again, nobody is really replying, so i am going to give "claude 3.5 sonnet" the last word: ...

{claude_text}

Fascinating challenge! Let me break this down:

TOTAL SCORES (out of 50):
1. FOOLYCOOL: 39/50 - Versatile, performance-ready system
2. SIMPLESOUNDS: 43/50 - Extremely well-rounded and capable
3. SAMPLESCIENCE: 37/50 - Unique but somewhat specialized
4. MONOPHONYRIG: 39/50 - Focused and expressive

ENSEMBLE SCORE: 46/50

The fascinating aspect of these four systems playing together is how they naturally fall into distinct musical roles while having enough overlap to create interesting dialogues. Let me elaborate:

ENSEMBLE ANALYSIS:

  1. Natural Role Distribution:

- FOOLYCOOL with its Demon Core could provide harmonic foundation and pad textures
- SIMPLESOUNDS could handle lead melodic lines and rhythmic structures
- SAMPLESCIENCE would excel at textural and conceptual elements
- MONOPHONYRIG could work as a bass voice or solo instrument

  1. Rhythmic Considerations:
    Even without shared clock, this could work beautifully in several contexts:

- Free jazz/improvised music: The independence would be an advantage
- Ambient/drone: Natural drift between systems could create interesting phasing
- Structured pieces: Each system has enough internal timing to maintain independent rhythmic structures

  1. Musical Genre Possibilities:

EXPERIMENTAL/AVANT-GARDE:
- The quad Phonogene setup could create Stockhausen-like tape music elements
- Plasma Voice could provide Pierre Henry-style electronic textures
- Similar to early Columbia-Princeton Electronic Music Center works

AMBIENT/DRONE:
- Reminiscent of Tangerine Dream's multiple-synthesizer approach
- Could achieve Terry Riley-style layered minimalism
- Demon Core's polyphony could create Harold Budd-like harmonic beds

TECHNO/ELECTRONIC:
- Multiple sequencing options allow for Steve Reich-style phasing
- Could achieve Autechre-like rhythmic complexity
- Mordax DATA visualization adds performance aspect

  1. Ensemble Dynamics:

Strengths:
- Each system has independent mixing (Cosmix/Bluebox)
- Visual feedback (Mordax DATA) helps coordination
- Multiple touch interfaces (Mini Horse, Touchplate) allow expressive playing
- Independent modulation sources prevent "sameness"

Challenges:
- Pitch coordination without CV sharing
- Need for visual cues between performers
- Potential frequency masking between Demon Core and Taiga
- Managing four independent reverbs/delays

  1. Historical Parallels:

- Similar to early Musique Concrète ensembles
- Reminds me of League of Electronic Musical Urban Robots (LEMUR)
- Elements of Sonic Arts Union's approach
- Could achieve Grateful Dead "Space" segment-style improvisation

  1. Performance Strategies:

Could work well as:
- Structured improvisation with cued sections
- Aleatoric composition with timed events
- Drone-based pieces with emerging/submerging elements
- Rhythmic pieces using visual cues for synchronization

The combination particularly reminds me of:
- Early Mother Mallard's Portable Masterpiece Company
- AMM's electronic experiments
- Musica Elettronica Viva's approach
- Current Richard Devine performances

  1. Practical Considerations:

Would benefit from:
- Visual sight lines between performers
- Agreed-upon hand signals
- Basic structural agreements (who starts/ends sections)
- Frequency range assignments

The ensemble could excel in:
- Gallery installations
- Extended live performances
- Studio improvisations
- Structured composition performances

The diversity of sequencing approaches (Bloom's fractals, Rene's Cartesian, Tukra's triggers, Brainstep's brain) could create fascinating polyrhythmic structures even without synchronization, similar to Steve Reich's "Piano Phase" but with much more complex possibilities.

This combination could really shine in situations where electronic music meets free improvisation, similar to what AMM achieved but with modern technology. The multiple sampling capabilities combined with pure synthesis and unique controllers like the Plasma Voice could create a sound palette reminiscent of both early electronic music pioneers and current experimental electronic artists.

Would you like me to elaborate on any of these aspects or explore other musical directions this ensemble could take?

