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looking better - at least to me!
yeah if you already have modules keep them - people seem to really like rene
I often use the marbles 'grids' mode it's great for getting a drum pattern quickly - 1 thing I do though is to take the middle output and send it to a mutable instruments branches - which I patch to get (skip/open/close) - this may add a lot to grids too, I'm not sure - so maybe that and kinks would be good next modules
it's not a bad thing to have to wait for modules due to financial constraints - you'll learn a lot about how your modular works
tbh if it's a toss up between pams and maths - I'd get maths first
I'd also consider veils instead of the 3xVCA - 4 hp bigger and a little bit more expensive (but only a little) but you get an extra vca, which is never a bad thing
"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia
Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!
The DFAM is listed in the MG database so I think this is allowed. Also I plugged and unplugged a patch cable more than once during the jam!
Patch notes are pretty boring :
- DFAM is kick and noise snare; VCO2 gets pitch from the BSP, but you don't hear that often.
- Acid synth noises are the Werkstatt-01, gate, pitch, and VCF cutoff controlled by the BSP. Delay from Boss RSD-10.
- Hats, claps, other percussion, and weird digital noises are from a Pocket Operator PO-12, which never makes into fully into the frame, passing through the Korg Monotron filter.
I re-ordered the modules in the skiff and added the Antumbra DVCA. Again DAW-less, the Screen is just for atmospheric lighting ;)
And yes, I'll need to build another drum break soon.
Big shout out to @Lugia !
The Antumbra DVCA is super nifty and only 2cm deep, which is great for the tiny skiff people like me. With the other modules I need to fiddle a bit more around, the proposed setup is great, but I think I'd still rather add some easy to play trigger sequencer and maybe do not add the FX Aid, or exchange it with the Disting.
I changed the Rack to my current setup and will build from there. The nearness modules will be a longer process as it looks like I will build the 2hp version. But I need to get into smd components and my soldering iron also needs an upgrade. In the meantime I'll wait for another Kick All kit to drop at exploding shed.
Noise Reap modules seem to be amazing, but I also came across this little fellow https://www.modulargrid.net/e/instruo-ts-l-v2 which of course is super crowded and not too "playable" if there is more than two cables connected. But the ability to go in LFO territory sounds pretty nifty to me.
Hi, (it's me, Florian from the fb group^^).
You wrote, that you are planning to get a second case, on muff I read that you can get some problems, if you mix different cases, cause they seem to have different zero V (or ground, idk). With 2 Inttelijel 7u cases you could solve the problem by linking them together. With an other 7u you should have also space for some buffered mults ^^. And if you go for the generative kombi you don't need the noise tools. When you are sure about a second 7u case, I wouldn't go for the duatt, instead I would wait and get a second quadratt for the second case and some mults and vcas. :)
Cheers Florian
Thank you for taking the time to have a look at the rack concept!
The common issue is a lack of utility, I tried to cover it, but I see I went a bit overboard with the mult, adsr and output, thanks for clearing that up! Saves me having to spend money on that and makes it possible to spend a little extra and upgrade to a legit version of Rings, after your comment about a proper sized version of Rings, I understood right away what I overlooked... more space and proper knobs to twiddle is going to be more fun ofc.. similar would be aid xl instead of pico dsp, aid xl looks great, nice tip, thanks for that.
About Rene, I managed to buy a secondhand version of it that is cheaper than a step sequencer and am generally fascinated by it and look forward to learning how to work with it. I will have to wait with Maths a bit till I have funds to purchase it.
Summary would be: Pamela is the brains running the outfit, Rene the mathematician plucking strings and Grids banging it out on the Noir.
Yeah, since I ever started planning my case, the mixer conundrum stays one of the main PIA... Many options there, but none that really checks all boxes. I'd like to have CV control over panning, stereo Send/Return (2x if possible), a nice interface, not too big... maybe I have build my own!! :D (if I only knew how.)
I know of the Frap Tools new instalment, but adding to the price tag they take quite some space and are still a bit cryptic for me. Knob.farm seems like a good option for the Sends (and would free some space on the 1U row), and with support from another module for some of the functions, could get me nearer the goal. I've checked Vortices and sort of even get it, but that interface is a bit all over the place for me.
