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i get it. this os 106hp worth of modules and a 104hp case. its just to consolidate all my make noise into one case in theory only.

Frap Tools Usta is great, shame it can only sequence in the forward direction,
but you won't find more beautiful, clean, and well-built hardware anywhere.
Xor's NerdSeq can do nearly anything, but the opaque documentation restricts it's utility somewhat.
Not really a traditional sequencer, the SIG Stochastic Inspiration Generator provides tons of fun.

NerdSeq. Modular, midi in/out(w/a 2hp expander), and some limited FM out all in one.
Can be tough to learn, but deep as you will ever need to build auto noodle patches.
The Swiss army knife of sequencers.

EDITED Sep 13th, 23:51

The CV affects the Delay Level on the Cutting Room Floor module. It will have no affect on the Tape Level. Both switch's effect modes are engaged in the "up" position- These provide multiple head repeats and tape stability effects. I suggest reading the manual which is located on the product page of our website.

For others checking out this module, note that it is not a traditional delay effect. It's meant to provide tape overdrive to the direct signal as well as simulating the mechanics of a reel-to-reel tape delay, and the sound of it being abused / broken. There are many delays out there to choose from if you're looking for something more traditional. But if you're looking for something to beautifully marr your sound only the way analog tape pushed to the limits can, the Cutting Room Floor is a must-have, taking only 6hp in your case. This video gives a great taste of how it sounds: ">

Caution, this module is not 24hp it is 28hp

Hi,

I use an Expert S ES9 and ableton and i was thinking to add another sound card (es9 or 8) to add more inputs. Is anyone currently using 2 ES in parallel? is so, how is it going?

Thanks
Mat

thanks for all the advice and recommendations, everyone.

Slim, I realised your advice to go more HP. I bought another 6U Rackbrute case. I figure I can connect the twin rackbrutes and still be reasonably portable.

Im still in the market for a mixing solution, although my 'wants' from the mixer have evolved - here they are

*effect sends
* six channels or more
* cv control / vca functionality
* stereo panning from mono input
* HP is less important than value

Cheers

I really like both the 100 series and 55 series modules should i mix and match or build both separately

Wow cool

But will i need a midi to cv module or no

Re the BeatStep - No
It has 8 x trigger outs for the drums &, CV & Gate out for the 2 x sequencers so no midi required.
I used this in the beginning and found it very good at a reasonable price

Any specific reason you have avoided modules like Rene, Metropolix, Trigger riot, A-155, and similar modules?

Hunterprime, yes, it's because I planned to start out working with the Beatstep Pro and The Oxy One. That way I could concentrate on sequenceing some specific melodies as I learn the rack better. Then once I have a good understanding and some time under my belt on it, then there will end up being a 4th rack added that I will fill up slowly with modules in areas I find I'm lacking in, new releases, or possibly deals I come across. I've looked into the sort of modules you mentioned many times, and ultimately it's the size that was a big factor. After looking at every video I could find on modules of that sort, Trigger Riot was the one that caught my eye and I will almost certianly be one of the fist to go into the 4th rack. It does look like a lot of fun! (I also like that it doesnt have a micro screen which was the downside of the Metropolix for me.)

I also personally think that keeping the MN modules like MATHS, XPO, DXG together is going to give you massive bang for your buck. Maths in perticular, pairs beautifuly with the DXG and XPO
-- Hunterprime

MN does seem to aim for making modules that complement eachother well.
My layout of the modules will surely be diffrent than what is shown here. It'll just take a bit of time to see what I end up useing the most, what makes it easy for my fingers to fit, and what just seems to make sense.

One call out I wanted to call out is that you seem to be avoiding any of the larger note/gate trigger sequencers modules which can add an absolute ton of interesting patterns especially when chained together with some of the random sources you included. Any specific reason you have avoided modules like Rene, Metropolix, Trigger riot, A-155, and similar modules? I know they take alot of space but they can be absolute incredible sources of CV for modulation.

I also personally think that keeping the MN modules like MATHS, XPO, DXG together is going to give you massive bang for your buck. Maths in perticular, pairs beautifuly with the DXG and XPO

Zacksname,
Thanks for some great insight!

