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just wondering if the unicorn account increases the maximum size of pedal boards too?
-- Iggy_ogg

Yep. Racks, pedalboards, and "other things" can be substantially increased in size with a Unicorn account.

Been having fun with modular for quite a while... my first go-round was back in the late 90s with a 15u Doepfer system. Then I took a long break from music (huge mistake, selling everything!) but finally got back into synths 5 years ago.

I'm really delighted with how this system has come together, and what wild things it can do (unimaginable, really, back when I had that Doepfer system). I rarely patch the whole thing at once, as it's a bit overwhelming... I have an Intellijel 4.5u 104hp case that I use most of the time, taking modules out of the larger system and playing around with smaller subsets (I didn't post the 1u modules here, but the usual Intellijel utility stuff, with some NLC spice).

At this point, I have 27 empty hp to play with. Not in any particular hurry to fill them, but I'm curious if the experts here see any particular important missing elements that I've somehow overlooked (one that comes to mind is a matrix mixer, probably the Lion from Instruo, given that there's a Lion shaped hole right next to all of the other Instruo modules). One thing is for certain, and that is that I have plenty of oscillators/voices... too many, really, though choices are always nice.

p.s. the website is being a little flaky... there should be a Happy Nerding 3xMIA to the left of the 3xVCA... not sure why it isn't showing up here.

EDITED Aug 5th 2022, 00:19

Doesn't matter how I would use it... it's your system!

Definitely seems light on VCAs. I'd try to sneak in another dual VCA module somewhere, if there's something you feel you could sell (the version the link goes to has a few blank HP that would work nicely... this version here in the picture doesn't... not sure which is correct).

Mine just arrived, and my first comment is this thing only barely fits in the TipTop Z-rails. You really have to jam the thing in to spread the rails enough to fit. Otherwise seems to work as advertised so far. Also got the Decca and it fit without issue. The quality to me is just average, but I accept the micro controls are a challenge to implement with a "quality" feel. Pretty sure it will be a keeper.

EDITED Aug 14th 2022, 05:50

This rack is planned to be paired with a digitakt.
I want this to be very performative, even change it´s patch live.
A 2 voice and effect procesor is the goal here.

Well you know what people say "you can never have enough cowbell"...

hi there,

just wondering if the unicorn account increases the maximum size of pedal boards too?
-- Iggy_ogg

yes, currently it increases max width from 820 to 1600 and max height from 400 to 1400.

Yeah, there was an issue with the rack, it wasn't showing up in the forum post how it was configured so I deleted it and now...well...I can't even delete this forum thread, sorry.
-- rayvon05

you can edit and replace the link with the correct one though!!!

NB it has to be public - so we can open it etc

EDITED Aug 4th 2022, 17:04

planning ahead for my first rack, what do you think? should i go for 104hp instead?
-- katef

I think you still need more cowbell, though ^_^

-- giraffe_giraffe

Would that be the AND or the OR cowbell?

-- Lugia

🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣

Yeah, there was an issue with the rack, it wasn't showing up in the forum post how it was configured so I deleted it and now...well...I can't even delete this forum thread, sorry.

the link doesn't work... please fix it!!!

Here it is.

This isn't a pipe dream, this is a done thing.

I'd be interested to hear your thoughts and how you would use it.

The goal is for dark ambient soundscapes.

Hiding out of the rack is a Boog, a digitakt and a digitone

Here it is.

This isn't a pipe dream, this is a done thing.

I'd be interested to hear your thoughts and how you would use it.

The goal is for dark ambient soundscapes.

Hiding out of the rack is a Boog.

There's a Digitakt and Digitone for back up if required.

EDITED Aug 4th 2022, 12:16

hi there,

just wondering if the unicorn account increases the maximum size of pedal boards too?

planning ahead for my first rack, what do you think? should i go for 104hp instead?
-- katef

I think you still need more cowbell, though ^_^

-- giraffe_giraffe

Would that be the AND or the OR cowbell?

Anyone else finding the Pam's PX2 TRS Midi out won't clock this module? I have tried both Midi "type" jumper settings.

I got my NiftyKeyz recently and I love it. I'm just starting on this journey too, having bought a Minibrute 2S a few months earlier. Here's my rig:

I'm in the process of ordering he five modules to the right of the Dreadbox Nostalgia - hopefully it'll get here by next week.