Do you have any other combos you know about to help me on that front?
Regarding the 1U row, thanks for taking the time to put that together. I seem to remember reading that the original I/O was bigger and they wanted to give people the choice of having both interfaces or not. Plus you can separate them spacially, that might make sense in some setups!
I thought of adding a Duatt+Vca in there with possibly an LPG also, that would give me some more control over modulation, and to buff it even more, since I ditched the Black Sequencer (for now), I'm considering the Plum Audio 1u version of O&C. It takes quite some space, but I'm hoping I can then combine that with some interesting, crazy, modulation on the 3u space. Would you car to chime in?
The Buffered Mult is there mainly to divide Harmonaigs root (exclusively :D) to other oscillators once the Saïch is there, as that one would take all of them. I'm a classic double bass player in my working hours, so harmony still plays a big part on the sounds I go for. But if you don't think I'd need it and could do with stackables or even those starfish thingies, I would free also that space for something more interesting. Gladly!
Thanks again! I look forward for more input from you and the Jims, Farkas, Garfields, Kels, and some I'm sure forgetting right now! You make this community a lot less poor in their banks and richer in their noodling lives!
On the topic of popular, sexy modules, I just want to toss this in: Big, sexy modules are fun. However, it doesn’t take long to start feeling really good about doing something massive and complex with a handful of very standard, boring modules.
Agree Lugia the WMD SSF Toolbox rocks so much it can do and paired with Kinks a real powerhouse duo of modular tools. I like Plog as well for the many logic combos.
+1 on the WMD Tool Box...that one 6 hp thing is action-packed! I wouldn't do a Links, though, as this is too small to necessitate mults (use inline ones)...but Kinks? Yep. This also needs better random-source behavior, too...I recommend Doepfer's A-118 + their Buchla 265 version, the A-149-1.
Actually, this isn't bad...the only real issues I see here are...
You need a PROPER stereo mixer, ie: one that actually has panning over your mono signals. Instead of the Intellijel that's there, have a look at some of Ladik's manual stereo mixers. Their M-172 gives you four pannable mono channels plus one stereo, and also features 1/4" isolated outs. And...
The tile row, as it stands now, isn't what it could be. I'd recommend this lineup:
(If this isn't showing up, check back later. MG's server seems to be throwing another tantrum over the Screenshot mode)
This keeps the I/O (why in the name of all that's holy did Intellijel discontinue the all-in-one module for this, though?) and the QuadrATT and FX I/O, but adds the very useful Noise Tools and a DuATT, plus a USB power module in case you need to power something like a controller, etc. Much more potent, and it eliminates the mults which really aren't all that necessary in a small build (just use inline mults instead, and save space for things like this).
Well, it does and it DOESN'T have VCAs. Half of an LPG is a VCA, but since it and the filter are controlled via a vactrol, it has something approximating "hysteresis", resulting in a ring-off "tail" after the CV drops to zero. But if you're talking West Coast, they're 100% essential to that sound...it's where that woody "ploonk" sound comes from because of how the vactrol decay works.
I like Mutable Instruments Shades, Links and Kinks - lots of useful tools for modular with attenuverters/attenuators, logic, mults and more. Another good support module is WMD SSF Toolbox. For live performance, attenuators/verters with sliders are super ace like WMD 4TTEN and Noise Engineering Lapsos OS. I use these a lot more with percussion modules to fade in/fade out beats.
Hey all! I’m expecting a bash from the knowledgeable people here!! It’ll be most welcome! ;)
(Image sure not reflect current state, I don’t know why)
This is my system right now! It’s great fun and does a lot of what I was hoping, meaning it generates its own tunes to a certain extent, drones for a while and even creates some nice ambience in this dark times!
I want to expand my voices with the Saïch and athru also from Instruō. I’m quite set on those ad next very sexy modules!
