All Posts

What a lovely module..
This time let's get out of our confort zone with 5 very creative uses of the super dope Sample Drum of Erica Synths

This is all very good input, it ultimately is my goal to move into a bigger case sooner rather than later.

I already own Forbidden Planet so it'll inevitably be incorperated but I'm always open to more filters. I've been playing around with getting them to self oscillate with resonance in a pinch when I want a basic voice, love all the stuff filters can do. I had another comment about FxAid on here, that would work nicely with disting and give me good FX options so that's a definite bookmark. I'm all for Veils, that seems like a good replacement for the bulky quad VCA, as someone above mentioned that it's a little overkill for a system this small.

Pico Drums sounds like a good call for a slightly larger system, and I can swap out the 2hp modules in the meatime. Having a dedicated trig and clock source sounds good, as it opens up Varigate and uOC for melodic sequencing.

My reason for running with the idea of Knit is that I've used Braids in the past and really liked it. I am however opening to aquiring more sound sources. I think Maths is on the whishlist but Quadrax being able to do so many things is pretty cool. I might spring for that solely because of it's smaller footprint.

All in all these are all super useful suggestions and now I have some really good modules on my radar. Man, now I just want ALL the things!

Yes, that was also my plan, to get some Knurlies! I took a better look yesterday evening at the Skiff, and the spacing of the rail is so tight, a M3 screw won't fit.

Building a small rack to compliment my M32 and DFAM. Also hoping it would be functional as a stand-alone unit. So far I already have Clouds and Dixie. I like recording at home with Ableton so I am thinking I might need a mixer and midi to cv utilities. I thought the varigate 4+ would add color and polyrhythms to Moog sequencers. And I just flat out like the sounds you can dig out with the Basimilus. Trying to get a lot out of this limited space. Does any of this make sense? Open to suggestions

EDITED Aug 25th 2022, 02:03

You'll probably have a lot less hassle if you just buy a pack of M2.5 Befaco knurlies, and don't worry about switching out the actual sliding nuts from the case.

Hi Wavne,

Thank you very much for the additional background information. I am still stunned about the beautiful look of this "machine" :-)

Is there any hope that in the future you would "extend" this Unsong Machine with CV out? That would be perfect for a modular system! :-)

I look forward in hearing your new album made with/by this Unsong Machine, kind regards, Garfield.

I'm not going to say it's my "favorite" but the Funkstill Filter Threek is definitely the most versatile filter I own. It can take a little more work to get where you want to go, but that's because there are a lot of ways to tweak the sound. If you like options it's got 'em. You'll probably want to keep the manual handy though if you're new to it or haven't used it in awhile.

Just tried setting up a pedalboard build for my tandem string rig (1952 National Dual-8 lap steel, Suzuki Ran Alto taishogoto) and...uhhhhhhh...
-- Lugia

I know it's bad. We tried to delete everything that is not a pedal but users reupload them again and again.
So that brought me to rethink the usecase. In the meantime I think all the desktop devices like the small synths make kind of sense and we think we should keep the modular user in focus with all his gear. That user does not stomp on the pedals but has them sitting on the table next to his sequencer and drum machine.
Still I know it is a mess and i hope we will find the time to improve it. You think it should be strictly pedals and everything else private/hidden uploads?

I'm new to the modular world and for my first system I bought a second hand Make Noise Skiff (powered), and started populating it with some modules (tbh I wanted a smaller case, but I don't regret the buy).

I have a question about it (more out my curiosity): its sliding nuts are M2.5, but from what I see most racks/cases uses M3 screws (and all the modules I bought were supplied with a set of M3 screws).

Can I replace the sliding nut from M2.5 to M3, will they fit into the Skiff's grooves?
Did anybody else tried this mod before?

