All Posts

Manufacturer: MEAN WELL
PSU type: switched-mode
PSU rated power: 64.6W
12V DC / 2800mA – 3500mA
-12V DC / 500mA – 1000mA
5V DC / 5000mA – 8000mA
Each output can work within the full current range. But total output power can’t exceed rated output power.
Body dimensions: 129 x 98 x 38mm
Weight: 440g
PSU input voltage: 88-264V AC, 125-373V DC
Protection: overload, voltage growth, short-circuit

Beginners are for generative eurorank.
Hello i am new and want to get into the eurorack world, what i am interested in is generative music. would this be a suitable starter setup, i could also imagine integrating my digitakt or my DAW. what do i have to consider? thanks for your help.

-- wrna1

EDITED Dec 1st 2023, 15:43

Congratulations for this post. After several years of research and investment (almost a hundred modules here), it is not always easy to expose yourself by inviting others to a criticism was it constructive, even friendly formulated. And this, next to the question of the 36HP available... I wanted to start by commending your initiative. So, if I may, a few little things.

An observation: for 'ambient soundscapes', and a 'generative direction', I am surprised not to see, unless I am mistaken, a granular synthesis source like Morphagene or Nebulae.

The modules that appear today do not always bring great innovations, but some try to go further by pushing limits (at the risk of specializing sometimes in a more limited use). But why not if they are of a high quality? The Qu-Bit Nautilus, in my opinion, is one of them. Thus I will gladly suggest it for the musical style sought here.

I took the opportunity to look at the first suggestions that were made to you at the beginning of your ‘modular adventure’. 2021, @Lugia had propose in particular a Doepfer A-119, I think it remains a good advice.

36HP... There is also a certain pleasure in knowing that part of your closet remains empty. I keep, for my part this amount of space (with a 4ms Pod and a mini-case Doepfer). Next to a hundred modules... like you. There is an old French adage (16th century) that says ‘Garde une poire pour ta soif’. Which can be tranlated as ‘Keep a pear for your thirst’. But I believe that in English the equivalent is: 'Save for a rainy day'... (And with all the love I sincerely have for this country, not only at the musical level, we can understand the choice of this analogy :))

Hello,
Thanks for the considerate response.
I realize I have a small proposed set up, and therefore am limited to what I can put in the rack.
Regarding interfacing with the DAW, as I said I only intend to use it for effects (e.g. delay, reverb, etc.).
I could also send sequencer clock source via MIDI to the Kobol. I may also pick up a Keystep keyboard.
The Tides clone can be used as a modulation source (LFO, EG, etc.). It also has a 4 note frequency mult/div, which I can use for the Trautonium set up, and mix in the AJH module. I've considered a mult, but may try to just use stackable cables.
The 3hp Erica pico LFO, S/H looks promising...
btw, I have a 4 channel audio interface (not DC coupled), and an outboard mixer I could use if necessary.
cheers

Hi all,

After several years of tinkering and learning, and many, many iterations of "eureka, this shall be the final form!," I think I actually have a decent plan (my racks are public if you want to see how I've gone from A to B to C to.... whatever this is). However, as I try to figure out my last half-rack, I realize I'm at a loss. I hesitate to say it, but I think I might have my bases covered and have some room to spare. What do you think, what would you do with this last 36 hp? Am I overlooking something or missing some key utilities or functionality? Maybe I'm over-full of some type of module and have more space than I realize? Or maybe I should just be at peace knowing that I've got the space when the next new, must-have module shows up (looking at you Joranalogue). As you'll see, a lot of these modules are already in my collection, but I don't consider too much sacrosant, and am definitely open to selling and reconfiguring if I decide to shift directions.

Rack goals: Originally, it started as a companion to the microbrute 2s, but quickly started moving in the generative direction. Over the past few years, this has become my main instrument, and so I've tried to tailor it into a comprehensive multivoiced stereo system that can do both generative and nongenerative on it's own, but play well with other gear and the computer when wanted. No one style of music is aimed for and I'm not planning on doing too much heavy-duty chordal work, but I want to be able to cover as many bases as possible. That being said, I seem to make a lot of loosely rhythmic ambient soundscapes, and that's quite fun.

