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Currently asking myself the same question. Due to space constraints with my current setup I'm trying to decide if I want to replace my current oscillators with a complex oscillator module, or use my existing oscillators alongside something like an SSF Zephyr or ZPO. Currently leaning towards the latter, or just picking up a Befaco Pony for now since I could easily keep that in the rack if I change my ind later. Finding a good deal on a Cs-L might tip my hand, though.

I got started with a cheap 12u 19" rack with a Tiptop HAK and a Neutron in it, adding more HAKs as my collection grew. Only reason I converted over to a more traditional case was because A) I found I wasn't actually using my setup very often and B) my Microcell has noise issues with ribbon cable based power supplies. I'm using it a lot more often now that I can just set it up on my bed or easily haul it over to a friend's place.
I don't see why using a big rack like this is a problem if you're already OK with using it in a fixed studio-like environment. There's no rule saying you need to fill it up entirely. The part of the rack below sitting/standing level just takes the place of a desk or whatever you'd be putting a smaller 19" rack on top of to elevate it to a usable level. They're overpriced, but you could also fill the lower levels up with 19" mountable drawers for storing gear. I've actually got my guitar pedals set up in drawers as a loop hooked up to my patch bay, but I'm having to rethink that for the same reason I wasn't using my eurorack gear as often as I'd like. I'm just not suited towards having everything anchored to my desk and PC.

I found the outs by intellijel which will connect my module to the inteface. I would want to look inot a mixer to blend the synth with a recent module I found:

I found the evaton rf nomad shortwave reciever. Its a reciver that produces noisy/ominous sounds. A perfect fit for my dark ambient/noise eurorack build!
How would I go about connecting both the nomad + minibrute 2s/modules into my audio inferface?

Richtext Editor in the Marketplace

The Richtext editor is now available in the marketplace section.

ImageUpload in the Richtext Editor

Ever noticed the small image icon in the top right of the Richtext editor? That used to insert the markdown syntax for images. Now it lets you upload images and they will be displayed inline in the forum texts and marketplace offers.
An experimental feature that might be reverted.

Let's start with image No 1, a must have for every modular user: my potted plant.

A very nice sound module..

Using 19" racks for eurorack modules is odd

I should ask a few people around here why they use them. Maybe I just live in an odd place :D

I see you like grouping your modules by manufacturer/series, As you expand, you will probably not be splitting your modular up very often.

Yeah, I am still deciding how I will do this going forward. I want to be able to play my System 100 by itself with minimum fuss, I'll probably keep my Dreadbox modules together (asthetics), but everything else will need to be rearranged. As mentioned before, I have a lot of modules that are not in racks and I'll have to find a good workflow for them. I am far less interested in these ones being grouped by anything other than functionality.

It is going to be a significant task, especially working over (potentially) 14 rows, but a fun one! :)

Using 19" racks for eurorack modules is odd. Using them for standard rackmount gear is not.
I see you like grouping your modules by manufacturer/series, As you expand, you will probably not be splitting your modular up very often.

won't the bands want to use your modular??? are you trying to hide it from them? hahaha

They may, but the thought of most musicians using my modular gear is terrifying... :P

Plus, my studio is not a dedicated synth lab. Every surface/rack/shelf/piece of furniture increases the complexity of getting things to sound the way that I want them, so everything that is not being used needs to be easily able to roll out of the room. I spend my life moving speaker cabs, amps, mic stands, racks of guitars etc in and out of the studio :D

I think the b-company sell a knock off version that's cheaper...

Yeah, they probably do, and it'll likely be fine for what I want to do. I should still investigate making my own as I might be able to save a fair bit of money.

What bands are going to want to record using your eurorack modules?

Hopefully none of them. Putting shiny toys in front of guitarists or drummers is rarely a good idea. (a) they break and/or try to lick everything they see, (b) they suddenly see 'options' and want to put modular sounds into every song because x band did it. 6 months later they are still in the studio...

Option paralysis is a really problem for a lot of bands, so there is no point creating that problem for yourself. 90% of the time bands simply need to record the material that they have already rehearsed, not add last minute changes based on whim.