For anybody wondering how the Skiff is looking out now (still pleanty of room available, but as a starter I'm super happy like this, no need for anything else at the moment, and pleanty of possibilites. If you wonder: I have also a Korg SQ1 and Arturia Keystep to trigger sequences and sounds):

EDITED Aug 24th 2022, 12:27

Thanks for your kind words Garfield. Yeah, I guess I'm describing it as controller because it doesn't actually generate sounds, well not in this current incarnation. I figured CC was a better route to go down as it would be more a more versatile device connecting to modular systems and other synths. For example, I'm currently feeding the CC from the wheels into a Polyend Tracker to make generative sequences, but also using the the same CC to shape and morph the sounds of the synths the Tracker is sequencing. It just seemed like a more powerful way of doing it, given how well designed almost all music gear is this modern golden age. It also meant the entire device could run pretty comfortable on a single Arduino. I've been using the Polyend Poly 2 to convert CC to CV for the modular system. The 'record' and 'play' wheel work really well at reading and then blending all the CCs. I always wished the crossfader on the Octatrack could be assigned to control multiple CCs but for some reason it can't, so that's why I added that functionality.

I made it from scratch and I'll be posting a 'making of' video in the next couple of weeks. I've also started uploading videos of the musical results here:
https://www.lomondcampbell.com/unsung-machine-live

I'd be open to commissions down the line but would like to concentrate on making an album with it for now.

Thanks again for your interest...and for remembering the turntable sequencer!

Controversial I know but, whilst lots of people love maths, but is it worth 25% of your rack...?

I had a quick look as to what I'd change (for me) The preview is cached, so doesnt match what I ended up, so you may need to click through here:

In a rack this size I'd suggest looking at the Quadrax as an alternative to maths, smaller and very flexible, can act as a vco, envelope, LFO and a "drunken walk" style variable voltage output option, and has some very clever patching / internal routing.

For glitchy fx the 2hp freez is a lot of fun, so I added that, and the FX Aid for more flexible effects (including newish drum modes, but I think you'd want to keep that separate).

I've kept the VU meter because you are clear as to why you want it... but I've swapped out the intellijel quad vca for Veils to make space for it.

I've replaced the other 2hp drum modules with the 3hp Pico drums, it comes with good drum samples and you can also load your own samples into it, it has some drawbacks (one audio out) but its compact and flexible. Then maybe consider another Pico module to even out the HP... I've gone with pico trig which can be used as a master clock, a clock divider or for drum patterns.

I've added the squawk dirty for more variety of filtering options, it also includes its own vca and I've generally found it interesting to use post stereo mix, but it gives you a lot of different flavours in a small space.

My first sound sources were plaits and twin waves... I've definitely used the twin waves a lot more than plaits... but I'm sure you have a better idea of the kind of sounds you want to play with so I've left it as Knit. For the same 6u and bassline however, I'd take a look at the godspeed, it also has a built in wavefolder.

It feels like forbidden planet could be a little redundant in this build now, but filters are great for adding character. Or swap it out for something weird or interesting: Pizza, Twin waves, Compare 2, triple sloths, tilt or ochd + links (I went with the latter)

EDITED Aug 24th 2022, 12:24

Hi Garfield, thanks for such a nice compliment. Highly appreciated! Dries

@adaris Thanks, I think I'll go without the extra power for now since I'm planning to get the Mantis next month. Building my first rack has been a real learning experience.

The sixth EDU module from Erica Synths that I’ve built, this is their mixer,

Does what a mixer should, a little bit fancy with inverted out and clipped out. A quick and straightforward build.
And as always with these modules, the manual (which you can download for free without buying the kit) is superior, a great practical guide to electronics for music.

Build

I'm looking to move into a larger case soon, I already own a few modules outside of these. My plan is ultimately sell the 84HP case when these new modules are be aquired and never look back.

As for your pointers: I'll for sure take your advice and go lighter on the VCA's. I was looking at Tallin for it's overdrive capabilities, but I imagine the same can be accomplished in a smaller footprint. As you said, I do have some outboard FX, but ultimately I was looking to leverage some disting algo's to supplement me there. Nano-Rand looks really cool, so I'm going to look into that. Also gonna check out compact FX modules. Stackables and hubs instead of that Mult is also a smart idea. As for the VU meter... I have no excuse. It looks cool. Void is a local builder based in my area, I wanted to show him some support.

Thanks for your input! Cheers. :)

EDITED Aug 24th 2022, 01:47

Couple of thoughts. In a system this small, six VCAs feels like overkill... I'd cut the Tallin. The VU meter isn't necessary, nor is the mult (use stackables if you're running this small). That saves you 10 hp.

