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I've enjoyed having MI Warps in my rack. I don't always use a wavefolder so it's been nice to have the other algorithms available instead. the frequency shifter and delay that are included in the Parasites firmware are especially good.
Let us know what you decide!

Hi :D

Im curious to get a complex oscillator.
I have already some drum modules and oscillators like: 4ms SWN, Ensemble Oscillator, ONA, BIA, Ultra Kick, plaits, plonk ..... and many more

I was thinking about to get rid about many modules and replace it by getting a versetaile complex vco for sounddesign and recording - with a wide sound palette and great sound.
Something that is not a signature sound module - meaning, like for instance - every patch with odessa sounds noticble like odessa in it´s soundcharacter.

Some questions are:
1. Is it worth to get a complex vco?
2. Do I get sounds out of it, which I wouldn´t get with the modules I allready have?
3. I heard about Brenso. - Can you recomment a good compex Vco to me?

Greetings

Chris

Hi,
I know that it depends a lot on each person's tastes, more aggressive, liquid, soft... it happens like with filters, but I am thinking of incorporating a Wavefolder/Waveshaper into my case and I would like to know your recommendations and opinions.
My idea is not to invest much in this module at the moment.
At the moment I am considering these options:
Fold6, Ultrafold, NE Pura Ruina
But I'm open to other suggestions, of course.
Thank you.

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=810930177701670&set=pcb.810930234368331

My custom modular synthesizer system. It is a system that my brother Efe Çakır and I handmade about 60-70% of, combined with very special components, and you can apply almost all synthesis techniques. I hope you like it. I think it looks great. You do not think so?

I need this.

Hi guys!

Frap Tools 321 joined my rack! This one is for you and all your great advice! Who thinks that I need onther osciallator?

Cheers, Ben

guitar input...

I've got both the doepfer a-119 (noisy - can be upgraded with a simple & cheap chip swap - no soldering - but still noisy, just less so - I particularly like it for fuzz bass) & the befaco instrument interface (not noisy and can handle phantom powered mics)

both have envelope followers and gate extractors - which are very handy...

Regarding connecting a guitar, I have the Befaco INamp that I can plug a guitar into, but it doesn't really have enough gain on its own. I ended up going through a booster pedal and then into the Befaco.

As for external mixers, I got a Tascam Model 12. It can handle eurorack levels, and you can either record onto an on-board SD card or use it as a multitrack audio interface. Not exacly cheap, though.

Am I missing something or did they remove the rotate 180° option ?
-- ukiyo_

It's an option now in the User Settings
Enable Flip Button

Smart communication and fine transaction with @torres
Recommended !

Hi,
I think you are going to need an external mixer, since in addition to the audio outputs of each voice of your eurorack, you have the audio of the minibrute. If you want an external mixer, you basically have to take two aspects into account. That it is able to handle the hot audio levels that eurorack generates and that it has enough tracks for all your voices (I see at least 5 in your rack) plus the minibrute.
If I were in your situation, I would mount a mixer in the case, so I would only have two audio outputs, modular+minibrute.
Modular Tesseract has an economical solution with good features.
This is the 4 stereo channel module with 2 send/return and mutes (12HP).
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/tesseract-modular-tex-mix-4-stereo-channels
This is the output module with outputs for monitors and headphones (8HP)
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/tesseract-modular-tex-mix-master-section
The good thing is that it can be expanded with more 4-channel modules.
I have 4 stereo channels + 4 mono channels in my case.
For now, and if you are not going to use so many channels, and you want to use less HP's, you can mount a Happy Nerding 3xMIA (6HP)
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/happy-nerding-3x-mia-black
If in the future you need a 100% audio mixer, you can reuse the 3xMIA as a CV mixer.

To connect the guitar you need an input module with audio level control. It is recommended that you incorporate an envelope follower that generates CV according to the incoming sound.
There is a tight budget option that meets those requirements.
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/doepfer-a-119

I want to thank you all again for helping me with my dark ambient/noise minibrute 2s eurorack build.

I will buy a few modules at a time. Next month I'm purchasing the rack brute 6U with the fold 6, pico dsp and the twin waves. Maths, and the calsynth clones will be a seperate near future purchase.

I got a few more questions:
I was also wondering about output and recording. I plan to record my minibrute 2s+eurorack build into my interface or my h6 recorder. Are there additional modules/cables for this?

I also thought about hooking my guitar into the modular as well. How would I go about doing that?

Hi,
It won't work for you.
At a minimum you would have to have a source that provides 650-700 mA at +12V
You should always ensure that the modules consume at most 80% of the power of the source.
uZeus gives you 1200 mA on +12v but only 500 mA on the negative rail.
When buying, I would opt for something more powerful, and if later you wanted to migrate to a larger case you would already have it.
I recently bought this one and I am happy with it.
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/eowave-source-d-energie

Another question about my rig here.

The power is showing as 460 mA +12V | 161 mA -12 | 0 mA 5V | with the modules I have. I'm powering it with an LC1 from Doepfer which offers +12V/380mA, -12V/380mA, +5V/100m. Is the different in mA a massive issue? Do I need to move to e.g. a uZeus or is that overkill for 60hp.

EDITED Sep 27th 2023, 17:05

If you're primarily going to add new modules then I'd power them from the a wall wart (hopefully a few per wall wart)... there's a module for distribution of this, but it might be better to have a hole in the back of the case...

