunt?
-- JimHowell1970

Hey thanks for the reply. I have tried all their distributors, and tried wigglehunt as well! Can’t find it anywhere!!

Relax with Generative Music Created On Eurorack

Relax, study, or work to generative music.

Click Here for the Video

Anyone know where to get one of these? Or anything similar?
-- Vbsmusic

have you tried clicking through and going to their distributors page?

have you tried wigglehunt?

Anyone know where to get one of these? Or anything similar?

Since you want cool drones perhaps look modulation that can slowly give you varied generative drones like Marbles or Quadrax in your setup. The Grendel Drone Commander module or the Grone Drone look super awesome for the voice option.

I use a small 4u setup with Queen of Pentacles and Chainsaw for drums and pads and Eloquencer sequencer and have good results. Here is my workflow when I want to jam out and capture happy accidents

I have OB-4 for tether free monitoring and record loops to turn the OB-4 into a modular radio. Now looking at battery pack to use for the 4u case to jam outdoors without need to connect to power.

I'm going to dm you about your video synthesis later, if you don't mind.

Please feel free - always happy to answer questions etc...

Jim

haha yeah - I don't actually have a pro, just an xl, but I intend to get one at some point in the future - and implement this trick that I saw someone else suggest somewhere - probably modwiggler - I've generally only used it for the lofi setting which I did know the position of - but I want to re-flash it and use it for other stuff - will have to remember to print out the pdf this time!!!

-- JimHowell1970

Duuude, I had my XL racked for 8ish month before I even realized I could re-flash lol. It was in a mylar generative knock-off, so not knowing what it was actually doing wasn't an issue for me at the time. In my live box I reflashed and banked based off of need, so delay into reverb is first slot, and the other less often used effects are around it. I also added the x0x generator algos to record into the Sample Drum. Not perfect, but certainly useful. I would love the Pro, but oh man, 32 effects/utilities/sources are more than enough for my needs. The added cv controls are quite tantalizing! Maybe one day! I'm going to dm you about your video synthesis later, if you don't mind.

Hey, Stoffaboy, where ya at?

Figured out how to get my modular recorded in stereo the right way from 1010 Music Bluebox without using computer.
Some fun techno with QoP and Chainsaw. Really like the OB-4 for portable monitoring and recording loops from synths and radio.

https://on.soundcloud.com/BhweR

Hello there,

Not playing modular synths for now, just playing Strega & 0-ctrl, M-32, Drumbrute Impact, some pedals and some plugins, but can't wait to buy my first rack and modules, won't be that long now, I hope!

Anway, let me know what you think about what I did, it's mainly improvisations !

https://clementpoline.bandcamp.com/

Cheers

personally I think the hector and empress zoia are the opposite of modular philosophy - basically just a computer in a module format - I'd rather use vcv rack & I really don't like that either - real knobs (ie full size ones as much as possible possible), real jacks, real switches, real patch cables, real modular!!!!

money is only money - a modular synth is something else entirely and much more valuable and worthwhile!

Hey, to cover some of your questions;

Rookie mistake is probably that row of 2HP modules. That is really tight. You wouldn’t realize it until you had them patched just how difficult it is to reach in, not only to get at and turn the knobs, but also to pull out and insert new cables into the jacks.

Poor modules is something to look into—those Sylph Mutable Clones have poor ratings: Marbles 3/5, Rings 2.5/5, Ripples 1/5, Clouds 1/5, Plaits 1/5. Troll ratings maybe? Or legit quality issues?

If your main goal is to compliment your Moog and to rinse every last bit of functionality in as small a space as possible, check out the Poly Effects Hector. If you don’t mind some menu diving, the Hector has 100s of built in modules including all of the Mutable Instruments in your case and more: Warps, Grids, Plaits, Rings, Clouds, Tides, and Marbles. Might be a module you’re interested in collecting: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/poly-effects-hector

I don’t have it. But I have Mutable Instruments modules and for the price I paid I could have bought like 3 of those Hectors. haha, maybe that was my rookie mistake. :)

I've seen you speak about this before, Jim. I know how much you love the pro. It is definitely a solution.

-- yeahivandalizm

haha yeah - I don't actually have a pro, just an xl, but I intend to get one at some point in the future - and implement this trick that I saw someone else suggest somewhere - probably modwiggler - I've generally only used it for the lofi setting which I did know the position of - but I want to re-flash it and use it for other stuff - will have to remember to print out the pdf this time!!!