Having the delay and phaser really help add depth to the sounds. I haven't figured everything out yet, but using the arp on the NiftyKeyz with the delay, I've gotten some pretty cool sounds out of it. I'm looking forward to having three voices when the Castor & Pollux gets here! I haven't even tried linking it up with the Minibrute yet. It's a good thing the Steppy has four separate outputs. Don't forget that you have an additional modulation source from the Niftykeyz itself - it's built-in LFO, controlled from the modwheel.

I love this Modular On the Roof video (as well as the others), so I had to build the rack here.

planning ahead for my first rack, what do you think? should i go for 104hp instead?
-- katef

I think you still need more cowbell, though ^_^

I have recently discovered Cosmotronic modules from the Netherlands and their Vortex complex oscillator is now on my wishlist.

When I had a DFAM and Subharmonicon the two modules I wanted were a quantizer and a switch, the switch lets you increase the DFAM to 16 or more steps although I had the Make Noise O-Ctrl to help with this. The quantizer lets you easily tune the DFAM to any note you want. Both modules will help in a lot of other ways within any system too.

I have an offer that does appear on the Marketplace page for Morphagene https://www.modulargrid.net/e/make-noise-morphagene but not on Wigglehunt "morphagene". My only guess is that Wigglehunt is just bad at scraping MG marketplace, but I posted it 11 days ago...

Follow up to the above, I was not selecting patches correctly, here's how you do it

Patch select

Needham's stuff really is the bomb when it comes to large-scale studio cabs. But the God Of All Eurorack Cabs has to be something from the crazed Canadians at EMC: https://eurorackmodularcase.com/ ADDAC System also has some enormous cabs that sport 197 hp widths as well as beefy AF power to match, plus you can get a dual 19" rack "topper" with 2 to 5U of space per rack.

The real solution, however, is to just turn all of the walls in your studio into a cab...

Rene is really amazing...for one thing, you can use it as a touchplate controller when it's not being clocked. The Rene/Tempi combo has some interesting voodoo of its own; see here: https://www.makenoisemusic.com/modules/rene

As for the Rampage, it's close to the Maths' source as well; both are different takes on the Serge Dual Universal Slope Generator, which is what the "core" of both derive from. And the DUSG is very legendary in of itself for being a "Swiss Army Knife" module, just like its derivations here.

4 to 6 modules, hm? OK...give me a bit...

[a bit later]

Hawt damn...

Six modules = one complete modular. The modulation source is Tiptop's Buchla 281t. Don got that thing right! Also from Tiptop, the MISO has the ability to turn the 281t's signals into a number of other variations. Then I went with Xaoc's Odessa for bigtime complex waveforms and (because I sneaked the Odessa's expander in there...not counting that one) four-voice polyphony. ALL of the VCAs needed are right there in Erogenous Tones' VC8; you can break them out individually, but you can also mix the Odessa's three outputs down to a single output...and STILL have a second quartet of VCAs and a free submixer! Then for filtering, one of the great pieces of sheer MADNESS...Dave Rossum's Morpheus, named for the (Proteus) Morpheus which first had that wild Z-plane filter. It can be nice and smooth...or it can go for total earrape...and most anything in between. And then the current (and last...sigh...) Mutable granularizer, Beads. 115 hp, $2000 and change.

So what's missing? Not much, really. I would think a Happy Nerding Isolator 2022 could be nice at the end of the voice chain, and maybe a MIDI interface or Expert Sleepers interface for external control. But honestly, those would be IT. The rest of this little build is ready to launch!

EDITED Aug 2nd 2022, 01:00

https://imgur.com/a/Lr7fvGu

Here is what first started as a System Cartesian and an O-Coast from MakeNoise that expanded over time as my journey through modular synthesis evolved.
-- leafoner

-- JimHowell1970

Hello Jim,

Ha, ha, great one! Perhaps you can sell that to Xaoc Devices in exchange of a new great module or something like that ;-)

Kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Katef and Lugia,

Katef: Yes definitely or consider a monster rack from Doepfer. You know the saying here on this forum: "You never can have enough VCAs" ;-)

Though one little advice, I would go for a few different VCAs from different brands, an ideal opportunity to test the differences in behaviour and how such VCA sounds! :-D

Lugia: Ha, ha, interesting point!

Kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Lugia,

Ha, ha, I love that video! I watched it many times however it still is very entertaining and educational too :-) Hence the reason I have several audio interfaces (those Eurorack modules that "export" (sometimes "import") audio to the Eurorack outside world like for example a mixer or in other words these modules transform the higher/hotter Eurorack voltage audio signals into lower audio line level and DC gets filtered away too, if the module is of a certain quality), to make sure this is not happening to my monitors ;-)

Regarding the B. 2600, you only tell me now that those TRS 1/4" jacks are AC coupled... I bought that Lehle 7013 DC filter to make sure non-unexpected-DC-signals from that B. 2600 of mine reaches my monitors ;-) So actually that was not needed, to buy that Lehle DC filter I mean?

Don't get me wrong, I am not regretting to buy that DC filter from Lehle, it's a little nice little box, even stereo! But if I knew this upfront, perhaps it wasn't necessary to buy it :-)

It would be actually interesting to see one testing its monitors, see them going in up in smoke, especially a 2 or 3 way monitor would be interesting to see how that "smokes up" ;-)

Kind regards, Garfield.

I am really curious about the panel that has recently been added to RYO Penta here on MG. Grayscale? Wonder if it will be available for purchase sometime?
-- some_dude

panels available from synthcube fren :)
-- wofl

Thanks for the suggestion. There must be something wrong with me because I simply cannot find the new panel on synthcube.

Dunno...but this is: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/ladik-s-143 Up to 16 steps, various jumpered settings that you can bring to the surface with their P-060 switch expander, plus it's internally quantized. Oh...it's got pattern memories, too. But the big point is that it's about $75; the RYO sequencer is $120.
-- Lugia

Thanks for the input. The Ladik seems nice. I already have a RYO Penta though and I was just curious about the 'new' panel.

Thank you both so much for your replies! Very helpful :)

I will look into a bigger case. I didnt know about the Casefromlake, they are gourgeous! Great that they are foldable.

I took a look at the rack you did @Lugia. I can definitely see the benefits of your choice of modules from a performance perspective. For example tempi vs pams new work out. The 4 ms listen four looks small and purposeful.

Im curious why you didnt choose Maths and added Befaco Rampage? I realise the are not exactly the same, but still quite similar (again, sorry if my limited knowledge makes me look dumb ^_^).

Rene i tried to understand, but for some reason i dont fully get it. Perhaps should look into that one a bit more.

The Klavis looks interesting and a small and flexible way to add more voices. I have recently fallen in love with the 4ms Ensemble. But its so big...

If you would choose 4-6 modules to start with, which ones would you buy first?

Have a great day!

// Peremil

1. I see 11 dual passive multiple modules between the two cases (if I'm counting correctly). That's 22 1-to-3 passive multiples! To me, that seems quite excessive, especially considering that Tiptop Audio stackable cables exist. Personally, I rarely split an output signal to more than two inputs, so I'm essentially replacing one of the 1-to-3 multiples and three normal cables with a single normal cable and one stackable cable. (But I've also never used a rack this big.)

-- Chace

Normally, I would say that mults aren't so useful in smaller builds because they take up functional space. But when you start getting into systems of THIS size, you DO want mults...because at that point, they help to cut down on the cable-snarl across the panel and can make controlling a patch a bit easier because you can easily see where your signal splits come from/go to.

Once you're into these huge Monster Case builds, the "rules" change a bit.

Anyway, this appears to be pretty well-considered in terms of what's needed and what's implemented to deal with that need. About the only change I would make here would be to chuck the theremin controller in row #2, shift the whole row over into that space, then use the new 8 hp space at the left end of the row for the A-119 (to the right of the mult, natch). This would put it in better proximity to the voicing so that it's easier to use external audio for part of the voicing as well.

Why? OK...consider this one: take your quadrature outs and mix the 0 and 90 degree together, then do the same for the 180 and 270 degree EGs. Send the resultant mixed outputs to a pair of, oh...let's say Intellijel Polarises...control inputs.

When you say 'mix the resultant outputs' of Quadrature, do you mean use something like Links to do that 'mixing'?...