I had the Erica Black Sequencer and while it was great fun and incredibly versatile with all that modulation, I decided to let it go and get it when I incorporate a second case and bigger system. I think I’d much prefer something smaller and more ‘performance’ oriented, although I do realize that might be that module... it’s me the one who had to learn it! ;)
Now, I’m searching for some advice on how to expand the pallet of this rack. Specifically, I think I need more modulation!! For effects, I’m using a Zoia and a bunch of other pedals outside the rack, but I’d like to bring them in, specially some creative reverb..
I’m curious what you make of this and very looking forward for the help and feedback I might get!
Thanks Jim, now there's a co-incidence, watching Loopops vid 22 reasons re maths ! when your reply came through ! now that has to be a sign...especially going back to my previous post about accessing knowledge, being a newbie the maths stuff seems quite well documented as well as being an incredibly super useful module.
And yes although i have to think about rack space maybe i shouldn't feel too constrained, the Erica synth Pico vca x2 i think i would soon grow out of and Veils is the probably the best for me right now. I also like how you feel Select 2 and x3 Mia are good options to consider, that's reassuring..
Cheers
I'd go for a quad vca - you can use them for both audio and cv - so 4 is a better number than 1 or 2 even in a case this size - veils is only 10hp
I'd go for mia or select 2
Personally I reckon that Maths is a better 'my first proper modulation source' than anything else - due to the existence of the maths illustrated manual - which is a great modular primer - ie how to patch complex things from simple building blocks
I'd also recommend looking at kinks - really useful functionality in a small space
"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia
Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!
output module - mono straight from the vca is fine for starters
buffered mult - you do not have enough v/oct destinations to warrant this at this point - if you want a mult get a passive or some heeadphone splitters or stackcables
adsr - pams will give you an envelope generator (or 8) and rings doesn't need one
things I would swap:
nRings - for Rings - get the full size one it won't be that much more and it will be much more fun to play with
pico dsp for fx aid xl - yeah it's more expensive and takes up more space - but it has more algorithms (32 swappable), more modulatable and is stereo in and out (unlike the pico dsp) so if in the future you get to a point where you want to effect a stereo signal then you can
Maths - brilliant buy it - download the illustrated manual and work your way through it a few times
I'd also be tempted to go for a simpler (and cheaper) sequencer to start with maybe the pico seq (the one that has 16 steps and memory slots and quantization) - possibly or a beatstep pro - multiple sequencers can be really handy - so a simple sequencer to get you going and then dive into something more complex such as a rene in the future
the next modules I would buy would be kinks and shades
"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia
Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!
I've been working on this for a while now, first build, absolute euro-rack newbie. The basic idea is to create a fun to play, relatively versatile setup that can create some playful minimal techno and ambient for starters..
Pamela will be the brain that runs the outfit, the master clock and rhythm creator, Rene will control Rings + Pico DSP using cord and patterns generate by Rene and Grids running the BLCK_Noir drums (has built in filter an sfx + aux).
Disting mk4 for learning, sfx channel, samples etc. The rest is utility an audio out, no intention to use MIDI. And yes I have considered Maths, one of the objectives is to keep the cost as low as possible, and the setup simple.
Thinking about getting a USB adapter for my Intellijel 1U case and just want to make sure i could power my Keystep with it. Can't find anything on the website or in the manual about specs. Was wondering if anybody knew off hand.
Thank you Lugia. That is great advice. I have realised that I have enough 'sexy modules' and am now looking for a good cook and conversation maker module...(lol), but me joking aside you are definitely making sense. What I would say is that the reviews a beginner sees are not just a temptation to buy a product but actually show you what each module can do(hopefully)..and that in itself is educational and saves a lot of head scratching and manual diving,for a newbie, but like you point out, not so much of the nuts and bolts modules seemingly get any love.
So I have had a look around and am now considering these modules as part of the unitised subsets you mention.
I see Befaco do a stereo mixer the STMIX, only 6HP mixes audio and c.v.
V.C.A. wise I could go down the quad route with the classics. or I have just seen an article on Gearnews for an ERICA synths new release a PICO V.C.A. 2..although i have a new row to fill i am still aware of the limited space.
other modules which I am interested in are the Happy Nerding 3X MIA..
and the SELECT 2 by Joranologue (dual cv processor)..