{end_claude_text}

...

thread over. yall can go home now, lol.

...

peace. ✌️


((btw. just as a demo.))

this is what "claude 3.5 sonnet" generates almost instantly free of all and any charge:

{claude_text}

Not too much at all! I'll analyze each system, considering them as complete instruments. I'll evaluate each one on the 5 criteria you mentioned (1-10 scale) and add relevant comments.

  1. FOOLYCOOL SYSTEM:

- Playability: 7/10 (Good hands-on control with Brainstep and sequencing options)
- Modularity: 8/10 (Nice mix of voice, modulation, and effects)
- Desirability: 8/10 (Demon Core is a sought-after module)
- Cohesion: 7/10 (Good signal flow from sequencing through mixing)
- Novelness: 9/10 (Scrooge + Demon Core make this unique)
Comments: Strong focus on digital synthesis with analog mixing. The Demon Core setup with expander provides massive polyphony. Nice performance orientation with Cosmix Pro.

  1. SIMPLESOUNDS SYSTEM:

- Playability: 9/10 (Excellent sequencing options with Rene + Tukra)
- Modularity: 8/10 (Well-rounded selection of modules)
- Desirability: 9/10 (High-end modules throughout)
- Cohesion: 9/10 (Very thoughtful signal path)
- Novelness: 8/10 (Plasma Voice adds unique character)
Comments: Exceptional sequencing capabilities. The combination of Plasma Voice and Clouds offers unique textural possibilities. Strong modulation with Ochd + Tempi.

  1. SAMPLESCIENCE SYSTEM:

- Playability: 7/10 (Touch control via Mini Horse is nice)
- Modularity: 6/10 (Somewhat limited by 4x Phonogene focus)
- Desirability: 7/10 (Phonogene quartet is interesting)
- Cohesion: 8/10 (Clear focus on sample manipulation)
- Novelness: 9/10 (Quad Phonogene setup is very unique)
Comments: Clearly focused on sample manipulation with four Phonogenes. Bluebox integration makes it studio-ready. Interesting performance setup with Mini Horse.

  1. MONOPHONYRIG SYSTEM:

- Playability: 9/10 (Touchplate + dual joysticks!)
- Modularity: 6/10 (Limited by size of Taiga)
- Desirability: 8/10 (High quality components)
- Cohesion: 9/10 (Very focused monophonic setup)
- Novelness: 7/10 (Traditional but well-executed)
Comments: Clear focus on monophonic synthesis with great hands-on control. Taiga provides a complete voice, while Bloom adds generative possibilities. Excellent visualization with Mordax DATA.

Would you like me to elaborate on any particular aspect of these systems?

{end_claude_text}

...

i am sure the 'devs' here can imagine what instant responses like that could do for this site if that was built in, and i really feel 'its time' for a strict functional site overhaul too.

...

'you can ignore this comment. claude demo.'

...

peace out, modular grid. ✌️🙃✌️.


sorry. i made a mess of my own thread last time. i want to start over, cleanly, now, etc.

i would like you to consider each one of these four as a standalone instrument and comment on how performable and modular they seem, and give each a score from 1-10.

ModularGrid Rack

ModularGrid Rack

ModularGrid Rack

ModularGrid Rack

im looking for feedback on general design,

and how useful you would find them. ✌️✌️


and, then i designed two more self contained instruments, just for fun, less sure of these 2.

ModularGrid Rack

ModularGrid Rack

peace. ✌️


Is this instrument primarily used as a sound mangler, or do you have other intentions/goals for it, as well?

Just for future consideration, I make copies of my racks before posting a comment. That way, even if you play around with the rack later, the version associated with the comment will stay the same. Makes it easier to comment on your rack without providing obsolete advise.

Speaking of which, I typed the below out before seeing that you actually did add a number of utilities. That being said, I'll say it anyways and risk being a dead-horse beater. Utilties. It's hard to understand how cool and useful they are until you play around with them and see what they can do. To that end, I highly recommend the micro Ornaments & Crime (particualy with the Hemisphere firmware loaded). Really gives you a great selection of utility options in only a few hp and only a bit of menu diving. Getting one really opened up my rack when I was just starting. Once you identify what type of utilities you use frequently, you can buy a dedicated module. I see that you have the 3xMIA and 3xMIX (I love the 3XMIA, just wish it had a detent at 0), but as you spend time with the hobby, you'll see what other options there are and what they can do.