-- jb61264

That's one possibility. Better still would be to use a variable-level mixer instead of Links so that you can fine-tune the feel. Or if you're working with a quad VCA (Veils, et al), just send each EG output to a separate VCA control input but only have a single audio input to the four VCAs. Futz around properly, and that'll get you into a whole weird territory that's normally occupied by the ARP 2500's Mixsequencer.

Loads of abuse potential in/with quadrature!

1. filter - plaits is a voice module - and has a built in filter - as part of the built in low pass gate - I wouldn't worry too much about this for now - if you're going to get a plaits though hurry up - last batch may already be out there - and if you're getting plaits I'd go for veils over the intellijel quad - it's a little smaller and has more features... but again - good luck in getting one...

-- JimHowell1970

Actually, at this point it's probably not a bad idea to look at the 8 hp quad VCA clones, such as Codex Modulex's. Yeah, it's got teensy controls and all, but when you think about it, VCAs are not something you'd "get busy" on, such as a VCF cutoff. I think it's a certainty that I'll be shifting from the Veils 2020 to something 8 hp-ish fairly soon, when the stock of Mutable's stuff runs out.

I'm sure you will hear the usual advice of moving the semi-modulars and mults outside the case to save space, but I'm of the opinion of "do what's best for you". Your rack looks very playable and designed to last a long time. Well done.
-- farkas

Thanks! And while I would agree generally about not pulling the semis out of their cases for smaller systems, this is a Doepfer Monster. The B's are in there essentially as a 440 source and because the Sequential Pro One was one of my very first monos (and favorite) years ago. They're both sequenced from a single Nerd MIDI track independently.

1. I see 11 dual passive multiple modules between the two cases (if I'm counting correctly). That's 22 1-to-3 passive multiples! To me, that seems quite excessive, especially considering that Tiptop Audio stackable cables exist. Personally, I rarely split an output signal to more than two inputs, so I'm essentially replacing one of the 1-to-3 multiples and three normal cables with a single normal cable and one stackable cable. You may have specific plans or needs for your rack that I or others may not understand.

To be honest, some of these mults are just spacers to keep it less cramped. But I do often send one signal to 8 destinations for parallel processing, so they are used. Plus I distribute some clock signals or LFO's throughout the system.

2. In my view, there is a shortage of sub-mixers and attenuators between the two cases. For example, where are you mixing the outputs of all of your oscillators and other sound sources? I see two Mixups and one Triplatt for sub-mixers. (The two VCA modules also mix, but I would think you'd mostly want to use those for other purposes?) In a smaller case, this would be plenty, but in a rack this size, and considering how many sound sources and filters you have, I would want more mixing power. Dedicated attenuators are also a really big deal to me. In your rack I only see the single Triplatt for this. How are you attenuating the signals going into the CV inputs of the 8-channel Doepfer VCA module and other inputs that don't have dedicated attenuators built in? Some of this may be solved by how you intend to use the Doepfer VCAs in conjunction with the Michigan Synth Works Fader Bank.

-- Chace

You missed the Mutamix, which gives me a swiss army mixer. 1x 6 to 1, 2x 3 to 1, or 3x 2 to 1. I often also use the L and R of the Mixups independently, so that's quite a bit of 2 or 3 oscillator mixing where needed. Also, don't count out the WMD Performance mixer. Each channel can unity mix the A and B inputs for a total of 24 ins (12x 2 to 1.) I generally am not submixing too much within the system and am running the WMD out to a 32 input interface. I've got quite a few DI boxes to bring any other signals out into the DAW. I hear what you’re saying, but have not yet had a moment where I ran out of summing.

As far as attenuators I generally do not need external ones. Most of my CV sources are from the NerdSeq (28 of them) where they are internally scalable. Random sources, envelopes, voltage offsets: all from the Nerd and all totally configurable per pattern or even per step. Here's my latest track for an example:

I think I read somewhere in the Modular Philosophy 101 class workbook...a rack is never really truly complete...lol
-- jb61264

When I had my gigantic Wiard + Frac system, there were a lot of things I wanted/needed that didn't exist and I didn't have time to design. After over a decade off, I approached this system with a clear end goal in mind. I did have to switch cases when two Intellijel 7U and a palette ended up being a little too constricting, but there was no buy, sell, repeat. Broad range of synthesis and sampling methods, proper sequencing and lot's of signal processing. Truly finished here, unless a proper time domain pitch shifter comes out, then a few mults can go to fit that in. Otherwise, I'll use something external.