I am also tempted by Joranologue morph 4 to beef up any modulation duties..and for it to certainly make conversation with the rest of the rack
Does this make sense are am I duplicating are missing more important examples.?
...once again thank you for your advice
Thanks @the-erc, and @GarfieldModular, I'm doing my part to hyper space us into a new reality, though it's proving quite hard lol. We'll keep at it though.
This patch generates a generative melody for two voices.
The first step sequencer plays an arpeggio in Cm7, the second one plays transpositions (none, minor third, fith). The two clock dividers are set to non-even divisions (prime numbers, integers) and the gates are skipped sometimes, defining a steady but non-repeating rhythm driving the melody.
While recording, I manually tweaked the release of the envelop, filter frequencies, octaves/waveforms of the oscillators and gate probabilities.
Reverb was a VST effect. A chorus effect was added to the single VCO voice in the DAW. Post-processing was about adding a bit of panning and stereo spread, plus smoothing out certain loudness jumps. No compression was applied, in order to retain the full dynamics of the patch.
Did anyone else propose such a modification to the system? If so, im sorry!
Could it be possible that one might have , say all or some of his euro systems on a single ''My Modular" page and then draw modules from the catalogue beneath, placing them to wichever rack he desires, navigating from one another etc? Maybe a zoom feature to add leverage? It would be a level up for sure, regarding the user workflow!
Sorry to take so long to reply--I was literally hospitalized. I'm doing better now :-)
I can't seem to find the info on that page you linked :-/ I searched in page for that description, and for every instance of "A-100" and couldn't find a pinout. And I'm not quite certain what you're telling me to check continuity on, so I probably need to see that lol.
But I'll tell you what...it's kinda maddening how there doesn't seem to be any documentation on how to do this stuff on the internet. I checked out a number of sites selling the power distribution boards, and they document everything but how it needs to connect to a power supply, for example. I'm sure the info is out there, but da*med if i can find it. If you've got any links to some general info about how this works I'd be grateful!
For example, I've got a total of 10 blade connectors hanging loose--I'm guessing the daisy chaining couldn't quite deliver power to all 4 boards directly, because one of them has the blade connectors coming from it. Could you double up on a few of them onto that power supply you linked to, for example?
I think you nailed the spirit of the West coast. I find it quite funny that this system doesn't feature a full VCA. Very counter-intuitive to much of the advice on this forum.
Never think that Temps Utile gets enough credit. Really had a long of fun with it. The clock timing section seems like a blast to fool around with (especially with a circular logic cycle that affects temps)
Definitely...the reason that those caught my attention is that while we have a wealth of MONO submixers, the amount of STEREO submixers is pretty skimpy at present. Not only do these do that on a massive scale, they're inexpensive and super-simple. Now that's value! Plus, if you want to hard-pan signals to the left or right, you can do that for four stereo signals with the same module, and even have some panning "leeway" by careful adjustments of the input levels.
Yeah, they make some cool stuff for what seems to be a very fair price. Was kind of curious about them, so I may take a chance on ordering something soon. That mixer would be a good candidate.
Had a peek at Paratek's new MKC8-CTEPEO mixers...for those of you using performance mixers with a BUNCH of effects modules that output in stereo, this is a killer way to sum down those effects outputs and then send the whole composite mess back to your performance mixer's stereo AUX return. Or if you're running stereo voicings, this is what you'll need to sum a huge pile of stereo oscillators, VCFs, whatever. Very smart module...
Yeah the Eloquencer is my favorite modular sequencer now that I have in my setups and I have quite a few now of various types.
My workflow is very productive now on modular whether I make dance/techno or ambient generative stuff. I was able to really breathe life into my boring Doepfer basic VCO and make the crazy Anti-oscillator musical. I'd love to try out the Erica Synths Black Sequencer and Vector sequencers some day.
The problem with using "top review" modules is that nobody but NObody reviews things like attenuverters, VCAs, etc...the "boring" stuff that actually makes the "sexy" modules with the top scores do what they do.
