User Posts

Well. You're on the right track.

A common timing source is a good first choice. A master clock could be something as simple as an LFO or a dedicated clock module. You can use a dedicated clock divider if you wish. But a good alternative would be a Pam's New Workout or a Temps Utile. They can divide (and multiply) a clock as well as perform other duties like trigger sequencing, Euclidean patterns, etc.

As far as mixers, you'll want at least two... both should be able to handle CV AND audio.

The quantizer is always a good move. So are effects like wavefolders, waveshapers, distortion, general effects (reverb, delay, etc.), and even distortion modules.

A dedicated sequencer to centralize control over all of your desktops would be nice as well... especially if you're performing or triggering things live.

Instead of posting a picture of your rack... post a LINK to it.

What will this external rack do for you that you can't do with your DAW?
How do you plan on effectively modulating your modules? By the looks of things, you'll be dependent on your DAW for pitched sequences.

The Mimetic is a $260 module. So it's not terribly expensive. But if the funds aren't there... understandable. I watch a lot of Ricky as well. He is great about making a lot of music out of a tiny amount of kit.

The Behringer 303 clone is $150 and comes with Eurorack patch points. It won't bolt to a Eurorack case... but for that price... not a bad option.

For the limited space that you have, putting gear into the rack that already has its own case is a very expensive and limiting option. They are eating up your entire case... as well as the huge, retro sequencer that doesn't really offer all that much in terms of size vs. functionality.

Which modules do you already own? I noticed the old build of the Tip Top ADSR in the rack.

The Disting makes for a good assortment of programs. If you're really loving the clockable LFO, I'd suggest getting an LFO module that supports that.

Check out the Euclidean mode on the Disting. If you're having fun with Turing and the Bin Seq, a Euclidean sequencer might be your cup of tea as well as the Tip Top Trigger Riot.
EDIT: just saw the Euclid 2HP module in the rack... you know this already.

You may also want to check out the Mimetic Digitalis from Noise Engineering. It pairs well with trigger/gate sequencers.

EDITED Mar 11th 2020, 16:40

Before building your own. I'd see when Behringer is going to drop their massive case. It'll probably be priced right as well. I'd have gone that route if I hadn't invested in Intellijel.

Haha, yeah already making changes on your suggestion.

As for what is currently in the rack, it’s just the z-dsp and the Intellijel Audio I/O. The Pro 3 is arriving in the next few weeks. My initial thought was just as you suggest, to use the Pro 3 to cut my teeth a bit and use the z-dsp to start my modular journey by using the rack as an effects rig then to slowly add modules that would allow the rack the potential to live a bit more on its own as I get more comfortable with eurorack and the theory behind it.

For the time being my intention is just to use the Pro 3 with the z-dsp. My question therefore is do I need to keep the Intellijel Audio I/O in the case or only when syncing with external synths without cv connections? Sorry if there is a completely obvious answer to this, just pretty new to all this. :/

-- TMR1984

Lugia answered the question about keeping the I/O. Yes, simple answer: Eurorack level is hotter than line level (where your synth and other gear works). So you will want something that can boost and cut for the in and outs respectively.

Something that I've recommended before is to buy a synth voice. A synth voice is basically all of the elements of a simple synth in one Eurorack module. The individual portions are usually accessible via patch cable. Intellijel makes the Atlantis as an example of a synth voice. Another idea would be to buy something like the Moog Grandmother. It's under $1000 and is a stand-alone synth but with some nice patch points. It's getting away from your rack. But I'm thinking more of an entry point then you can use the rack to supplement your Pro-3 and Moog Grandmother. Eventually, it can become its own standalone synth. But I get the feeling that you're a keyboard (black and white keys) guy and Grandmother is a nice platform for some real-time controlling.

These are just ideas and I can be completely wrong. But there are tons of possibilities with Eurorack.

I read up a little on the Pro-3 and its CV outs. It has 3 CV outs and a dedicated gate out. Have you been using them with your Z-DSP to modulate any of its settings? The Pro-3 also has an internal sequencer.

While having your sequencer in your Pro-3 is not the most optimum solution, it's a great starting point... especially since it can reach your rack through the CV and gate outputs.