It's probably because I'm at the end of my "journey" and have over a quarter century experience with modular synths rather than starting out and figuring out how it fits in with my music making. Yea, something like ER-301 might be cool but... I had a Capybara system and also have two kids now. I need immediate results!

EDITED Jul 31st 2022, 23:28

I think I read somewhere in the Modular Philosophy 101 class workbook...a rack is never really truly complete...lol

Hello @liquidcolor,

Since you are looking to hear thoughts on the build, I'll share with you the two things that stood out to me the most:

1. I see 11 dual passive multiple modules between the two cases (if I'm counting correctly). That's 22 1-to-3 passive multiples! To me, that seems quite excessive, especially considering that Tiptop Audio stackable cables exist. Personally, I rarely split an output signal to more than two inputs, so I'm essentially replacing one of the 1-to-3 multiples and three normal cables with a single normal cable and one stackable cable. (But I've also never used a rack this big.) It also avoids having large clusters of cables at the multiples and additionally having to route the signal to and from the multiple, which may or may not be near the relevant output and inputs. Overall, using splitting cables saves rack space and money, even if you do have to use a second normal or stackable cable to split to a third input (remember that you can split the signal out of each end of the stackable). But like @farkas mentions, do what works for you. You may have specific plans or needs for your rack that I or others may not understand.

2. In my view, there is a shortage of sub-mixers and attenuators between the two cases. For example, where are you mixing the outputs of all of your oscillators and other sound sources? I see two Mixups and one Triplatt for sub-mixers. (The two VCA modules also mix, but I would think you'd mostly want to use those for other purposes?) In a smaller case, this would be plenty, but in a rack this size, and considering how many sound sources and filters you have, I would want more mixing power. Dedicated attenuators are also a really big deal to me. In your rack I only see the single Triplatt for this. How are you attenuating the signals going into the CV inputs of the 8-channel Doepfer VCA module and other inputs that don't have dedicated attenuators built in? Some of this may be solved by how you intend to use the Doepfer VCAs in conjunction with the Michigan Synth Works Fader Bank.

My solution: replace nine of the passive mult modules (18 HP total) with three Triplatt and/or Happy Nerding's 3x MIA modules. These are both endlessly useful modules that will give you both more sub-mixing and attenuation capability.

I hope some of that helps in some way!
Chace

I'm finally finishing up after 2 and a half years, myself. Yours looks great to me. Well organized and versatile. I'm sure you will hear the usual advice of moving the semi-modulars and mults outside the case to save space, but I'm of the opinion of "do what's best for you". Your rack looks very playable and designed to last a long time. Well done.

Nice. Congrats!
-- farkas

Thanks. About a year and a half to build. Felt like a return to modular after many years off. They’re finally where I imagined them 20 years ago. Wondering if anyone has any thoughts on the build.

Quadrature!

Why? OK...consider this one: take your quadrature outs and mix the 0 and 90 degree together, then do the same for the 180 and 270 degree EGs. Send the resultant mixed outputs to a pair of, oh...let's say Intellijel Polarises...control inputs.

When you say 'mix the resultant outputs' of Quadrature, do you mean use something like Links to do that 'mixing'?...

As for EOF, it's super-useful for chaining EGs to create a complex composite modulation signal. One ends, starts the next, etc. Then just send the result through a DC-coupled mixer and you get super-varied LFO behavior. Or you can use the EOF in some generative functions to fire off the "next" set of parameters, and as long as there's a feedback loop (not acoustical feedback, mind you) that can keep right on going, and other modules can then modify the individual EG parameters depending on which EOF has sent a trigger. You could actually wring two signal paths of this sort out of a single Quadrax/Qx!