I have used 2hp modules before. I still have the Mix. Frankly, though, for this amount of money, I would say to not put a bunch of them in. They wiggle even if they're built rock solid, amd the knobs are not fun. If you decide later you need some function they provide and have to have it in 2hp, then go for it.

The wiggle aspect is an important one that I had not given thought to! I have been retweaking the rack and have pulled all of the 2hp modules except the pluck and hi/low pass ones. The Oxy One was the last contemplation that was added, and with that, there was a lot of redundancy with the 2hp modules that did mean I could pull them from the rack.

Once you have a Rample and a 2hp Play, I can't help but think you should just try a Bitbox or a Squid Salmple - especially if you're also worried about the Queen of Pentacles and the SD card on the back.

I really liked the Squid, it seemed to have a lot of what I was looking for and I have a feeling that in the future I might end up with one. However, starting out, it seemed like it was a bit more complex than what I would need it for. The Bitbox seemed nice as well, but I every time I looked into it, I felt like I might as well just use my NI Maschine if I was going to go for a route that offered such complexities. The Queen of Pent, I figured I would mostly just have cymbals in the sample slots and not end up monkeying with the card often. (Though I do think its a wacky design to put in on the back.) That way I'd have the Rample for my sampled drums, and the QoP sample slots for the cymbals

You can also look into CV to MIDI converters like the Befaco CV Thing or the Sweet 16 faderbank

I think the CV Thing will suit most of my immedate needs quite well :)

Overall, this seems pretty balanced. Usually imagined systems this big are a bit of a mess. More modulation is nice, so if you expand, definitely look there first.
-- Zacksname

That's great to hear, I somewhat expected there to be an aspect, necesity, or process that I totally overlooked. Other than a filter or two (and possibly another quantizer), some more modulation is really all was feeling like I might need. So I do feel like I'm on the right track, and appreciate the feedback! Any advice for a modulation module that would be fit well or fill an area that I'm lacking or that I am weak in? I had been considering a Tripple Sloth, though I held off on adding it because it's not available from my local synth shop. (Though obviously that wouldnt prevent me from grabbing one.)

Jopair,
Thanks again for your insight! AS for the filters, I determined that it would suit me best to decide on a filter or two to add once I can get to my local synth shop and get some hands on eartime with them. I did find a couple videos of the Dual Dagger that were compelling, and the Atas I already knew I was fond of. So I think Im going to hold off until I can more specifically determine what I need to sculpt the sounds that I'm looking for.

MIDI isn't all that bad, just kind of tedious.
That said, if you have a more specific question about connection issues. Throw it out and someone will probably have 'an' answer.

I havent used MIDI since about 1985 and back then I just thought it was lacking/clumsy and the gear I had back then didn't warrant heavy use of it. Now days, I figure that once I get all my new gear and start setting it up, my questions will be able to be much more specific if I run into any issues.

I tend to not do drums in modular. I just couldn't find any great combination or reason to justify essentially doubling the footprint.

That was my exact original take when I first started looking into it.
I've been working on tweaking this rack before I pull the trigger and think I may have come up with a happy medium now with everyones help/suggestions. (I'll share it once I think I have it all worked out)

I like Data Bender.
-- Jopair

I do also, it seemed like one of their best modules. Though as much as I like it, I didnt think it would fit well with the sort of music I was looking to make. But later down the road, I have a feeling I might end up with one.

I know both the 55 series and 100 series are affordable but which would you recommend building for a beginner

Patch notes in the youtube link

I think a general concensus is its 100% valid to have both... but if only one, personally, PAM's first. You're use-case may be different though, working with semi-modular as well. It'll kind of depend on your setup. If you already have a solid clock and distribution plan, maybe I'd get the o+c? Again, personal opinion/grain of salt... FWIW, I don't own an o+c, but its a module I've researched/considered quite a bit.

Ultimately, I would caution aginst considering them 'similar modules'. While there is overlap, their strengths are very different.