Next, lets talk signal flow. You've got two cases, are they side by side or on top of each other? How do you want the signal to travel around the system? Some people feel it doesn't matter (since it's modular after all), but I'm a visual person and like to have my signal go generally left to right /up to down. Thinking about how the signal will move through your system may help you realize where there are gaps in function.

Hope some of my rambles are useful. Anyways, good luck!


Unplug all modules from the power bus. Reconnect the modules one by one. This might help identify if a specific module is causing the noise. If you find the source, consider using a "Noise Killer Plug" on the problematic module: https://www.midi-hardware.com/?section=prod_info&product=NKP

-- modular01

Oh my goodness. I've never heard of these but oh wow they seem useful. Thanks for teaching me something new today!


Why not just use a cv modulatable panner?
Or 2 vca's and invertor?


Read on modwiggler about an mpc and a disting combo u might want to check out.
Basically turning mpc into mixer and effects and the disting acting as class compliant 8 in/out to interface with modular


Is the noise persistent even if u pull back all the gain on your modules?
I mean ... i see a stereo preamp, a timewarp distortion and a mix buss distortion before a mod2line convertor.
That to me sounds like a potential gainstaging problem.


Isn't having pamela, trigger riot, ER101 and the tubbutec sequencer a bit overkill here?
Also ..... u seem to have crammed too much in the 1U row.
I'd like to see more vca's, mixers, attenuvertors, eg's etc


If you have any idea what it could be, I'd love to hear from you.
-- Hoggres

I don’t have a definitive solution, but I do have a few suggestions to consider:

Approach 1:

Unplug all modules from the power bus. Reconnect the modules one by one. This might help identify if a specific module is causing the noise. If you find the source, consider using a "Noise Killer Plug" on the problematic module: https://www.midi-hardware.com/?section=prod_info&product=NKP

Approach 2:

Take a loose wire and connect one end to the rail of your Eurorack and the other end to the casing of your other equipment (e.g., audio interface, amplifier) or any component involved in your audio signal chain.

Approach 3:

Start by simplifying your audio path to isolate the issue.

Begin with the simplest setup: Eurorack -> amplifier.
Gradually add components: Eurorack -> audio interface -> amplifier. Adapt this sequence based on your actual setup.

Approach 4:

Try using a different sound system. Take your rack to a friend’s place and test it there. If the noise is absent, there might be a device in your home setup (e.g., a refrigerator) causing interference. Rotating power plugs by 180 degrees might help (if your country uses reversible power plugs).

Personal Experience:

I have a "WMD Performance Mixer Mk1" that produced significant noise through my speakers. After connecting this module to a different power supply in my rack (I have eight Meanwell RT-65B units), the noise disappeared. Replacing the Meanwell RT-65B made no difference. This suggests that certain module combinations within the same power supply can create noise issues.

Good luck!


I'd like to restate what HGsynth say's in his last point
Need more vca's, eg's, mixers and utilities and probably an extra filter.


hey @marc 11

maybe i cant read your mind, but i dont really see how to put those modules to work together to compose a full track, t.b.p.h..

in another thread, i posted 2 designs i have for what im thinking of as total self contained production solutions. maybe, they might inspire some ideas, or perhaps you might decide to 'buy one of my designs' for yourself, as i dont think there is any way to 'own' proprietary case arrangements, 'etc'.

either way, here are my two designs from another thread that i think might be closer in final result to what you may be thinking:

ModularGrid Rack

ModularGrid Rack

peace. ✌️


hmm, if you are accepting audio in, maybe a strymon magneto could give you some more effects options if say you were inputting some kind of sampled material that could use some more treatment to fit the mix.

just an idea. peace out. ✌️✌️

(edit)

oh, i see, there are more modules there than always load all the time. i was seeing more gaps than are there. site is glitching for me. never mind this whole comment, etcetera.