And you are doing them a favour too. Studio time is not cheap.

I realized quickly that being confined to 19" in width wasn't ergonomic for anything over 5 minutes of noodling because I had to stand as well as bend down to reach anything not at eye-level

Yeah, that was a compromise that I had to make to get the lowest possible footprint, mobility and co-location. I figured that I'd mostly work on approximately 15ru at standing eye level, 15ru at sitting level (30 out of 42ru), and use less accessable lower levels for shelves, draws etc.

I was originally considering multiple 10 to 15ru racks, and even bought a couple of 10ru stackable/modular racks. While I like that I can use these either stacked on their side or upright -- with the modules facing me (horizontally, like a table top arrangement) -- they are far too deep (60cm) for my liking. I am now using them for my rackmount amps, with a compressor, EQ, limiter and gate in each rack, but also as mobile power outlets over the far side of the studio.

I used to have the four post type (like the one you are talking about), but found it's footprint to be far to big

I was originally looking for something other than a 4 post rack (such as a 2 post telecom rack), but actually found this one to have the smallest footprint (that was actually my primary criterion, along with having castors). It has an adjustable depth, and can either be 51cm or 41cm -- the depth I will use -- which is nice and thin. I was surprised that a 4 post rack was the thinnest option.

While using a rack intended for 19" rack gear is an odd idea

I find it interesting that it is only online that people find this odd. 80% of people that I know in real life use 19" racks, and the other 20% are aware of it as an option or have used them before. It must be a regional thing.

Or perhaps a live use thing? Being able to pull rows straight out of the studio rack to plug into travel racks/flight cases is a huge advantage.

EDITED Oct 3rd 2023, 21:54

I always do my research before buying any gear, read the manual and some reviews, check out everything you can find on youtube.

-- GunnarWaage

this is very good advice... far better than any recommendation for a module that some random person on the internet can give...

What modules are in piles outside of your current racks?

What bands are going to want to record using your eurorack modules?

While using a rack intended for 19" rack gear is an odd idea, I actually used to have a customized eurorack setup in one of mine. It worked well like that until I outgrew it. As my modular grew, I realized quickly that being confined to 19" in width wasn't ergonomic for anything over 5 minutes of noodling because I had to stand as well as bend down to reach anything not at eye-level.

I have three 19" server racks in my studio that are stuffed with my rackmount gear. They are single-sided (the posts are centered on the bases) and I simply added casters to them from Home Depot so they can easily roll when necesarry. Server racks are easy to come by in the $50 - $100 ballpark on OfferUp or whatever. I used to have the four post type (like the one you are talking about), but found it's footprint to be far to big and using both the front and back was totally unpractical.
Of course, we all have different needs and ideas. I hope this helps!

Well you can make it sound any way you like, I'd say check out some videos, dual vco's are for sound design, on the other end you have something like Plaits which gives you presets. Spectral Processors are also effective when it comes to ambiance. I always do my research before buying any gear, read the manual and some reviews, check out everything you can find on youtube.

The most versatile complex VCO I have used is the Furthrrrr from Endorphin.es. It also has TZFM Through-Zero Frequency Modulation which the DPO doesnt have. I have TZFM though in some of my other ones and I don't use it much. I highly recommend the Furthrrrr.

To me a complex vco is an absolute must.

My favorite and goto is the DPO. For wavetables I use the Shapeshifter. I also have 1010 music MOK Waverazor which is very effective but a highly specialized dual vco. I also have the Bataleur by Birdkids which has dual vco capabilities.

I was using the Furthrrrr Generator and it really is fantastic, however I decided to let it go and stick to the DPO, it is when all is said and done the character that i like the most and thats ultimately what it comes down to for me, taste.

But for less than 120 euros you can get Doepfer A-110-4 Thru Zero Quad VCO SE.

With that one you can start experimenting with what you already have like the guys are suggesting.

Good luck
-- GunnarWaage

I heard that the DPO sounds like rubber and is limited to this character. I guess its not very versetaile?