Chromagnon definitely power from a wall wart - it'll probably be a massive power hog

with the psu3s - I think they're definitely underpowered at 84hp/9u for video (& imo digital modules) - I'd probablyt want 1 every 84hp/6u - but it really depends on if you're going to use predominantly analogue modules and/or use the edicated power supply for video... so maybe a bit less than that... if you're guesstimating power consumption 10mA/hp for each of the +ve & -ve 12v rails is a good rule of thumb for video modules (remember to leave some headroom)

mixing audio and video in a single case is a good idea... utilities especially can be used for both... I made a series of instagram videos #lzxveurorack, a while back, to illustrate various non-video modules working in video...

what are you using for your vector scanning??

Thanks Jim!

I'm interested in vector scanning at the moment and was hoping to get a LZX chromagnon eventually and expand from there.

Was looking at a 196HP 18U Uryan Case, seems I can add PSU3 as neccessary, I like the idea of having a single case for the studio.

which video synthesis modules are you intending to use?

which case size?

how many psu3?

the psu3 was one of the recommended power supplies for lzx video modules... but note that video modules are usually power hungry... new lzx factory built modules can be run directly from a 12v wall wart - or via a splitter module (or cable) or from a eurorack power supply... so it really depends what you intend to run and what else. is in the case...

Hello!

I'm buying a big case and want to future proof the system so that I can use video synth modules as well.

Does the Doepfer A100 PSU3 have low enough high frequency noise and voltage ripple?

I've heard a lot of people having issues with doepfer midi->cv modules - I'd go for a mutant brain instead...

otherwise the top row kind of makes some sense... although you'd massively benefit from some vcas and some modulation sources and a second vco (to take advantage of the thru 0 fm on the one you have)...

the trigger sequencer makes no sense though... it takes up a huge amount of space & what are you triggering???? please explain your use case/reasoning for this....

& why 2 clock dividers on top of the trigger sequencer? what are you imagining using them for?

what type of music are you trying to make?

what other gear do you have?

these answers will help us make sense of the rack....

Hi! I've read the whole comment. First, I would kiss your forehead to express how much I appreciate it... however my style of expressing emotions could be weird in certain circumstances like this particular one... So... Thanks very much!

Thanks... is more than enough!!!

top row:

doepfer are not well known for midi -> cv modules... I'd not worry about this to start with... ie I'd drop the module...

Mutant Brain... Instant replacement!

the oscillators you've chosen... I'd probably want a 3rd - something different - either as the source for FM on one of these, or as a separate sound source...

I'm not convinced by the audio divider... what's your imagined use case for this?

I thought it could be nice (for bass and leads?) to replicate to different octaves. I like that sound much. Or to simply control different LFOs.

yeah maybe... but I'd just go for a clock divider to start...

not convinced by the sequencer... I think there are better options out there... so why this one? also NB it has no quantizer built in so you need either a dual one - or a sequencer module with quantisation built in... also needs a clock input... so either you need a sequencer with clock built in or you'll need an external clock - if you want to sync to a DAW, via midi you'd need one of the doepfer modules that specifies sync - ie not the one you chose - or a different midi->cv module (mutant brain - is a very good option) - or sync via audio (I use a kick sample) - also this sequencer massively benefits from pairing with the controller...

In principle, I will never use a DAW since my aim is to create everything by myself as much analogically as I can. But you are right. If there are options with some things included I should take a look at them. For example, Erica's one and Metropolix are digital, and that is not a "No" for me, but is a "mm... I don't know..." (even if they offer such flexibility)... So I'll think about them. That's the reason why I preferred Doepfer one: 2x8 steps, even needing external modules. A bit awful, but... Again, I'll think about it and see what's more out there.

the whole thing is a specialised analogue computer... that some components are digital is irrelevant imo - use whatever modules are best for the purpose/function... sometimes it will be analogue, sometimes it will be digital...

so I wouldn't get hung up on analog v digital - there are lots of great digital modules... digital sound sources sound great through analog filters, digital sequencers are not in the audio path... and digital effects can get you a lot of options (& therefore potentially more interesting results) for less space and cash than analog ones (in a lot of cases)

if you're not going to use a DAW (in terms of modular I only use mine for recording and sync - so everything is in time, but I do also use soft synths and record guitars, vocals etc with it and edit, process and mix in there too) then I'd get a clock source - unless you already have a clock! as I said, you'll want a quantizer, a clock and probably the controller for the a-155, if you decide to stick with it & possibly a second a-155 (& probably another sequencer and a precision adder or 2 - for transposition)

middle row:

a lot of filters... but no other effects, I'd swap some out... add a multi-effect unit... an fx aid pro possibly 2... if 2 I'd only get 1 pro - the pro can be used as a cheat sheet for the other - delay and reverb (at a minimum) is a useful combination

Haha! I have just seen the Aid pro, and it is a patology of mine... I hate digital screens haha. Whatever, I'll check modules like those! Thank you again! Of course they are missing!

in this case the screen on the fx aid pro makes it 1000 * more useful than it's little brothers - a bank of LED indicators is horrible as it's difficult to remember which algo is where....

I'd not spend money on a b-company fixed filter bank... if I wanted something similar I'd wait and buy a better one at a later date... I'd put a matrix mixer in it's place

Sure you are right!

the 2 mixers and 2 mults next to each other will be annoying... I'd also replace one of the mixers with a happy nerding 3 * MIA - not only can it mix, but it also can be used for attenuation/attenuversion/offset - which is incredibly useful to have (& yes I know that Maths has these - but you will almost definitely want to use them whilst you are using maths for something more interesting)

About the order... there will be too much variability in the next month haha, and probably years haha. Buy I'll consider the change! And the offset was needed and forgotten! Thanks again.

do you really need 2 adsrs? I'd look for a dual in the same space... or one that's voltage controlled, oroften less complex envelope generators work well in modular... ADs for example...