For example, the "Mesh" does work as a mixer and a set of attenuators. But they're not attenuVERTERS, which means you can't use them to invert modulation signals, such as inverting envelopes for VCF modulation. And this has NO VCAs at all, which means you have no way to use modulation signals to affect amplitude over either modulation signals or audio. Plus, no STEREO mixer, which really cripples what the Monsoon and Delta-V are capable of spatially.
I suggest that you stop worrying about the individual modules themselves, especially following reviews of them for the reason I mention above. Instead, look at GROUPS of modules as a unitized subset...for example, envelope generators need some way of controlling AND inverting them. Inverting a single LFO signal results in TWO modulation signals that work in a 180-degree quadrature arrangement, meaning that one LFO rate can determine TWO phase-opposed modulation results. And so on.
What I'd suggest is that you spend some time looking at MG builds by experienced synthesists. If you see a certain module that you find engaging, then pay close attention to what it works WITH, in addition to what it does. These so-called "utility"-type modules are what makes a build like the one above work...but it's ESSENTIAL to know what you need for the "sexy" stuff, otherwise you're building a system that's hobbled by the dread "Sexy Module Syndrome". Don't fall into that trap...thankfully, you've got a whole row for expansion, so you might still be able to dodge that bullet.
You know... in hyper space there is lot of freedom and there aren't many rules, but there is one though and one is promised to be held on to that and that is this:
Once a full planet's nation or something like that is able to go in hyper space then it's allowed to take the information you found in hyper space back to where you are from and share it with the rest of your living beings on that planet or place you are from. Earth has not been reached that stage yet where everyone is able to go into hyper space, so as long as that's the case things as taken pictures (old fashion though, nobody does that in hyper space for ages) and take that back to a place that has not been (fully) freed up in hyper space like our Earth is, well, sorry but that's just not done, you just can't do that I am afraid.
For example "lift-off", I totally understand what you mean, however in hyper space that is such a 20th century expression... you know... I better not mention that there ;-) In hyper space one would rather call it "being transferred", or something like that.
So what we all should do is this: if we all can just make even better music than we already do, put all our efforts into even more "hyper spacey" kind of music, perhaps if we would do that all together, we could hyper space the entire Earth into hyper space, then there are no more secrets to be kept and you can take whatever photographs you would like to.
How about that, hey? ;-) Meanwhile (while we are not hyper spaced yet as one union) let's keep up the good work and enjoy our music. Thank you very much in name of hyper space beings and planet nations and their humble servant, named Garfield.
P.S.: Lugia, I am still on nothing else than just "modulargrid.net" ;-)
For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads
Hi, this is what I have built in the last 18 months..its been a steep learning curve..(still learning).. its settled in a nifty case.. i have another nifty and am awaiting them shipping the double case rack ears to have two .. one above the other..hoping i can fill it with modules to keep me going for a long while..(famous last words)..I have tended to buy modules where I have watched or read a good review , but with no clear plan.. i realise i need to be more focused.
So.. what to do next ? please feel free to suggest anything.. i know i will be asked quite rightly what do i intend to do ..genre wise..
lets say i am not tied to anything apart from i have a dfam which i like to use my eurorack to compliment rhythmically...hard techno if i am pushed into a genre... i am not neccessarily needing effects right now, as i am enjoying what i can do with the basic waveforms.
cheers everybody
Music style is Ambient, Experimental, Generative.
All sequencing happening external by a Korg Electribe 2 through MI Yarns with 4 MIDI parts/channels, supported now and then by a Korg SQ-1 (2x CV, gate). The E2 also serves as main clock for the MI Marbles, 4MS DLD and Korg SQ-1.
Output from the Intellijel Mixups goes into the Befaco Out V3 and from there to a Korg D3200 digital mixer / multitrack recorder (12 bus inputs, 16 channels, 16 tracks, 24 bit recording at 48kHz sampling rate), with full EQ and DSP effects available for each individual track and master/final mix. For recording the D3200 acts as MIDI masterclock for the Electribe 2 (and the synced modular clocks).
I think I’ll begin in the VCV zone - put together a Noise Reap style sandbox. Then maybe go for the ES-8 + Linnaeus for the first two modules and spend some weeks/months noodling around.