If you have the patch cords, I would definitely start modulating that Z-DSP along with the Pro-3. The CV outs can be assigned to just about anything... so get wicked with it.

I know the end goal is to have a self-contained system. But don't overlook what you have as a good bench to get some experience. You could save a bit of money upfront using the Pro-3 instead of your Eloquencer. Get it eventually. But it's always best to be in a position to add more modules over time rather than everything at once and hope for the best.

My favorite VCA is the Intellijel Quad VCA. It covers almost all of the bases: it can do linear, exponential, as well as act as a simple mixer. I'm getting a little confused as to where you're at in the build because your rack doesn't match what's posted here. Seems that you already put one in there. :)

But definitely read up on the Pro-3 and that CV... nice synth by the way.

The Intellijel 7U case has two jacks for input and two jacks for output. However, you still need to buy an in-out module to make use of them. It doesn't come with any hardware to use the audio jacks or the USB connection. It just comes "ready" for them. The Intellijel 1u in-out should be fine and buy some room in the rest of the rack.

What external synths are you using? Are they Eurorack compatible or just your "normal" hardware synths?

You expressed interest in "straight forward" sound. But the modules that you have are sample-playback, a wavetable oscillator, and an additive source (even though analog). To me, a straight-forward synth sound would include two traditional VCO units somewhere in the mix. But that's my interpretation of that definition. You might want to clarify that.

What seems to be missing are the usual suspects: VCAs, noise sources, attenuators/attenuverters, and mixers of all varieties. Basically all of the boring stuff that makes the difference in modular that most people forget and start stacking up the cool/sexy modules in their rack.

Also, if you're only going to have one filter, I would pick something that can do more than just low-pass.

You have a lot of big modules in a relatively small rack and nothing that really "glues" them all together (boring modules). You might want to start all over and think about modulation first and then sound sources next. The brilliance of Eurorack is the modulation.

Is it possible to create a polyphonic synth in Eurorack. Yes. But you're reinventing the wheel in the most expensive manner possible. When you stated "pads" and by listening to your examples... I heard polyphonic sounds. Each voice has its own filter, VCA, and other elements. You'd have to reconstruct that in Eurorack, piece for piece with addition modules to handle things like routing pitch and gate to available oscillators, VCAs (possibly filters) etc.

You can definitely use Eurorack modules as part of an effects chain that you plug your hardware synths into. That's not any major issue between converting line level (hardware synth output) to Eurorack level (a lot hotter than your hardware synth). There are ways to sync your hardware synth to Eurorack and then modulate things in relation to the sequence as well.

My big point is to see if you can get where you want to go out of what you have rather than trying to make it work in Eurorack... which isn't a good fit for what you're wanting to do... as far as I can tell. There are lots of reasons to get into Eurorack. But it's a MONEY PIT... a sweet money pit... but still a money pit.

Eurorack isn't for you based on what you're describing. I would look for older, retro polysynths and guitar pedals. You're not going to do well creating pads in Eurorack on-the-cheap.

If you don't care about the size of the knobs, clones of Marbles and Rings will save some rack space. The Batumi always needs the 3HP Poti expander.

The 1010 Music FX Box will also run the two other firmwares, so you have another synth and a drum module there as well (just only one at a time). I'm not sure why you have all of those mults. Maybe one buffered mult. But passive mults are a real waste in a small space. Apart from the convenience, you're better off with external splitters.

Disting don’t like the menu driving but it’s really a super useful model. I always use when I wanna try a module a don’t have .

Does exist a pdf with all the sequencers modes etc like the Disting has ?

-- Saramago

I went to the webpage
https://ornament-and-cri.me/user-manual-v1_3/
Then I printed the page as a PDF and saved it to my computer.

Yes , everytime we buy something we should spend time to learn the machines . Unfortunately I don’t spend as much time as I want but gonna check some more tutorials about the “O_C” Turing machine

-- Saramago

You really should. I have the O_C as well as the Disting. The O_C really isn't too too bad as far as menu diving. Most everything is one page away once you get used to using the two rotary encoders. The Disting drives me bonkers in trying to navigate it. If you're willing to put up with that... the O_C is really easy... and it's really powerful at what it does.

