Hi,
I'd value your opinions on my proposed first modular.
I've only experience in DAW's and the odd beatbox. I really want my first modular to be a decent set up so I'm not needing to upgrade the case etc. I'm lookimg for somethimg similar to a beatbox as sequencing is my thing.
I'm. bit confused to what utility modules I need, and if im missing anything vital. As you can see, I have a few slots available :-)
Love the rack, you pu some thought in it!
Get a few LFOs and some more envelope. Math would serve you well or the quad envelope by intellijel. You might wanna get their quad VCA too sincethe have it in 1u. You got the sealegs, so I do not know why you need the springray. Maybe a choice of taste? If you want more flexibility on effects get an FX aid, can't do nothing wrong there. Some random sources, DivKid RND (and OCHD LFO) might be neat. If you want to be flexible on CV because you do not know where the journey takes you consider Pamelas new workout or Octocontroller. Where do you mix your signals?
That is my humble opinion anyways :)
Thank you very much for your advice!
i've taken your ideas on board and made some mods. The Intellijel VAC 1u was only available in dual rather than quad so I added that. I still have a few spaces left :-)
Anything else younwould recommemd to fill the slots?
I think you made a good decision with the changes.
Recently I am thinking to switch my 909 Hats for the Erica Cymbals. They are super versitile and produce very decent hats as well. I use the Modbase Kick for the booom but if I did not have it already I would probably go for the Entity Kick.
Seriously get a DivKid RND STEP. It gives constant modulation and is great to keep voices alive, especially drums imho. It is doing its thing in every patch and track I make. Attenuators help keep it in a reasonable range (Quad Atten or Junction, but you might wanna go for a 1u version).
I reconsidered one of my advices. Pamelas Workout is great , but it is a complex module that needs deep diving to use it imo. Since this is your first system, I would highly recommend cutting complexity where possible. Might wanna go for a Batumi II or a 4ms pingable quad LFO. This is a very personal opinion though.
When I bought my first system I was pretty overwhelmed (though it took me years to actually acknowledge that). Every module has so much potential and funktions, endless possibilitys but I always ended up doing the same things or I got stuck at complexer and menu heavier modules and it interrupted my flow.
My philosophy now is to avoid menus and have everything at the surface and the tip of my Fingers, it is immidiate and more fullfilling. Pamela is great, especially in smaller systems, but it might be a brick in yours for the start.
You dont need the scope :) Its just a gimmic imo.
A Midi connection I recommend strongly if you plan to arange and edit in the DAW so the DAW can be your master clock.
Most importantly: A system is never finished. There will be constant change so do not be afraid to buy th "wrong" module, you can always sell again. You will find your prefrences and those will change with time. Enjoy the ride :)
That said, I am curious to hear it when its done.
Fantastic advice, thank you so much.
Ok, I've made a few mods and made things fit ;-)
I'm not sure about the forms filter I've added?
See what you think.
You still need the Midi Jacks from them actually, they connect on the back.
I love the big knobs! Check out the Ikarie Filter though. Everyone is crazy about it these days. It has stereo capabilitys and a built in VCA. This could pair well with the AUX and OUT of your Plaits and the Quadra. Or maybe the Dual Dagger Stereo Filter. This has a HP filter that also processes the signal. That way you can already cut some of the low end and have a cleaner mix/patch. The Ikarie has an HP too though, I do not have the funds atm so i did not go into it too deeply. But I will get either of those next year probably.
Great, I used the dual dagger as this was silver (I know lol)
I wasn't sure what you meant about the midi, so I used the left over 2u on a midi module
I know what you mean about the funds The calculated price is shocking! and that's without a case. I was thinking of the "Too many synths 10u" case.
So I would buy the case and the minimum of modules first and then add them as funds allow.
https://modulargrid.net/e/intellijel-%C2%B5midi-jacks
this I mean.
As for a case, you can go a lot cheaper DIY. Check out my "SUITCASE". it is literally a 20€ suitcase from ebay. I screwed three rails in from exploding shed and used a power module with flying busboard. Costed less than 200€. You can just buy a few rails and build a box around it in any way. On the other side: If you spend 5k for a system, 10 percent for a decent case seems alright too. Some good stuff on ETSY.
A few minor details, if you haven't purchased any of these yet: Quadra is probably best swapped with the newer version Quadrax. Plaits may be better in micro version aka uPlaits (check out Cal synths or the like), same thing, slightly smaller. The Quadra and Plaits may otherwise be harder to track down or be used vs. new. IF that matters to you, may not. :)
My gut feelings, take it or leave it, is a 2nd sequencer may be a tad much in this setup?
In my humble opinion, can't go wrong with a Quadrax/QuadVCA/Plaits (or uPlaits)/Batumi setup. Covers VCA, mixing, envelops, random sources (random lfos from Quadrax, Batumi), LFOs (Batumi & Quadrax).
And plaits is obv a classic.
Best luck!!!!
*Edit: Make sure Batumii II vs. the first one...best to go with the newer versions...
“You must have chaos within you to give birth to a dancing star.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche
Excellent, thank you. I didn't realise about the alternative models, so I will swap them out :-)
One handy feature of the Module Finder feature is the dropdown option for "Product Lifecycle."
You can weed out discontinued or prototype modules by selecting "Currently Available."
Best wishes!!!
“You must have chaos within you to give birth to a dancing star.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche
I'm confusimg myself by keep changing modules but I thought I would rationalise on sequencimg by just going for the vector.
What do you think of this? I'm not sure about squid sample or chords, and am I missimg anything?