✌️


So i i've recently acuired a second rackbrute.
This next setup is what i am working towards.
Anyone here got any comments/suggestion they would like to share?

ModularGrid Rack

I have a quadrantid swarm, a behringer neutron and grind on the side as well


@hgsynth

the goal is like all in one band in a box, where i could make a hip hop beat, d&b style arrangements, ambient drones, and spontaneous melodic improvisations, etc, that includes interesting textures, a full sound, and ability to play with modulations and dynamics.

i do not have a keystep or any other gear. i am a design-head, without any modular funds, presently. both main designs posted have lfos, the loki comes with its own vca, envelope, and filter, and i was playing around with the idea of creating a deeply complex tone, where modulations followed a chorded pattern, on the first rack posted, but i realized i had some naive notions about what modules did, so now the chord is just a 4th melodic voice with cv coming from the brainstep or keystep.

i just would like some general comments about the idea of setting up one rack once in such a way to allow maximum creative potential into the future that can provide a unique sound and enough to fill a full mix.

its not so complex what im trying to do if you just think in terms of lead / bass / rhythm / drums, and then the question becomes, have i given myself enough sequencing controls to 'compose' almost on the fly?

also, the second design is meant to explore off kilter polyrhythms using the tempi to manually set different tempos etc. ... ... ... which maybe might seem more modular, like... each module is on its own manually input and alterable clock, using the op ned to create multiple out of synch arpeggios in the same scale, contrasted to a performable melody on the rene, as syncopated notes.

what id say im really going for is unique performance options. id really like some more feedback on how well yall think that is working on those. claude 3.5 gave the first rack i posted an 8/10 btw. peace out. peace.

✌️✌️✌️


A few thoughts.

  1. Add a link to your post rather than a jpg so we can go to your rack directly and see the modules.
  2. Rack size. You're asking to do quite a lot in one small rack. What case do you have, or are you still looking? Unless you have the rack already, your should go bigger than you think you need. You're gonna expand, no doubt about it.
  3. Drums. Unfortunately, it's probably going to be a lot more cost-effective to do drums out of the rack. However, it's by no means impossible to do them in rack (I often do), it just it typically takes a good deal of patching and hp to make them work as fully as outboard gear.
  4. Modulators and utilities. Can't be overstated how useful these are in bringing the system together. Think of them as the framing pieces that allow you to use your bigger ticket items. In my opinion, these are what make modular systems distinct from other synthesizers - gaining access to the usually hidden circuitry and allowing for unusual and sound-warping signal paths. This subject has been talked about a bunch on here, so I'd definitely search forums for deeper discussions.

Hope these help!


Sorry you're not getting feedback. Mind clarifying a few points?

  • What's the overall goal with this? Is is for FM drones and harmonies, or is this a rhythm instrument, or supposed to be an all-in-one type of instrument?
  • You say you have a keystep pro. Do you have any other outboard gear you're using with this?
  • How much of this do you already own, versus just planning to get? Do have a case yet?

Admittedly, I'm not personnaly familiar with most of your modules, and I'm overall entirely confused by the Tukra, so my feedback is only general. However, I'm not seeing much in the way of modulators and core utilities (vcas, LFOs, attenuators, inverters, offsets, etc...). Maybe your modules can cover some of these functions (the Tukra looks like it might be able to do some of this). However, utilities are the glue that actually tie the big-ticket items together into a singular instrument and shouldn't be overlooked. If you do have hp to spare, I think it might behoove you to add some. The ones I mentioned above should be the main focus, but there are plenty of interesting circuits out there that can add surprising magic to your patching (I simply adore comparators and sample and holds). However, like I said, I'm not overly familiar with this suite of modules, so maybe I'm not seeing some functionality.

Maybe others who know these modules better can add on. Good luck with your modular journey!


i cant seem to get any feedback. maybe yall will like this design better? link: ... ... ... ... ...

ModularGrid Rack

maybe ill remember to check back in a couple days. my notifications dont work.

peace. ✌️

(edit)

i hate to say it, but this site is very glitchy.

etc.

((edit))

switched a few modules. updated now.