Check out the sequencer section as well and what's possible as far as modulating it to play back different sequences etc. I think you'll find that it's a beast if you know it well.

I'd look into quantizers, sample and hold circuits, and definitely LOGIC modules. I'm not sure if the MiniBrute has any of this.

I would also consider a Pamela's New Workout or Temps Utile as they are great for creating and manipulating alternative rhythms like Euclidean. Xaoc's Zadar is also a great source for modulation that evolves.

The modules you could part with (IMHO) are:
A-170 (you have the Maths)
A-183 (check out Kona for attenuator cables)
A-180 (passive mults can be done outside of the case with all types of splitters)

If you get stuck for room, they would be the first modules I'd pull from this build to put more modules in.

I'm thinking Xaoc Devices Zadar and an Intellijel 1U Quadratt to attenuate or attenuvert the outputs manually.

I believe the Zadar can loop and play at very slow rates. The Quadratt ensures you can adjust the amount of modulation on the fly. You could also use the Quadratt to mix waveforms from the Zadar as well.

I think that would be fast to set-up in a pedal board situation.

EDITED Feb 18th 2020, 18:11

Hi Ronin1973
Thanks for your reply. I think i am gonna get the quad vca from intellijel. Having read plenty on the subject and Lugia’s advice no vca would indeed feel like leaving the best part of modular out.

The only concern i have withe quad (because i am not fully understanding its modus openredi) is that it has a mixer functionality. I understand that if i were not to use the vca it would operate as a mixer but if i use it as vca, can it still serve as a mixer? If i were to plug in plaits in ch 1, but yet use vca 1 for marble, would plaits on ch1 have marble vca setting applied to it?
-- Jays

The "mixer" portion of it all has to do with the logic of what you have plugged into it and what you don't. All the jacks have normals. If you insert a patch cable, it breaks the normal.

So yes, if you want to use each output individually, mix them all, or create a two sub-mixes... you can do all that. You can read the documentation from Intellijel's website if you're still cloudy or worried. But it will work without an issue once you understand the logic behind the normals.

Be very careful when window shopping for modules on Youtube.

The biggest mistake people make is not understand how many additional modules are required in order to get "that sound" out of the module(s) being featured. You'll often see someone reviewing or demoing a module with that module focused in the shot. But the rest of the kit and cables are off screen. Often the featured module is doing the least amount of the "work" going into that sound.

As far as the kit mentioned in the OP. The Plaits module and much of the Mutable stuff does not need a VCA in order to create a volume envelope for itself. It has its own built-in envelope should you choose to use it. Braids and Plaits are a staple of module because they are great for self-contained sounds that don't require additional modules to tease out. So while it's possible to get away with not having VCAs, you're leaving the best part of modular synthesis in the synth shop.

"What's missing?"

Noise source.
Sample & Hold (optional)
Dedicated LFOs?
Dedicated ADSRs?
VCAs?

I tried to wrap my head around O_C sequencers and the Turing machine mode but I do hate menu diving . But should try again and again

For sequence I have a Beatstep pro and Make Noise Rene .
What I’m looking for is a more generative melodies type so I can record and choose the happy incidents
-- Saramago

The two strategies that I suggested are all about happy accidents. You are influencing the melody rather than creating it. Put in the work and learn the module you already have.

Your Ornaments & Crime has some possibilities for you. There's a Turing Machine mode built in with up to four outputs that can be quantized inside the machine. You can control it externally with the Maths module for convenience.

You can use the dual quantizer in O_C. Feed it an LFO or mix of LFOs attenuated by Maths or your A-138. You can trigger the quantizing via Pamela's New Workout running a Euclidean Rhythms pattern. Your Batumi can sync to a clock or reset from PNW, so the melody can be repeated.

In both cases, you're not having to come up with your own melodies but your system is generating them for you.

EDITED Feb 13th 2020, 23:29

Yes. It looks like you got a little bit of G.A.S. when picking out modules. No judgment. We all do it. But just looking over the rack briefly, this is what I'm picking up:

The rack seems weirdly organized. I'm trying to pick up on the logic of how things are organized. For me, I try to put like things together: oscillators, filters, effects, etc. I then try to organize the groups so things that are commonly patched together are in short reach of each other so I'm not patching cables from one end of the case to the other and then back again.