EDITED Sep 11th, 22:19

Thanks guys for weighing in, I've made some adjustments and added somemore utilites Sindikat (cv processor, buffered mult, attenuvert) and looking at a Clouds Clone now in place of that Qu-Bit Mojave.... I can always go big for the next one but figured since I need to save space I've also pulled the output and the power modules since its one of those nifty cases that has both integrated. I guess my biggest question is Do I need ornament + Crime if I already own a Pam's I know Pam's can quantize but does it hurt to have a second, is this redundant? obviously still very new as I move from semi-modular to modular so please Roast away.
*note I currently own the case(crazy deal) and it came with earthquaker module. I also have PAMs, Veils, Banshee filter and clouds clone. I'm not dead set on the Modulaire Maritime gear but both units seem to do what I want and the company really responive to questions so I guess the got me with well explained demo's and good customer service, but I have yet to order.
Thx

thanks that really helps because I'm new to this well I saw it back in 2010 and got an Analogue Solutions Red Square and now I wanna take the plunge

But will i need a midi to cv module or no
-- ELJ666

no...

one of the brilliant things about modular is that technically you do not need any specific type of module at all..

filters can be sound sources, some vcos can be lfos, utilities can be a sequencer, sequencers can be modulation sources...

if and only if you want to control pitch and timing in your modular via midi do you need a midi -> cv module...

I have had a modular for 7 or 8 years... I have never owned a midi -> cv module

But will i need a midi to cv module or no

A powerful unit, a joystick controlled modifier of CV and audio with filter, reverb, wave modifiers, loopers, and more.
Mostly surface mount pre-installed. However, the buttons are a little tricky to install so take your time, and I had some interference problems with the button tops that I had to add a water to sort out. But in general a good build.
Demo just scratches the surface of this beast, but does give you an idea of the power here. Very good module.

Build

The BeatStep Pro is one of the most used solutions : https://www.arturia.com/products/hybrid-synths/beatstep-pro/details

Oops i didn't pay attention I'll do that

You may want to consider adjusting the layout a bit. The oscillator driver would be best placed next to the oscillator, as these work together, and the sequential switch would be more useful near the sequential controller. The later would allow you to use your sequencer in 24 note mode, if you so chose

wow excellent

there are 32 slots to connect the modules to the power delivered by the go case. hipes this helps!

How many modules does the behringer go hold

I'm unsure if I understood your question.
But if your question is about the PSU, it seems fine for a B Go.

Is this too many modules for a behringer go case

You should be ok for power as far as I can tell.

This case provides: +12 V @ 3 A, -12 V @ 1 A, and +5 V@ 1 A

The reason that your build has the 'actung' alert is because some of the power values have not been added in the builder, not because it uses too much power.

You have some nice units in there. I have a Behringer SYSTEM 100 (the backbone of this build), the 2600-VCO (as well as the full 2600 semi-modular), and I am currently building the SYSTEM 55 (where your fixed filter bank is from). All really good units :)

Am i using too much power for a behringer go case. I watched videos on these modules and fell in love

EDITED Sep 9th, 17:33

I bought a module from @igrok and everything was fine - good price and top communication - can only recommend!

Right now I'm only planning haven't started yet but you made things simple when you mentioned that but right now I'm using the Novation circuit mono for sequencing

This is my final build. I am VERY happy with this monster of a synth!!

EDITED Sep 13th, 02:56

How are you sequencing your other stuff? If your setup has a clock/sync output or CV/Gate outputs, this may be enough to just run them side by side.

I am quite happy with the After Later Bartender. The four stereo channels are enough for now and the send/return loops are very handy. expansion modules are available as the rack grows

I have used 2hp modules before. I still have the Mix. Frankly, though, for this amount of money, I would say to not put a bunch of them in. They wiggle even if they're built rock solid, amd the knobs are not fun. If you decide later you need some function they provide and have to have it in 2hp, then go for it.

2hp Hat - You can probably skip this. You have noise in your setup. Patch the noise to a VCA/low pass gate/filter and ping the CV input/send it short envelopes. This is also sort of my advice about the Queen of Pentacles. If you try it and like it, then go with it (the filter and effects alone might bw able to help the modulation problem and give it some life). Whether you like the Queen of Pentacles or not, however, modular presents a great opportunity to synthesize unique percussion using the exact same tools you make synths with, as well as an opportunity to blur the lines between melody and percussion. The more you play with this system, the further away you'll get from assigning things standard roles like "drum/bass/lead".

2hp Euclid: Pam's has you covered here, I think. Plus the Oxi One.