Right now it's only stepping in as a dual quantizer and a fixed 12 step mini sequencer @Lugia. I plead innocent lol
Thank you as always @GarfieldModular, every time I record something my first thought is "I've gotta share this with Garfield" so I'm glad on this occasion we achieved liftoff. Next time you visit Uremap 64T please take some photos and perhaps I can use them as album covers 🧑🚀
West coast rhythm machine you say? I highly recommend something that can do Euclidian rhythms and logic like Pamela New Workout or VPME Euclidian Circles! For percussion modules, Noise Engineering BIA is a must as it can do a lot of stuff if you modulate it. I also love Plaits. Here is my compact techno dance machine as an example:
I use 4 percussion modules and Eloquencer with WMD 4TTEN and Praga 4 channel CV mixer that has VCAs built in. Works great.
Plus Eloquencer lets me sequence random, pendulum, 8 channels.
Sure...what the hey, right? So...
Some of this is based on encounters with Buchla and Serge stuff in the past, with some updating because Eurorack.
Top: Quad free-running LFOs are paired with a three-in attenuverter/mixer for creating composite modulation, leaving one LFO free at all times. Kept the Quantum Rainbow 2, but added a Make Noise FXDf so that one noise signal can be divided into even tighter noise bands, similar to the Buchla comb filters and how you can use them for the same sort of thing. Dual quantized VCO next, and for screwing around with that, there's an Antimatter Crossfold, which allows simultaneous waveshaping via combination of the VCOs (or a VCO and noise source). The 6x Mix is to provide three two-in mixers for composite spectra of noise/VCOs/Crossfold. Then the MEAT...SIX lowpass gates, plus a dual multimode VCF (mainly for bandpass/highpass use, but your mileage may vary). After that are two pairs of Omsonic six-in stereo panning mixers with FX Aids; these are intended to sum down sources, process them as two separate 2-channel sources, then the Antimatter V3kt handles your quad sound projection.
Bottom: Temps Utile, Fractio Solum for CV over clock division/multiplication, then a Knights Gallop algorithmic pattern generator. After this is a pulse counter, then a probabilistic pulse skipper, leading to a Boolean logic module plus a Bytom for pulse summing/distro. Eight EGs are after this for control of the LPGs, etc. The Tonic is a sequencer that derives CV outputs from incoming pulsetrain info, and to help make that even more nuts, there's a Pithoprakta probabilistic sequencer. This ENTIRE ROW is intended to function as a single device for generating and manipulating timing signals, taking them from being simple clock/pattern outputs from the Temps Utile (which also has four CV ins for direct modulation of various parameters) through various stochastic and logical processes to arrive at the ENTIRE sequencing and control system for the upper row's parameters, from CV to gate/trigger signals.
But wait! Where are all the VCAs!? Don't need 'em in here, since the vast majority of what's going on involves timing pulses; there's very little in the way of CV going on, much of which has been optimized for MANUAL control. Instead, we have the Boolean gates, which are kindasorta a substitute for VCAs for tampering with pulse behavior instead of modulation amplitude. And up top, you have the array of LPGs (half of which is a VCA, remember?), plus a filter that can either be fed audio OR it can be "pinged" with a high resonance setting, which can give you two different ringing filters from the same general FM control. Mixing with the panning submixers is manual (which is a little different, given that you have to determine levels BEFORE the submixer, not ON it) but we get back to CV control when we get to the quad spatializer at the end of the audio chain.
Pretty nuts, actually...I wouldn't mind messing around with this sort of a "drum machine", although it doesn't have the "Teen Beat" setting found on my Seeburg Select-a-rhythm.
Oh this is lovely relaxing music. Close your eyes and let go, let go earth and go into hyper-space. You can imagine (eyes still closed) the stars you see slowly moving by, the serious emptiness of the galaxy, your music, planet Uremap 64T here I come ;-)
Oh this is fantastic, this could go on and on for me and I am still floating around in hyper-space...
You have done it, I left earth again ;-) Thank you very much for sharing this and kind regards, Garfield.
For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads
