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Great, I hope you have fun in your journey!

Amazing transaction with @Bonesetter. Sold me a Fusion Delay, shipped from Greece to UK and kept me updated all the way and the module arrived in mint condition. Perfect seller, highly recommended!

Thank you both for the insight. I’ve taken i to consideration the recommendations made here. I sat down with the two pieces I do have last night and got to figuring some things out for myself. What I think I know about how synthesizers work, gained from working with VSTs in DAWs. That being said I realize how I would benefit from different filters so an MMF keeps coming to mind I have 15 slots for modules in the case, so plenty of room. I do like the idea if going aftera filter and the rampage next, maybe even a dedicated ADSR type module. I find myself constantly tweaking those in software side of things. What a rabbit hole I’ve found. I have a version two of this rack with mindphaser as the central piece, it’s so easy to get sidetracked

A deep dive into the Early Modern art of "change ringing"...as an algorithmic tool for proto-minimalist sequencing in the modular.
Detailed patch notes included:

I would humbly like to point out that there is nothing odd about using a low pass gate with a complex oscillator. This is literally one of the main building blocks of west coast style synthesis.
-- Zacksname

You're absolutely right with the historical connection. From the point of view of building a monosynth I still think a more 'normal'/east coast filter would be really good. Maybe get both! There's many small cheap LPGs available. My friend recently bought a Takaab 2LPG for just 20 €, it's tiny and sounds great. It has three responses/flavours. I have the Meng Qi DPLPG and it's also good but there's just one flavour. I paid about € 50 for it. Both are passive.

What do you think? Maybe more Filters / Effekts / Modulation?
I think, I want to exchange the Mocs and the Turing Mashine. I use randomness from my Oxi One.
Maybe you Guys have some Ideas....

I already have the pam pro, the Pico M-scale and a buffered mult. I run all synths through an external mixer and have the Eventide Space and Timefactor for effects.
I ordered the Behringer CP1a power module but have to wait another 10 weeks for it to arrive. Bummer!

EDITED Yesterday, 09:25

Friday evening Techno workout. Not perfect, I need more training.

TR-8S + Bohm, VhikkX, Noise Plethora, Metalloid Percussion, Blades, Desmodus- Imitor-Versio.

I would humbly like to point out that there is nothing odd about using a low pass gate with a complex oscillator. This is literally one of the main building blocks of west coast style synthesis. I own an Erica Synths Pico System III, and despite it being a compact "higher end of low-budget" synth, it also has two very enjoyable resonant low pass gates that I have found almost irreplacable. I don't know how similar they are to the Black LPG in terms of sound, but they seem similar in function. You should definitely look into multiple types of filter and LPG (including filters that feature a VCA and a filter but offer separate controls, which sounds like it may be something you're into), but the one you have now is theoretically perfectly fine since the complex oscillator offers a variety of timbrial variation options outside of subtractive filtering, and the Erica Synths module does that subtractive filtering anyway.

I agree that two attenuverter modules taking up much space is a lot. One module to consider here is the Happy Nerding 3xMIA, which is very similar to the 321 from Frap Tools except that it has two inputs for each channel, allowing you to either plug two signals in and mix them as well as invert and attenuate them, but still lets you do offsets with any channel that doesn't have a cable plugged in. I had a Frap Tools 321 and while I think it works good, the knobs aren't as fun as they could be and I found I often forgot what was what in terms of the more esoteric functions. The 3xMIA solved both of these things for me. Definitely keep an eye out for other options, though.

Your Befaco Rampage can be patched to be an ADSR, in addition to being two independent AR generators. If you clear out the Black CV Tools, you will have plenty of room to look at a dedicated envelope generator (or even a Mutable Peaks clone with lots of different options to play around with in 4-8 hp - highly recommended as something to look at). However, don't forget that part of the fun of a Rampage or a Maths or a similar Serge type module is that it can do lots of different jobs as long as you don't necessarily need them all at once. When I got my Maths I went through a big list I found of functions and patches for mine to get familiar, and it really keeps me from constantly drooling over modules that do stuff I already have in some form (or makes me more determined to get them once I find I can't get it quite how I want on the function generator).

Your plan works good. My plan might work good. Someone else's plan might work good. Right now, I think going for a filter/lpg and the Rampage (assuming I have understood correctly and you only have the Mindphaser and Niftykeyz currently) next would give you a fully functioning small setup that you could learn a surprising amount of modular basics on and have fun doing so. From there, determining your next move will be much easier, especially if you combine this with researching the different classic module types everyone says you need and figuring out which ones work the best.