For what do you use the DPO?
Can you tell me some more of its benefits, suiting to your needs?

To me a complex vco is an absolute must.

My favorite and goto is the DPO. For wavetables I use the Shapeshifter. I also have 1010 music MOK Waverazor which is very effective but a highly specialized dual vco. I also have the Bataleur by Birdkids which has dual vco capabilities.

I was using the Furthrrrr Generator and it really is fantastic, however I decided to let it go and stick to the DPO, it is when all is said and done the character that i like the most and thats ultimately what it comes down to for me, taste.

But for less than 120 euros you can get Doepfer A-110-4 Thru Zero Quad VCO SE.

With that one you can start experimenting with what you already have like the guys are suggesting.

Good luck

A nice little sequencer from Robaux.
Pretty straightforward build, could be good for a beginner as 3rd or later kit.

Lots of power and options available. You will want to spend time learning the modes and button presses, it’s not too complicated, but you do need to get used to it. Would be great in a performance setting after you’ve practiced with it for an hour or so.
By the way, mostly a single camera build cuz my side camera got confused.

Will be going in my main rack.

Build

In terms of music - I mostly do variations of ambient, but would want to do something more hard (industrial)

-- dithegrey

Sounds good. Depending on what other gear you already have, I'd say both of my filter recommendations remain in this case. QPAS for the spacey ambient side and FSS Timbral Sculptor for the heavier sounds.

I suggest anything from Noise Engineering for Industrial (and everthing else). Their complete voices (Cursus Iteritas Percido and Loquelic Iteritas Percido) are perfect for your starter kit, as they are fully formed and ready to go anywhere you want to take them as well as other worlds you never knew exsisted.

QPAS is great. It has a very unique character that may or may not be what you are looking for. If you are looking for a more "vintage" sounding filter or something with self-oscillating resonance, QPAS might be a good second filter. Be sure to watch some demo videos (MylarMelodies and DivKid have good demos for QPAS). I would recommend taking a look at the Future Sound Systems Timbral Sculptor too. That thing never fails to impress me.
You didn't mention what kind of music you are hoping to make with modular. Maybe give us some details so that we can steer you in the right direction.
Have fun and good luck!

-- farkas

In terms of music - I mostly do variations of ambient, but would want to do something more hard (industrial)

I finally worked out a final solution for my piles of modules that aren't in racks...

I bought a 42ru rack: https://www.titanav.co/products/titan-av-42ru-19-adjustable-open-rack

I really like that this thing is on wheels, as I need to be able to roll it out of my studio when bands are in to record.

won't the bands want to use your modular??? are you trying to hide it from them? hahaha

JimHowell1970 suggest Befaco, which I'll look into. Are they modular in their design, or will I need multiples?

indeed I do... they're not modular and you'd need multiples - one per 2 or 3 rows & somewhere to mount them - shelves perhaps...

Also, is the TipTop Happy Ending still the cheapest way to get ears and z rails? Would it be cheaper to build my own?

I'd have thought that buying rails and inserts (or nuts, if you prefer) and ears separately would be cheapest - but don't know... also depends where you are etc... I think the b-company sell a knock off version that's cheaper...

JOMOX Modbase 09 MK 2...
Kick drum from JOMOX Alphabase with CV control and saved presets.
-- bopodoq

Oh yeah now we're talking! I love using my Jomox kick drum bass module with Hot Glue compressor and distortion makes serious beefy kick drums!

get a eurorack compressor mixer with distortion like Mutant Hot Glue. Erica Synths makes a good drum mixer with a compressor as well as Endorphin.es has Cockpit. I use these a lot with my modular drums to beef them up for kicks and snares.

JOMOX Modbase 09 MK 2...
Kick drum from JOMOX Alphabase with CV control and saved presets.

I guess you have all modules to get a huge kick.
FLD6 and crb4n are well for it.

Maybe you need to find the right compression or a better sidechaining.