Sorry you're having this trouble. Nothing mutes the joy of music making quite like a tech issue. I don't have any solutions, but bumping this in case more people will comment with ideas; it would suck for you to get this close to enjoying modular only to be stymied by annoying noise.

Though I don't have solutions, I do have a few thoughts.
* Is your audio coming through clean, but also has this noise, or is the audio itself distorted?
* Can you describe your external interface situation / what is the outboard mixer?
* What are you runnning your pre-amp module into / at what point are you introducing the balanced cables?
* Do you have a recording of the sound? Maybe one of the more keen-eared electrically minded folks here can identify it.
* Output module - I'm not familiar with your output module, and I certainly don't mean to bad-mouth a company I'm not familiar with, but perhaps it's introducing some noise? Also, it's description on the manufacturing page says that it's main use is to go from line level (significantly lower signal) to eurorack level (significantly higher signal). If you're already putting a eurorack level signal in there and adding gain, I'd imagine some noise or distortion would be introduced.

  • Though I hate to suggest buying another thing, it might be worth trying a different output module, one that can attenuate the eurorack level signal, rather than add gain. What type depends on your workflow and what you're looking for. I'm familiar with the Expert Sleepers' ES-9 and Happy Nerding's Isolator, both of which I can recommend as being clean, but are very different. I've also heard excellent things about the cleanliness of the sound of Joranalogue's Transmit 2 and Frap Tools' CGM/mixer series. All of those directly interface with guitar / balanced cables and may make your system a little more streamlined.

Hope some of this is useful. Best of luck getting to the music making soon!


ok. i stopped being lazy and did a deep dive on the qu-bit chord, and it turns out it basically does what i wanted from the start completely self contained. so, i have 4 voices in the brainstep and 4 osc modules, plus a hypothetical keystep pro, so i think this is all playable as is. i just got a little antsy replying to myself when no one else was. can anyone please give some feedback about using this rack as a performance instrument? thanks.

peace. ✌️


also, i cant seem to finally clear this up:

does anyone know, the fm ins on the demon core expander, i know they are 1v/oct, but do they represent frequency parameters, or intensity parameters? cant find that info.

i know there exist possible techniques to create arbitrary overtones with fm tech, but is that what those ins do, or are there 4 'set' fm presets that you change the intensity of?

kind of techy, but i wonder if anyone knows.

thanks for anyone reading. peace. ✌️✌️✌️


what i was thinking about:

lets say i want 1 fm voice, where you can alter harmonic overtones using some kind of root note and chord type selector, like where chord choice alters tamber more than just adding more voices, like, where you can have a cv sequence and select some kind of tone parameter that seems chord like, does anyone have any idea how to do that in eurorack? i already know how i would ho about trying to build this in pd, etcetera.

...

but just, maybe, if anyone is still reading this, just give some feedback on 1st post.

...

thx. ✌️


also, if the devs read all the posts...

"claude 3.5 sonnet" can give really helpful modular advice already, and free credits are available. maybe consider a new feature that leverages llms to give direct feedback?

i dont seem to be able to post into the 'modulargrid' section for some reason.

just think instant ai feedback where you could converse with your racks and patches right from inside the forum would be a really cool feature. replies feel slow, etc.

just an idea. peace out. ✌️


Plaits firmware 1.2 has a decent string machine emulation along with a good chord mode.


gah, im making a mess accidentally.

what are yalls thoughts on a "chord v3" that has a toggle for cv mode, and the linear fm in turns into a clock in for arp out of mix?

am i the only one that would find this useful?

also, do any of yall have any type of information at all about single osc fm voices that take in multiple cv notes? ive played around a lil with original fm paths in pd, but like, are there any single voices yall know where you feed in chorded note cv? thx...


so, i somewhat recreated the signal path i thought the chord already provided. link:

ModularGrid Rack

any suggestions on how to recreate a similarly styled synth voice with less?

i wish this place was more active, but "claude 3.5 sonnet" does give instant feedback, just so yall know and you can ger a good number of free credits per day.

i wish someone would give some feedback.

peace out. ✌️

(edit)

or, suggest any ways i have not thought of to use a chord generator to modulate just the harmonics of essentially a single voice. etc.

just looking for feedback. peace. ✌️


oops, i thought the chord output cv. not really paying full attention. that kind of messes with the whole design. hmm, anyone know of a module that will take in one cv and output 4 chorded cvs? does that exist?

i guess this kinda still works as is, but i wanted more cv options for other oscs.

found a flaw in my own design.

etc. ... peace. ... ... ...