General design plan: The instrument consists of a microbrute 2s and a 6u rackbrute and with two mantis cases (come on tiptop, start shipping those black cases already...). The rackbrute is predominantly cv and clock generation and manipulation. The top mantis covers sound sources and shaping, and the bottom case is predominantly for sound manipulation and physical interaction with the synth (I am a very hands-on player). Some choices were made for odd-number-hp reasons (like the pico dsp), and some placements are simply because I couldn't figure out how else to fit them (like Maths in the bottom row), but most everything else earns it's place and spot naturally.

So, what do you think? Any recommendations for this last 36 hp?

Thanks!

Thank you for that amazing reply...... you are so right! I think this is exactly what I will be doing, because I love the softer side of my music a little bit more than the rougher side. Oh and yes, musicians need to be free and be able to explore. Very wise words and they are apreciated!

I like your chill stuff but I'm all for whatever musical adventures you find satisfying in the moment! :)

Perhaps 'nothing but chill' will narrow your possibilities? You could aim for 9/10 chill and throw in the odd banger to keep people on their toes! ;) :D

My new video is online and the music is quite different than my previous video’s. It’s a modular techno track. I also have a question about that which I would love for you to answer. I talk about it in the beginning of the video. Please let me know what you think! Have a great day and if you like what you see and hear could you please like the video and subscribe to my channel? Thank you so much!

Raaf

Much easier if you copy/paste the link into the comment, then we get to see your rack.

I'll let others speak to your specific goals as they're a bit out of my knowledge zones, but one thing to think of right off the bat is how you will be developing, changing, and manipulating your control voltages? You say you're sequencing and using the DAW for effects (how are you interfacing, exactly?), but one of the joys of modular is using voltages in unexpected and dynamic ways. I feel like this system as is gives a lot of audio manipulation but not much CV manipulation. For example, other than the two lfos (with only square or tirangle to choose from) on the Kobol, how will you be changing parameters over time without manual tweeking? Wiggling knobs is obviously fun, but a lot of what makes modular special is that the aspects of synthesis that are usually hidden inside a synthesizer are available to us out in the open, allowing for dynamic shifting of parameters over time. Look into utilities, which are the tools to make this happen. You have the disting, which provides a ton of algorithms, but is not the easiest to navigate and doesn't give you access to too many things at once. As for recommendations, unfortunately, there's no one size fits all, but attenuators, inverters, function generators, slew limiters, etc are great places to start looking. More lfos, or at least mults to help you make more of what you already have, should also be considered.

Anyways, there's no one size fits all as I said, and I don't want to recommend just buying more things, but I think you should consider where you plan to take this rack and seriously think about the utilities that will help you make the most of it. If you think of some motion you want the voltages to have, there's probably a utility to help with it.

One more note, if you're already planning on being heavily connected to the computer, consider a dc-coupled interface or something like the ES-8 or ES-9 (expensive, but very useful) to allow you to interact with VCV rack and other computer based cv manipulation tools. It will save a lot of hp and money in the long run, if that's a route that looks fun to you.

Best of luck.

Thank you for clarifying!

Thanks for that Sweelinck.

Yes, while I already have a Disting, the Pod 32 doesn't support deeper modules including the 2hp Modules. I agreee with you regarding the passive mult. I'm leaning in the direction of the Ochd, but tempted by the Doepfer as it's a 1/3rd of the price of the Ochd in my country.

Thanks sgain:)

So If I dont change the PSU of the Palette case i have no choice but powering via +12 & -12v , right?
I dont get whats actually the benefit from powering over the +5v rail, which I have not yet used at all

-- antimidas

correct you'll need to power the hermod+ with the +/-12v rails

the advantage of being able to use the 5v rail is that, if you are short on 12v and have a lot of 5v available, then you can use that instead...

https://loersatz.bandcamp.com/track/man-polar
Advice, opinions and critics more than welcome :)
Thank you

This is repulsive just blatant theft of Intellijel intellectual property. If I saw this module in an artist's rack I'd never buy another album from that artist. Art means nothing without ethics.