From there... I notice that you say you want random/glitch. Nothing here really does that. You could throw in a Nano-Rand for 4hp. That leaves you 6hp for something else, and one thing missing here is effects of any kind... perhaps you're looking at using out-of-rack solutions for that, but something like a FXAid would be great in here.

But still, the best advice would be to get a bigger case, if you can, even if it's just an Intelligel 104hp Palette case. This is going to be pretty limited.

Hello Wavne,

That's a beautiful... instrument? You call it controller, for me it's almost an instrument :-) Beautifully made and again a very creative idea of yours! I am overwhelmed and heavily impressed :-)

I still remember the sequencer you made with a turntable, for those of us who joined this forum after that day back in 2019, here the link to yet another great creation:

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/forum/posts/index/7983

Is this Unsong machine/instrument/controller for sales and if yes, how much would that be? Those 8 character "machine" what was that originally or did you made it from "scratch"?

Thank you very much for showing your great creativity and I hope you will keep surprising us with more creative creations :-) Kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Dries,

That's a beautiful ambient track, so nice relaxed to listen at, I only want to listen to your music and do just nothing :-)

Great work! Thank you very much for sharing this with us and kind regards, Garfield.

As #nickgreenberg mentioned, a modular out module will solve many problems before they happen. I use the Ladik A-541 which has the added benefit of offering balanced connections (I also have the corresponding Ladik A-545 Input module.). The Ladik is very affordable and also has metering. My Yamaha HS-5s are quite happy with this arrangement.

I use a variety of high end and middle end gear to listen to modular. The only things I do are:
-- make sure I have a limiter in the DAW when I go modular --> DAW --> nice monitors
-- in another room I sometimes play through a Line6 PowerCab, in which case I make sure to turn on other gear before I turn on the cab, so I avoid power on / off transients

Modular levels can be very hot, so you would want to set those to zero or otherwise limit / control them so you don't run into problems with downstream gear. Most modular out modules already do this.

Overall, I think its fine to monitor with whatever you want, just follow some basic protections you would likely follow with any audio source.

Any reason NOT to use higher-end monitors while experimenting with modular?

Unfortunately discontinued. And the O_c does a better job, but...

The interface of the Tonnetz Sequent is a pleasure to work with :)

Here a polyphonic patch sequenced by the Tonnetz (FX as well)

Enjoy!

Good call. Went ahead and rectified that. Thanks.

There could be something coming that does exactly that... and more!
(But that's a secret.)

you'll get better help with a link to the actual public rack & not just a shitty jpg - which fails to provide click through and mouse over infomatics

copy and paste the url into your post

Even I usually just reach out to manufacturers, but if you do run into something that needs to be updated, you can always ask them, and if that doesn't work, you can always ask in the forum.

@Lugia, I think the biggest issue is with too many tags on a module, not so much with too little. A typical example of that is the Expander tag, which also comes with a bunch of other tags with the Expander does not do on its own, so, why would I want that to come up in a search where I am looking for that functionality? I don't, and yet I usually have to go in and edit tags out.

Oh well.

I thought this little project might be of interest here:

A unique controller for using words to control synths, shape sounds and generate melodies.

Here's how it works:

Enjoy.

A uZeus Boost brick will give the full 2000 mA available on the +12V rail. Looks like Escape From Noise has one in stock: https://escapefromnoise.com/modular/tiptop-audio-3000ma-uzeus-boost-mantis-universal-adapter/.

@farkas is right. My first manual about a modular subject was for the Make Noise O-Coast. The pedagogy of this manual invited me to continue towards modular.
One Make Noise exception: the Maths manual. Fortunately Demonam has been there :) https://w2.mat.ucsb.edu/mat276n/resources/systems/CREATE_teachingSynth/manuals/8c_Maths2013-V1.11-printable.pdf
Otherwise, for their nice readability: Mutable Instruments.

One thing I'd note... as a Moskwa II owner, I can't imagine it without also adding the Ostankino expander... it adds so much functionality and fun. I'd suggest making room for that, if at all possible.
-- Shakespeare

year you right. it make total since.