You bought some pretty specialized gear. But you're a bit light on some of the traditional "bread and butter" modules. Two true analog VCOs wouldn't be a bad thing in here. A pair of full ADSR envelope generators. A noise source and a sample and hold module. Those would be nice too. A four to six channel mixer would also be nice. Also, I didn't see any dedicated VCAs. It's hard to tell with a link to a picture of your rack rather than a link to the rack itself.

If you're not wanting to part with anything, I'd get a skiff and place your sequencing and control stuff in it. I'd then get some bread and butter modules and put them in the main rack as well.

Looks nice. I have a stereo Sir-Mix-A-Lot with six channels on it with an expansion port. This would be awesome for submixing drums.

Ronin—that makes a lot of sense, thanks. Tall Dog makes an 8hp O_C in silver that I've had my eye on—that would complement their uPlaits I've got in there. MD + Pam's + Steppy would give me plenty of sequencing capability to stay in the case.

Out of curiosity, what are some of your go-to modulation sources you enjoy alongside BIA?

-- aarontw

Just remember that Steppy and Pam's New Workout only offer triggers and gates... no pitch CV. Steppy allows for a lot of real time changes... Pam allows for more features and functionality. Plum Audio offers an Intellijel 1U version of Ornaments & Crime if you ever consider replacing the Steppy with something else. But being able to reconfigure your sequence on the fly is a powerful aspect of any type of sequencing.

Thanks for the feedback & ideas, Ronin!

I hear you re: Maths—and get the appeal of a stay-in-the-case system. The current setup is a bit limited in being able to easily create melodic sequences internally. I could do some row rotation sequencing w/ Pam's and send that cv to the mk4 in a quantizer mode—that ties up two key modules pretty well, though.

I'm a fan of Mimetic Digitalis and its approach to cv sequencing—can I get by without using a quantizer with it? I believe it can do semitones. And any other compact cv sequencers that you'd consider for pitch sequencing?

I'd have another 10hp slot for one module to work with after that—the palette allows up to 12 modules, so that'd rule out an 8hp O_C AND a 2hp module. There is the Blue Lantern O_C at 10hp—though, I am tempted to get a Basimilus Iteritas Alter (10hp) in that slot ;-)
-- aarontw

It doesn't strictly adhere to pitch and definitely not to scale (apart from chromatic). The Mk4 does have a quantizer. But then you're tying up that module. That's why I recommended the O_C as well (dual quantizer onboard)... and get the one that is 8HP. Smaller is better.

The Basimilus Iteritas is okay. I own one. But it doesn't really play well with others and requires a ton of modulation sources to really get it to 'sing'. So it might not be a great module for a small case unless you're featuring it.

EDITED Feb 12th 2020, 19:23

My own personal tastes would be wanting a little more in on-board sequencing so that I can stay-in-the-case as much as possible. I find sequencing via the computer to really pull me out of my hardware zone.

I like Maths. But for the size of this case... it's just too big. You already have the Pip Slope for an AD envelope and the Joranalogue for mixing/VCAs.

I would ditch the Maths and replace it with a Mimetic Digitalis (10HP) and an micro Ornaments & Crime (8HP) and then find a 2HP module of your choosing... maybe a reverb or delay so the Disting isn't always on effects duty.

Hi LutZek,

There are multiple conventions around the world that deal in synthesizer design. You'll find many manufacturers displaying their latest modules, synths, and ideas. You'll also find plenty of users and enthusiasts there as well. I would try to attend a couple of these if I was in your shoes. You'd probably have a lot of fun regardless... because the manufacturers love to talk about electronics!

Some upcoming examples are:
Synthplex 2020
NAMM 2020
Knobcon 2020

Here's a link to get you started:
http://www.vintagesynth.com/articles/biggest-music-conventions-around-world-synthesizer-enthusiasts

Once you acquire knowledge of the dark arts, you'll look back at this build and laugh. It looks nice. But there's no reason to build a system based on one manufacturer. Once you've developed a taste, you'll select modules that YOU like regardless of who makes it.