Good point. I'll check!

not only are there some adsrs that are voltage controlled, there are some that have gate outputs per stage... also really useful....

ah some vcas... not enough... get at least a quad cascading one... a veils clone, perhaps... vcas are for cv as well as audio... and even for audio they are for more than just shaping notes...

I think I don't appreciate them yet, but I'll consider all recommendations... all of you point that out like if I was crazy haha. I am, but I'll do!

vcas are needed if you want to shape notes - oscillator -> vca in/ envelope generator -> vca cv in/vca out -> filter (or filter before vca)... but they are also useful for controlling levels over time, gently varying the gain of a drone and adjusting the amount of a modulation signal being sent to a modulation input (& lots of other things) - they're modular synth 101 - it doesn't mean you absolutely need them, but they do make life much simpler... unless you have lots of hands to control many different knobs at the same time...

bottom row:

a-119 - it's useful, but noisy

Will check replacements.

I like the befaco instrument interface... I have both and use both... it's not that the a-119 is bad, it's just not clean... the befaco is much cleaner...

dual slew - might be redundant (& I dislike this word with regard to modular) - maths is a dual slew! I'd drop this
ring mod... better to get the dual vc polarizer... it can do ring mod and other things and it's the same size...
maths (great module - download the 'maths illustrated manual' (work through it multiple times thinking about what, why & how) and a single lfo are not really enough modulation sources... I'd get a batumi & expander...
personally I'm not a big fan of scopes... I have an es8 so could use 1 in vcv rack and I also have 1 in the fx aid pro... neither of which i use that much... you can listen to any cv... just send it through a vcos pitch input...

I'll do! And I see the necessity of seeing the waves to understand what a module is doing, so for me an oscilloscope is a must haha.

that's also another reason why the fx aid pro is useful... it includes a basic scope... which you can use whilst processing another signal...

mixer - you have all those filters - eq is a bit redundant (urgh) - I'd get a better mixer... again b-company (I try as much as humanly possible to avoid giving money to Uli!) if you want relatively inexpensive & absolutely must have EQ... then I'd go for an external mixer... I have an inexpensive yamaha mg12, which handles modular levels well - I wouldn't get one with fx built in though, just the base model - this will also save some rack space

Sure! My idea was to have a nice output and didn't find any of my likings... that was just to know I need it haha. Sorry!

I have a tesseract modular tex-mix - which is expandable (4 mono or stereo channels at a time)... and inexpensive... currently mine is 12 mono channels & 4 stereo channels - it has cue, mutes, vcas (mono channels), headphones and 2 send/returns - all very useful features!!!

remember you don't have to buy all of this at once - buy the case and a minimum viable synth and add modules slowly, one or two at a time... you will learn more... and get more from your modular... plus as no plan survives contact with the enemy, which in this case is you... your plans/wants/needs will change over time... & the slower you go, the fewer side tracks you'll take - as you will find out what you are missing and then add it, rather than buying modules you find you don't use...

My economy allows me to mount it at a not very fast pace... so I considered it from the beginning haha. Since I have the 2600, I'll buy what can be an extra to it and increase it slowly!
-- sambarroso

I am interestrd in getting feedback on this rack.
Thank you

Basically it's a 2x8 step sequencer, however if you look closely there are four outputs at the top part labeled trig 1, trig 2, trig 3 and gate (which is also a trig output but it's longer, however the functionality is somewhat the same as the other trigs).

Trig 1 & 2 and trig 3 & gate are grouped. You can create a basic 2x8 pattern by flipping the two rows of switches to the upper position (which sets a trigger/gate) or leaving it in the middle (creating a "rest"). Use the outputs of trig 1 for the first row and trig 3 for the second row. You can expand this by using the "rests" from trig 1 or trig 3 as another trigger for trig 2 or gate. This way you have two independent step sequencers (trig 1 & 3), but also two sequences which can have steps whenever the two main sequences have rests (trig 2 & gate).

For an example, let's only use the upper row of triggers. Patch trig 1 to make a sound (let's say a closed hi-hat) and trig 2 to make another sounds (let's say an open hi-hat). If a switch in the upper row is set to the "up" position, the module will send a trigger to the trig 1 output. If a switch in the upper row is set to the "down" position, no trigger will be send to an output. If a switch in the upper row is set to the "down" position, the module will send a trigger to the trig 2 output.
The relation of trig 3 and gate is equal to the relation that trig 1 and trig 2 have.

Also, since you mention that this is your first modular system; the A-155 doesn't seem to have a built-in clock, meaning you need external gates or triggers to advance the steps or reset the module to the first step. Also, the A-155 output seems to have an analog only output, meaning that the CV outputs (this is handled by the lower half of the module, CV output is usually note data) are not in any musical scale. To force the CV outputs to be in a musical scale, you need a quantizer or an oscillator module that has a quantizer built in.
-- dubstepjoris

Uh, nice! And I was awared already that... I better change the A-155 from my composition or at least to consider a most flexible option since it is quite simple and need of many other modules. Thanks!!

I see you are building your own case:

what are you considering for a power supply? I really like the befaco excalibus - relatively cheap and quiet (most of my diy cases use these) - it's also available DIY - simple but tedious build (lots of power headers with 16 pins each) I'd recommend 1 per 6u...