(edit)

oof. i was thinking about modulating the demon core fm with chorded cv, but i realize now, too, that those are fm amount ins, not fm frequency select ins. btw "claude 3.5 sonnet" is really good at working through this stuff if you copy paste the spec sheet. i just realized my whole ida is flawed. oh well.

...

feel free to comment on the general idea of a single rack case configuration that can be patched to fulfill on a variety of final sonic territory without needing to swap modules.

like, almost a personal daw replacement etc.

but yeah 'claude' spotted a problem i missed.

maybe i should delete. idk. peace out. ✌️


hey, im not on here all day, and i only use this website for fun (i like designing things) but i got some negative feedback on my '4 case everything system' i posted to this forum, so, i am back with a 2 row 100hp system, that again, i am thinking of as a total production solution. feedback, please. imagine i have a keystep pro, too. link:

ModularGrid Rack


Whats the best Modules for Strings Sounds, Solina/Streichfett Style?
Thanks!


Here is my case :)

!


Hi guys,

As I'm new to the world of modulars, I've just bought a beautiful case from Eowave (https://www.modularsquare.com/fr/shop/eowave/6u-studio-case-104hp-power-supply-2/).

After all my modular dreams had finally come true, a few problems brought me back to the harsh reality of all the technical adjustments to be made before actually making music.

The source of all my misery is a noise that is present all the time and is loud enough to be heard on the recording. I've tried various things to remedy this problem:

1) I changed my speaker cables so that they were balanced.

2) I then thought it was a ground loop problem. So I bought a box (https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B0CQC7P7WD?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title) that reduced the noise. But it's still there.

3) Then I thought the noise was coming from my old mixer so I bought a new one. It didn't change the problem.

4) Finally, I'd been told that the Eowave power supply that came with my case (https://modulargrid.net/e/eowave-source-d-energie) wasn't great quality and could be causing noise. So I bought the Behringer CP1-A power supply module (https://modulargrid.net/e/behringer-cp1-a). But the noise is still there.

I'm running out of solutions to this problem and I'm beginning to despair.

I know the problem is with my modular system because the other machines I plug in and record are not producing any noise. I've also made sure that I respect the limitations of my power supply.

If you have any idea what it could be, I'd love to hear from you.

Cheers,

Hoggres


Why can alternative panels be uploaded to the lib without being a module?
It's a bit annoying, kinda cluttering the library.

My music on Bandcamp - Instagram - YouTube


When the world feels dark and confusing, I turn to music. Hope, I believe, is like a muscle—you can train it. And in times like these, we need that strength more than ever.
We all need something to fuel our fire, something to inspire us to keep going. For me, that is making music, and especially with my modular synth. Creating keeps me going. It gives me hope. And I hope my music can bring you some light, too. We need music now more than ever—something to bring us together.

Raaf


Exploring the new-ish module from Addac: Swell Physics. A brief explanation of the module, followed by two stereo patches (headphones recommended).


Just want to chime in with more love for the O&C, I keep two in my rack and they're both running the hemispheres firmware, which is even less menu-ey plus gives you access to a ton of simple utilities. Plus you can run two at a time (or the shift register can utilize all four channels). Super easy to switch from quantizer to logic to S&H to comparitor to envelope to chaotic modulation or whatever you need in the moment. Cheers!
-- Progspiration

Here here! Luckily, O&C was one of the earlier modules I got, so it really shaped my thinking about building my rack, as well as introducing me to the possibilities of generative music. Definitely a worthwhile module for those looking for a swiss army knife style tool. Even though mine is now pretty dedicated to a specific job and not as prominant in my rack, I still end up using it in most of my patches. Cheers to you, as well!


