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+1 for Jim's suggestion of Maths, but I'd hold off on getting a full size Quad VCA because the 2hp VCA is adequate until you have a larger system.

IMO it'd be more fun to get Maths + Plaits clone first. Then start thinking about adding modules to get more out of the system

Yes. That's what I suggested initially. Give it a try and let us know if that's what you were hoping for.

OK so just trying to use what I currently have as of now.
Could I do the following:
1. Send a quantised sequence from Voltage Block to MI Links In1
2. Send a random sequence from Mimetic Digitalis to MI Links In2 (which could go through an attenuator for more control)
3. Send MI Links Out 1 to an Osc Pitch In
MI Links would actually transpose, no?

EDITED Oct 21st 2023, 15:47

Check out the Noise Engineering Quantus Pax if you want multiple quantized Voltage Block channels added to multiple random cv signals.

Hi @Chace :)
Thanks for the heads up.
So if I understand correctly, I could:
1) Send a V/Oct pitch CV from Voltage Block
2) Have it going up/down in a random manner from Mimetic Digitalis
Now my question: how do I integrate the precision adder in the flow?
I am looking at the Doepfer A-185-2 and not sure how to work it out.
All these utilities modules are new to me :)
Apologies for the dumb question.

Hello,

I'm writing the following assuming that we're talking about a V/Oct pitch CV.

You wouldn't be able to quantize the Mimetic Digitalis's CV without a quantizer. By offsetting MD's output with Voltage Block's output, you are doing just that: offsetting MD's unquantized output with VB's output. This would not quantize MD's output.

You're second idea will work though. Since VB's sequence is already quantized, you can offset/transpose that sequence with MD's output. So the melody is coming from VB, and MD is transposing it up and down. If this is what you want to do, then @farkas is right, you will want a precision adder.

I hope that helps, and I'd be happy to answer any further questions if I'm able to.

-Chace

Thank you @farkas :)
I have indeed used the MI Links as a precision adder and it does the trick.
I was talking about a solution with Voltage Block + Mimetic Digitalis + Lapsus Os as I could have more than one voice being quantized.
As you had a look at my current rig, may I ask if you see any "inconsistencies"?
Thanks again for taking the time.

I think what you may want in this case is a precision adder.

*Edit: I just looked at your rack. Try adding the two signals together in the middle section of your MI Links to see if that does the trick.

EDITED Oct 21st 2023, 14:32

Hi all,
I have a (stupid?) question.
I am using both a Mimetic Digitalis and Voltage Block to sequence CV.
I would like to avoid buying a quantizer as space is a "luxury" :)
Here is my question: let's say I want to send a random CV sequence from Mimetic Digitalis but would like it to be quantized.
Can I send this random sequence to Lapsus Os and offset it with a quantized sequence from Voltage Block?
Or should I look at it the other way around, ie: send a quantized CV sequence from Voltage Block to Lapsus Os and offset it with a random CV sequence from Mimetic Digitalis?
Am I missing something in the understanding of offset?
Any help/hint/advice would be much apprecuiated.
Best,
L

it's not about typing in the description field, it's about using the "Text Replacement" function in Macos, where you can automatically substitute a text you type by a saved text (usually a short abbreviated text replaced by a much longer text)

do you mean when typing into the description, that the preview is not updated?

it doesn't automatically update for me either with Firefox - refreshing the page does update the preview though... typing and pasting into the description field works perfectly though...

the Text Replacement function in the Markeplace - Description of your Offer - field is not working anymore since Ventura 13.6.1; it works in the Price field though ;)> which browser are you using? Safari?

