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Not sure if something was just being changed but that 'Legacy Mode' button just showed up as a 'Toggle' button and the reply input form was stopping me use all of my letter keys, some worked and some didn't.
Weirdly now this seems OK again. Must have been a Glitch in the Matrix-mixer!
Enjoy your spare HP, don't rush to fill every last space, this is not like filling sticker books. Resist the urge to 'complete' your rack, its never complete so just relax.
In general, you can make it so that it would be possible to set a rating only if the deal is concluded. It's not that hard to implement.
-- Sholebabluch
I got the same problem today.
Only got an e-Mail with the text "Hello" from this user "alienalien" and now he can rating me.
I'm not really satisfied with this.
What can i do now.
Certainly looks like it. Since you're advised to calibrate your oscillators for the power-supply they're hooked to, an octave-tool like this one could work (in the slightest) different with differening surroundings. - If you plan on buying a multimeter, aside from the range, look for one to also include a frequency-counter to also use it later to check the pitch with an oscillators squarewave. Sadly, the reaaally precise Multimeters are quite the expensive ride. I got one for around 160 Euros and for the frequency-counter, it does not deliver more than a Data by Mordax.
In the end, I'm sure this module would come precision-calibrated as a prebuilt one. With a DIY-Kit, this will become much more important.
Anyone purchase anything from VOID modular this year?
I see shop closed for orders around time I placed an order..
- Bought MuteMix back in July
- initial delay in processing & owner apologized (personal reason--understandable)..
- Shipping notification raised (label created) Aug..
Nothing since... checked in early Sept & got a reply but radio silence & no responses since...
Your project is interesting. Some indications that may help you...
Among the modules to consider is the Phonogene. https://www.modulargrid.net/e/make-noise-phonogene
It is a ‘historical’ module of Make Noise based on the invention of Pierre Schaeffer (creator of the concrète music). This module is discontinued, but you can easily find it on Reverb.
Today, there is the Make Noise Morphagene (partly based on Schaeffer’s Morphophone). Also excellent are the Instrūo arbhar and Lúbadh. Other manufacturers offer many models to transform, cut and play with the samples.
For my part, I often use the Qu-bit Nebulae V2. This track, in tribute to a piece by Schaeffer and Henry, was made with Nebulae:
The BeatStep Pro is great for sequencing, but you might also need less ‘linear’ and traditional tools. I use Marbles (fantastic), but also the Stochastic Inspiration Generator and more recently the Pamela’s PRO Workout (ideal for organizing gates).
Finally, do not forget a dedicated lfo (ex. Batumi, Ochd), and of course some utilities...
It would be great to be able to split the rack in sections (Mantis, Go, etc.) with separate current draw calculations.
At the moment I've got separate racks for each section, which is far from convenient for shuffling around modules. Is there an easier way to do that?
Also, key shortcuts for moving modules vertically would be nice too.
Got mine yesterday, and it rocks! I second that about telling us how the two expansion cables are run. I tried parallel with the sideways -12v on the mother Ochd pointing outward, and after a nervous try, it seems ok.
Having triggers running alongside the lfos is amazing!
Hi everyone,
I would like to have some opinions/suggestions/feedback on a modular setup i'm planning at the moment (at the moment I only have half of the modules presented on the photo).
So, my intention for this modular setup is to use it with big sound sculptures i'm building. I'm activating dc motors and solenoids to produce different sounds in the sculptures (hence the module on the top left - the gate inputs are taken from a Beatstep sequencer).
This also explains not having any oscillators in the system, i like to use only the electroacoustic sounds generated in the sculptures, which are picked up and driven into the modular with 4 contact microphones (plugged into the Tausend dB).
The suggestions and feedback I'm searching for is in regards to the modules I've chosen to create different modulations and audio signal processing.
Some sculptures are more rhythm-oriented and others are more tone/vibration/resonance focused, so the goal is to have a wide range of possibilities for different approaches.
Any other modules I should consider that are interesting for this approach?
In the user guide, the band distribution is listed as 50 Hz, 110 Hz, 220 Hz, 500 Hz, 1.1 kHz, 2.2 kHz, 5.2 kHz, and 11 kHz. These seem to suggest center frequencies for each filter.
