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I would not necessarily recommend to build a modular to get a lush, dreamy type synth.
It's difficult to play polyphony on a modular. For dreamy pads stay with your Matrix.
Modulars are more awesome strange noise and slightly out of tune machines.
I recommend to start with the typical building blocks Osc/VCF/VCA/Envelope/LFO. Add a Modulation Sequencer for fun.
Add one or two mystical modules of your choice for individuality
Atlantis is a synthesizer on it's own, like your mother (no insult here).
A main component for the sound in the mylarmelodies video is the Eventide reverb box, I think.
First I have to say, ModularGrid is such an indispensable site! I would have been completely lost and probably never had the nerve to jump into modular without it. I was happy to contribute by buying a Unicorn account.
Thanks for kind words!
My feature request is the ability to create module profiles/images that are not public. I have a few unique aspects to my rig that I'd love to be able to add to my personal rack but I feel will only cause confusion if they show in searches. Specifically, I've made a sort of breakout panel for my Kenton Pro 4 to make the outputs directly patchable within my rig. Additionally I have my Beatstep Pro mounted in a row. I know it's not 100% necessary to see this while arranging my modules but the visual sure would help.
You can absolutely do that. Just click the checkbox Do not list this module when uploading a module.
The module will not show up in the module search. However that is not a bulletproof type of privacy for your top secret prototype module: people can see the module if they guess the URL.
That is on purpose so you can still send a link to the module to a friend.
It would also be nice to be able to select multiple modules at once to move as a group. Like dragging a selection over a group or something like that.
That is a tricky one which might come some day but not soon.
I don't know if either of these topics have already been addressed so sorry if they have.
Keep up the great work!
-- Precarious
Thanks for supporting, have fun playing your modular!
Knut
First I have to say, ModularGrid is such an indispensable site! I would have been completely lost and probably never had the nerve to jump into modular without it. I was happy to contribute by buying a Unicorn account.
My feature request is the ability to create module profiles/images that are not public. I have a few unique aspects to my rig that I'd love to be able to add to my personal rack but I feel will only cause confusion if they show in searches. Specifically, I've made a sort of breakout panel for my Kenton Pro 4 to make the outputs directly patchable within my rig. Additionally I have my Beatstep Pro mounted in a row. I know it's not 100% necessary to see this while arranging my modules but the visual sure would help.
It would also be nice to be able to select multiple modules at once to move as a group. Like dragging a selection over a group or something like that.
I don't know if either of these topics have already been addressed so sorry if they have.
I'm super new to the modular endeavor but am really excited about it. Right now I'm trying to be a sponge and soak up as much knowledge as possible. I've been writing music for year and years, but now I'm really getting into synthesis and finally took the plunge and bought a monorocket case with two rows of 102 HP with the top rack being +5. Right now I have nothing in the rack and wanted to get some opinions. I currently have 2 mother 32s, a future retro revolution, a little phatty, a volca keys and lastly a oberheim matrix-1000 as a starting point (I won't be rack mounting them). What should I get to compliment these? I'm looking for lush, maybe whimsical type sounds maybe like this:
So originally, I was thinking primarily about reverbs, delays, clouds and rings from mutable (random other effects), with some modulation tools (maybe the tides modular?) to go with my synths I already have. Then I came across mylarmelodies videos of the atlantis and metropolis and damn...they sounded amazing and fun. This however totally deviates from my original effects idea. I feel lost. I think I just want versatility but then like a moron with a lack of knowledge, I start reading about some other modules and then completely shift my idea. So I guess all and all, what are your thoughts to someone who has little knowledge about synthesis, but wants to start experimenting with this stuff and leans towards building a lush, dreamy type synth? If this question is vague, I apologize!
Thank you all so much and I look forward to being part of this community!
Note to self: If after playing with this for a while the Mangrove feels unnecessary, perhaps swap for Three Sisters, a delay, or other intersting VCA type modules.
Yeah, still working out which modules I want to go with for the bread and butter modulators, filters and amp. I will check out the Shapeshifter now. I'm open to all feedback, so let me know if you have any more ideas. Thanks again,
Nick
EDIT: Derp, I forgot that you were referring to the module I already had on my rack (Shapeshifter). Still learning all the names.
Maths, braids essential. How about filters lfo's, ADSR and VCA's ? Shapeshifter can get crazy and do many things.