-- Sedalus

Art has nothing to do with money or politics.

EDITED Nov 29th 2023, 17:47

I made this module and it had a pretty good build up of information on people using it, but I come back to find it "unlisted"
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/other-unknown-clacktronics-mini-speaker-

and in its place is this

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/other-unknown-clacktronics-euro-speaker

why?

I just ordered the Squarp Instruments Hermod + and planed to place in this case (which sits in front of my big case for best accessibility):

which is a Intellijel Palette 62 ( 1.2 A (+12 V) / 1.2 A (-12 V) / 500 mA (+5 V)) .

In the manual of the Hermod + it says:

Connect Hermod+ to your eurorack system power with the supplied ribbon cable.
Most eurorack power supplies have a dedicated +5V rail (in addition to the +12V
and –12V rails).
• If your power supply delivers +5V, we recommend to place the « 5V switch » in the
top position, in order to use the +5V rail for the digital circuitry of Hermod+.
Make sure the +5V rail can supply 820mA minimum for powering Hermod+ (and
add +500mA maximum when attaching a controller on USB host).
• If your power supply does not deliver +5V, you may place the switch in the lower
position.
Make sure the +12V rail can supply 400mA for powering Hermod+ (and add
+220mA maximum when attaching a controller on USB host).
In any case, Hermod+ will not be damaged if you use the top position and your
power supply does not deliver the +5V. It will simply not power up.

These are the power specs according Squarp Instruments when not powering via 5v:
Consumption (not using +5V rail) : -12V 20mA, +12V 400mA (add up to +220mA when attaching a controller on USB host)

So If I dont change the PSU of the Palette case i have no choice but powering via +12 & -12v , right?
I dont get whats actually the benefit from powering over the +5v rail, which I have not yet used at all

EDITED Nov 29th 2023, 11:51

It all depends on your goal.

• Ochd: lfos only (8 lfos with 8 different speeds linked by a single adjustable base speed).
• Rnd Step: random only (3 potentially independent randoms, and each with 2 outputs: unipolar + bipolar).
• Clep Diaz: only one choice among 3 possibilities: step, random, lfo (2 outputs: unipolar + bipolar).

For these modulations an external passive multiple can extend a functionality to several cv inputs...

Other options are possible.
Don’t forget the Disting mk4: a lot of functions including modulations and much more.
And two modules of the manufacturer 2hp (e.g. one lfo + one random) would also be worth considering.

Is it just me or the knob for filter type is really wobbly/flimsy ?

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_2283244.jpg?1701213348

Thanks again halbroome. Looks interesting:)

The new 4 hp expansion for the Ochd is awesome! Just looking at your small case made me wince that there
was no room for it if you did use an Ochd. 4 triggers, 8 waveshapers would really expand the capabilties of
the small case.

I'd seriously consider a smaller 8 hp uRings instead of the original Mutable Instruments
to make space for it -- that would also clear up another 2 hp for a useful 2HP (company name) Clk
or a 2HP Mult.
-- halbroome

Thanks for that! I had no idea the expansion offered that degree of functionality!

+1 on the Clep Diaz, great little LFO / Stepped Random etc
-- wishbonebrewery

Thanks for that. My only concern with the Clep Diaz is the limitation of one lfo. Otherwise, it looks like a swiss army knife for a small system.

Hi Jim. Planning on synching it (somehow) to my Microfreak.

that will work - clock out ofd microfreak into whatever you are syncing to - just make sure you set both clocks appropriately... see the manuals

While 32 hp is very limited, it's fun to see how much I can coax out of these for live gigs.

well good luck with that...