Right now im using delta v as a vca but need for sure a dedicated vca. What other utilitys would you suggest?
-- Don_Simo

Well, it needs to be ones with that "Veils topology"...that variable response curve has piles of abuse potential. My suggestion, since Emilie is leaving the building, would be to grab a good Veils clone (I kinda like the Codex Modulex version). That way, you get four VCAs plus that "breakable mixbus" that lets you break out VCAs when needed. Going to rework this, give me a hot minute...

OK...what happened here...? Well, for one thing I've reordered the build so that the division between rows is a LOT easier to deal with. Some modules were also swapped out for smaller versions of the same thing. And then there were some "fixes"...

TOP: The Miso Cornflakes replaces the Qu-bit sampler/looper. Same idea, smaller space. Kept the Cloud Terrarium...it's a good choice, despite being quite huge. Then you see the Codex Modulex Veils clone...and here's how to split it: send your "lefts" to VCAs 1 and 2, "rights" to 3 and 4, then take the summed results from outputs 2 and 4. Voila!...stereo. Next, I swapped the Beograd out for a similar (but more bonkers) Bastl filter, their Ikarie stereo multimode...but if you look it up, there's a LOT more going on behind the panel than you had with the Xaoc one. I put in a pair of VCAs after that with the intent there being to control amplitudes going on to the Beads from the Ikarie. You can use that dual VCA for input level control over the Beads in general as well. Then Beads...followed by Frequency Central's Stasis Leak, which is a mono-in/stereo-out reverb/tap tempo delay/chorus. I went with that because it fits perfectly with the TEXMIX send/return architecture. The FX Aid XL can also take a mono signal in the left input and stereoize that, so it works with the TEXMIX as well as being a true stereo thruput if needed.

BOTTOM: Pam's, Moskva, then I added a Batumi/Poti combo for your LFOs, a Frap 321 and After Later dual "Veils" VCA, and a Zadar/Nin for envelopes. The modules in between (the 321 and dual VCA) are for modifying/altering/mangling your modulation signals, with the result being even wilder modulation signals for use all over the build. And last is the TEXMIX, but I changed out the stereo input with a mono one, since you've got a build here that's got two potential main stereo ins. Because of that, you can just pan the inputs hard left and hard right, and now you've actually got VCA control over levels from two stereo sources. Perfect!

So, yeah...some squishing was necessary, but now the result is a MUCH more potent build since you've now got the VCAs and modulation that can get this build to really cut loose. You actually get to use the TEXMIX's send/return capabilities as well, since the right sort of FX are present. And in the end, I think this came out pretty solid. Oh...and as for the Cornflakes input, you can conceivably use your headphone preamp on the TEXMIX to feed stereo back to it for live sampling. Just make sure you've crammed a big enough microSD in it!

-- Lugia

Wow really nice build. I appreciate your effort.
My problem is that i'm offen felling stuck with my system and this would really open it up.
You have a lot of VCA's in it. I know what they say but it's not too much?

I like the division of the tow rows, it makes it a lot easier.
I don't think I could get rid of Qu-bit Nebuale since i really love how it sound. Specially then you stretches the audio. I haven't looked into Miso but I not sure it can do the same. Funny enough I'm actually considering selling my Cloud Terrarium since I never clicked with it, but maybe things would change if I got some more utilities. Could you recommend another VCO (dual/stereo)?
the Codex Modulex Veils seems like a good option and great tip to split 1/2 and 3/4.
I love my Xaoc Belgrad but I always missed a stereo version of it and Ikarie seems like a super sweet filter, and as you say, it and do pretty much the same and a LOT more. It's really Interesting. I'm not sure why you would have a VCA to control the amplitude if the Ikarie before going into beads. Beads has an input gain so would that be necessary?
I'm not too sure about the FX aid XL. I know it can do a lot and sounds well but I'm not to keen on the presset approach. And it dosen't have true stereo in - maybe it's not necessary.
With Pam's you potential have 8 LFO's but you have more handson control with the Batumi. I really like the idea of the 321 and dual VCA to modifying/altering/mangling your modulation signals. I think that's something i really missing in my system. What do you think of Zadar? Is it necessary then you have Batumi, 321 and dual VCA?
Great idea about the Mono Texmix

and thanks for the great build and description

May I just add to all these suggestions Qu-Bit Data Bender which is an authentic sound processor. Much more than a simple 'destruction' module :))
I had first adopted it for this ‘crusher’ function and I discovered that it can also do much more, and beautiful things.
Again, it's all in the use of the tool...