Uh... That's great! I thought on "Sinusoda Juice & Straw". But Befaco is like cheaper and seems to be much of my liking haha. Thank you very much for the recommendation (I'll take the assambled one haha, don't want it to be so DIY!). And yes, I'll divide the synth in racks of 6u each, so I'll use one per rack!

I'd build 6u cases rather than 9u or a 9u and a 6u - all my DIY cases are 9u and they're a bit unwieldy... personally I find 6u/104hp as the best compromise... also it means that you can have 1 case vertical (or at an angle - 9u) and 1 horizontal in front (which I find easiest)

Yep, 104hp seems nice. I'll take measures and see.

2600 is a good layout... I do something similar... sound sources at the top, modulation sources below that, then sound momdifiers, then control/sequencing/end of chain mixer at the bottom/front - utilities distrributed throughout
-- JimHowell1970

Really appreciate your time dude... Thanks for taking (mostly) the synth down and build a better one with the recommendations haha!

Hi! I've read the whole comment. First, I would kiss your forehead to express how much I appreciate it... however my style of expressing emotions could be weird in certain circumstances like this particular one... So... Thanks very much!

top row:

doepfer are not well known for midi -> cv modules... I'd not worry about this to start with... ie I'd drop the module...

Mutant Brain... Instant replacement!

the oscillators you've chosen... I'd probably want a 3rd - something different - either as the source for FM on one of these, or as a separate sound source...

I'm not convinced by the audio divider... what's your imagined use case for this?

I thought it could be nice (for bass and leads?) to replicate to different octaves. I like that sound much. Or to simply control different LFOs.

not convinced by the sequencer... I think there are better options out there... so why this one? also NB it has no quantizer built in so you need either a dual one - or a sequencer module with quantisation built in... also needs a clock input... so either you need a sequencer with clock built in or you'll need an external clock - if you want to sync to a DAW, via midi you'd need one of the doepfer modules that specifies sync - ie not the one you chose - or a different midi->cv module (mutant brain - is a very good option) - or sync via audio (I use a kick sample) - also this sequencer massively benefits from pairing with the controller...

In principle, I will never use a DAW since my aim is to create everything by myself as much analogically as I can. But you are right. If there are options with some things included I should take a look at them. For example, Erica's one and Metropolix are digital, and that is not a "No" for me, but is a "mm... I don't know..." (even if they offer such flexibility)... So I'll think about them. That's the reason why I preferred Doepfer one: 2x8 steps, even needing external modules. A bit awful, but... Again, I'll think about it and see what's more out there.

middle row:

a lot of filters... but no other effects, I'd swap some out... add a multi-effect unit... an fx aid pro possibly 2... if 2 I'd only get 1 pro - the pro can be used as a cheat sheet for the other - delay and reverb (at a minimum) is a useful combination

Haha! I have just seen the Aid pro, and it is a patology of mine... I hate digital screens haha. Whatever, I'll check modules like those! Thank you again! Of course they are missing!

I'd not spend money on a b-company fixed filter bank... if I wanted something similar I'd wait and buy a better one at a later date... I'd put a matrix mixer in it's place

Sure you are right!

the 2 mixers and 2 mults next to each other will be annoying... I'd also replace one of the mixers with a happy nerding 3 * MIA - not only can it mix, but it also can be used for attenuation/attenuversion/offset - which is incredibly useful to have (& yes I know that Maths has these - but you will almost definitely want to use them whilst you are using maths for something more interesting)

About the order... there will be too much variability in the next month haha, and probably years haha. Buy I'll consider the change! And the offset was needed and forgotten! Thanks again.

do you really need 2 adsrs? I'd look for a dual in the same space... or one that's voltage controlled, oroften less complex envelope generators work well in modular... ADs for example...

Good point. I'll check!

ah some vcas... not enough... get at least a quad cascading one... a veils clone, perhaps... vcas are for cv as well as audio... and even for audio they are for more than just shaping notes...

I think I don't appreciate them yet, but I'll consider all recommendations... all of you point that out like if I was crazy haha. I am, but I'll do!

bottom row:

a-119 - it's useful, but noisy

Will check replacements.

dual slew - might be redundant (& I dislike this word with regard to modular) - maths is a dual slew! I'd drop this
ring mod... better to get the dual vc polarizer... it can do ring mod and other things and it's the same size...
maths (great module - download the 'maths illustrated manual' (work through it multiple times thinking about what, why & how) and a single lfo are not really enough modulation sources... I'd get a batumi & expander...
personally I'm not a big fan of scopes... I have an es8 so could use 1 in vcv rack and I also have 1 in the fx aid pro... neither of which i use that much... you can listen to any cv... just send it through a vcos pitch input...

I'll do! And I see the necessity of seeing the waves to understand what a module is doing, so for me an oscilloscope is a must haha.

mixer - you have all those filters - eq is a bit redundant (urgh) - I'd get a better mixer... again b-company (I try as much as humanly possible to avoid giving money to Uli!) if you want relatively inexpensive & absolutely must have EQ... then I'd go for an external mixer... I have an inexpensive yamaha mg12, which handles modular levels well - I wouldn't get one with fx built in though, just the base model - this will also save some rack space

Sure! My idea was to have a nice output and didn't find any of my likings... that was just to know I need it haha. Sorry!

remember you don't have to buy all of this at once - buy the case and a minimum viable synth and add modules slowly, one or two at a time... you will learn more... and get more from your modular... plus as no plan survives contact with the enemy, which in this case is you... your plans/wants/needs will change over time... & the slower you go, the fewer side tracks you'll take - as you will find out what you are missing and then add it, rather than buying modules you find you don't use...

