First Drone-Ambiant Setup

Hi everyone,

I’ve put together my first Eurorack setup on ModularGrid and would really appreciate your feedback before I start purchasing modules. I'm especially interested in whether the system feels functionally balanced and if you have any suggestions for improvements or alternatives – particularly with regard to flexibility and future expansion.

Use Case:

• I'm aiming for a compact system focused on drone, ambient, and experimental sound design.

• Pamela’s Pro Workout serves as the central clock/modulation hub, and I’d like the option to sync to an external clock (e.g. DAW or hardware).

• I want the ability to mix voices individually and together, and send a stereo output to an external analog mixer.

• The system should work both standalone and integrated into a hybrid setup with DAW or external gear.

Current module list:

• Forge TME Vhikk X – Wavetable Drone Voice

• Jolin TABØR – Percussive/Stochastic Drum Voice

• Befaco STMix (DIY Kit) – 4-channel stereo mixer

• Erica Synths Pico DSP – Compact multi-effect unit

• Mørk Modules Pamela’s Pro Workout (Black Panel) – Clock & Modulation

• Befaco Oneiroi – Ambient voice with internal mixer, VCA, FX

• Erica Synths Black 1HP Blank

My questions:

• Do you think this setup covers the basics well for my use case?

• Are there any obvious gaps (e.g. utilities, modulation sources, VCAs, mixer channels)?

• Would you replace or add any modules to improve sound design flexibility, modulation depth, or performance usability?

Any thoughts or insights – long or short – are more than welcome.

Thanks a lot in advance!

Best regards,
Helmut

Hi Helmut,
In my opinion, Oneroi and Forge are too much for the size of the setup.
But considering that you'll need a lot more modulation than Pamela provides, I wouldn't hesitate to start with Oneroi and add, for example, a Marbles (Random CV) or a Zadar (4xenvelope generator).
Although I have one, and given its size, it's a good module, I don't think you'll notice the Pico DSP too much with the Oneroi.
My advice, if you haven't bought anything yet, is to get the Oneroi first and then see what you need. Oneroi is a huge instrument on its own.
Best regards,
ferran

I agree with Ferranadsr, start with the Oneroi and a modulation source: WMD javelin, or a MN maths work great.

the oneiroi don't need modulations but to have its looper feeded (even an old fm radio is suffisant ,a vhikk will be far better:)

i dont think the vhikk is made for go along with rythmes or maybe with very strong or very particulars ones(the tabor seem strange enough ,to be seen)but he need effects(oneiroi)and modulations(pamela?)

in term of notes and modulations,to tame the vhikk for conventional rythmic sound designs without specific tools will be difficult and even useless ,for anything else it will be good

and why the pico dsp? the oneiroi already have good effects who are also an integral part of its design

That set will certainly make nice dronish beeps for days.
More deep than wide, but it's gonna do that one kind of patch really well.
Box of fun. Build it!

EDITED Oct 9th, 23:20