I think I may have found the answer to my question. I just noticed that the $25 adapter is only 1000mA and the total of my rack as per MG is 1040mA.

I'm planning on upgrading to a Mantis case next month so hopefully that case will have more power for each of the 104hp rows than my current setup.

EDITED Aug 23rd 2022, 04:12

This will be my first rack. Tried to remain selective as I'm limited to 84 HP. Wondering if there are any glaring redundancies or key aspects to a useful system that aren't present. My goal is to have something that can spit out some riffs, a bassline, and maybe a drone/ ambient thing with a kick and snare. Ideally I'd also like to have some random glitch/ percussion capabilites. Plan on combining varigate with the niftycase's midi to CV interface. I'm aware that the ribbon in the niftycase only has 10 headers, but I plan to daisy-chain my way around that issue. Like I said, any opinions are welcome. Cheers everyone.

EDITED Aug 23rd 2022, 17:08

Hi All,

I just got the Mordax Data today and added it to my current 104hp rack with a Tiptop uZeus. When I powered it on I noticed the -12v LED was no longer lit on the uZeus. Looking at the total Power Consumption I figured I was ok as the totals are less than the specs on the uZeus (2000mA at +12V, 500mA at -12V, 170mA at +5V). Note that I have a regular $25 Tiptop wall wart.

So I unplugged the Mordax and the -12v LED went back on so my assumption is that I'm overloading the power supply. I then experimented a bit by removing different modules and I was able to get the set up to work as long as I removed the B-140 envelope module.

Are there any users who have more experience with power usage that can explain why the uZeus is unable to power the set up I have shown?

thanks for your help

I feel like those of Instruo need to be mentioned for their oft-discussed eccentricity and PLAYING CARDS

a couple more suggestions:

• happy nerding tritone (vc eq)
• combination of comparator + envelope + vca with nice sounding gain/overdrive - this will allow you to make your own compressors. I much prefer this approach to dedicated compressor modules, none of which have really impressed me in euro-land.

I agree it is definitely a risk using f+f. However when you have 20-30 pain free transactions on a platform because the VAST majority of folks are honest and great people, it is easy to become complacent!

Reasons for a seller asking for f+f payments could include:
- no risk of dishonest buyer receiving the module then claiming it never arrived and making a paypal claim
- ability to list a module for a cheaper price (yes ~£5-10 really can make or break a sale sometimes especially when you’re trying to sell modules which aren’t that popular / hyped / glamorous)

There isn’t really an easy answer to this imho. Risks do exist for buyer AND seller. Other platforms such as reverb / ebay have some tools like integrated tracking so there is perhaps less risk. I have had WAY more success selling modules on those platforms than here, even if the price is higher to cover the ridiculously high fees. In the last 6 months I sold 20+ modules on those platforms but only 3 here despite trying. So maybe buyers overall prefer those platforms where the risk is at least mitigated.

Definitely favourite VCF is Favourite Avocado Toast by Crazy Chicken. Its more-than-a-filter, coz build in modulator and overdrive are quite unusual features in VCF-s. But they make Favourite Avocado Toast so unique in sound.
I like to use it in combination with analog oscillators for bass lines or midrange sounds)

there are mic-pre modules that supply phantom power - ES Little Miley and Befaco Instrument Interface 4(?) for example

Plaits is French, Twin Waves is Belgian.
I use Plaits, but Twin Waves is a ‘bloody little module’ with a lot of ‘little grey cells’ (so many great features) and it sounds absolutely wonderful!
I don't know how I haven't given in to temptation yet...
I'm a ‘bloody little frog’.

Thanks of course to the omnipresent Lugia! Also nice idea.

I myself have been hesitant to swap and combine my various microphones through the rack due to concerns about, of course, the phantom power. Could you give me a nutshell about PP and euro compatibility?