2hp Arp: Another one where your sequencing hardware has you covered, but you've also got those quantizers to turn any modulation into an arp. A quantizer is almost always better for in-rack than an arpeggiator.

2hp TM: If you can make room for it I would 100% recommend the After Later Audio Alan instead.

Once you have a Rample and a 2hp Play, I can't help but think you should just try a Bitbox or a Squid Salmple - especially if you're also worried about the Queen of Pentacles and the SD card on the back. Maybe that's just me. Vocal one shots and all that can also be a 505 thing, but I'll leave that up to you. You can also look into CV to MIDI converters like the Befaco CV Thing or the Sweet 16 faderbank (a great multi-function module in general, albeit a big one) to allow you to send modular signals to non-modular gear like samplers and control their MIDI ccs for that modular sampling vibe. Sampling in Eurorack can be great, but this process will definitely help you decide what you want to do in rack or out of rack and where each task suits your needs, and you may find one of these options more suitable. I wanted to make a Eurorack sampler for a long time until I thought about it and realized that my Polyend Tracker and SP404 would let me put a sample anywhere I wanted in most ways I would want, and that unique but purposeful sample placement was easier to do there anyway.

The 2hp Pluck is admittedly hard to replace this way. There's always Rings or the QuBit Surface, but those are definitely bigger. People do like the Pluck.

There is one kind of 2hp module that I always suggest to people: passive low pass gates. I have the Takaab and Meng Qi brand ones and they are great for setting up quick and simple percussion out of any sound you throw at them, or just having extra signal paths for your oscillators that give them a unique character.

Overall, this seems pretty balanced. Usually imagined systems this big are a bit of a mess. More modulation is nice, so if you expand, definitely look there first.

The Dual Dagger I will have to revisit...

I wish I had a good video to reference; but I love it. Its just a super good-sounding stereo filter in a very reasonable amount of HP.

is there anything glaringly wrong here. I wanted to make sure I had my basics covered.

I wouldn't say glaring. Both the great and not-so-great thing about modular is that its.. well.. modular. You won't know what you're missing until you do. Emphasis on the 'you', as everyone will want / 'need' something slightly different.

Having everyone choosing different modules is a great aspect. Something like Maths I can see the versatility of and understand why so many people use it. Though something like Plaits, I can see the versatility, but I don't share the appeal for it as most people do. (Something it seems you might relate to?)

I have two Maths - one Plaits (and actually two Braids -- Pre-Plaits Plaits -- but not really). The possibilities of Plaits and (x2)Braids with the firmwares is actually kind of wonderful tbh. I have a Rings too, it does its thing, but stylistically, I don't tend to reach for it that often. Its a very nice module though.

I would say that the main things I'm on the fence about are the midi modules and my ability to get everything connected. The other man thing would be the Queen of Pent and the analogue drum aspect. ... Where as something like DFAM seems good, I think that perhaps individual modules might be a better fit.
-- TheLooseNut

MIDI isn't all that bad, just kind of tedious. Look into something like the IConnectivity Midi4+. They have a more expensive one out now, its probably very nice, but maybe grab an old one off someone who fell for... I mean, upgraded. There are also boxes like MIDI Solutions Quadra-Thru; but just know that midi does 'deteriorate' the more its chained. I don't really have a good rule of thumb -- you'll just have to experiment... Also, you can clock things without having EVERYTHING connected via MIDI. Maybe look into PPQ24 (or PPQ48) if you aren't familiar with the term(s). That said, if you have a more specific question about connection issues. Throw it out and someone will probably have 'an' answer.

I tend to not do drums in modular. I just couldn't find any great combination or reason to justify essentially doubling the footprint. Some purist (no shade) will definitely have a different take. If I were to go full/more modular for drums, I'd probably start with a Doepfer A-157 as it seems intuitive for the classic X0X-style drums. 'What you see is what you get' triggers... That said, I have no serious complaints rocking an EP-133, Drumbrute Impacts, DFAM, and Airbase 99. If there was a fire and I could only take one... the EP-133.

DFAM... oh and Qu-Bit from the other post... (sigh)... I like Data Bender... Maybe start a new thread for each convo :D

EDITED Sep 8th, 05:15

GateKeeper, thanks for the response, lots of good thoughts in there!