I guess one general approach is:

adiditional wavefolding on the kick + modulated reverb/delay on the rumble + the right sidechaining + compression

1. I use befaco percall. I do wavefolding on a nice vco and send it to channel 1 of percall to get a instant kick. I use the multed copy of the kick without wavefolding and send it through a delay/reverb (mimeophon) to create rumble. I modulate the delay and reverb with synced lfos. - I send the rumble into channel 2 of percall to get it ducked against the kick. Addiotional i can modulate the strength cv of percall to get rhytmical chopped beats. End of chain is mscl for compression.

2. I use bastl waver as a drum bus. I send the kick of SSF Ultra Kick (which offers a finished kick + dynamics) trough Channel 1 on bastl waver to add some wavefolding/distortion. I send my Rumble from BIA or other modules through a delay/reverb and modulate it with lfos (mimeophon), then I send it in channel 3 of waver - to use it´s internal vca to sidechain it against the kick with the sidchain-envelope from Ultra Kick. With waver I can modulate the wavefolding and also break it rhytmically with the break cv, to get nice effects. End of chain is mscl for compression.

EDITED Oct 1st 2023, 15:57

I like to send LFOs into tube amps, resonant filters, reverbs, etc., here's one example:

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/forum/posts/index/11054

Frequency shifters can also be helpful in getting huge drums. I don't typically start with an actual drum sample myself when I'm trying to come up with drum sounds. You didn't say what you're doing now but given that you have that Quad Drum Voice there, I assume that's what you're starting with. So with what you have there I would try the Drum Voice into some combination of the wavefolder, the C4RBN filter, and/or Veils. Not sure how quickly C4RBN self-oscillates, but try setting the resonance just short of self-oscillation and play with controls and see what sounds you can get. You just have to experiment.

Read Jim's signature...

Compression is the key

there's a lot of menu diving here, multi parameters tied to one knob to remember and tiny little screens.. for me once this system is patched it will be a nightmare reading/interacting with those screens. like JimHowell I'm neither a fan of this approach.
Ask yourself if you are more into pre programmed stuff, set and forget or if you want to have a finer, much straight and direct control over your modulation/cv and sounds.
I would add more utilities and stuffs that you could interact with: modulations, matrix mixer, more basic and utilitarian modules.. less headache, more fun and easier learning curve

I'm not happy with the punch and depth of my kick drums. Before I look at swapping modules I wanted to see if there were techniques or patch ideas that I maybe haven't discovered. What modules and techniques would you use to create massive kicks? And is there anything that you'd change in order to do so? TIA.

QPAS is great. It has a very unique character that may or may not be what you are looking for. If you are looking for a more "vintage" sounding filter or something with self-oscillating resonance, QPAS might be a good second filter. Be sure to watch some demo videos (MylarMelodies and DivKid have good demos for QPAS). I would recommend taking a look at the Future Sound Systems Timbral Sculptor too. That thing never fails to impress me.
You didn't mention what kind of music you are hoping to make with modular. Maybe give us some details so that we can steer you in the right direction.
Have fun and good luck!

Thanks!

Guess I will drop the Hector and add Fx Aid Pro then

As for filter - would QPAS be a good option?

I finally worked out a final solution for my piles of modules that aren't in racks...

I bought a 42ru rack: https://www.titanav.co/products/titan-av-42ru-19-adjustable-open-rack

I really like that this thing is on wheels, as I need to be able to roll it out of my studio when bands are in to record. I am also really happy now that I've worked out (in hidsight, the rather obvious fact) that I can mount modules on both sides of the rack - if I ever run out of space on the front. Obviously, 84ru is likely be more than I ever need, but it is there in case I do. Not that I am short on ru, but I could use it for overflow outboard gear if needed.

It is adjustable, so I can make it 410mm deep, which is plenty of room, but not too big of a footprint in the studio. I can also mount a power distribution board inside, and it is going to be easy to connect to my UPS via iec to iec.

I thought I'd share my experience in case anyone was interested in getting all of their modules in one spot.

Does anyone have any recommendations for powering a behemoth like this? I've been using microZeus for convenience sake, but want to move on. Preferably something that is modular, so that I can expand as my power needs grow.