EDITED Friday February 13, 19:01

Based on your information the NiftyKeyz will send multiple melodies so you are sorted on that point, even without the mult. So either passive or buffered will work in your case. It also depends on whether you have enough power spots in the case to power all modules including the mult.

I don't think the decay out envelope on the LPG will be all that useful, since it's decay only, not even Attack/Decay. You probably want more complex movement in the filter and also outside it than just decay.

I think I would remove either the Frap Tools 321 or the Erica Synths Black CV Tools, they are kind of in the same ball park. And then use that space for another envelope. If you plan to play the keys a lot rather than just sequencing, you may want to add an ADSR for perfect control. You can then double it to the filter or use another envelope.

For filters, Erica Synths Black Multimode Filter, ThreeTom Modular Steve's MS-22, Tiptop Audio Forbidden Planet or System80 860 (MK1/MK2) are all good choices with the same or lower HP as the LPG at a somewhat similar (secondhand) price. They all have very different flavours.

Hello! Thank you for the feedback. I’vehad such a hard time finding anyone near me to even talk modular. The spring reverb was a random choice because i had rented a MOOG from a loval shop that had a spring reverb in it (I think). I do think it was limiting and maybe not even useful in this set up. I swapped it out with the FX Aid. I swapped the passive mult for a buffered one by Erica Synths. I think that solved a problem or at least gained some functionality. I chose the LPG because it can be used as a VCA or VCF or BOTH.
It also has an envelope generator output for the decay if I understand it correctly. Though I do see the usefulness in a MMF and will do some reading in consideration of making a change there.

Heres a link to the updated layout.
I also included the specs below this for the niftykeyz if you cared to take a look at that.

Mindphaser

Full size 49 key synth-action keybed with aftertouch

4x CV + gate outs - can be split by keyboard zone and used polyphonic or monophonic modes

Useable case area = 112hp for eurorack modules

Power output for modules

+12V - 1500mA

-12V - 1000mA

+5V - 1000mA

Multi-mode arpeggiator

Auto-chord function

Transpose function

Glide control

Swing control

Multi-mode LFO

Clock - internal and external with divider

2x buffered mults

Sustain pedal input controls MIDI and gates

Range of cv outs 1 through 4 = 0-10V

Voltage output gates 1 through 4 - off = 0 on = 5（off = 0 on = 4.65）

Voltage output modwheel/LFO = 1-10V switchable to 0-5V

Voltage output pitchwheel = 1-10V

Voltage output expression = 1-10V

Voltage output velocity = 1-10V switchable to 0-5V

Voltage output aftertouch = 1-10V switchable to 0-5V

Voltage output clock - off = 0 on = 5

Input voltage range of oscillator = 0-10V

Two volume controllable 1/4” ts mono outputs on its rear (mirrored 3.5mm outs on top)

Dedicated control for headphone out with 1/4” headphone jack on its rear

USB MIDI class-compliant - no drivers needed

MIDI in via USB and 5 pin Din

MIDI thru via 5 Pin Din and USB

There's two things that catch my attention here. Other than that, it seems well-rounded. The most-often made mistake with eurorack beginners is a disbalance between audio sources and audio manipulators. You did well on that part.

What I am mostly wondering about is your filter options. You have a LPG (low pass gate) rather than a LPF (low pass filter), a bit of an odd choice. There's videos on Youtube explaining both principles. A module that can do low pass, high pass and band pass filtering will give you more options to play with. But maybe you picked this one on purpose, I'm not familiar with the module and it seems like it can also do normal filtering. Something to think about. If Plaits and Mindphaser are ought to be processed individually, you probably want two filters.

If you really like spring reverb, then go for it. I would not find a great match between Mindphaser and a spring reverb. There's many (cheap or expensive) reverb pedal choices with more flavours of reverb than just springs. I have the Oceans 12 pedal which is the same price as a new assembled Befaco Spring Reverb. Maybe it's overkill for you. EHX Oceans 11 and TC Hall of Fame are cheaper but great options. If you want to keep it in eurorack, the multi-effect unit FX Aid is a popular choice and will give you much more than just reverberation.

One last thing, a passive mult will not copy v/oct melodies. The passiveness will cause a detune to the melody. So you can't mult it to both Mindphaser and Plaits. Maybe there's a solution on the NiftyKeyz, I have no experience with it.