I deliberately tried to get a mix of straight forward vs complex modules. I wanted some that were a no-brainer and that I could immediately dive right in with. However I also wanted many that would take quite a bit of time to explore the nuances and possibilities of. I love to learn almost to the point of compulsion. (I can devour logic puzzle books faster than they can print them. lol) As much as this new hobby will be for making music (or even just noise and soundscapes), I enjoy deep learning about things that are of interest to me, and I find that just as entertaining as the creative aspects. Anyone that didn't love the learning aspect, I would say should likely not be looking into starting off with something of this scale. So while that is a great recommendation to point out, I am actually looking for something to study and make my brain work as I devour it.

I've used complex 3D modeling and animation programs for many many years, and programs like After Effects or 3D Max are extremely menu driven. My eyes need a break from it and on a monitor, its bad enough, but on a module with a micro LED screen... well, I just don't want to have to pull out glasses or a magnifying glass every time I want to change a value of something. Something basic and straight forward with minimal layers, I could live with. But some modules look great and do everything under the sun, but I'm wanting to step away from the computer, and deep menus, while I'm comfortable using them, simply is counter to what I'm looking to do.

As for the visual aspect, mostly the issue is following the signal path (which on my Rev2 is all behind the scenes). As long as there is a visual representation (without menu diving), I'm happy. For instance, the Quadrax will display a different LED color depending on the mode. That is enough for me to be comfortable with. But being able to follow the course of patch cords to visually see the signal path will make all the difference in the world compared to internal routing. I also included a Mordax DATA so that I could pass signals through just to see the waveform as I twisted knobs to get a much better understanding of whats being changed and how (as opposed to drying to decipher it just by listening).

Desmodus: Yes, I really dig this. (The company seems great too, and I really like their way of letting you swap firmware)

Bloom: I seem to hear more positive comments about the company than about their modules. But this was the one particular one I could envision many uses for. I read the manual (a couple times) and watched quite a few videos and it seemed that for the price and hp that it had a lot of uses. I do think there is quite a bit of behind the scenes stuff that will make it a little harder to learn the nuances of it, and that was definately a consideration on this module. I think what persuaded to to include it was that it gave me a good module to spend time learning on that filled a its role nicely. While getting it to do something specific that I wanted was not something that would be happening quickly, but simply twisting knobs and stumbling across something randomly that sounded intriguing and fun seemed like it would be fairly easy. (I'm wondering, would you say that is accurate?) I had looked ad various Turing Machine versions and they seemed more complicated and I would end up wanting several add ons to get the most use from it, So it seemed that would be a more expensive route and take up more hp. What would you say are the main benefits of a TM as opposed to the Bloom?

Queen of Pent: One reason I selected it is because it was a module I could jump right in with. But, that aspect also makes it limited in ability to modulate So I have been somewhat torn on this module for that reason. (The rear sd card access is something that obviously no one is a fan of.) The idea on what to switch it with is some good info. I did like the flexibility of the Basimilus (and do like the company as I stated earlier). I'm not as familiar with the Tymp Legio, but will definitely look into it.

Pico Dsp: I originally had selected quite a few Picos, but the DSP is the only one that I didn't ultimately decide to rule out. It seemed to have great review and was fairly popular, so that helped play a part in including it. I thought that it a good range of "set it and forget it" abilities and most of them were things I would actually use. I figured that since one of my cases would be set up to be disconnected from everything and be a stand alone travel rack, that would be were the smaller modules would all end up. Though I do think I would like it more if it was 4hp.

As for the MIDI, I have a lot of other gear the couple take use of MIDI connectability later on down the line. But the things I listed were the main things I was wanting to connect. I plan to do a lot of multi tasking, such as Playing the bass or guitar while using the bass MIDI keyboard with my feet and being able to reach over and play a riff on a keyboard at the same time. The Beatstep pro will would be used for drum stuff mostly, and the OxyOne would be more for keyboard sequencing, so some MIDI functionality will be necessary. However, since one of the cases will be a travel stand alone case, I was planning to keep that one MIDI-free and not even have a keyboard so I could focus soley on patching with that one. That way I would have the best of both worlds.