JimHowell1970 suggest Befaco, which I'll look into. Are they modular in their design, or will I need multiples?

Also, is the TipTop Happy Ending still the cheapest way to get ears and z rails? Would it be cheaper to build my own?

I appreciate any thoughts or comments that you may have!!

Thanks, and happy beep booping!

I'm not a big fan of the modular in a module approach... it's not imo a very modular approach imo - more synthesis with modules than modular synthesis...

I'd much rather have actual modules or a es8 or es9 and use vcv rack... so I'd go for the FX Aid Pro every time over the hector...

I'm not sure you need both the midi -> cv module and Hermod + (hermod has midi->cv capabilities)

neither am I a big fan of the oxi coral and similar modules that are better played with midi and can do lots of voices... although at least you'll be able to play it with the hermod plus... mainly because I'd want separate chords, bassline and lead modules and the support modules that are needed for them - vcas, filters etc... because that's where modular actually gets to be worth it... at a minimum I'd want more filters - at least a dual/stereo one for the oxi... probably another for the sampler... don't see much point in a mono filter in thos set up

could also do with some vcas (a quad cascading one would be a good investment) and some other utilities - possibly a matrix mixer...

My opinion
I have many of each and Im now of the opinion
that if your goal is to play tonal music, owning 2 'quality' VCOs with the normal triangle,ramp,square & sine work and one with wavetables is my preference vs owning a single 'complex' VCO.
By “quality” I mean like $$$ VCOs, like from AJH, Synthesis technology, MacBeth etc

Two VCOS + a wavetable can make some very complex sound..and all track in tune
I have come to find that while complex VCOs make some cool noises they don’t play well together w/ other VCOs when it comes to solid tonality- some earlier examples
Teleharmonic,Orgone Accumliator,Rings…
If your just wanting to make interesting sounds
there are totally fine

My opinion
I have many of each and Im now of the opinion
that if your goal is to play tonal music, owning 2 'quality' VCOs with the normal triangle,ramp,square & sine work and one with wavetables is my preference vs owning a single 'complex' VCO.
By “quality” I mean like $$$ VCOs, like from AJH, Synthesis technology, MacBeth etc

Two VCOS + a wavetable can make some very complex sound..and all track in tune
I have come to find that while complex VCOs make some cool noises they don’t play well together w/ other VCOs when it comes to solid tonality- some earlier examples
Teleharmonic,Orgone Accumliator,Rings…
If your just wanting to make interesting sounds
there are totally fine

This setup was made for techno style compositions. No quantizer makes it more atonal and accidental. All pitches have to be set by ear and consonance have to be embraced.

With it you can create DFAM clone with a kick and bass. Lich module is mainly for fx.

One sequencer is used for pitch and second for the velocity.

Multi has to be done with Y type cables.

With AC\DC this setup becomes WAY more universal. Ability to send and recieve audio to PC makes this rack kinda limitless. With 2.0 version I think I'll ditch fx units for vst, but I'm still not sure.

EDITED Sep 30th 2023, 20:53

Hello

I plan to build my first EuroRack and so far this is what I came up with (plan to buy either Intellijel or Befaco 7u case) . What do you think is missing, should be added or removed?
My main concern is Hector. Should I give up on this and replace if Fx Aid Pro?

Thanks for the help in advance!

This setup was made for techno style compositions. No quantizer makes it more atonal and accidental. All pitches have to be set by ear and consonance have to be embraced.

With it you can create DFAM clone with a kick and bass and you still have one unused vco for your imagination. 2 Lich modules are mainly for fx.

One sequencer is used for pitch and second for the velocity.

With AC\DC this setup becomes WAY more universal. Ability to send and recieve audio to PC makes this rack kinda limitless. With 2.0 version I think I'll ditch fx units for vst, but I'm still not sure.