I will take a look into a matrix or another interesting mixer. And indeed add some more atten/offsets and VCAs.
Matrix mixers are partivcularly useful as they do many to many mixing - so you can, for example, take copies of 4 modulation sources (using mults or stackcables) and derive another 4 related, but more complex modulation signals out - they can also be used for setting up send/returns etc - really useful - I've got 2 and another one wouldn't hurt!
I've initially held back on FX in the rack as I didn't find them very interesting, but I will look into more interesting fx modules. Do you have recommendations on effect modules and interesting other modules to pair them with?
fx out of the rack are great too.. I have a decent pedal collection - and use them with my modular via pedal interface modules in most cases (some don't need them), but it's always useful to have a couple in the rack - so you can just patch them in - for example reverb before distortion - with the right module can give shoegazey vibes... I have both an fx aid pro and an xl... I'd recommend the pro as a first purchase out of the 2... it's much easier to tell which algo you are using & there are a few useful features - scope for instance - plus if you want a second effect unit - then you can get an xl or regular fx aid and set them up so that the pro works as a cheat sheet for the other(s) - load the same algos into the 1st32 slots
As for the filter, I can't deny that fany sounding cool stereo effect type filters like the Makenoise QPAS are on my whish list, but are also getting expensive fast. For one (or more) filters as well, any recommendations and which modules would you pair them with?
-- deurstopjoris
most of my filters are doepfer - I particularly like the SEM... they are in expensive and fine... I also only own 1 stereo filter (the q-bit prism) but I often send rings (or other stereo sources) through a couple of different mono filters...
"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia
Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!
Hi Jim,
Thanks for your reply! I will take a look into a matrix or another interesting mixer. And indeed add some more atten/offsets and VCAs.
I've initially held back on FX in the rack as I didn't find them very interesting, but I will look into more interesting fx modules. Do you have recommendations on effect modules and interesting other modules to pair them with?
As for the filter, I can't deny that fany sounding cool stereo effect type filters like the Makenoise QPAS are on my whish list, but are also getting expensive fast. For one (or more) filters as well, any recommendations and which modules would you pair them with?
A module based on the Yamaha FM voice chip YM2413 included in many game consoles. Modulated voices and a drum kit alternately.
Straightforward build, nothing too unusual.
Sounds OK. I don’t know how I’ll integrate it into the studio, but might be just your taste.
to me there seems to be a lack of filters, effects and utilities...
I'd want at least a reverb, delay and a few more filters... and I can hear you saying "I do those out of the rack" but... applying delays and reverbs early in the chain can work very well...
as for utilities - a matrix mixer (the king of mixers imo) can make limited modulation go a lot further and in much more interesting ways... also some extra attenuverters/offsets would help...
as for layout - I like from top to bottom/left to right:
sound sources, modulation sources, sound modifiers, control - with utilities spread throughout
"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia
Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!
So other than a Transposer, I guess this will be really useful for calibrating VCOs.
So guessing I'd need a really accrurate Multimeter to calibrate / check this?
Enjoy your spare HP, don't rush to fill every last space, this is not like filling sticker books. Resist the urge to 'complete' your rack, its never complete so just relax.
Yeah, very cheap too but it looks like an old car stereo unit with faceplate taken off. urghhh
-- EuroBadger
There are so many ‘old car stereo unit with faceplate taken off’ in the Eurorack world.
Therefore it’s good to reserve a small separate case and place vintage advertising stickers on it.
It’s fun and it puts things into perspective. We used to do that with our cheap guitar cases :)
Nostalgia...
Some notes to help you critisize the module flow choice more specific:
- My sequencer is the Arturia Keystep Pro, which has four tracks of CV/Gate/Velo, one of which can be a 8 part drum track as well. I'm leaning towards getting an Arturia Beatstep Pro as well, as I like the workflow and it is way cheaper than having a "basic" (linear 16 step type) drum sequencer in my rack.
- Outside the rack I have a Modal Argon8 Wavetable Synthesizer, Arturia Microfreak and Alesis NanoPiano as other sound sources. As my rack grows I'm considering selling at least one, I'm not sure which one yet.