I always appreciate anyone's 2 cents (Or even 3-4 cents! lol). And as for having fun... of course! That's why I listed that as my #1 objective for the rack :)

Traxam, thanks, I'm actually glad you made this comment about the Octalinks as I did look at every option I could find. I REALLY wanted a cleaner option, and did want to stick with CAT cables. I just REALLY wish that these cases had jacks on it for internal wiring of it. (For the price of them, they should. Or at least have a popout panel for people who want to mod them.)

With simply a hole in the back or top, it makes it difficult to just detach the cable (but obviously solves the cleanness aspect). So I figured my only option would be to cut a hole and mount a face plate that I could install a pair of RJ45 keystone coupler jacks on. That way with a 6 inch cable from the module to the jack, I could have the optimal output jacks on the case itself. The cases are expensive and that makes me hesitant, but having it just how I want it would seem to make it worth the effort. I figured I'd need to get my hands on the cases first though to be able to determine how much effort it would take and the ease of doing the modification. Wood cases would be simple, though the 104 7U IntJ cases would be a much greater endeavor.

So if I don't find the case to be easily modifiable, I figured I could have the Octalinks in the center and be able to wrap each wire around the case handle before inserting it and that should help keep it a little cleaner than just dangling and being in the way.

Jopair, thanks for the response! I really do like the Atlas, it does have several qualities that I found quite appealing. When I first looked at it, I think that it was the HP that I thought was a bit large. Though since I'm thinking I might need to have more filtering, coupled that with the fact that it being 4 channels really does justify the size, It's definitely worth another look!

The Dual Dagger I will have to revisit, as I recall, the videos I had come across last time I looked into it, I found difficult for me to distinguish what was the module vs what was the other 20 modules patched into it for the demonstration video. I'll have a look again and see if I can find some other videos about that that I might have overlooked. I do appreciate the module suggestions!

I totally get the dislike (that many seem to share) for the 2hp sized modules. I do wish they were 3-4 hp each. Generally speaking, I do prefer ease-of-use as opposed to a micro form factor that emphasizes on space saving. For the most part, I figured those modules would end up being set up and used it for aspects that I wouldn't be changing often. Though I would be happy to be able to swap them out for something with the same functions that is in a slightly bigger form factor. Also, since I was planning to have one of the cases be a detachable stand-alone mobile rig, I figured the 2hps would end up in that case just to cram in a little more options in that travel rig.

You did answer my main question (is there anything glaringly wrong here). I wanted to make sure I had my basics covered. I have seen lots of posts like mine with responses such as: You don't have enough VCAs, why no mults, or that you have nothing to output such-n-such to. So I just wanted to make sure there wasn't something I overlooked or missed where some aspect of my rack is missing another module or aspect that is needed for basic functionality, or a module that people feel is almost a compulsory addon.

Having everyone choosing different modules is a great aspect. Something like Maths I can see the versatility of and understand why so many people use it. Though something like Plaits, I can see the versatility, but I don't share the appeal for it as most people do. (Something it seems you might relate to?)

I would say that the main things I'm on the fence about are the midi modules and my ability to get everything connected. The other man thing would be the Queen of Pent and the analogue drum aspect. While I think the Rample module will be good for samples of actual drums (which I have a large library of), I'm not the biggest fan of 808 style drums. I do like 909 style better, but generally the sort of music I will mainly be making would be making use of more actual drum sounds. I do want to include some drums of a 909ish style or something similar, but I would like to be able to sculpt the sounds a little more than the QoP might be capable of. Many drum modules have the ability to go WAY out of actual "drum sounds" and that is appealing though I have a few worries. One being that modules with a lot of range might be harder to get dialed in to something more traditional sounding perhaps? Also multiple modules can be more expensive as well as take up more space. Where as something like DFAM seems good, I think that perhaps individual modules might be a better fit. I had originally picked QoP because it seemed to be a very straightforward module, but that seems to come at the expense of versatility and range.

Ooo, yeah, nice work.

i want it as a backup mainly sequencing and psy trance i have other synths to do lead with so the modular can go automatically

Sweet tune, great layering and really nice how everything fits together. Well done!

Basic 3 voice patch w/ pulse delay processor from Maths. Modulation not shown in sketch, but will be coming from PAMS and OCHD.

Depends on what you want to do.
But definitely optional (to answer the question).

Check it!

Do i have to have a midi module or is that optional