-- JimHowell1970
yes and Chrome, neither of them will allow Text Replacement in that particular field; i chatted with Apple Support today, and after some testing, they advised to contact Webadmin, which i'm doing now ...

which browser are you using? Safari?

the Text Replacement function in the Markeplace - Description of your Offer - field is not working anymore since Ventura 13.6.1; it works in the Price field though ;)

looks like 4u to me!! & 88hp is a wierd width... are you sure it's not 84?

things you are absolutely missing... not enough vcas or mixers... for either audio or cv... so no sub-mixing for example...no attenuators for cv... & only 1 filter??? you have 2 sound sources, the through zero & the 2hp vco, combined, and the sto... I'd want at least 2.. ok you have an optomix, which can kind of be 2 vca/filters, but...

the BSP has 2 pitch outputs... I'd probably want a buffered mult to copy the pitch to all 3 vcos...

I'd want delay & reverb, not delay or reverb or chorus...

if you have 7u I'd seriously consider maths over function - it's much more versatile! see the maths illustrated supplement (via google) for more information...

I think x-pan is over the top for these modules... no stereo modules... I'd stay mono at least for now... & replace this with a quad cascading vca (veils clone) - which can be used as a mono output...

I'd also split up the 2hp modules so they are more useable...

I'd suggest only adding a couple of modules to start with and learning them inside out, before adding more... and then only adding 1 or 2 modules and repeating and repeating...

I'd probably go with maths & a quad vca to start...

hope this helps!

Hi all,
I watched videos and played with vcv for a while now. Recently, I got a 7x88 case with some 2hp modules and an used beatstep pro for a good price (the modules on the right).
I put together a rack and would like to hear why it's hortible and not useable at all.
Please tell me what it can not do and what is missing the most.

The rack could be expanded by one or two more rows of 88 hp, but I'd rather start slow.

rgds.

I'm in the processing of building a small drum box myself, which you can find here:

Take note - it's a very small case. I would not advise that at all to anybody starting with modular. My advise is usually to start small with the modules, but big with the case. Mantis or 7U, as mentioned above.

The Constellation is also a Euclidean sequencer, but next level. You can layer Euclidean patterns in many different ways that I don't understand yet myself. So the purpose of this very small rack is to focus myself on getting to know that sequencer.

I'm quite a fan of the Rample. 4 channels of samples. Mostly drums, some complete drum breaks, some silly or crazy, some very useful but not drum at all (e.g. piano or a singer). Ro'ved, which is a Plaits clone, is also interesting for drums, particularly when combined with Traffic. I'm definitely getting that module at a later date. Note the FX Aid also and the filter. Those are a bare minimum for any rack. You really want some sort of reverb to add presence, or a delay. FX Aid has plenty of those. There may be better ones out there, but FX Aid is a very good starter module. You can make your own selection of effects and play with them for a while, then select new effects to get to know those.

I've also added a sample-and-hold. This AfterLater one, or the Intellijel Noise Tools, are very handy in 1U. Of course you can find other modules in 3U as well. With S&H, you can add some variance to your sound so they sound less robotic.

my go to portable modular drum setup is queen of pentacles plus winter eloquencer sequencer and utilities like a good mixer, vcas, and lfo for modulation. I love the Eloquencer sequencer because you can view and sequence all eight voices from the QoP drum module as well as create and chain patterns as projects for recall later and song modes like that found on the Elektron gear.

trying to fit modules that are too deep into the case usinf standoffs - which is ugly and potentially hazardous to both the power supply and the modules...

why is it dangerous for your modules or powedsupply?
-- ThierryH

loose cables, screws etc can fit in between the gap left by the standoff and potentially short modules/power supply...

And if you want to explore sound with much more freedom and absolutely stick to a small format of 60HP, the possibilities of choice of modules are immense...

but also extremely limited...

by the time you include a power supply - usually 4hp - you're down to 56hp for actual modules... which is not a lot of room at all... especially if you want 2 extra oscillators and the support modules required to make the most of them - vcas, filters, modulation sources, envelopes, mixers, effects etc etc... otherwise you may find yourself trying to add too many very small modules - which leads to poor ergonomics (tending towards unuseable) and potentially trying to fit modules that are too deep into the case usinf standoffs - which is ugly and potentially hazardous to both the power supply and the modules...