Even My SSL2+, which allegedly has two separate instances of PP, gives some confusing visual indicators about whether both channels may be susceptible momentarily. In this case I would probably end up getting a few more dynamic mics and a different interface/mixer for that purpose down the road, but I need some more info on how it works with euro before I wreck stuff!😢😁

Hi! I think that the bmc 045, matrix router is perfect for what you want, but you only can have 16 possible combinations - 16 presets-
G!

Addendum: some additional searching shows a few interesting "trigger / gate addressable voltage" sources, none of which are solutions for the exact use case above, but all could fit in other somewhat similar use cases:
-- Random Source SEQ8 XL Serge Sequencer
-- SPUTNIK 5-STEP VOLTAGE SOURCE
-- Xodes PV44

(Capturing these here in case its of interest to anyone else.)

... all told, Verbos Sequence Selector (VSS) or a smaller HP/$ version of its selector function would be my best fit solution in this case. If you know of any great VSS alternatives, please let me know, thanks!

EDITED Aug 22nd 2022, 06:01

EDITED Feb 27th 2023, 07:28

Hi folks, thanks for the suggestions!

I can offer a little more explanation of what I'm looking for: let's say I have 4 input signals (audio or CV) 1234 and I'd like to output any 1 at a time. Yes a sequential switch would do that, and it would let me produce sequences like 1234, 2341, 3412, 4123. BUT that gives access to only 4 of 24 possible permutations of 1234 --> I'd like access to all 24, including things like 1324, 4132, etc. that can't be done easily with basic switches. A switch with CV-address like Doepfer A-152, BossBow2, or NE Vice Virga could access all potential permutations, but its driven by CV and would generally need to be CV sequenced to generate the flexible output I'm looking for. I have and use BossBow2, it's super, but it is not the right fit for this particular situation. Rather here, I'm looking to gain access to all sequential permutations of input signals, with selection driven by trigger or gate. Why? Because my trigger / gate sequencers are super hands on / intuitive / visual SO I'd love to get to use them in this type of setup and extend their functionality in my rig beyond the traditional use as perc triggers. Imagine hocketing anything in any pattern with the entire pattern immediately visible and touchable, controlled by Tiptop Circadian --> that's the type of outcome I'm looking for here. (BTW I'm updating the thread name to be hopefully more indicative of my interest here.)

Best fit trigger/gate controlled selector/switch I can find so far for these purposes is Verbos Sequence Selector (VSS): the setup is inputs to Signal Selector A (or B) and gate signal to Stage Select In. The bad news is VSS lists over $400, is 16HP, and this use case uses at most 30% of the module. SO I'm crossing my fingers it may be possible to find something that is basically the bottom half of VSS, with a lesser HP and $ footprint.

Net net, it's kind of a strange duck use case, and I'll go with VSS if there aren't lower HP / $s alternatives.

Thanks again for the ideas folks!

Nicholas

EDITED Aug 22nd 2022, 06:03

A few others come to mind here...there's ALM's Boss Bow Two, Klavis has the Mixwitch, Mystic Circuits' Tree, and Alyseum has their SELECTOR...which can be expanded to an utterly bonkers 64 I/Os.

One thing I'd note... as a Moskwa II owner, I can't imagine it without also adding the Ostankino expander... it adds so much functionality and fun. I'd suggest making room for that, if at all possible.
-- Shakespeare

Oddly enough, that came to mind when I was working out my variation, but I noted that the problem with adding that to the Moskwa II was that the Moskwa II was taking up the necessary space for its own "helper" module. Hate it when that happens...

There is a hidden advantage to the Klavis modules, though: size. It's as narrow as I would feel comfortable with using, but you get a dual VCO with quantizing in a mere 8 hp. You get a waveshaper in there, it can do additive, has internal ring modulation, a number of random operations (noise, variable LFO weirdness that includes Brownian movement models, etc). So, yeah...both the Plaits and the Twin Waves mkii are fairly complex, albeit with different architecture behind the panel.

I've certainly used them as processing devices. One installation work I put on back in 2000 used my Digisound 80 to the max...nonrepeating cyclical patterns of VCF sweeps, mixing various modulation CVs to create weird composite waveforms to filter processed shortwave audio.