I'm currently leaning towards Mutable Instruments modules, but many of them are quite large for such a limited space. There are many clones that come in smaller sizes, so I have included them. Some, however, are still quite large. Ripples, for example, is basically just a filter, but takes up 8HP of width. I'd love to hear of any alternatives in a smaller format (doesn't have to be Mutable/clone, any nice filter under 8HP).

the obvious and sane answer to this is... get a bigger case... 6u is easily portable, unless you are a small child - I've carried a mantis (best bang for buck case there is) on trains, planes and buses quite a bit and never had a problem with it being too big to carry - and then you can stay with full size modules and benefit from the ergonomics - remember 1hp is just over 5mm (1/5 of an inch) and 3u is less than 14cm (5.25") - often newbies do not realise how small eurorack actually is!!

At 8HP each, Pam's and Disting EX were included to add lots of diverse functionality in a small space. Continuing the trend of more functionality in less space, Ochd fits many spread-out LFOs into 4HP. The remaining space was filled with a handful of 2HP modules. I'm still learning about all of the functionality of Pam's and Disting EX, and they might be able to cover many functions that I might be attempting to get out of other modules, so let me know if anything seems obvious.

too many tiny (2hp) modules next to each other - they will be (virtually - at best) unusable

this rack will be horrible to play... see above bigger case, ergonomic modules

you might also consider the 2hp tm (turing machine) and tune (quantizer) which would be pretty similar in the same hp

That’s a lot of small knobs in a small case..

Working towards my first modular setup. Comments and critique welcome and encouraged!

I have a Moog Mavis that will start out in an 84HP by 3U by 55mm case: Cre8Audio NiftyCase, that includes power (1500mA @ +12v, 500mA @ -12v, and 500mA @ +5v), midi to CV, and mono out. The Mavis will eventually be removed to make space as modules are acquired. The Mavis will provide some traditional synth elements to the system (VCO, VCF, LFO, EG, S+H, etc.), so the main goal for the rest of the system in to compliment the Mavis.

For example, the Mavis' internal sample + hold source is the VCO, which makes for nice rhythmic patterns, but isn't as random-ish as using a noise source. Adding a module that can provide noise thus increases the possibilities of the S+H, while also providing noise for any other possible use case. The Kinks module has a dedicated noise output, normalled to it's own S+H circuit, along with a few other useful utilities, all in a nice 4HP size.

In the spirit of complimenting a traditional synth voice setup, I want non-traditional elements at the center of the system. Another major goal of this setup is to achieve lots of functionality in a small/portable setup. I'm currently leaning towards Mutable Instruments modules, but many of them are quite large for such a limited space. There are many clones that come in smaller sizes, so I have included them. Some, however, are still quite large. Ripples, for example, is basically just a filter, but takes up 8HP of width. I'd love to hear of any alternatives in a smaller format (doesn't have to be Mutable/clone, any nice filter under 8HP).

At 8HP each, Pam's and Disting EX were included to add lots of diverse functionality in a small space. Continuing the trend of more functionality in less space, Ochd fits many spread-out LFOs into 4HP. The remaining space was filled with a handful of 2HP modules. I'm still learning about all of the functionality of Pam's and Disting EX, and they might be able to cover many functions that I might be attempting to get out of other modules, so let me know if anything seems obvious.

Let me know what you think! Is this reasonable? Am I making rookie mistakes? Too many LFOs? Not enough VCAs? Too Mutable? Needs Beads? Brand X makes poor modules? Redundant modules? Obvious components missing? Money could be spent better elsewhere? Facts, anecdotes, opinions, information, etc. all welcome.

Thanks all, appreciated. The Ladik looks like a winner.

have you read the module descriptions on here?

what is your understanding of what they can or cannot do?

I just took a quick look at the module descriptions and they seem fairly understandable...

to me the main differences appear to be:

one has more cross-fading channels and one has panning and an aux stereo input

one is 12hp one is 10hp

one draws considerably more power than the other

I am considering taking Maths out of my case. Except for modulation, I actually use maths as an attenuator or simpler things.
-- FWGW

I always strongly suggest that anyone considering taking Maths out of their rack download the 'maths illustrated supplement' and work their way through it a number of times (ie more than once or twice) and concentrate on the what, why and how... Maths is way more than the sum of it's parts - but requires some effort to learn to self-patch it to get it to do more than the obvious surface functionality - the effort is more than worth it - as it will translate to a large extent to other modules and to modular patching in general...