Start off small and functional. A semi-modular synth like the Mother 32 isn't a bad choice. Then add a skiff or a small case to it with some modules that compliment the Mother 32. You may even eventually outgrow the Mother 32 and that's fine. Just remember you'll be learning as you go... so don't go hog wild at first.

You won't get any serious comments on this build since it's basically module porn.

You might want to consider a dedicated mixing module. I would start with that and then add in other modules. I would suggest something with a stereo output as well as line level outputs. Trying to find a way to adhoc signals together with each and every patch is going to be difficult and cut into your creativity. Getting signal to a dedicated mixer will be much easier on you creatively.

This is why I never buy used gear online without some sort of intermediary agency, such as eBay or Reverb. In those cases, if you wind up dealing with a "bad actor", the company in the middle can (usually!) sort things out.
-- Lugia

It's a good practice. That's why I like the thread where you can leave feedback on people with GOOD trading habits. I spent over $500 getting two modules built by a guy on this site. I left positive feedback and would recommend him to others.

Patching a clock generator into Steppy would work as far as syncing Steppy to a clock. But you have to understand what type of sequencer Steppy actually is. It sends out triggers/gates. Triggers and gates serve very well for percussion or triggering envelope generators. But they contain no information about pitch.

So you would need a sequencer that sends out both triggers/gates AND pitch (CV). Steppy can be part of a note generating set-up... like triggering a sample-and-hold circuit being fed an LFO or random source and then maybe into a quantizer. But that's a little bit beyond the scope of someone coming in at entry level.

I don't want to recommend anything at this point as I don't know what would suit your needs. What a rack needs to function depends on exactly what you want to do with it... which is always debatable.

But in VCV Rack, I would start with:
2 VCOs
1 filter (usually low-pass)
2 ADSRs
2 dual VCA modules (4 VCAs total)
2 Mixers
1 LFO
1 Noise Generator (white, pink)
1 8 or 16 step sequencer
and of course the output module so you can hear it.

Not every patch is going to use all of the things listed. But that's a very basic traditional monosynth set-up. You can get into other module types from there and see what you like as you learn.

Hi Lou, the short answer is no.

Small cases are exponentially more difficult to get anything useful from unless you're experienced in modular and know exactly what you want and need.

Steppy is a gate sequencer and doesn't handle pitch. You'll be reliant on the uMIDI hooked up to a DAW to get any musical notes to this set-up.

I think the two weeks you spent will probably require a few more doing research. It feels like you've added modules you've seen in a video or two rather than learning the basics of functionality when it comes to modular synthesis. This isn't a judgment of you and your abilities. It just feels like you haven't gotten as much out of your research as you're really going to need.

My first thought is for you to download VCV Rack. It's a Eurorack emulator and it is free. Build some patches and some sounds with it. If you can get useful things that sound good to you out of it, you're in a position to begin putting together some hardware.

What you have here will more than likely disappoint you. In your research, you may also want to look at the pros and cons of a "synth-voice" as the starting blocks of a Eurorack build. Then supplementing it with additional modules.

I just picked up a Westlicht Performer. I really like how it works for live. I also have a 1010 Music Toolbox... I really don't like it for live work.

You might want to follow Ricky Tinez on Youtube regarding EDM and Eurorack performances. He floats between hardware gear (non-Eurorack) and Eurorack solutions. He might have some sage words of advice if you ask him. He's pretty good at responding to his Youtube comments.

Good to know that they spent a couple extra bucks to reverse power protect it. I wish all manufacturers did that considering that modules are often hundreds of dollars each.

Maths is basically a Swiss Army Knife of functionality that is really easy to use. You may also like the Befaco Rampage as an alternative or even an addition.

The only drawback is the size is a bit big for a small rack or skiff.

They usually have a convenient "family tragedy" after you've given the money that's preventing them from dealing with you.

Never use friends and family as it's a scammers paradise. If anyone asks you to do that, you're asking for it unlubricated.

Complex oscillators come in all types and is a really wide category... it's basically everything that's not based on basic oscillator shapes and generation techniques. There are always exceptions, so don't take that as an absolute definition.