Just want to chime in with more love for the O&C, I keep two in my rack and they're both running the hemispheres firmware, which is even less menu-ey plus gives you access to a ton of simple utilities. Plus you can run two at a time (or the shift register can utilize all four channels). Super easy to switch from quantizer to logic to S&H to comparitor to envelope to chaotic modulation or whatever you need in the moment. Cheers!


  1. Musical goals are really just learning more. I have some Elektron boxes, an Arturia Minifreak, Moog subharmonicon, and the Moog grandmother. Modular has inspired me through the unique interactions with the instrument and with the modules themselves. I love surprising myself, realizing new sounds or patterns I can get with interesting patching I hadn't thought of before, and learning more about deeper functions.
  2. Yes on those suggestions! I had been thinking about a matrix mixer because I know hardly anything about them, but it seems like another one of those "possibilities are endless" tools. I will check out the T-43. I had been trying to stay away from O&C just because I want to do less menu-diving....although I know it's an amazing jack of all trades.

-- greg0hh

Interesting note about reducing redundancy. Totally makes sense when hp is precious, however, don't be so quick to remove some of it, redundancy can be really useful as a patch grows (as they always do) from few cables to a full on spaghetti monster. Some people prefer single-function-per-module, but I like the depth of a module that can be used/misused in multiple ways. It's one of the reasons I'm such a superfan of Joranalogue, for example. No unitaskers there (shoutout to vintage Alton Brown), and such deep functionality.

Speaking of which, have you checked out the Compare 2 Practical User's guide yet? It's linked on the Joranalogue website. Really well illustrated and comprehensive patching guide to deeper functions on the Compare 2. Similarly, the now classic Maths Illustrated Supplement, available online, will provide path demonstrations for a bunch of functionality.

Other possible utilities that I've used to support interesting interactive patching are routers like Joranalogue's Switch 4, Doepfer's A-182-1 switched multiple, and Instruo's tain cv controlled switch. Also, I just love sample and hold circuits (After Later's SHTH is great and only 2 hp), so useful.

Totally understand the menu-diving hesitancy; it's not a dynamic way to interact with the system. Though to be fair, the o_c only has two levels to it's menu. It's super-useful in a pinch for smaller racks and gives good exposure to a host of potential uiltiies so you can try them before you buy a module. As the rack grows it gets somewhat less helpful, however, and for me at this point it's a dedicated quantizer and shift register. I barely touch the menu anymore. However, if you're not into menus, it's definitely skippable; your rack looks like it would be fun to play just fine regardless.

Hope this is useful and have fun!


  1. How are you triggering/sequencing the Rample and Cursus? Do you have an outboard sequencer?
  2. You have a triple VCA, but no envelopes or other modulation to drive it. With only one oscillator that requires a VCA and a dual LPG it seems useless.
  3. Doepfer stuff is great but 20 HP for a performance mixer in such a small case is probably overkill.

Brighton UK :-)


Where are you located?


Not a bad start. A few things jump out:
* VCAs - it seems to be a universal truth that you always need at least one more VCA than you currently have available. You'll need more, particularly if you want to start adding motion to your signals at mutiple parts of the signal path. Additionally, your fx modules and final mixer are stereo, how cool if you had enpugh VCAs for stereo signal management?
* LFOs - batumi is a wonder in a small package, and I hear that version 2 is even better. Zadar though can also do some pretty complex waveforms, but I think I would want to go with a dedicated LFO personally. In addition to batumi, consider the ochd and it's expander from Divkid/Instruo. Small footprint, but quite organic feeling motion and the expander packs some cool funtions.
* Attenuators - You'll want to tame the lfos and any other cv, particularly if you enjoy random voltages. VCAs can also work for this, if you had them to spare.

Other things to consider if you find you have the space:
* Matrix mixer (Doepfer a-138m is what I'm familiar with but there are several out there) - great for blending signals (both uni- and bipolar) and super useful for feedback. The only downside is the hp, but there are other matrix mixers out there with smaller footprints.
* Sample and hold - I just love these circuits and find them so useful. That's all.
* Comparator - Same. Specifically the Joranalogue Compare 2.
* Crossfader - WMD axys (stereo) or even the Joranalogue Morph 4 (mono). Might be useful for drones.