-- JimHowell1970

Thanks for that, Jim! I appreciate your advice!

try to get a full size exact clone - there are a few these days - after later audio etc...

proper knobs are better for tuning than trimmers

Modular is certainly an expensive adventure. Sometimes the economical route is the only choice, and I wouldn't hold it against someone if they choose that route. But one thing to keep in mind, if everyone gives their money to the cloners instead of the innovators, we are eventually going to run out of innovators.
-- PragmaticusMax

Sadly some are too stupid and selfish to even acknowledge this simple fact.

Hi everyone, I'm working on a rack and want plaits, in case I can't find the original, even though I should be able to, I'm wondering if there's anything I should know about the clones. Is there one that's better / more accurate than others, or any I should stray away from? Thanks.

Any of the 4MS pods suffixed with "X" are deeper..

On the more expensive side you can look at MakeNoise Morphagene (want one) or Mimeophon (Got one) lets you hold a loop in its buffer and if you are clocking Mimeophon you can make it play in time with other parts and get as creative as you like.
-- wishbonebrewery

Yes, they look great but cost and current case size is limiting my options at the moment. everything so far is in an 84hp case. But I have seen 6U rackbrute which will be dream future case maybe one day. I am in no rush - just enjoy the modules I have.

Hi, not to steal your thread but I've been looking into using an outboard mixer in the future to have functionality to record individual outputs directly into Ableton...

From looking around thinking along the lines of:
Presonus StudioLive AR12 or 16c, Signature 12 MTK, Tascam Model 12 Analog Mixer with Digital Recorder...

Anyone have any experience of doing this AND/OR recommendations of product above or other?

-- Traxam

no, but - make sure whatever you do get has proper multitracking and attenuators (possibly called pads) on the way in...

Hi Jim. Planning on synching it (somehow) to my Microfreak.

that will work - clock out ofd microfreak into whatever you are syncing to - just make sure you set both clocks appropriately... see the manuals

While 32 hp is very limited, it's fun to see how much I can coax out of these for live gigs.

well good luck with that...

On the more expensive side you can look at MakeNoise Morphagene (want one) or Mimeophon (Got one) lets you hold a loop in its buffer and if you are clocking Mimeophon you can make it play in time with other parts and get as creative as you like.

I do fancy a 2hp Loop though, maybe 2 of them for Stereo would be fun.

+1 on the Clep Diaz, great little LFO / Stepped Random etc

The new 4 hp expansion for the Ochd is awesome! Just looking at your small case made me wince that there
was no room for it if you did use an Ochd. 4 triggers, 8 waveshapers would really expand the capabilties of
the small case.

I'd seriously consider a smaller 8 hp uRings instead of the original Mutable Instruments
to make space for it -- that would also clear up another 2 hp for a useful 2HP (company name) Clk
or a 2HP Mult.

Thanks for that, halbroome and ambientvalent. Will definitely keep the Clep Diaz in mind. Yes, I have been on the fence with Ochd, but it would certainly be an excellent addition to my slightly bigger and less mobile rig.

Hi Jim. Planning on synching it (somehow) to my Microfreak. While 32 hp is very limited, it's fun to see how much I can coax out of these for live gigs.

All the best

Hi, not to steal your thread but I've been looking into using an outboard mixer in the future to have functionality to record individual outputs directly into Ableton...

From looking around thinking along the lines of:
Presonus StudioLive AR12 or 16c, Signature 12 MTK, Tascam Model 12 Analog Mixer with Digital Recorder...

Anyone have any experience of doing this AND/OR recommendations of product above or other?

wooow what for a fantastic Module dry & dirty....Love it

I love my 2HP Loop in special the frippertronics mode and I think it could work for what you are planning to do with it.

hope to!

Ah cool, nice find! Thats what i meant above, it uses the python library "svgwrite".
Supercool that someone already coded the connection to touch designer.