My economy allows me to mount it at a not very fast pace... so I considered it from the beginning haha. Since I have the 2600, I'll buy what can be an extra to it and increase it slowly!

-- JimHowell1970

Basically it's a 2x8 step sequencer, however if you look closely there are four outputs at the top part labeled trig 1, trig 2, trig 3 and gate (which is also a trig output but it's longer, however the functionality is somewhat the same as the other trigs).

Trig 1 & 2 and trig 3 & gate are grouped. You can create a basic 2x8 pattern by flipping the two rows of switches to the upper position (which sets a trigger/gate) or leaving it in the middle (creating a "rest"). Use the outputs of trig 1 for the first row and trig 3 for the second row. You can expand this by using the "rests" from trig 1 or trig 3 as another trigger for trig 2 or gate. This way you have two independent step sequencers (trig 1 & 3), but also two sequences which can have steps whenever the two main sequences have rests (trig 2 & gate).

For an example, let's only use the upper row of triggers. Patch trig 1 to make a sound (let's say a closed hi-hat) and trig 2 to make another sounds (let's say an open hi-hat). If a switch in the upper row is set to the "up" position, the module will send a trigger to the trig 1 output. If a switch in the upper row is set to the "down" position, no trigger will be send to an output. If a switch in the upper row is set to the "down" position, the module will send a trigger to the trig 2 output.
The relation of trig 3 and gate is equal to the relation that trig 1 and trig 2 have.

Also, since you mention that this is your first modular system; the A-155 doesn't seem to have a built-in clock, meaning you need external gates or triggers to advance the steps or reset the module to the first step. Also, the A-155 output seems to have an analog only output, meaning that the CV outputs (this is handled by the lower half of the module, CV output is usually note data) are not in any musical scale. To force the CV outputs to be in a musical scale, you need a quantizer or an oscillator module that has a quantizer built in.

I mean physically deep, as in inches/millimeters. Some racks are shallow in depth and cannot accommodate the physical dimensions of an 80mm modules (the A154 sequencer controller, for example). If you are building your own rack, give yourself enough space between the rails and the power headers to fit some of the deeper Doepfer modules.

Oh, sorry! About that no worries... it will be much wider in the end! So I have to redistribute many things. Thanks :D

-- farkas

Also, many Doepfer modules are fairly deep so make sure your rack is deep enough to accommodate them. I was interested in the A154/A155 combination, but my rack could not accommodate the depth of the A154.

Mm... In principle, I know there will be some potential which I will not be able to get. But I think that is part of my own process of learning... I like to think about the usage while I have the things in front of me... Im more a guy who understands things when I see them (and turn knobs with an oscilloscope in front of me) :)

-- sambarroso

I mean physically deep, as in inches/millimeters. Some racks are shallow in depth and cannot accommodate the physical dimensions of an 80mm modules (the A154 sequencer controller, for example). If you are building your own rack, give yourself enough space between the rails and the power headers to fit some of the deeper Doepfer modules.

addendum to above... as I had the edit window open overnight and didn't see the other replies before posting...

lots of good advice from others above!

I see you are building your own case:

what are you considering for a power supply? I really like the befaco excalibus - relatively cheap and quiet (most of my diy cases use these) - it's also available DIY - simple but tedious build (lots of power headers with 16 pins each) I'd recommend 1 per 6u...

I'd build 6u cases rather than 9u or a 9u and a 6u - all my DIY cases are 9u and they're a bit unwieldy... personally I find 6u/104hp as the best compromise... also it means that you can have 1 case vertical (or at an angle - 9u) and 1 horizontal in front (which I find easiest)

2600 is a good layout... I do something similar... sound sources at the top, modulation sources below that, then sound momdifiers, then control/sequencing/end of chain mixer at the bottom/front - utilities distrributed throughout

NP... what I do is copy url & paste into post...

whilst you seem to have at least managed to get a decent mix of sounds sources, sound modifiers, modualtion sources and utilities... there's a lot of things I'd do differently... see my signature for some hints...

top row:

doepfer are not well known for midi -> cv modules... I'd not worry about this to start with... ie I'd drop the module...

the oscillators you've chosen... I'd probably want a 3rd - something different - either as the source for FM on one of these, or as a separate sound source...

I'm not convinced by the audio divider... what's your imagined use case for this?

clock divider ok - I use my clock divider as a squarewave sub-bass... audio in, square wave out (/2 =-1ve, /4 =-2ve) -> vca & filter

not convinced by the sequencer... I think there are better options out there... so why this one? also NB it has no quantizer built in so you need either a dual one - or a sequencer module with quantisation built in... also needs a clock input... so either you need a sequencer with clock built in or you'll need an external clock - if you want to sync to a DAW, via midi you'd need one of the doepfer modules that specifies sync - ie not the one you chose - or a different midi->cv module (mutant brain - is a very good option) - or sync via audio (I use a kick sample) - also this sequencer massively benefits from pairing with the controller...

middle row:

a lot of filters... but no other effects, I'd swap some out... add a multi-effect unit... an fx aid pro possibly 2... if 2 I'd only get 1 pro - the pro can be used as a cheat sheet for the other - delay and reverb (at a minimum) is a useful combination