- Mixer is a 1010Music Bluebox (non-eurorack version), so mixing is mainly done outside the rack. The mixers in my rack are used to create some sub-mixes for drums or bass sounds to have some free channels on the Bluebox for my other synths.
- The Addac 213's are meant to prevent very long cables running from one rack to the other.
- I make music in the styles of melodic to hard techno, house, deep house, breakbeat and sometimes drum 'n bass.
Hi all,
I've been into semi-modular synths since 2017 and went modular in 2020. The past few years I have started to grow my module collection and I've just finished my seconds 3D-printed rack. As the distance between the modules gets bigger and I've just got a fresh box of knurlies, I think this is the perfect time to rearrange my rack and have a big reflection on the choice of modules that I've collected!
This is how I have the modules in my rack currently. There's not really an order of thought process behind it, except the lower row of the smaller rack where I had the idea to create a paraphonic chord-ish stereo synths in one row. However this workflow is still not really working, as started using the Ensemble Oscillator for FM-bass sounds and patching the other modules to the other side of my other rack as well.
Please help me evaluate my module choice and placement!
Manufactured by Instruō, 4HP, 16 outs, 5mA, and expander of one of the most popular modules. There are worse pedigrees ;)
I’m waiting for mine this week.
Ordered during the announcement. I'd say this is a must have, and I keep a Happy Nerding MIA next to them to attenuate or offset. It's a powerhouse trio. They should tell you how to run the cables in the box though ;-) Whacky things happen if they are backwards. Although whacky can be good. Not dangerous according to Ben.
In your user settings there is a setting for Planner Menu Preferences.
You can uncheck the button options there and dependent on your problem that might help to drag the small modules easier aroound.
Thank you! to be honest, its mostly the pad sound that comes from Arbhar. Odessa plays the melody. i recorded piano notes into a tape dictaphon and then recorded that sound into Arbhar if i recall correctly. Original source, the new version 2.0 sounds a lot better i think. I even bought the USB expander for it now
This is beautiful. Have been eyeing this module for a while now. Is it just the original source fed into Arbhar or other processing like EQ and Reverb as well?
There are many modules that allow this work: choose the 'Sampling' function in the 'Modules' section (Module Finder) and you will have a long list of modules for this. This way please :)
Then, you can still associate any other module that will fold the result, distort, create an envelope, place it in a space (with more or less reverb)... Any traditional complementary modular function.
In theory there are two sound synthesis techniques for dealing with acoustics; there is the traditionnal Sample-based synthesis and the Granular synthesis: both are well developed in the modular universe.
Everyone can work in their own way. Personally, and like many modularists, I have currently invested in granular synthesis (Qu-Bit Nebulae, Make Noise Morphagene, alongside Monsoon and Beads which are also effects, modules derived from Clouds). I completed with a more modest module (Tiptop Audio One) to include samples, considering that the computer is also a first way, upstream, powerful and fast to process any audio sources.
But again, to each his priorities, his preferences...
The looper function allows you to manipulate the audio. This function, which is the basis of the freeze function, is integrated into many modules. But many use an external looper: this is the case of the legendary Todd Barton...
-- Sweelinck
Thank you for spending the time to respond and advise, lots to unpick here - some of which I am doing such as the searches to try and pinpoint modules of interest.
The Tiptop One or any module holding a bank of samples would enable the sound to be returned to again rather than the actual radio such as the ST Modular https://www.modulargrid.net/e/st-modular-radio
This was the module that started me thinking thinking about searching for sound and exploring what I could do with it.
I am still looking forward to owning the Big T Music Monsoon (due to its size & that I own the Rangoon) at some point to work alongside a unit with samples / radio.
All responses have given me more to think about and new information which is a huge help and will aid me in making up my mind - hopefully sooner than later.
To use a natural or any external sound, exploring it by stretching it, modifying its pitch, filtering it, cutting it into slices... in short by manipulating it in all the most unexpected ways, then associating it with others was the innovation of ‘musique concrète’. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musique_concrète
There are many modules that allow this work: choose the 'Sampling' function in the 'Modules' section (Module Finder) and you will have a long list of modules for this. This way please :)
Then, you can still associate any other module that will fold the result, distort, create an envelope, place it in a space (with more or less reverb)... Any traditional complementary modular function.