I would suggest getting a substantially larger case - a tiptop mantis is a great starter case - best bang for buck in terms of hp/cost/decent power/manufacturer reputation - and buying fewer modules initially (& some blank panels - cereal box cardboard can be used) and then expanding the modules slowly as you get an idea of what you want...

-- JimHowell1970

why is it dangerous for your modules or powedsupply?

There seems to be a bug with My Modules feature. I've added quite a few (40-50), initially just three of them appeared in the tab. I logged out and back in, and then it seemed that most if not all of them were showing up. Then on following login just a single module is now showing up. Would be great to resolve this issue as it was one of the features that prompted me to upgrade to paying version. Thanks

-- soulsun69

If you go to the My Module section the search parameters still apply. Click Reset in the search form and check if the missing modules appear. Does that fix the problem?

There seems to be a bug with My Modules feature. I've added quite a few (40-50), initially just three of them appeared in the tab. I logged out and back in, and then it seemed that most if not all of them were showing up. Then on following login just a single module is now showing up. Would be great to resolve this issue as it was one of the features that prompted me to upgrade to paying version. Thanks

If you decide to opt for the 60 HP Moog case solution, and without prejudging a too specific musical orientation, one could imagine this setup next to your Mother-32...

Here's a simple idea, you might not have thought of, to start you off—4 modules.

DUSTY PULSING DRONE:
1. Patch the SINE from your AI011 Analog VCO into your AI002 Mixer. Manually tune the VCO to a low bass note.
2. Patch the SINE from your DUAL LFO/VCO (VCO mode) into your AI002 Mixer. Manually tune the SINE to approximately the same note. You'll note how the SINES will beat against one another when they are close. That is, the volume will wobble rhythmically.

1. Patch the PINK NOISE Output from your EDU NOISE/S&H into the FM Input on your AI011 Analog VCO.
2. Turn up the FM knob to taste. —You'll have a thick pulsating dusty-type character to your sound, good starting dirty timbre for ambient-drone stuff. It should sound like an incoming helicopter, train, or some kind of machine motor.

Experiment—go from there...

And if you want to explore sound with much more freedom and absolutely stick to a small format of 60HP, the possibilities of choice of modules are immense...

but also extremely limited...

by the time you include a power supply - usually 4hp - you're down to 56hp for actual modules... which is not a lot of room at all... especially if you want 2 extra oscillators and the support modules required to make the most of them - vcas, filters, modulation sources, envelopes, mixers, effects etc etc... otherwise you may find yourself trying to add too many very small modules - which leads to poor ergonomics (tending towards unuseable) and potentially trying to fit modules that are too deep into the case usinf standoffs - which is ugly and potentially hazardous to both the power supply and the modules...

I would suggest getting a substantially larger case - a tiptop mantis is a great starter case - best bang for buck in terms of hp/cost/decent power/manufacturer reputation - and buying fewer modules initially (& some blank panels - cereal box cardboard can be used) and then expanding the modules slowly as you get an idea of what you want...

It is usually easier to advise you if we know what you expect from your instrument.

The DFAM will be a 'technically' perfect complement to your Mother-32. But as you know, it is a module mainly dedicated to percussive sounds. If you want to join more melodic paths, the Subharmonicon would be a better companion.

And if you want to explore sound with much more freedom and absolutely stick to a small format of 60HP, the possibilities of choice of modules are immense... but the best advice here, especially with a small budget, will be given if you express your desire for this or that musical trip.

& the link to the rack, because jpgs are shit

Many years since I purchased the m32, haven't managed to expand it. I am now defientely going to do it and wondering if I should purchase a second M32, a DFAm, or seperate modules that would fit nicely in a 60hp moog case. Reasoning behind the case is a)aesthetics, b)space constraint, c)budget- I don't think I can afford something more that a 3- tier moog 60hp rack. (ok maybe 4 - tier in the very distant future).