Complex oscillators offer some very interesting sounds and development of those sounds right out of the box. But if you stack enough modules together, you can get some very complex sounds out of traditional oscillators.

I think it all comes down to whatever blows your skirt up. I have a Rubicon 2. It's through-zero and I like it. But there's a lot to be said for digital modules, wavetable modules, phase, etc.

What brush would you like to paint with?

There are mixers. There are VCAs. There are devices that blur the lines between the two.

With both mixers and VCAs, they can work with DC coupled signal (control voltages), audio rate (audio), or both. So it's best to know these specs before you buy something.

VCAs can respond in a linear fashion to control voltage, exponential, or both. It's best to know this before buying one of those.

If you buy a module with a set of VCAs, they will often be normaled to work as a simple mixer. The Intellijel quad VCA works in this fashion.

Some mixers also include a VCAs in each channel. It depends on the mixer: Happy Nerding, Befaco, and others have products that do this.

SIMPLE mixers are usually cheaper than VCAs. So if you just need to mix levels with no external control over the levels, go with a mixer. If you need control over levels, then VCAs are the tool.

Complicated mixers with panning, effects sends, even EQ, are a lot more expensive than VCAs.

Just remember you can mix more than audio with most Eurorack mixers and VCAs. Just be sure to read the manual before you buy. Never assume.

EDITED Feb 5th 2020, 20:28

If this is your first set-up, I would think about getting a 1010 Music BlackBox or the new Akai MPC One.

The BlackBox has clock in and out, while the MPC One has four gates and four CV outs (I believe they use stereo 3.5mm breakouts).

You're spending a ton of money for the same or lesser functionality in order to place it into the Eurorack environment when a standalone device would serve you just as well and still interface into a Eurorack environment down the road.

The Mimetic has four sequencers in it. The outputs are not quantized. So a quad quantizer might be useful if you really want to use it for four pitched sequences. I'd really download the manual and understand what you will need to trigger the Mimetic and its range of functionality. It'll save you some heartache if it doesn't suit your needs; especially if you're using the Mimetic to send gates. (page one of the manual has most of the useful info). Download the manual.
https://www.noiseengineering.us/shop/mimetic-digitalis

Plaits doesn't have a quantizer built in. But if you use it with a Braids module... the Braids does. You have a Plaits. But a Braids might be better if the sounds work for you. Here's a link.
https://mutable-instruments.net/modules/braids/manual/

Contact the manufacturer... Shakmat (assuming you mean the Four Bricks Rook). They will gladly help you.

Don't take anyone else's advice unless you're willing to blow up your module.

Plugging things in backwards can cause some serious.

The typical (but not always) convention is to mark where the red stripe on the cable should align to. But different manufacturers use different symbols or may even include proper shrouding to force the cable the right way around.

It is POSSIBLE, that the orientation of the cable doesn't matter if the electronics are designed a specific way. I've had some stuff custom built that are agnostic to orientation. But never assume... contact the manufacturer.

EDITED Feb 5th 2020, 17:38

So, If I were to pick up a Korg SQ-1 or Tiptop Audio Z8000 I would get variable sequencing to go into it? The previous owner was using Native Instruments Maschine MK3, Maschine Jam and his PC, but decided to just use the reaktor 6 program that came with the software, it has WAY more blocks in it then he could ever own, hence the reason I picked it up.

If I grab a sequencer, do I have enough in the modules to have some fun? I have plenty of cables and splitters to work with.

Side note, what would you put on the ardcore? There are alot of sketches out there (no real VCA though).
-- abigroot

The SQ-1 would be an nice entry point into sequencing and not a big hit if you decide to go with something beefier later. You certainly have enough modules to have plenty of fun once you add a sequencer... or even plug it into your computer sequencer. My main point is that using a computer sucks a lot of the "fun" out of modular... especially if the computer isn't ergonomically situated well and you have to move between your computer and your Eurorack.

The Braids module is going to be the easiest to deal with at first. But you're going to have to learn all of its features before playing with it. It can fully produce sounds by itself or be used as more of just-an-oscillator. The Hertz-Donut is a complex oscillator that will probably need to be run through one of your filters and a VCA at a minimum... but it will offer the most "fun" as far as modulation possibilities via other modules.