I'd not spend money on a b-company fixed filter bank... if I wanted something similar I'd wait and buy a better one at a later date... I'd put a matrix mixer in it's place

the 2 mixers and 2 mults next to each other will be annoying... I'd also replace one of the mixers with a happy nerding 3 * MIA - not only can it mix, but it also can be used for attenuation/attenuversion/offset - which is incredibly useful to have (& yes I know that Maths has these - but you will almost definitely want to use them whilst you are using maths for something more interesting)

do you really need 2 adsrs? I'd look for a dual in the same space... or one that's voltage controlled, oroften less complex envelope generators work well in modular... ADs for example...

ah some vcas... not enough... get at least a quad cascading one... a veils clone, perhaps... vcas are for cv as well as audio... and even for audio they are for more than just shaping notes...

bottom row:

a-119 - it's useful, but noisy

dual slew - might be redundant (& I dislike this word with regard to modular) - maths is a dual slew! I'd drop this

ring mod... better to get the dual vc polarizer... it can do ring mod and other things and it's the same size...

maths (great module - download the 'maths illustrated manual' (work through it multiple times thinking about what, why & how) and a single lfo are not really enough modulation sources... I'd get a batumi & expander...

personally I'm not a big fan of scopes... I have an es8 so could use 1 in vcv rack and I also have 1 in the fx aid pro... neither of which i use that much... you can listen to any cv... just send it through a vcos pitch input...

mixer - you have all those filters - eq is a bit redundant (urgh) - I'd get a better mixer... again b-company (I try as much as humanly possible to avoid giving money to Uli!) if you want relatively inexpensive & absolutely must have EQ... then I'd go for an external mixer... I have an inexpensive yamaha mg12, which handles modular levels well - I wouldn't get one with fx built in though, just the base model - this will also save some rack space

so a 1/2 decent job... it's very 'east coast' subtractive dual mono-synth like... could probably do with a few different modules added - some logic and

whilst I understand that a full 9u rack can seem expensive (& this is probably 1 of the least expensive I've seen) it's not that bad... especially when compared to a lot of other musical instruments - and definitely not when compared to professional level custom instruments - try checking out cello bows (good ones cost multiples of this rack) - or to a lot of other hobbies (golf, scuba diving, skiing etc etc)

it's always useful to remember, apart from the b-company all eurorack manufacturers are tiny companies with very small runs of modules (250 is a very big run for most of them) & they are often manufactured in EU or North America - which is why they might appear 'expensive' - they're not FMCG - they're more slow moving niche goods

remember you don't have to buy all of this at once - buy the case and a minimum viable synth and add modules slowly, one or two at a time... you will learn more... and get more from your modular... plus as no plan survives contact with the enemy, which in this case is you... your plans/wants/needs will change over time... & the slower you go, the fewer side tracks you'll take - as you will find out what you are missing and then add it, rather than buying modules you find you don't use...

sometimes the more expensive module is cheaper in the long run - sequencers are a good example - for example a used metropolix might be a better buy than the a-155, as a starter sequencer, as it includes an internal clock and has a quantizer built in... amongst a load of other features - or a used erica black sequencer... more channels - so still good if/when you get more voices in the future, plus it has a modulation lane on each channel, quantisation, midi in, more steps etc etc

a minimum viable synth is a sound source, a sound modifier, a modulation source, a way to play and a way to listen... I'd add some basic utilities (the 3 * MIA, a quad cascading vca, a mult etc)

You have a lot of real estate dedicated to the fixed filter bank, a very subtle module. I would consider eliminating that until you have expanded to a larger rack, and dedicate that space to VCAs that are more "hands on," the Doepfer Dual Quantizer, a sequential switch, and Pamela's New/Pro Workout as a master clock.

Totally! I've gone through the characteristics of the A-155 and I've seen that there are left some useful modules for sequencing, which is going to be a very important part in my next compositions. That's really nice. Also, I have not decided yet the size of the rack. I am just adjusting the size of the rack in the web to the width of what I put together and expanding it depending on my needs. We are quite handy in my family (carpenters), so I'll build the rails for the rack and the rack. And I take the recommendation: More VCA's and the useful modules for sequencing!

Also, many Doepfer modules are fairly deep so make sure your rack is deep enough to accommodate them. I was interested in the A154/A155 combination, but my rack could not accommodate the depth of the A154.

Mm... In principle, I know there will be some potential which I will not be able to get. But I think that is part of my own process of learning... I like to think about the usage while I have the things in front of me... Im more a guy who understands things when I see them (and turn knobs with an oscilloscope in front of me) :)

Finally, the layout you have here wouldn't be very ergonomic. Your cables will be criss-crossing and going all over the place. This is something you will figure out as you use your rack, so be prepared to move your modules several times until you settle on a layout that makes more sense. Think about how your 2600 is designed and try to mimic that signal flow as best you can.

That's totally true haha. The only modules I know they are in the right position is the input (the first) and the output (the last). I have to think about the flow and the position of the sequencer with the VCO's haha. My first thought was to replicate the formulation of the 2600... but I know Ill have to change everything each week haha.

Try to avoid 2hp-4hp modules unless absolutely necessary. You'll thank me later. It's tempting to squeeze in a tiny module to add some function that you need, but if you really want single function or one knob per function modules, bigger usually equals better when it comes to tweakability and fun. If you're trying to decide what to do with the remaining 2hp, put a blank panel there and invest in another case. It's hard to turn knobs with any precision when the knobs are tiny and buried in a sea of cables.