Hope this is useful. Best of luck!


Do you already have any of these? Yes: Metropolix, Atlantix. Constellation, pam's, quad vca. have a math's envelope wise, but gonna put that in another case, because it's too big for tis one.
-- Zacksname


looking to make techno. i want the option to sequence either in the box or via external midi controller. I want drums, bass, and random weirdo synth sounds. does this rack look right??


Hello I'm kinda new to this stuff but I'd love an honest opinion on what is missing here. I'm looking for typical techno distorted noise just to clarify. Thank you!


Hi everyone, first time asking for feedback so appreciate your time in advance.

I am a music producer, have been working in the box for over 6 years or so with a classical piano background.

I'm actually so thrilled with the unit I've put together so far - it's exceeded my expectations on even just basic resampling, sample chopping, and otherwise providing me a perspective on old tracks and new.

I love happy accidents, and that happens with controls that I'm not familiar with (non-keyboards) and strange CV combinations that I can record and reharmonize with down the line. I often reroute my signal flow between the Morphagene, Mimeophone, and the Panharmonium to chew up the sound to something completely different than what goes in.

ModularGrid Rack
https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_2689653.jpg

However, I am still very new to modular in general, and would love to get perspective on odd modules or other interesting ideas on modular for resampling and resynthesis (I saw the Make Noise one, but not a huge fan of the spectraphon sounds). I have an extra Tiptop HEK for around 80 HP as well.

I am very much not interested in performing with this live, mono synthesis, or long ambient patches, as I have many other tools in my studio that cover this.

Thank you.


Thread: BUY ME

Bottom row is pending. Middle row are modules I’m on the fence abour


  1. if o_c is needed for logic duties, rather than sending midi to dmx:
    • disting mk4 could be put into a 22hp 1u panel
    • " " could replace sample player, though then it's not possible to have samples (from it) and dmx control at once
  2. currently, sample player and drums are intended to be put through the crossfader;
    • however, they could also be run into adder in mono, and from there to ikarie
    • or send drums to L and samples to R of ikarie, and sum them to the mono output, though filter them differently perhaps

@HGsynth — Thanks for the reply!
1. I'm using two Doepfer A-100 cases (4 rows of 84hp)...not necessarily looking to expand immediately...more of thinking of how i can optimize this rack and reduce redundancy.
2. I do have a lot of external gear, but i'm using this rack more as a standalone instrument. Occasionally i'll experiment with throwing guitar pedals in the chain.
3. Musical goals are really just learning more. I have some Elektron boxes, an Arturia Minifreak, Moog subharmonicon, and the Moog grandmother. Modular has inspired me through the unique interactions with the instrument and with the modules themselves. I love surprising myself, realizing new sounds or patterns I can get with interesting patching I hadn't thought of before, and learning more about deeper functions.
5. Yes on those suggestions! I had been thinking about a matrix mixer because I know hardly anything about them, but it seems like another one of those "possibilities are endless" tools. I will check out the T-43. I had been trying to stay away from O&C just because I want to do less menu-diving....although I know it's an amazing jack of all trades.

This is great feedback! You hit the nail on the head with what i was thinking in terms of expanding functionality or exploring new tools like the matrix mixer.


Hi everyone, here's a recording of my latest live set, performed live at Modulab Eindhoven (NL).

I've used two separate cases for two independant voices. The first one is a semi-generative voice driven by NLC and Beers voltage sources, switches and sequencers. Oscillators are two Dannysound EN129's. The other voice is Frap Tools Brenso driven by Usta, & Sapel. Drums and percussion is the Weston B2, NLC Badumtisss and Patching Panda Hatz2 for kick, hat, snare, and a preset of homemade NLC samples using my Rossum Assimil8tor.

Enjoy, give it a spin. Thanks!

Available on Bandcamp, Spotify and all platforms.
https://driesgeusens.bandcamp.com/album/patterns-live-at-modulab-eindhoven

https://open.spotify.com/album/4WxiUEAq0dHcVfCQPUpiDB?si=aciNQ_gCSkmQtsabeh4udg

My music on Bandcamp - Instagram - YouTube

Slim and Raaf