Keep us posted with your progress. :)

I recently purchased another "voice" in the form of a pre owned Radio - ST Modular https://www.modulargrid.net/e/st-modular-radio I liked the idea of scooping up radio signals and using them, which is great but I am now wanting a way to record snippets of my radio audio.

Initially I was looking at Big T Music's Monsoon (Clouds clone) https://www.modulargrid.net/e/big-t-music-monsoon
for many reasons plus the fact it has the freeze button that could grab the random radio audio ( max 8 seconds at lowest quality). I have now seen 2hp Loop which from what I have seen can record upto 5 minutes and slow it down and a range of other functions including layering the sound and loop it of course. https://www.modulargrid.net/e/2hp-loop-black-panel This sounds great in producing some interesting sounds for my ambient generative rack.

Do you feel this is a good option?

Thoughts and advice would be hugely appreciated.

thanks @JimHowell1970 for suggestion about CVThing

@SLFE
About SVG export from Touch Designer I just read he cant't.. but somebody ( Matthew Ragan) did a script etc..

https://interactiveimmersive.io/blog/python/exporting-svg-in-touchdesigner/

So can be possible to export SVG from Touch Designer reading the article.

But... don't forget I'm still learning Touch Designer and this is hard enough as first step!

I used to do some projects with Touch Designer, unfortunately it can't export SVG. For a better understanding of your plotter you should read about the difference of pixel graphics and vector graphics. That should clear some things, espacially what your plotter demands. However you have the possibilty to convert pixel data to vector data through tracing, but I would not recommend that route.

about realtime drawing I believe is hard to do it

Yes, I'd go so far and say it is just not possible with that setup for reasons stated above. :)

Have fun, in any case this is a fun project.

The VCMC by Befaco can be my solution, it is expansive !

there's also it's little brother CVThing, which is cheaper... also both are available as kits...

what are you going to sync to anyway?

yes is a good pen plotter, I can reccomend it

about realtime drawing I believe is hard to do it..( I do not have any info or knowledge in order to obrain this result)

Ate the moment I'm using Touch Designer as software to erlaborate MIDI signals from an Arturia MK 3
The software can map the MIDI controls and after you can create your own project ( I0m still learning TD to obtain somethin.. perhaps an SVG )

The VCMC by Befaco can be my solution, it is expansive !

I will keep to study in that way-
Hope to achieve some good result soon..

+1 on Ochd.

I really like the Clep Diaz, but that's more rhythmic, and the Ochd would be more fun than the Doepfer.

It's synchability is not strict, of course, but that's its charm!

Hi all,

I have rings and beads in a POD 32 mobile set up. Having a blast, but still undecided about the best mod source for the unit.

I am torn between the Doepfer Quad LFO (cheapest but not syncable), the ever popular Ochd and the Noise Engineering Clep Diaz.

Would greatly appreciate any thoughts or opinions re these or other 4hp module alternatives.

Many thanks!

Thank you so much for all these info

tbh you could use veils as a mixer

sweet, I will then just prioritize Pam / Maths / Veils / Aid Pro

I was trying to look here on modulargrid for matrix mixers and reading a bit about them, they do look super interesting, if you have any to suggest please feel free. It won't be an immediate purchase as I seriously need time to experiment with these modules as soon as I will be able to get them all, but always good to consider for future needs.

Pams will do all that - read the manual... if you don't understand anything - just ask (no stupid questions etc)

amazing, will surely do.

& I think you mean marbles not beads, marbles is a (quantized) random cv and gate generaor, beads is a granular/delay/reverb and the only mutable module not open sourced (may be in the future, only Emilie knows) so could be expensive

yes sorry I wrote the wrong thing, good to know this info too.

One last thing, similar to the mixer, if you have any module you would reccomend please feel free, it won't be anything for right now, but would be good to start to have an idea on expantion and where to expand.

Thank you again.

thank you so so much for the reply!! super useful.

No problem, good!

oh i wish i had a mom32, i have a midi keyboard komplete kontrol m32 :) i'd trade anytime hehe

ah I misread (or mis-assumed) - I only really know modulars, guitars, effect pedals and some older synth stuff

hehe touchè the original plan was to get plaits, but then a quite cheap rings came about and i couldn't let it go :) but get your point i'll definitely keep it in mind.

often happens like that...

sweet, i'll swap things out later and evenirally get the bigger AID

I'd really prioritise the pro - I had the xl for at least a year before the pro came out & like a lot of these multi-function modules it got stuck on a single algorithm... until I bought the pro... plus the pro has a basic scope built in which beginners often find useful - although patching whatever signal into a simple vco (some of the plaits modes will work) and listening is just as good if not better (use your ears not your eyes!!!)

the MIDI i guess would be to play it piano style, but yes surely not my top priority.

yeah but remember not polyphonic...

do you have any suggestion for the mixer?

just to recap
Pam -> (plaits & rings ) -> maths -> mixer -> veils -> fx aid pro

tbh you could use veils as a mixer

do you know if i could trigger randomic/generative sequences with these modules alone or then i would need to buy beads (clones) or something similar ?do you have any suggestions?

Pams will do all that - read the manual... if you don't understand anything - just ask (no stupid questions etc)

& I think you mean marbles not beads, marbles is a (quantized) random cv and gate generaor, beads is a granular/delay/reverb and the only mutable module not open sourced (may be in the future, only Emilie knows) so could be expensive

Hey, thanks

I think you are right, Plonk is not needed here as Squid is a sound source on it's own.
The massive filter seemed a good idea as it is actually 2 filters with drive and fm so it can handle 2 sound sources.

there are smaller filters that will do this... also 2 individual filters is often a good idea - they sound different...

I will have a look at zadar and batumi expander as I am not aware of them

read the manuals thoroughly and make sure you understand them before you buy the modules = less surprises - if you have questions, ask...

I was thinkin about doing the mixing on the iPad but if space alows it maybe submixing would be usefull

sub mixing is for adding sound sources oir individual waveforms before processing with for example a filter...

It is something I do in VCV with S&H + VCA + polyphonic quantizer and logic. The idea is to make melodic progressions by grabing a note from the melody and randomly routing it back to the root note input of the quantizer. I also try to change rythms and add silence in the same way. I use logic to space events out or add randomness. But I am not very experienced so maybe there are better ways to do that.

Pams can do this on it's own...

Squid could also be used as a way of building a library off sounds created with the modular. These sound can then be triggered or sequenced and give me 8 more sound sources.

imo that is a lot of sound sources in such a small case - where often each sound source will want processing...

I think this could be very interesting, but I would not know a solution in real time as you have to convert your music (or rather elements of your music) to a SVG file (it can't read jpg or png, your plotter needs a discrete vector format says the manual). So you can't just let the plotter do stuff while you jam with your gear. The plotter needs a closed file in a discrete structure to work. For example a SVG-File needs a header that starts with "svg" and an end of file that is marked with "/svg" . Thats what you can submit to the device .

I own a VCMC by Befaco. With it you could record your modular session and bring elements of your music to MIDI. The VCMC is very versatile in that regard. On your PC I'd say python is the perfect tool for the task as python has libraries that can read MIDI-events and libraries that can create SVG -files (these files are structured like XML files, but specifically for vector graphics).

But with python you could convert whatever information your MIDI file has to whatever element you want in your SVG. A simple task to start would be one note to one strike on paper. Note pitch to y-position and note length to length of this line. But it can really be whatever you want. A quick look at the SVG-documentation shows the huge potiential of shapes you can get.

This sure needs some research and developement but I'd say it could look super rad. But i am afraid you'd need at least basic programming skills for that. And it could take quite some time to get nice results. Thats a really nice plotter you have there. :)

EDITED Nov 26th 2023, 22:39

SOLVED.

After lots of tinkering and re-patching, best approach seems to be to adding a VCA at the end of the Kick drum patch using the ADSR out2 to tame the voltage variation. Got lots of pumping from the A-119 now. :)