Yeah, that's probably true. In comparison with the bigger modules, they lack of functionality usually. And also the knobs as you say... Yeah, Ill think about it!

Good luck and have fun!

Thanks to you for such a wonderful answer! Appreciated!!! Have a nice day!

-- farkas

You have a lot of real estate dedicated to the fixed filter bank, a very subtle module. I would consider eliminating that until you have expanded to a larger rack, and dedicate that space to VCAs that are more "hands on," the Doepfer Dual Quantizer, a sequential switch, and Pamela's New/Pro Workout as a master clock.
Also, many Doepfer modules are fairly deep so make sure your rack is deep enough to accommodate them. I was interested in the A154/A155 combination, but my rack could not accommodate the depth of the A154.
Finally, the layout you have here wouldn't be very ergonomic. Your cables will be criss-crossing and going all over the place. This is something you will figure out as you use your rack, so be prepared to move your modules several times until you settle on a layout that makes more sense. Think about how your 2600 is designed and try to mimic that signal flow as best you can.
Try to avoid 2hp-4hp modules unless absolutely necessary. You'll thank me later. It's tempting to squeeze in a tiny module to add some function that you need, but if you really want single function or one knob per function modules, bigger usually equals better when it comes to tweakability and fun. If you're trying to decide what to do with the remaining 2hp, put a blank panel there and invest in another case. It's hard to turn knobs with any precision when the knobs are tiny and buried in a sea of cables.
Good luck and have fun!

The A-155 is by default a 2x8 step sequencer. You would need a pair of sequential switches to use it as a 1x16 step. The manual on the Doepfer website spells put some of the use cases.
-- bopodoq

Omg. Sometimes I think I forget how to read. I've read doepfer documentation first and didn't get it haha.

Thank you very much :)

The A-155 is by default a 2x8 step sequencer. You would need a pair of sequential switches to use it as a 1x16 step. The manual on the Doepfer website spells put some of the use cases.

My live performance at 'One Man Club', Dnipro, UA.
Improvisation, sampling and some new tunes from upcoming LP.
Have a nice listen!

My perspective on designing a rack is not only focused on sound and utility but also the visual impact from an artists perspective. Understanding the utility of the modules should be foremost in your thoughts. To me the design & look is equally important.
With that in mind I will either work from left to right or place the larger modules dead center and work toward the sides. Working with modules that are the same color and size or from the same manufacturer helps me design something that hopefully draws me in visually and makes me want to create art.
Some of my designs are simply utility racks while others are fully functional synthesizers. I go through many revisions.
They usually remain private until I feel the design and balance is what I intended.
With everything available today we have the ability to generate wonderous sonic adventures and look good doing it too.

I would start by putting all your black modules in the center row. Put your large filter bank in the center & each of the oscillators on either side of it. Now that it is centered work toward the edges with the remaining black modules and blanks. This creates a balanced look to the rack. Blank panels come in all sizes. Instead of just adding a blank panel to fill a hole use them as spacers to create a uniform look. When working toward the sides try to work in the same direction on each side using modules of the same size. The doepfer wasp is to small for a center piece. I would actually buy a second one just so I could have one on each side of the oscillators. You can try anything imaginable on this site. If you keep moving things around it will come to you.

Move the doepfer sequencer to the bottom row and place the doepfer envelope generators and small mix modules on either side .
Keep the overall apperance in mind as you design it. Use the small 2 or 4 hp modules as you work toward the edges to keep the look consistant.
Save blanks for the far edges of the rack or use them on either side of the center modules to create an overall balance or visual separation.
I rarely use blanks for anything other than a balanced appearence.

Center the behringer mixer on the top row above your black filter and work to the sides with your Maths and other remaining modules.

You can try any combination you like and swap out blanks and modules until you are satisfied with the final look . I dont worry much about the utility and patching. Cables come in all sizes. I look at the design of the rack as a work of art first and foremost. The design should draw you in like a museum piece. People not familiar with modular synthesis will assume you are either a scientist or electronics technician unless you give them reason to just go WOW what is that?

EDITED Sep 26th 2023, 09:08

Out of curiousity, what is your goal for this rack? You have a nice start to a synth here, I'd say maybe think about more lfos, attenuators, and vcas. But more specific recommendations really depend on what you're going for with this instrument.
-- HGsynth

In principle, my general aim is to really learn the possibilities from each individual module. Also, in general I am not going to use it for extremely strange sounds over which I have not fully control (up to random noise). So I prefer to have a rack without all those modules with a certain random characteristic... and maybe in the future, once I am under control of these guys, I will go into something more experimental.

More LFOs and VCAs sounds like a great advice. Thanks! But also I am going to use my Behringer 2600 with them, so in total there will be 6 possible LFOs + Maths.

I don't know if it is an answer. But I'm also yet figuring out what I can do with the modules I already know how they function individually, and what are other unknown possibilities out there.

And, of course, I have in mind to never use it in live.

EDITED Sep 26th 2023, 05:45

Out of curiousity, what is your goal for this rack? You have a nice start to a synth here, I'd say maybe think about more lfos, attenuators, and vcas. But more specific recommendations really depend on what you're going for with this instrument.

Thanks! I was reading the documentation to display the image correctly haha! I really appreciate the community you have in here!

& the link....

cos jpgs are crap for this!

EDITED Sep 25th 2023, 21:23

Good day everyone!

Second question in the same day! I am going to start with my first modular synth. I have just created a basic rack, but basic in the sense that I am not into "multiple function" modules (not yet at least). I prefer to stay simple and clear: one module for each purpose.