I am even slower but now discontinued them all (except the concepts)

I have Mindphaser and Cre8audios NiftyKeyz. I have loosely plannd the modules I would like to include in the rack with the goal of complimenting the Mindphaser and creating a playable instrument. My question to anyone with more experience than myself is. Am i achieving that goal with this set up? If not what am I missing that is obvious. I want to end up with a playable instrument that can cover most things a monosyth would thanks in advance

Mindphaser

EDITED Thursday February 12, 19:17

I'm enjoying my Bopp and Steve. It's a "Deconstructed Reverb" with parameterized control over 3 different stages that add up to the final reverb effect. And you can insert a pitch shift into any of those stages (or a handful of other places: pitch shift in the delay path can do pretty crazy things).

It's not the most straightforward reverb out there, there's a little learning curve, but it's not a terribly complex module either. The manual is more like a poster than a book, no menus to navigate, very tactile interaction.

Hi,

I'm pretty interested in buying one unit of this module. If someone has one and is thinking of selling it, contact me, please.

Thanks in advance.

davrk1974@gmail.com

Davrk.

What is This,
Ukrainian Style Business ?

For simplicity try a https://modulargrid.net/e/tiptop-audio-zverb-black

Only drawback is that its only mono to stereo, still very good though.

Greetings. I am building my first Eurorack setup, and I am looking for recommedations for a good deep reverb with modulation/detuning. For what it's worth, I have been using VCV Rack for several years now, and my favorite reverb in VCV is the Sapphire Galaxy. I like the sound and simplicity of it. My second favorite in VCV is the Valley Plateau - it's only second because it has a bit more functions than I need usually. Can anyone recommend a hardware reverb that would be similar to either of these?

I'm an old retired man on a fixed income, so a wee bit less expensive would also be a good criteria (say, not more than $300US).

Thanks.

Ron

I have a lot of success with Pique (various makers) which is a 4hp clone of Mutable Instruments Peaks. I almost always use it as a dual envelope generator -- the envelopes are very snappy -- but it can also be a 4-step sequencer, LFOs, or various drum synths. It's an excellent module for a small case.

As an EG its main advantage over Pams is you can tweak the envelope shape quickly and easily by hand... this requires some menu diving in Pams. Also ADSR is available, which Pamela's New Workout doesn't have (I don't know about Pams Pro.)
-- the-erc
The second rack ( @Vondenfunken suggested ) the one with the envy and junction...kinda covers your suggestion with Pique, right?

EDITED Tuesday February 10, 21:37

Pam's got 8 outs you can split and share with everything else.
A pair of Synthrotek MST buffered mults would take 8hp and gives lots of flexibility for all 8 outputs.

The ALM Axon-2 makes working with Pam's so much easier. Knobs and assignable buttons and 4 more inputs!

I did this last year with Pam's and Moog boxes, to learn about Krell patches.

Hi,

I'm pretty interested in buying one unit of this module. If someone has one and is thinking of selling it, contact me, please.

Thanks in advance.

davrk1974@gmail.com

Davrk.

this looks super fun

Hi all, I am a bit slow and only now realized that Malekko Heavy Industry is history. Anyway, should we then not mark all their modules as discontinued. Or what is the preferred handling of such an issue?
Bepp beep
Ron

I would love that, too! (Just look at the mess in my command center ;-)

Indeed , i should consider immediacy and not too much menu dialing with this small case! thank you!

I have a lot of success with Pique (various makers) which is a 4hp clone of Mutable Instruments Peaks. I almost always use it as a dual envelope generator -- the envelopes are very snappy -- but it can also be a 4-step sequencer, LFOs, or various drum synths. It's an excellent module for a small case.

As an EG its main advantage over Pams is you can tweak the envelope shape quickly and easily by hand... this requires some menu diving in Pams. Also ADSR is available, which Pamela's New Workout doesn't have (I don't know about Pams Pro.)

EDITED Tuesday February 10, 03:08

Droid :-)

I would add some effects, a nice delay or any different kind of effect you like; a wavefolder; envelope and LFO module & 1-2 multis. Do you use an external mixer? Pams Pro is always great.

EDITED Monday February 09, 22:53

oh , i like those! ill give it a thought on each one, how it might sound! droney vs rhythm
Thank you!

in this racksize it´s tricky.

I would try something like this:

https://modulargrid.net/e/racks/view/2867251

But better get a bigger rack. It´s to minimal :D

EDITED Monday February 09, 22:47

Hard to decide if i shoukd leave aside for now an envelooe generator...knowing that Pamela can cover all that! if so, what woukd you replace it with?

Marco Bonetti, aka @taryksorb from Bologna, is no longer responding to my follow-ups regarding an amicable refund agreement for a package that has been missing for about a week, even though the international shipment should be automatically insured and therefore reimbursable to him.