Happen to stumble upon you 'cause I follow CR.
Removed the last mother. I can always run that externally, or in a new case which I'm inevitably going to start up lol. I added an Akemie's Castle for some fantastic FM possibilities, Evaton RF Nomad for noise/weirdness/sonic exploration, 4 intellijel buff mults and an ADE-32 for clock sync stuff. I'm done for now. I'll start working on the next rack when I play around and figure out what's "missing".
-- aeonblack
Must...have...all...the modules! Haha!
Nice system! One day, I'll have a big system like yours!
Rock on, man!
Removed the last mother. I can always run that externally, or in a new case which I'm inevitably going to start up lol. I added an Akemie's Castle for some fantastic FM possibilities, Evaton RF Nomad for noise/weirdness/sonic exploration, 4 intellijel buff mults and an ADE-32 for clock sync stuff. I'm done for now. I'll start working on the next rack when I play around and figure out what's "missing".
Swap Erbe Verb in main case with Batumi and URA in this version.
Big issue is we have no mixer (Linix, Tangle Quartet, Cold Mac, etc)
Never get:
* MI Shades
* MI Branches
* MI Warps
* MI Streams
* Dave Jones O'Tool
* Intellijel uScale
* Quad Temporal Shifter
* Shapeshifter (Don't really care about wavetables)
* ADDAC 402, MI Grids, Zularic Repetitor (Hella full on sequencers)
I decided to add in the Three Sisters filter to fill the last 10HP, but I'm still trying to nail down if there is something better I could be putting in there.
I honestly think you'll be hard pressed to shave much space no matter which route you take, 4 channels takes up space, no way of getting around that. I would say the only major place you can shave some weight is in the oscillators. If you can find slimmer versions of the same components elsewhere, it might be worth considering, but honestly, I think it looks really good the way it is. You can always just buy another rack! Haha
-- aeonblack
Thank you, sir!
Yes, my solution is build another rack/skiff! Problem solved!
I honestly think you'll be hard pressed to shave much space no matter which route you take, 4 channels takes up space, no way of getting around that. I would say the only major place you can shave some weight is in the oscillators. If you can find slimmer versions of the same components elsewhere, it might be worth considering, but honestly, I think it looks really good the way it is. You can always just buy another rack! Haha
Removed the Grendel Drone Commander 2, as it might be a while before it's out anyways, added in the 4MS SMRF. Trying to figure out what to fill my last 10hp with
-- aeonblack
Yes, I actually had the same thoughts regarding mults, but, for now I want to see where I end up with what I've got, I may not end up using it that much right away. But, I'm sure I'll find out very quickly if I need more of anything hah. You've got a nice little setup there! Any particular reason you went with two "vintage" styled oscillators? If you're not opposed to dsp over analog, there really are some fantastic sounds to be had with some of the digital stuff (I'm clearly a Mutable fanboy though, so take that with a grain of salt haha). Still, you might want to add a little variety? You might want to also consider something smaller than the Dubmix in favour of gaining some extra rack space? It IS an awesome unit (had it in my rack until I realized I need to make more space), but especially in a smaller rack, all that space is precious.
-- aeonblack
Sadly, yes, I'm planning this rack to be "as analog as it can be". Nothing wrong with digital, I'll plan another skiff for all digital modules, then I can overclock some digital modules, and create some insane glitchy sound design stuff!
And yeah, the Dubmix is huge! I wish I could swap it for something smaller. I'll be using it as panning movements and a final summing mixer, nothing else. So I guess it doesn't do justice to it.
I could go the panners+mixers route like yours, but for 4 channels, it's pretty much the same HP...
There are ~150 jacks in the complete system. And 32 in the Mother, of course. So I'll shoot for between 40 and 90 cables.
65 would be a happy medium. Just ordered the Mutable Instruments cable pack so I'm at ~40 presently. Only 6 stackables though.
Options (organized in decreasing order of HP):
* Intellijel Linix (16)
* E350 Morphing Terrarium (14)
* Make Noise Telharmonic (14)
* MI Rings (14)
* SSF Ultra Random Analog (10)
* TipTop Hats (8)
* Noise Engineering Zularic Repetitor (8)
* Antimatter Audio Brain Seed (4)
* SSF Quantum Rainbow 2 (4)
Could replace the Shapeshifter (26HP) with ...