EDITED Sep 30th 2023, 20:29

https://modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=235356

have you thought about patching a complex oscillator with the modules you'e already got... it'll probably get you a more distinctive and different sound than buying an off the shelf one... I'd do some research on this and play around with them, at the very least it will help you narrow down what you want from a complex oscillator, in terms of the built in functionality - wavefiolder, fm, am, pm etc....
-- JimHowell1970

Yes, Im also tinking about to patch a complex oscillator, but I didn´t figure out how to do it allready.
I would be very glad to get some tips to do it.

The idea is great and what you wrote assure me to give it a try. I guess it´s really more distinctive, different and individual in sound - and will help to learn about it and what I want.

My first idea was to feed 2 vco´s into bastl waver. Its a 3 input mixer with wavefolding, 2 vca´s and ringmodulation capability. Like nano modules Ona + waver +a through-zero VCO. But I don´t have a through zero vco at the moment.
I also got a nordular Wyrd matrix mixer recently, maybe that could be useful.
But I guess, thats not enough? - I need something to apply crossmodulation - or maybe with some clever patching, with stackables?

Im also trying out a Benjolin V2 at the moment. I guess this is also a kind of complex oscillator module?

My purely stupid brain just thinks Exponential makes for a more chewy filter sound when the envelope is applied.

This article by Chris Meyer (Learning Modular) will provide you with excellent insight into the subject:
‘Linear versus Exponential VCAs & Envelopes’.

https://learningmodular.com/linear-versus-exponential/

Two very educational videos are also included.

I'm loving this setup!

I have had the M32 and DFAM for awhile now and I finally picked up the Subharmonicon. Here is my first little thing.

you could always take the knobs off... pots are usable without them but it's much more difficult to knock them out of tune that way...

-- JimHowell1970

I actually hadn't thought of that. I might give that a try.

The only thing I don't like about it is that the tuning knobs are big and close to the FM controls (making it easy to knock the tuning out).
-- PragmaticusMax

you could always take the knobs off... pots are usable without them but it's much more difficult to knock them out of tune that way...

For my "desktop" rack, I didn't want to get a complex oscillator because I wanted the freedom that individual modules gave me as far as features and routing options.
I've recently been putting together a smaller portable rack and decided to get a complex oscillator as a way to save space. I had considered the Instruo Cs-L, but ended up going with the Cosmotronic Vortex. The Cs-L has some nice modulation routing features, but I felt it was easier to see what was going on with the Vortex. I'm happy with it (though I still prefer individual modules). The only thing I don't like about it is that the tuning knobs are big and close to the FM controls (making it easy to knock the tuning out).

I have the Fold6 and really like it. I've also considered getting the Intellijel Bifold.

it's to do with how we perceive loudness... our brains work exponentially...

so linear is usually for cv and exponential for audio...

althoug it also depends on the envelope that you feed them... an expenential envelope into a linear vca will behave in the same way as an exponential vca...

personally I'd get a veils clone instead (even if it means waiting a short while before buying it) - does both linear and exponential + loads more interesting features + more channels - which is always good (you can never have e nough vcas) and probably cheaper per channel!

I have long used Synchrodyne, a module with very beautiful and deep wavefolder qualities, it can also jostle very hard in aggressiveness. But it is also an experimental tool that far exceeds the wavefolder function... we do not always know how far it will take you :)) Recently I have completed my palette with Fold 6, a wavefolder very focused on its function: intelligently designed, very progressive, powerful and warm. I definitely recommend it. https://www.modulargrid.net/e/joranalogue-audio-design-fold-6

I am looking to add a VCA module and ran across the Doepfer A-130 (Linear) and A-131 (Exponential) and while I understand "mathematically" what the difference between linear and exponential is, I'm trying to understand the use cases for each and which might be best suited for an overall general purpose VCA...I'm guessing the linear version would be but am interested to hear any feedback regarding the different use cases.

have you thought about patching a complex oscillator with the modules you'e already got... it'll probably get you a more distinctive and different sound than buying an off the shelf one... I'd do some research on this and play around with them, at the very least it will help you narrow down what you want from a complex oscillator, in terms of the built in functionality - wavefiolder, fm, am, pm etc....