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So far, so good. My preference for an external input module is actually the Doepfer A-119, as it gives you a better choice of external connections. Another thing you should consider would be some modules to extend the capabilities of the sequencers, such as logic, clock modulators, divide/multipliers and so on. These will let you create some rather complex interactions between the hardware sequencers you already have. You might also double down on some basic modules here, such as VCAs, EGs and LFOs to add some modulation complexity, plus the use of linear VCAs to control/change CV/mod signal levels as needed. Last, look at getting one or two Erica PICO MScales so you can easily translate back and forth between the M32 and DFAM CVs and everything else, keeping everyone in the proper scaling.
Yep...actually, I'm partial to version #2, but here's a few tweak ideas there: first, if the M32 can function as MIDI-CV (which should be doable with the MScales), or the 0-Coast or System 1m, you can remove the A-190-2. Then if you remove the A-130 as well, you have ample space for an Intellijel Quad VCA, which not only gives you four VCAs (more VCAs = good) that have sweepable response curves, you also get some mixing functionality in the bargain, and this actually costs $10 less. Plus, pull the A-140 out and replace it with a Doepfer A-140-2 which, if you select the inverse envelope jumper function, then gives you positive and negative envelopes on each ADSR's output. Almost like having four ADSRs in the space currently filled by one for about $60 more. Not a bad tradeoff.
So far, so good. My preference for an external input module is actually the Doepfer A-119, as it gives you a better choice of external connections. Another thing you should consider would be some modules to extend the capabilities of the sequencers, such as logic, clock modulators, divide/multipliers and so on. I wrote about this at https://uk.edubirdie.com/do-my-assignment.
These will let you create some rather complex interactions between the hardware sequencers you already have. You might also double down on some basic modules here, such as VCAs, EGs and LFOs to add some modulation complexity, plus the use of linear VCAs to control/change CV/mod signal levels as needed. Last, look at getting one or two Erica PICO MScales so you can easily translate back and forth between the M32 and DFAM CVs and everything else, keeping everyone in the proper scaling.
-- Lugia
I was going to buy Erica PICO MScales for my set. Thank you for advice.
Well, well... Things are moving. A RackBrute 6U has been ordered this week.
Starting from a first approach and your expert advices, then after watching some Youtube videos (as you guess... ;-) I have led with this set (to be linked with Mother-32, DFAM, 0-Coast, System-1m, KeyStep, BeatStep pro, SQ-1).
It's getting there, yep...I still think the Maths would be preferable to just the single VC Slope of the Contour because of all of the internal routings you can do with it to reconfigure it in some very complex ways. Why not pull the Contour in favor of a Doepfer A-140-2 or an A-141-4 for some additional "proper" ADSR EGs? Also, you might consider a comparator or two, since adding those plus a Maths would give you a decent compliment of modulation sources on which you could use the comparator(s) to fire gates when the modulation curves pass given voltage points. Put this together with some logic to work with the Varigate, and you'll have lots of rhythmic mayhem possibilities.
It's getting there, yep...I still think the Maths would be preferable to just the single VC Slope of the Contour because of all of the internal routings you can do with it to reconfigure it in some very complex ways. Why not pull the Contour in favor of a Doepfer A-140-2 or an A-141-4 for some additional "proper" ADSR EGs? Also, you might consider a comparator or two, since adding those plus a Maths would give you a decent compliment of modulation sources on which you could use the comparator(s) to fire gates when the modulation curves pass given voltage points. Put this together with some logic to work with the Varigate, and you'll have lots of rhythmic mayhem possibilities.
-- Lugia
Thank you very much Lugia for taking the time to provide, from the beginning of this thread, all your detailed and expert advices.
You convinced me about Maths, and I adopted your suggestions about the A-140-2, the comparator (I was totally unaware of that kind of module), and a logic to work with the Varigate.
All your comments have been a valuable input for me in this phase of discovery and understanding. I'm not completely a newbie in synthesizers (I began with an Arp Axxe in the 70's...) but the modular word is a lot different, and there are so many devices and options.
So thanks again.
A last question if it doesn't bother you. I already bought the RackBrute but I'am planning to order the modules in two steps for reasons of budget. If you have any suggestion, two lists, it will be very welcome.
No list suggestions, but one technical one: try and keep things dealing with audio away from the power supply. That area is fine for modulation sources, CVs, etc, but if there's a bit of noise on your DC that creeps into the P/S, it can also sneak into the audio paths. The MScale, buffered mult, and MIDI interface are fine, but you might want a little more distance for the In/Out and the A-119, especially since both have preamps that can boost low-level audio. Otherwise, this is looking pretty damn good!
Watch out for trees, rocks, and other obstructions. If you hit them, your run will be slowed down or maybe stopped.
Study the course: Play through the levels again to get used to the abrupt twists and Snow Rider 3D hazards. Understanding the layout enables you to foresee future events and make judgments more quickly.
Every rack wants a Pam's Pro Workout as a master clock.
A Nanorings instead of an original Rings will save you money and 6hp, and work and sound the same.
Calsynth makes a nice one, as does Michigan Synth Works.
Because you're looking at the Doepfer MIDI modules, maybe consider the a-190-5 Polyphonic MIDI controller.
It does what the a-190-2 does x4, and provides many more tricks with the kinds of voice modules you have.
If you stick with the A-190-2 MIDI module, note that the A-140-2 ADSR can be automatically triggered
by the 190-2 if they share the same bus. Saves two wires, overrides with patch cables.
Have it live next to the MIDI module.
Mults. Look at the Frap Tools 333 ProAudio Sum and Distribution module. I use it in almost everything.
6hp, cheap, solid, dead on clean and accurate, and handy for adding CVs (and audio) together,
and then mult-ing them out. I also like the Rides in the Storm QAM Quad multiple.
Very well made at a good price.
You could use more meat and potatoes. Will that A-119 comparitor earn it's 8hp of space?
The A-121-3 multimode filter is 4hp and could help tame and shape some outputs.
Next to that, an A-145-4 quad LFO, because everything could use a little more wobble.
Far more utility in 8hp than the comparitor.
I'll hate myself for this, but a used Maths is going for around $290.
A new Behringer Abacus is $59. Ugly as sin, built to a price, but $231(!) cheaper.
I feel so dirty now.
Modules from 2hp always seem like a great idea until you use them.