I like RYK Envy Maschine

You could just use Pamelas Pro Workout for envelopes.
Its all in there.
Might add a Axon 2 expander or some polarizer

A set of Bela Gliss pairs also well with Vihkk x (might be not so handy for envelopes)

Hello! Intend to build this small case only to build industrial drone phrases , but also rhythmic/percussive gates...therefore i wonder what would you choose for an envelope generator! I intend to use the Pons from Noise Engineering ...i didnt have the chance to try several modules ( EG's)...any other suggestions to fit both droney and percussive territories? I'll have to stick with this case size, unfortunatelly ! I have to use a line level output...especially for headphones

I have a Moog Sound Studio with
* 1 x DFAM
* 2 x Mother 32
* 1 x Subharmonicon
* 1 x Labyrinth

I want to expand this with Eurorack Modules to experiment different modulation sources and I want to add more flexibility. I already bought an additional 60 HP case and an ALM Pamela's Pro Workout. I could expand with another 60 HP case, thats the limit (apart from the money of course). I did put my current ideas in a rack named "Wishlist" but these are just my current thoughts.

Which modules do you think I need to complement my Moog semi-modulars? And why do you think so? I am open to any suggestion.

EDITED Monday February 09, 16:22

Last time I posted a clip with the BIA doing the heavy lifting supported by Bastl Crust. This time it's the other way. The Crust is the bassline, the kick, and the hats. BIA is doing the other percussion, mostly using its "metal" mode.

Pleased that the Crust can do sonic workhorse duties, although I find its sweet spots are a bit harder to locate than BIA. Of course, I thought of a much better way to modulate this after I had recorded it...next time!

id buy one if it wasnt gated by this limited edition bullshit.

Hi there Jukeshoe!

Thanks for taking the time to examine my planned rack!

Let me clarify a bit. These are the modules I currently have, and some of them weren’t the best choices because I don’t really like or use them much:

• A-135-2 Quad VCA / VC Mixer (Doepfer)
• Maths (Make Noise)
• A-143-3 (Doepfer)
• Crush Delay v2 (Befaco)
• A-106-1 (Doepfer)
• Pamela’s NEW Workout (ALM Busy Circuits)
• (Digitakt mk1)

I’ll probably sell the Befaco Crush Delay v2 and the Doepfer A-143-3.

First impression is too many sound sources, filters, and effects, and not enough utilities.

I don’t fully get the first part of this statement. I only have one complex oscillator with two oscillators in it. Okay, it has lots of outputs, but I don’t see how I could or should change that. CS-L seems like a long-term module/investment to me.

About filters: I want to use Polaris as my main filter after the CS-L output. Blades would be used in effects/feedback loops. The Doepfer filter isn’t really necessary, but since I already have one, I can use it creatively in one of the signal paths. I think that the Doepfer filter probably isn’t the best choice as a main filter or in the effects chain.

If you're in love with the effects modules, fine, but I'd rather free up a lot of HP by ditching at least one of the delays and the reverb module in exchange for a smaller multi-fx module such as ALM MFX, Disting mk4 or EX, Happy Nerding FX Aid or FX Aid XL, or the like.

Yep, you’re right! I should get rid of the Crush Delay. I want a dedicated delay and reverb because they’d be useful with the matrix mixer, but maybe a multi-fx instead of a dedicated reverb is a good idea. Thanks for suggesting that!

I'd also get a different output module that gives you more control over panning, crossfading, and volume (e.g., Make Noise X-Pan). This will help funnel your matrix mixer outputs with better control.

Good idea!

I'd think about freeing up space to add utilities such as (in no particular order): more mixing, attenuversion, multiples, switches, noise/random sources, sample & hold, logic, crossfading, etc. I'd also add clock dividers but I think that's mostly covered by Pam’s & Digitakt.

I think with Zadar, Pam’s, and Maths I already have enough modulation sources with built-in attenuation. Still, I’d really appreciate it if you could suggest some concrete modules for the utilities you mentioned (attenuversion, switches, noise/random sources, sample & hold, logic, crossfading). That would make it easier for me to explore the missing functionality in my rack.

Finally, thanks again for taking the time and for the really useful tips!

Cheers,
Denes

First impression is too many sound sources, filters, and effects, and not enough utilities.

Specificially:
Nothing wrong with Doepfer modules, but I'd swap the A-143-3 for a Xaoc Batumi II. Covers everything the A-143-3 can do, plus lots more, in 4 less HP.