Currently my main problem is the lack of oscilators, so I need at least a couple of them, and I am also in love with the SEM like filter from AJH which I am not sure if it would blend well.

What other type of modules are neseccary ?

Anyway. Any suggestions are very welcome!

EDITED Oct 17th 2023, 20:10

Hello-- first time posting, very new to modular. I built this motley assortment from kits, and had a blast. I am slowly getting familiar with what it can do, but would love some patch suggestions for drones and some flowing ambient tones, and to help me learn!Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_2316972.jpg

EDITED Oct 18th 2023, 11:33

i picked up a 100 grit from schlappi engineering.
I have so much fun with it

Its a filter/distortion and you can play it as a noise/distortion instrument

Check out schlappi engineering - they make awesome modules
i hope they do more stuff soon

Check out teleblender from error instruments

I can not imagine what happents if you combine them both. I really want to try it

There are many solutions to meet your criteria at Noise Engineering. I agree in particular with the suggestion about Loquelic Iteritas Percido. This module is a Hummer H1.

But if you really want to play with the bizarre, while remaining powerful and deep: WMD Synchrodyne, without hesitation. But here you’re dealing with an UFO.

The modules I've personally used that are particularly effective for harsh noise music are:

E352 Cloud Terrarium, a wavetable oscillator from Synthesis Technology with some extremely chaotic transforms it can perform. You can also load your own wavetables using a MicroSD card if you want to dig into it further.

Interstellar Radio from Schlappi Engineering, which can either act on it's own or transform an input source. It can sound like a completely unhinged oscillator or like radio tuning sounds.

Ruina Versio, a multifaceted stereo distortion module from Noise Engineering that has a lot of different controls for getting different kinds of distortion. You can get lots of different distortion sounds out of it. Plus, not all types of distortion are as effective with different kinds of source sounds, and RV has enough variety that it can mangle anything I've tried it with.

Beyond those, the next item on my harsh noise wishlist is either an Invisible Friend or Liquid Glitcher from Error Instruments -- Liquid Glitcher is a subset of Invisible Friend. Either can make all kinds of chaotic sounds in terms of both drones and percussive noise.

For modulation, there are a lot of different options. I personally use a quad function generator called QARV from After Later Audio. Zadar from Xaoc is a quad envelope/LFO generator that can use a lot of different complex shapes to keep the modulation from being too predictable.

Noise Engineering, for sure. I would start with either the Loquelic Iteritas Percido or the Cursus Iteritas Percido. Both of these modules are complete voices and aren't in any need of other modules (except a sequencer) to get you into the sonic territory that you are seeking. And when you add modulation, you will totally pee yourself. They are expensive, but would actually be less expensive than the several multiple modules it would take and cost you to get even close to what either one of these can do.
Have fun on your journey....

Thanks for the heads up. Going to spend an evening on YouTube checking some of these out!

If this is for exploration, have you considered the Moog DFAM? It's a nice start for playing around with percussion, plus since it's semi-modular, you can later add a small rack with things like external modulation.

how are you playing this? there is no sequencer or midi -> cv module

personally I'd swap out the mixer and the data for an expert sleepers es9 - this will add connectivity to your computer - for vcv rack integration (use a scope in vcv rack) and can be used as a standalone mixer and output... I'd go for a veils clone instead of the curiousers...

I'd also add a couple of simple evelope generatrs, a quad modulation source and a 3rd simple vco (so you can use the fm capabilities of the tzfm osc)

also some form of effect - delay and reverb especially would be a good idea...

on top of those some simple utilities are always going to be useful - something like a happy nerding 3 * mia, a kinks clone, some mults etc

maths is a fantastic module - don't forget to download the 'maths illustrated supplement' and work your way through it multiple times - concentrating on how, what and why it is doing what it is doing - this will massively help with your understanding of patching...

also take a look at my signature... it's a quick guide to getting the most versatility in patching for the least expense...