* a MI Rings and a Tangle Quartet and a Sequential Switch
* a E350 Morphing Terrarium and a Tangle Quartet and a SSF Quantum Rainbow 2
* a SSF URA and a Intellijel Linix
* a MI Yarns and a Zularic Repetitor and a Dynamic Destiny
* ADDAC 402 and a Dynamic Destiny
Removed the Grendel Drone Commander 2, as it might be a while before it's out anyways, added in the 4MS SMRF. Trying to figure out what to fill my last 10hp with
Made some more changes. Removed another Mother-32, down to just one now. My plans have definitely changed quite a bit since my original inception, but I think in it's current state, it is highly functional, and I shouldn't be losing much by removing the second Mother. Added a Maths, because everyone and their dog has been telling me to add a Maths. It is going to take me forever to figure that one out (I watched a few videos and I'm still just as confused haha). Also added an MI Edges and the upcoming Rings. The Rings sounds fantastic, and perfectly inline with many of my other modules, and I figured by adding the Edges, I'll be getting a lot more flexibility. Besides, chiptune is fun! Replaced my Outs and Attenuator with an Intellijel Audio Interface 2, gaining a nice input for if I want to integrate samples or one of my other standalone synths into the module (I may end up just running and output from my main studio mixer into it). Switched the oscilloscope back to the Data unit, as it's much nicer. I have everything either on it's way to me now, or ordered/preordered, with the exception of the mother-32, drone commander, clouds, rings and dixie 2+ (as they are all out of stock/not released yet).
-- aeonblack
I'll totally do the same changes! Haha I think we have the same logic when comes to modular. I also had a MATHS planned, and confused,too!
If I were you, I might add more mults, just in case you want to split more CVs or clocks.
Here is mine plan, I don't have as big budget as yours :-), hope you can shine some light on it:
-- Vinnie_Lee
Yes, I actually had the same thoughts regarding mults, but, for now I want to see where I end up with what I've got, I may not end up using it that much right away. But, I'm sure I'll find out very quickly if I need more of anything hah. You've got a nice little setup there! Any particular reason you went with two "vintage" styled oscillators? If you're not opposed to dsp over analog, there really are some fantastic sounds to be had with some of the digital stuff (I'm clearly a Mutable fanboy though, so take that with a grain of salt haha). Still, you might want to add a little variety? You might want to also consider something smaller than the Dubmix in favour of gaining some extra rack space? It IS an awesome unit (had it in my rack until I realized I need to make more space), but especially in a smaller rack, all that space is precious.
Made some more changes. Removed another Mother-32, down to just one now. My plans have definitely changed quite a bit since my original inception, but I think in it's current state, it is highly functional, and I shouldn't be losing much by removing the second Mother. Added a Maths, because everyone and their dog has been telling me to add a Maths. It is going to take me forever to figure that one out (I watched a few videos and I'm still just as confused haha). Also added an MI Edges and the upcoming Rings. The Rings sounds fantastic, and perfectly inline with many of my other modules, and I figured by adding the Edges, I'll be getting a lot more flexibility. Besides, chiptune is fun! Replaced my Outs and Attenuator with an Intellijel Audio Interface 2, gaining a nice input for if I want to integrate samples or one of my other standalone synths into the module (I may end up just running and output from my main studio mixer into it). Switched the oscilloscope back to the Data unit, as it's much nicer. I have everything either on it's way to me now, or ordered/preordered, with the exception of the mother-32, drone commander, clouds, rings and dixie 2+ (as they are all out of stock/not released yet).
-- aeonblack
I'll totally do the same changes! Haha I think we have the same logic when comes to modular. I also had a MATHS planned, and confused,too!
If I were you, I might add more mults, just in case you want to split more CVs or clocks.
Here is mine plan, I don't have as big budget as yours :-), hope you can shine some light on it:
This configuration is a representation of my Eurorack rig. The first row contains the modules running in my rig. The second row is more of a wish/todo list.
It's basically Electric Bass + Modular. No VCOs (except LFOs). The bass plugs into an A-119. The output of the rig goes to a USB audio interface.
Made some more changes. Removed another Mother-32, down to just one now. My plans have definitely changed quite a bit since my original inception, but I think in it's current state, it is highly functional, and I shouldn't be losing much by removing the second Mother. Added a Maths, because everyone and their dog has been telling me to add a Maths. It is going to take me forever to figure that one out (I watched a few videos and I'm still just as confused haha). Also added an MI Edges and the upcoming Rings. The Rings sounds fantastic, and perfectly inline with many of my other modules, and I figured by adding the Edges, I'll be getting a lot more flexibility. Besides, chiptune is fun! Replaced my Outs and Attenuator with an Intellijel Audio Interface 2, gaining a nice input for if I want to integrate samples or one of my other standalone synths into the module (I may end up just running and output from my main studio mixer into it). Switched the oscilloscope back to the Data unit, as it's much nicer. I have everything either on it's way to me now, or ordered/preordered, with the exception of the mother-32, drone commander, clouds, rings and dixie 2+ (as they are all out of stock/not released yet).
HERE IS MY RACK - JUST A BREIF OF WHAT THEY ALL ARE....
THIS IS ONLY REFERENCING The Bottom 6 Rows (18-U) is my current rig as it stands... I will try to update Frequently
MAIN OSCILATION SENSATION:
2x Moog Mammas DirtyTWOOZ
Harvestman Piston HongKong
Pittsburgh(steelersSUCK) WaveForms
BloooLantern Simple VCO (it really aint that simple, I'm still reading manuals for this Little shyyt)
Make (sum F'ng) Noise - STO (Sub Oscilator- Much different & cleaner than Most)** highly recommend
FILTERS & SUCH: (ok illl try to be more serious this time )
BoomStar 5089 (moog style Ladder Filter)
Make Noise - MMG
Intellijel- Korgasmatron
Dave Smith- Curtis Filter
Dave Smith -Character Module
Moog- 2x Ladder Filter inputs from M32's
Envelopes & Modulation
Make Noise Maths
Doepfer - A140 Dual ADSR
Expert Sleepers- Disting
Mutable Instruments- Tides
Blue Lantern Modulation CTR
Harvestman- Dunno what its called, Its in Russian, but theres i pic in my rack, its the only other Harvestman, maybe 2HP wide
MIDI, MIXING, VCA, FX
Mutable Instruments Frames
Doepfer A-116 Waveforms Processing
Mutable Instruments YARNS
ACX Synth MIDI-CV
Synthrotek EKO
Doepfer A-180 Mult
Pittsburgh Mix Mult
Pittsburgh OUTS
SEQUENCERS, LOGIC, CLOCKS, n KOCKS
4MS QCD
Make Noise Rene
Turing Machine
Nano Rand
EXTERNAL SYNTHS (Not pictured that I incorporate w the rig):
Moog Voyager w/ CP251 & CP351
Moog Sub37
Elektron Analog Keys
Elektron Analog Rytm
Korg Polysix (yes the real original thing - so stop asking me that haha)
Amoungst a few various Foogers and other FX pedals.
IF YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS, QUESTIONS, ADVISE, WHATEVER... I have an open mind an will always hear out new ideas if you have any that you think will take my rack to the next level that I'm overlooking here....
If your a Hot chick thats really digs a geek Dude playing with his modular synths all day, then stop wasting time & just
'show us your tits' and I'll consider you showing you my rig. Modular Rig that is ;)
--am i allowed to say that on here... was just kidding but i guess ill find out soon enough hahah sorry admins lol
The top 3 Rows are modules on my want list radar.
Figured this would be to show everyone what I'm working with and I'm always game for a good trade :)
So if you currently own a module from my want list and your eyeing up a piece I own, well... Never hurts to make an offer.
i only ask 1 thing, that...
if you prepose an offer, don't waste my time offering me something like a "mult" or " sample n hold" for a moog mother32.
The deals gotta makes sense... just ask yourself first, "if that were me, would i accept a trade like that"
BTW... Modules
NOT FOR TRADE or SALE:
Both Moog Mothers (as a matter of fact I'm searching for 1 more so.... Non Negotiable)
Piston Honda (Non Negotiable)
Rene (Non Negotiable)
STO (however, if they're was a DPO included in the offer i'd consider letting that one go)
YARNS- (um like the best midi - CV converter ever- Even has a cappuccino making option in the firmware update) It actually really doesn't -sorry BUT IT Prob could!!