You have more than enough here to keep you busy for several months. With that time you'll learn which modules you really like and what you're willing to part with.

Hi Ronin,

Thanks for the input! The NiftyCASE comes with USB MIDI in the back, which was a big selling point for me.

I was thinking the same thing about the Plasma Drive but I am pretty hyped about making really dirty, noisy synth lines with it. Would I be better off getting the Basimilus Iteritas...?

I was considering possibly removing Chips and Cells from the rig eventually once I filled up the other slots because I won’t be getting a ton of use from them.

This is hard!! Too many awesome modules :O
-- zwolf

Wow... that Nifty case is niftier than I thought. The Basimilus isn't a bad module. The Manis Iteritas is better for dirty synth lines. But both will require a lot of modulation to get that really filthy feel out of it... which means throwing other modules at it. They are both also horrible to try and tune.

Rather than the Plasma Drive or the Iteritas, I would go for one of the Ruina series from Noise Engineering. They are basically different flavors of distortion in a much more affordable and SMALLER footprint.

Hey Rookie,

I'm using the 2S sequencer too, so far I've been using the LFOs as a kind of triggers, it works for simple things. Otherwise I've been considering adding a Steppy (https://www.modulargrid.net/e/intellijel-steppy) to my system, it's a bit more expensive than the comparators but it has four independent gate tracks, so you may want to check it out too.
-- Exposure

Something like a Temps Utile might be a little more versatile than a Steppy. The Steppy is going to be great if you're changing your sequences up on-the-fly. But the Temps Utile will offer up to six sequences. It can also offer multiple other functions as well. It's comparable to the Pam's New Workout.

It will also sync to your main sequencer via clock as well as restart.

There are lots of Mutable Instrument clones out there that are a lot smaller in size. Some Mutable Instruments modules are also out of production, so a clone might might be your only option.

What are you doing for a sequencer or even a quantizer? I'm not familiar with Instruo's line so is there one in there? There's a lot of fun to be had by having an onboard sequencer or quantizer around. A micro version of Ornaments & Crime is a great place to start for simple sequences and quantizing. It's 10HP or you can go to Plum Audio and get a 1U version that fits in Intellijel's 1U row.

An output module might be a nice touch as well as a MIDI to CV converter if you plan on playing in sync with a DAW and recording.

I would ditch the Plasma Drive. Not because it's a bad module... it's a great module. But it's really expensive and quite an HP hog for a small case. Leave that space open so you at least have some wiggle room for additional, smaller modules.

Don't be in too big of a hurry to fill your case immediately.

I would replace nothing at the moment. I would make sure that I had plenty of patch cables, including splitters.

I would then spend a lot of time on Youtube learning the basics of modular synthesis as well as any tutorials or reviews of each individual module.

As far as I can tell, there isn't an internal sequencer that offers any pitch information. So you may be a bit limited. I would (I mean me) would buy something like the new Arturia Keystep Pro or equivalent with its own patchable sequencer. There is a MIDI to CV converter if you'd like to use your computer or MIDI sequencer... but I'm talking about the pure patch cable experience.

That would be my take on it.

Looks good. To follow up with some of the other comments:

Two ADSRs would be nice.
You might also want to squeeze in a dedicated LFO module that can be restarted/synced.

I'm not familiar with your ADSR/VCA combo. As long as the two circuits can be used independently, that's fine. Else I'd want them separated, even though plugging an ADSR into a VCA is pretty usual.

The Disting will give you a lot of different features to play with. You can then figure out if you'd like dedicated versions of those programs.

With all of the inexpensive case options that are about to hit the market, I'd definitely go bigger unless you really will not expand the system in future.

To make use of the Disting, you really have to practice accessing the programs and features. For me, it's a bit frustrating as the interface isn't intuitive and tends to be unnecessarily cumbersome.

Honestly if it came in an 8HP version with a decent LCD display... and functioned more like a micro Ornaments & Crime when accessing programs and features, I'd get that in a heartbeat.

Expert Sleepers makes great modules. But the user interfaces always leave a lot to be desired, in my opinion.