I would suggest starting with a single voice and the support modules that are needed to get them to work - ie a minimum viable synth - a sound source, a sound modifier, a way to play and a way to listen - possibly plus some of the utilities I mentioned above and learn those modules well before expanding then add a module or 2 once you are happy with your level of understanding and then repeat...

I want it to not waste money on modules that I won’t use

nobody wants to do this, but to a certain extent it is inevitable - you think you want a certain module only to find it's workflow or whatever doen't work for you... luckily there is a decent used market for modules - see marketplace - and often the only cost of tyring a module is the postage...

I think it'd also be a good idea to answer the questions I posed above - as the answers can really help us help you:

what type of music are you trying to make?

what other gear do you have?

Hello, back to kicking a dead horse - couldn't we create a new function: "Case" and that would enable us to sell Eurorack cases from various manufacturers on MG. As things stand my main option is going to Reverb which I'd very much prefer not to have to do ..

Rather than 2x Steppy, take a look at Varigate 8 or SWT16+ if you want to sequence in the rack, or Beatstep Pro would do a great job if you're looking for desktop sequencing

Otherwise a good midi to CV converter to keep sequening in-the-box. Mutant Brain is a budget favorite for drums, or FH2 + some expanders will allow you to build a completely customized Midi to CV configuration

Thanks for the feedback, I really appreciate it.
You’re right, I’m still learning and this is my first rack, but I want it to not waste money on modules that I won’t use.

I hope you can see my updated rack, it better
reflects my current situation.

I have an Erica Synths Pico Out, which is a small 3hp module that does exactly what you're asking about. It has a headphone jack with a volume knob and a separate line out jack without one. I think they're like $90. It's stereo, but if you only send one channel to the left input, it will output through both sides.

Simple but effective.
-- tessa

This for 3hp sounds great - so the XOH at 6hp kind of does the pico twice with the bonus of being able to mix both a and b inputs together + headphone/ouput has volume knob.

Plugging it in and having sound out of both speakers is something I am looking forward too.

I found a second hand XOH a little bit cheaper than a new Pico here in the UK.

Thank you for giving me another option.

I have an Erica Synths Pico Out, which is a small 3hp module that does exactly what you're asking about. It has a headphone jack with a volume knob and a separate line out jack without one. I think they're like $90. It's stereo, but if you only send one channel to the left input, it will output through both sides.

Simple but effective.

Hi all, I'm a few months into the joys of eurorack and although great fun, the huge number of modules and cost means that you are bound to make mistakes on purchases. After hours searching I am still unsure about the best way to enjoy the sounds I make without harming my family and dog in the process.

Currently have a Niftycase 84hp https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_2316440.jpg
modules on the left I own and on the right what I would like - maybe.

So the question is all about being able to use headphones and connect to pc. No mixer or anything - just case headphones and cable to speakers

I am looking at the XOH - Make Noise at the moment but happy to take advice if another module will suit my needs better.

Thank you in advance.

Here are some things you might consider for drum modules:
* Sample Drum only plays 2 drum samples and is designed more for playing whole drum breaks than sequencing drums
* QD can play 4 drum samples and a lot of features that make sequencing drums easy effective
* Queen of Pentacles and LXR are even more powerful and LXR contains the engine from LXR-02

Here are some things that you might want to consider for sequencing:
* Pamela's New Workout can do Euclidean sequencing but everything is accessible through menus
* Euclidean Circles gives you the same capability but with hands-on controls (it needs an external clock, though)
* Steppy lets you do x0x style sequencing (like the LXR-02) for up to 4 channels -- use 2 if you need more drums than that. This gives you direct control over your drum sequencing instead of using Euclidean patterns (also requires an external clock)

For effects, Monsoon probably isn't what you're looking for. Granular processing can be an interesting effect on drums, but there are other effects that can be more useful. FX Aid is a good effect, but maybe not the ideal one. For example, Ghost gives you a whole suite of useful tools including delay, reverb, and compression with sidechaining. If you're not sure what you need, it will have what you need.

Something like this might be a good choice:

The lxr 2 is also available as a eurorack module.
You could use your push and pc to control the eurorack with midi.

If you just want a new drum maschine, be aware that its expensive in modular + you have a learn curve. Getting a desktop lxr 2 is saving money and time.
But building a own drum maschine is much fun, I think.

For me, creating drums and rhythms in modular is much more fun than using drummaschines.

Compression, however light, is an essential function in many genres of music including here. WMD Mscl, Erica Synths Stereo Compressor and Cosmotronic Messor seem good modular options. I personally record in Logic, I keep the live performance but I often add a slight touch of the PSP VintageWarmer2 plugin (a soft analog-style compressor/limiter) to finalize before the bounce.

In any case, the function of this type of module would deserve to be, I think, a criterion in its own right in the list of functions in the ‘Modules’ page. Even if for other kinds of music, the dynamic range of the modular synthesizer really does not need it...

@troux Does your compressor (WMD Mscl, I believe), in addition to its primary function, also add a kind of additional warmth/saturation or does it remain very transparent? Thanks in advance!

Thank you so much that is very useful! I will have a deep look and think about it. Because maybe what I need instead is a drum machine (been considerin the Erica Synths LXR-02) seems good to come up with industrial-ish sounds which would fit my goal . I had the Digitakt a while ago and it is pretty awesome but I ended up selling it after a year without using it and almost forgetting the workflow. Got an Ableton Push 2 instead but idk, I don't feel it tbh, I end up doing almost eveything with the mouse anyhow. So maybe thatswhy I need again some hardware to try new fonts of inspiration as I am currently unable to come up with new ideas.

Im also still in the beginning, but I guess the case is way to small except you are totally focused for a certain porpuse and know whar youre doing.
like building a additional FX or noise Box etc for your main case.

I dont know which external gear you want to pair with.

I guess:
1. a midi/cv-interface to pair it with external gear like a laptop or digitakt

like hexinverter mutant brain or others

2. a nice filter
3. vcas
4. distortion / saturation
5. a minimum of dynamics and processing
6. lfos

look out for function combos like:

bastl ikarie = filter + drive+ vca

cosmotronic delta is a smal nice vca/envelope

a blackbox external or in the case could be cool for sampling drums if you dont use a laptop or digitakt. - I prefer it over the sample drum.

if you want to explore drums maybe you consider to get different drum modules with different synthesis styles like physical modeling, analog, fm etc - I guess more drum stuff will surely follow.

You need space for utilites like attenuverters
and stuff to scale, shift, offset and mix cv. - you will see what is missing while you are in the process.

I made the hard experience to start with a smal case. Now I pair 3 different sized cases at the moment.

Sure I can alter them for special purposes, but right now, Im looking for a nice all in one rack and to get rid of the others.

Better dont go under 7u 104.
And calculate some trial and error

EDITED Oct 16th 2023, 12:49

Hey there I am new to modular (not to synths) and I would like to explore techno drums and textures in a small compact modular. So far I came up with this idea based in some videos and posts I have seen online. Any opinions? what does it need? is any module in there that should not? thanks in advance.https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_1517764.jpg

One question on my mind: do you have a compressor in or out of the rack? I couldn't quite tell but when I've added one to my acid jams it adds a nice extra flavor to take it to the next level.
-- troux

No compressor, I'm wanting to rig up a ducking effect with a VCA to duck the bass beat but I'm overdriving the 303 through the Making Sound Machines Tausend DB pre-amp so I can crank up the acid when I want to. I guess there may be a little saturation coming from the SSF Vortices mixer too.

Cheers

EDITED Oct 16th 2023, 07:04

Thank you both again for your insights and especially @33PO for putting a rack together. I will go over the parts and maybe iterate it a bit further. Will come back with some more questions for sure. Have a good start into the week :)