Hello, So I'm suuuuper new to this. But I'm interested in eventually, ultimately creating an all-in-one audio/video performance rack (maybe years before that'd happen..) Really interested in these Video Waveform Generators, but also looking to connect whatever visual outputs I have to the audio output, and potentially even vice versa. Really what I'm looking for is a simple drum/synth/effect set up at the bottom and video at the top. But I really have no idea what would work well together, if at all. What should be essential for the Audio portion here? Any suggestions on mixed audio/video components? Pardon if this all looks like nonsense..
BTW some modules are only like 20 mm. That's why I built my cardboard skiff case just 38 mm deep on the shallow side.
I find that more convenient than working an upright case.
(late wish to Santa: A 'sort by depth' feature in the module browser would be nice :)
-- wiggler55550
Thanks for the info!
I've been thinking, get a Doepfer plywood 9U case ($460),
or get a 12U mixer briefcase, and get a switching busboard and PSU from Intellijel or something(around $550), which offer more HPs and more juice, but I have to put them together myself...
So yeah, hi everybody. This is a great a place to be, thanks a lot for creating it!
I am into modular synthdom since 2015 09 and happened on MG while searching the web for info on modular/eurorack.
After starting out on a Yamaha CX5m a looong time ago I fiddled with VST the last couple of years.
I was really taken by the combination of several emulations of the Synthi AKS/VCS 3 and Audio Mulch's Metasurface.
However the mouse is a poor interface for a synth so I began to eye modular hardware and quickly zoomed in on eurorack.
After about half a year of research I decided to build a small eurorack from cardboard and a bunch of used modules I had pieced together. Now I have 6Ux84 and guess what -- no space left! Does that make me a typical wiggler?
Anyway, so far I am enjoying the ride even though the move from all digital/total recall to analog and volatile/momentary was quite the culture shock =0 I learned a lot during the past months, reading up, hunting modules - and most importantly, using them - and MG helped a great deal, so thanks again!
Currently I am researching options to organize the lovely noises I create into meaningful sequences, so a clock divider and a knob recorder are on my radar. I am also very interested in the art of modular live improvisation and controllers other than keyboards.
BTW some modules are only like 20 mm. That's why I built my cardboard skiff case just 38 mm deep on the shallow side.
I find that more convenient than working an upright case.
(late wish to Santa: A 'sort by depth' feature in the module browser would be nice :)
Thanks! It definitely makes it a lot easier putting this thing together when you have a goal for a specific type(s) of sound you're looking for, that's for sure.
Would the MI Frames not cover the panning? The description definitely says "Quadrophonic Panner". Would I be better off getting something more dedicated just to panning?
-- aeonblack
Yes, the frame can work as a panner, by plugging in a mono signal into the ALL jack, and the outputs will be 1 and 2. So, you can only pan one signal with the module(e.g. Pan the drone sound to the left, everything else is in the middle). And you lose the VCA function by doing this, I think.
You might want to add a couple of panning modules, A-134-1 from Doepfer($110) will do the job.
Nice system!
I try to do the same kind of music.
If it's up to me, I'll add 2 panning modules to pan some of the voices to the side, or VC them so they move across the stereo image.
-- Vinnie_Lee
Thanks! It definitely makes it a lot easier putting this thing together when you have a goal for a specific type(s) of sound you're looking for, that's for sure.
Would the MI Frames not cover the panning? The description definitely says "Quadrophonic Panner". Would I be better off getting something more dedicated just to panning?
Nice system!
I try to do the same kind of music.
If it was up to me, I'll add 2 panning modules to pan some of the voices to the side, or VC them so they move across the stereo image.
I'm building this to do some slow wide drones mainly. And some mono basses, maybe a little bit sound design.
I also have a Korg SQ-1, and a Korg MS-20 Mini.
I want this to be all analogue. Will plan on a full digital system later.
Do I need more modulations to do drones? With this system, I'll have 3 VCLFOs(up to 5, If I count the VCOs), 3 envelopes.
Do I need Ringmod? Phaser?
I like the 9U cases from Doepfer. Should I go for the plywood one(a-100lc9, $460) or the metal one(a100p9, $675)?
Do you think a switching PSU is a better choice than the linear one that built in the Doepfer cases?