In theory there are two sound synthesis techniques for dealing with acoustics; there is the traditionnal Sample-based synthesis and the Granular synthesis: both are well developed in the modular universe.
Everyone can work in their own way. Personally, and like many modularists, I have currently invested in granular synthesis (Qu-Bit Nebulae, Make Noise Morphagene, alongside Monsoon and Beads which are also effects, modules derived from Clouds). I completed with a more modest module (Tiptop Audio One) to include samples, considering that the computer is also a first way, upstream, powerful and fast to process any audio sources.
But again, to each his priorities, his preferences...
The recording of a radio extract on a Usb key or Sd card can then be processed by a granular synthesis or traditional sampling module, and it can be easily preserved as @wishbonebrewery indicates...
We can therefore think of separating any authentic Fm or vintage radio (or other audio sources like microphone, K7, Cd, Tv) from modular processing, it’s also more economical: in cost and HP.
The looper function allows you to manipulate the audio. This function, which is the basis of the freeze function, is integrated into many modules. But many use an external looper: this is the case of the legendary Todd Barton...
Enjoy your spare HP, don't rush to fill every last space, this is not like filling sticker books. Resist the urge to 'complete' your rack, its never complete so just relax.
nb the mtm chord organ is the same module with different firmware... so if you really want a radio thing you could also search for that and reflash it...
-- JimHowell1970
If you need a Radio Music module you can re-flash a Prok Drum module as a Radio Music, as I have. The Proks make a lot of machine noise in the percussion environment so 1x Prok on percussion duty is as noisy as I want my rack.
Enjoy your spare HP, don't rush to fill every last space, this is not like filling sticker books. Resist the urge to 'complete' your rack, its never complete so just relax.
the mtm radio thing may be very difficult to source... the teensy 3.2 that it's based on has been discontinued...
nb the mtm chord organ is the same module with different firmware... so if you really want a radio thing you could also search for that and reflash it...
tesseract modular also make a radio - no cv though
"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia
Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!
I've bought the Sosumi and the Obsidian (I'd have bought the Opal, but I don't have anymore space). Anyhow, most of what you show and explain, in the video and manual, is clear. However, maybe you can explain the attunverters a bit more clearly? In the video (@0.56) you say the attenuverters and cross modualtion change amount and direction. So, in the video, when you turn the green's control towards minus what is happening? We see both waves changing, but how is each LFO being influenced? In the YT example, when the attenuverter is turned to minus, is it 'less influenced' by LFO 2, or is it 'influencing less' LFO 2? Or, maybe something else?
Secondly, you say that whilst nothing is plugged into the CV control, the LFOs cross modulate. I seem to remember in the manual you say if you wish to stop the cross modulation you plug a dummy cable into the CV (or another LFO/VCO). What happens if you plug something into just one of the CV controls, does the unplugged LFO still cross modulate - with the one that is being CV controlled?
Lastly, a little design suggestion - if you update - please make the rack holes oblong (not round) so they fit more easily in a rack. The spacing horizontally is a little tight for some patch cables. Maybe have your jack inputs slightly offset per row - not unlike a saw wave! Example (top row): sym OK, CV1 up slightly, CV2 ok, sym up slightly. The spacing vertically is perfect.
I hope all that makes sense?
Anyhow, the Obsidian is really interesting to use, fantastic work. You could say it's 8 complex LFOs running at two speeds, which is amzing in such a small module. The Sosumi is excellent too, but there's less to understand on that module (it just sounds). Great work, bravo.
You could also plug-in or recored a shortwave radio for the the lovely Sputnik style sounds, I keep a bunch of samples of that on a Radio Music or Disting.
Ive not done it for a while but I've used snippets of samples triggered by short envelops to be used as evolving percussion sounds.
Enjoy your spare HP, don't rush to fill every last space, this is not like filling sticker books. Resist the urge to 'complete' your rack, its never complete so just relax.
There is also the ADDAC System 102 VC Radio. You can both scan and search manually or by voltage control. Everything on the module is under voltage control. Not only does it scan stations, it can search all of the glitchy sounds and fuzz in between as a noise source. ADDAC modules are very good quality.
-- bopodoq
Thank you for introducing me to another option. Had a look at it and it does look good - unfortunately at 60mm deep it will not be able to fit in my current case. May fit in what I hope to be my next case, I will have to check.
There is also the ADDAC System 102 VC Radio. You can both scan and search manually or by voltage control. Everything on the module is under voltage control. Not only does it scan stations, it can search all of the glitchy sounds and fuzz in between as a noise source. ADDAC modules are very good quality.
I'd go for a 6u/104hp case ... you will need more support modules to get the most out of the rest of your modules...
I'd want at least a couple more vcos - 1 to FM the instruo vco and one as a second sound source...
I'd hold back on the sapel (pams can do random & is probably enough in this size case) and the stochastic inspiration generator (again pams can do similar) - also both these modules are quite big for what they are in this size case
nb the chord organ is possibly only available used - the teensy 3.2 it's based on has been end of lifed
-- JimHowell1970
Thanks so much this is great, ill see what i can work out for the vcas on the 60hp. Id love to expand some more and have 124hp rails, the issue is im DIYing the case inside an older suitcase, and it mihht be hard to find one that could fit 104 hp. Your sapel comment kind of sealed the deal for me, id been debating its inclusion for a while. While I do really like SIG I see what you're saying, I'll see what I come up with without those two, definitely agree with the vco comment. Thanks again!
Yeah this definitely makes sense my bad, I'll do that now!
Thank you!
I'll listen with an interface I have and play it with a keyboard or DAW.
Then you'll want a midi->cv module - no space in the rack so you might want to look at cv.ocd - the unit that the mutany brain is based on - you may want this from day 1 if you are intending to use the disting as an oscillator...
you'll also need some vcas - do yourself a favour & get a quad cacading one - unless you only want drones (which the following paragraph seems to rule out) - vcas are massively important for both audio and cv - if you don't know what they do then I'd do some research...
I'd go for a 6u/104hp case ... you will need more support modules to get the most out of the rest of your modules... and you probably won't work those modules out until you've spent time patching...
I'd want at least a couple more vcos - 1 to FM the instruo vco and one as a second sound source...
I'd hold back on the sapel (pams can do random & is probably enough in this size case) and the stochastic inspiration generator (again pams can do similar) - also both these modules are quite big for what they are in this size case
nb the chord organ is possibly only available used - the teensy 3.2 it's based on has been end of lifed
"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia
Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!
yes both moskwa and marbles have quantizers... you'll prbably want to investigate how to load scales from moskwa into marbles though... as the marbles quantizer is quite limited... another way is to externally quantize both sequencers... which is what I do with my sequencers...
the rack seems very light on utilities.. you might want to take a look at my signature and spend some time thinking about what it says
"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia
Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!
I'm re-evaluating my rack. Moskwa, Shifty and Marbles would be the new additions. I'm looking to create rythmic ambient patches and this is what I came up with today. The FX AID at the end will add REVERB washes and MAGNETO will be in PITCH mode.
I really like the playabillity of Moskwa and Marbles. I understood that both have selectable scales wich makes for a lot of flexibillity!
Have a look and share your thoughts :)
1 post your 6u rack
2 state what type of music you are intending to make
3 what the purpose of the rack is - ie what you hope to achieve with it
4 how you are going to integrate it into other gear you might have: how you'll play it - sequencer, keyboard, DAW; how you'll listen to it - external mixer, audio interface; what other gear you have to use with or alongside the rack
the answers to all these will help us help you!
-- JimHowell1970
Yeah this definitely makes sense my bad, I'll do that now! I'll listen with an interface I have and play it with a keyboard or DAW. I want to make fast paced, textured, sound collage type music. I love lilien rosarians work thats the most obvious comparison I can think of. I don't really intend to make music to release its more self expression and experimenting that I want to do. Hopefully thats not too confusing and is enough info. This is the 6u