Here it is. I would like to get your opinions and recommendations... it is expensive, so I prefer to know from the experienced ones!

Also... what to do with the 2hp space left in the last row? :D

Thank you very much in advance!
Sam.

EDITED Sep 25th 2023, 21:11

Good day everyone!

I'm new in here and very very soon I will have my first modular synth. Since it is quite a lot of money even for the smallest one, I have a simple question I'm sure you will solve for me:

I see from Doepfer A-155 that there are two rows of 8 steps each, which have also one output each. Does it mean that I can program two different 8-step sequences and play them at the same time? That's something I need for my ongoing work.

Thank you very much in advance!
Sam.

using the "search similar racks" function i found a nearly identical rack:
maybe it includes the blurry modules that cant be recognized in the video...
-- modular01

Nice! That cleared some things up. Thanks!

Hey,

I sent an email to Doepfer regarding this. This is the content of the email I sent:

"Good afternoon,
I am the proud owner of the above case. Very happy with it :) THANK YOU.
The technical details of the power supply give me the following: 2000 mA -12V | 1200 mA -12 V | 4000 mA 5V.
My current draw on the power supply is as follow: 1884 mA +12V | 1099 mA - 12V | 92 mA 5V.
How far can I push the system in terms of power? Is there a threshold that I should take into consideration?
I have tried to balance the +12 V evenly on the 3 rails: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/modules_racks/data_sheet/2347537
Thank you very much in advance for any help and support from you.
Best of all,
Olivier"

This is the answer I got from Doepfer as per today:

"Hello,
the A-100PSU3 outputs 2000mA@+12V, 1200mA@-12V and 2000mA@+12V. Each A-100PSU3 is tested under these conditions before it leaves the factory with so-called dummy loads.
But the A-100PSU3 will not turn on if the currents are beyond the specifications of the A-100PSU3. We discovered that some modules from other manufacturers consume more current than specified by the manufacturer during power on (so-called in-rush current). If the sum of all currents during power on exceeds the A-100PSU3 specifications it will not turn on because it is not able to deliver more than the specified currents.
Best regards
Doepfer Musikelektronik GmbH"

Hope this helps and clarifies :)

@Meenthgrea
Available today...
Fold 6: https://www.perfectcircuit.com/joranalogue-fold-6.html
Twin Waves: https://www.perfectcircuit.com/klavis-twin-waves.html
Pico DSP: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PicoDSP--erica-synths-pico-dsp-stereo-effects-eurorack-module

The other modules you mention are excellent.
The CalSynth's clones of Mutable Instruments have a very good reputation.

Great question. The Minibrute 2s is a beast and has a lot of depth. It was my first real taste of what (semi)modular can do, and well, just things kept growing from there. Don't be surprised if you're in the market for another case in a year (GAS is real!).

What you have planned already seems like a pretty solid selection of modules. You need more utilities, however. They make all the difference when building a rack. The MB2s generously gives a vca, attentuators, and inverter, but you'll quickly find they are not enough, and are missing attenuverting. VCAs get used up real fast, so you may want to consider additional VCAs to the Veils. I highly recommend something that can attentuate/attenuvert and offset (in addition to Maths, of course). Happy Nerding's 3x MIA is perfect, but there are other good utilties out there, as well. You may want to consider a mult, as well, if you have a few hp to spare.

A few other honorable mentions if you have the space:
* Matrix mixer - great for blending audio or cv and can be stereo if you want. Doepfer's A-138m is perfect.
* S&H / T&H - sampling/tracking and holding a voltage has all sorts of uses, and can be used well with random voltage or smooth random (the MB2s has some random options already). ALA's SHTH or DivKid's RND Step would work well.
* Switches - something like Doepfer's A-151 sequential switch might be of interest in helping sen signals to different locations with a trigger.

Whatever you get, I'm pretty sure it'll be a whole lot of fun noise. Enjoy!

Thanks for the recommendations. Unforunatley, I can't find most of these modules on perfect circuit. However, I found erb verb by make noise to replace the pico dsp (gonna grab the Doepfer A-199 Spring Reverb to cut costs) and the 4ms Ensemble Oscillator or Odessa Additive Synthesis (digital?) Oscillator for the manis iteris; I'll hold off on this for now. Fortunatly, PC has plaits, but I can also grab the cal synth clone. And the 4ms resonator will have to do for now compared to the teleharmonic; Maybe I'll wait on this one too. Will those substitues work?

ps. Can the calsynth modules be good substitues from mutable instruments? I found a few of MI's modules on PC but I can cut costs with the clones which are carbon copies.

EDITED Sep 24th 2023, 20:25

Super, merci beaucoup andade.

Un excellent VCO.

Thanks for the input - I was worried about the LED menu and having to work out what effect was chosen. The pro looks fantastic and the demo's have been very enjoyable - so many options. The hp size is a worry at the moment as it's a bit of a beast but I hope to change my B - Brains for a smaller plaits clone and get some hp back.

I wouldn't go much smaller - a full size clone will save you 4hp... & I wouldn't go any smaller - otherwise you'll be into trimmers instead of proper pots and issues associated with them, plus poor ergonomics.... personally I wouldn't worry too much abou thtis - I'd put the money you'd spend on this towards a bigger case - and then not worry too much about the size of the modules - more about what they do...

Am I missing something or did they remove the rotate 180° option ?

Sometimes it helps to keep track of modules past, present and future by organizing them by manufacturer. Could this option be added to the edit section please.

Thanks for your consideration.