If you're in love with the effects modules, fine, but I'd rather free up a lot of HP by ditching at least one of the delays and the reverb module in exchange for a smaller multi fx module such as ALM MFX, Disting mk4 or EX, Happy Nerding FX Aid or FX Aid XL, or the like.

Clouds and Blades are discontinued, and while you might be able to pick them up used, be aware that companies (e.g., Cal Synths) create clones that you can purchase new. Often, these will also save you some space in slightly smaller forms and/or come with additional optional firmware that extends capabilites.

I'd also get a different output module that gives you more control over panning, crossfading, and volume (e.g., Make Noise X Pan). This will help funnel your matrix mixer outputs with better control.

More generally:
I'd think about freeing up space to add utilities such as (in no particular order): more mixing, attenuversion, multiples, switches, noise/random sources, sample & hold, logic, crossfading, etc. I'd also add clock dividers but I think that's mostly like covered by Pam's & Digitakt.

Best of luck!!

Edit: Correction: X Pan is a mixer not an output module...I was thinking XOH, but they're both good modules for funneling several stereo outputs to extermal gear, especially when used together.

EDITED Feb 6th, 21:43

Shakmat Harlequin's Context, Bishop's Miscellany MK2, and Griffin's Claws could all have some Voltage Block overlap

Thank you :D ;D

Im also curious about the Multi Repitor.
The Accents could be nice.

Hi guys!

I’m planning my future rack for hypnotic/dub-ish techno, mainly for leads, risers, textures, pads, and sound exploration/fun. I’d really appreciate your opinions, corrections, and suggestions for better alternatives or fits.

I think a complex oscillator would provide a lot of fun, and I really like its waveshaping capabilities and sound.
I plan to use the Polaris filter as my main filter for the oscillator, and Blades for filtering effects and feedback.

mmMidi would handle syncing with my Digitakt (which provides drums) or sequencing the rack.

I want to use the matrix mixer with these inputs:
* Main sound (oscillators, maybe with one effect)
* Clouds output
* Dual Looping Delay output
* Reverb output

And these outputs:
* Main output to speakers
* Clouds send
* Dual Looping Delay send
* Reverb send

I really like the mixing possibilities this setup offers.

For modulation, I think I have enough free channels from Pam’s, plus 12 free-running LFOs and Maths (also useful for attenuation).

I’m unsure about the number of VCAs, but I think it’s probably okay, more would be nice, but I’m out of space, and I can use the mixer manually for some of that.

TL;DR: Be harsh and rate my rack:)

rack:

EDITED Feb 6th, 13:15

I'm getting the Unrecoverable Boot Error, when running the test, it shows SRAM failure. Module is out of warranty, so I'm considering trying the repair myself. Is there anyone who have successfully fixed this? I'm thinking the SRAM has to be either replaced or reseated.

If you're curious about the kinds of sounds Beads can make, here's a track that makes extensive use of the module. Just vanilla waveforms going in - a lot of distinct clicky sounds, great for percussion

Hi,
does anyone have this one? Can it act as one channel of Blinds?

https://modulargrid.net/e/stochastic-instruments-sig-4-track-stochastic-inspiration-generator
This can do exactly what you're looking for.

The SIG+ Stochastic Inspiration Generator is very live, well made, responsive, and accurate.
And fun. Lots of ghosts in that machine.

Yup, Stolperbeats is right. I don't own one and therefore can't evaluate how it differs from the competition, but I can tell you that almost any digital sequencer on the market right now has some form of microtiming, i.e. per-step swing. I use the Vector sequencer a lot, I'm sure the Hermod family has it, too. All Elektron products have parameter locking, which includes microtiming.
On the Stolperbeats this seems to be solved algorithmically with a single encoder, whereas on the examples I mentioned, you have to edit the swing on each step manually.

Hello,

I remember seeing maybe in 2021-2022 a new (sequencer) module that offered a lot of power for producing heavy swing or heavy groove in Eurorack drum triggering.

I can't for the life of me remember the name of the module, find it, or anything like it presently. I think I recall it was released 2021-2022, was 400-600 ($s, USD) at list price, and in the 24-36HP size range. It was also being marketed for Eurorack-based hiphop and related genres.

Anyone remember that module and/or know of a great current module for acheiving custom & heavy grooves in Eurorack rhythm sequencing?

Thanks folks!

NG

think I found it: Stolperbeats Offgrid Drum Sequencer (https://www.perfectcircuit.com/making-sound-machines-stolperbeats.html) ... hence let's turn the thread from "what was that magic box?" and see if you have any preferred alternatives to Stolperbeats. Thanks!

EDITED Feb 5th, 17:25