Right now, I'd say that the Quadrax/Qx combo is one of the best module sets in this regard, but the newer Tiptop/Buchla 281t also can do this...as it's got built-in quadrature outputs for the A+B and C+D outs.
-- Lugia

Cool, I have lots of modulation in my racks (Maths, Quadrax/QX, Quadrature, Stages, CVilization) and want to learn more about using them for different things...thank you! appreciate this feedback

Glaring omissions:

1. filter - plaits is a voice module - and has a built in filter - as part of the built in low pass gate - I wouldn't worry too much about this for now - if you're going to get a plaits though hurry up - last batch may already be out there - and if you're getting plaits I'd go for veils over the intellijel quad - it's a little smaller and has more features... but again - good luck in getting one...

2. a mixer would be a very good addition... vcas are extremely useful for both audio and modulation... both of the moons have them built in so don't 'need' to go through another vca... I'd add an inexpensive mixer - get one that's dc-coupled and when you come to upgrade your end of chain mixer, it it can be used for other things...

why are effects modules expensive? they're not necessarily - you're obviously looking at expensive ones... but a lot of the 'expensive' ones take a long time to develop, not just in terms of hardware, but also software - if you want cheap effects then you could also look at guitar pedals and pedal interfaces (AISynthesizers makes a DIY one that's pretty inexpensive)

I agree with Lugia about a bigger case - mantis is imo, one of the best starter cases there is especially because of the combination of decent power/manufacturer reputation/hp/cost

take a look at my signature - it's a simple guide to getting the most versatility out of your modular for the least cash - and scales well from the smallest to the biggest systems...

Update since then, I have the DPO, Trident, and Furthrrr Generator as well as Hertz Donut and Loquelic Iteritas Percido as complex oscillators now. All great but the Rossum Trident is great overall and Hertz Donut can be super aggressive or organ and flute like tones.

DELUGE
GATE 1: M32 Gate In
GATE 2: SVox Trigger In (which will stackable mult to SVox VCA CV)
GATE 3: M32 Mix CV In
Gate 4: SVox Hold CV In (figure out how to make HOLD musical)

CV1: M32 Mult In
CV2: SVox VCO CV (optional: stackcable mult to Shift CV In)

I am really curious about the panel that has recently been added to RYO Penta here on MG. Grayscale? Wonder if it will be available for purchase sometime?
-- some_dude

panels available from synthcube fren :)

Well, I worked out a version of this, but I know very well that it would be far more capable if you had a few more hp. If you've not bought a case yet, I'd strongly suggest going with either a Tiptop Mantis, or if you intend to gig with the synth, perhaps something from Case From Lake would be suitable. For example: https://www.casefromlake.com/product-page/9u-eurorack-case-powered-or-not-84-o-104-hp-patched-resealable-modular-synth That comes in at EUR 435 while the Mantis goes for EUR 338 (per Thomann), but what you get is three rows at 104 hp in a portable cab, 4 AMPS on the +12 and 1600 mA on the -12, and the ability to spec additions to the case (such as adding a tile row, more length, etc). By going with something on that scale, you increase the space for the critical modules to put together a serious generative system. Right now, the 2 x 84 hp setup doesn't have enough space to do that, unless you dedicated most of the cab to those functions...which also isn't a desirable result, as it'll cut way into your "voice" capabilities. Have a look at CFL and the Mantis, and I think you'll see how and why either one is superior.

If you can get an original plaits, I would as they will not be available for very much longer due to Mutable shutting up shop... It looks like last batches (of beads, plaits, ripples and) are still to go out - they've not officially been discontinued... also Emilie gets paid - unlike the b-company version...

also I'd go with the bear matrix mixer... slightly better ergonomics (important when trying to get to tiny trimmers)... 4 output channels (not 3 and a sum)... & the bi-/uni-polar switches (so you can subtract as well as add)...

Are any of the AMS modules ever available in the marketplace?
-- nordengine

Try the link. Otherwise, the reason that these are scarce is because you're dealing with an industry that manufactures modules in short production runs, and if one of those is a killer device, it'll be even harder to snag. Best suggestion would be to get on the waitlist, because that'll help AMSynths to figure out how many of those will be viable in a subsequent production run. Too few, and we're back here...but too many can spell trouble for a small module maker's economic viability.

Dunno...but this is: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/ladik-s-143 Up to 16 steps, various jumpered settings that you can bring to the surface with their P-060 switch expander, plus it's internally quantized. Oh...it's got pattern memories, too. But the big point is that it's about $75; the RYO sequencer is $120.