Get a quadratt for your 1u and you can make copies of your cv / audio from Maths using the mults on the skiff if you are set on getting one.
You will make lovely sounds with what you picked because Plaits has so many diverse sound sources. Really excited for you. In place of Maths, I would get Pams new workout and a couple of pip slope mk2.
You may find this series interesting if you haven't watched already :)
Hello everybody.
Here the link of my project : 
I will edit modules while reading at your suggestions.
I finally decided to jump in the world of modular and build my first synth. I had the chance to experiment with the wonderful kobol expander and to discover very typical 70/80's module and their sounds aesthetics. I'm pretty much experiemental and i'm not interested in specific genre of music, but i do have an interest about rich timbre harmonics, and noisy sound's mass, that why i want to get a bit more crazy than the very beautiful but a bit too much vintage academic Kobol.
I want to build a first rack in order to discover the very bases of modular synths but also to chose crazy module that can bring me a bit further in sounds experimentation than typical( yet veryyyyy goood but maybe not enough experimental soundwise ) doeppfer module. I also want a first rack that can be sufficient for short concert :) Budget max 2000E, 1800e will be perfect ( case included)
I was thinking to start with:
-VCO: Music Electronics Kermit MK III or Honda Piston ( i love the crazy soundswaveshape and dirty harmonics ).
-VCF: Mutable instruments Ripples Liquid filter
-MATH:Make Noise Maths
-VCA:Mutable instruments VeilsQuad VCA
-Envelope:4-channel Programmable Supermodulator Doepfer A-143-2
-Tool-BoxSteady State Fate
Do you think it will be a good begining ? :)
I really love the kermit MK III as a vco, but i was wondering if it will maybe orientate too much all my sounds in a specific destroyed aesthetic ?
Have a nice day.
Helio :)
why I would want to go bigger if my goal is to have a reasonably simple single voiced synth with effects
-- keefo
If you just want that, you can get a fixed-architecture synth for a few hundred dollars, and have fun with it. Part of the point of modular is to be able to modulate in flexible ways. Count up the number of modulation inputs you have among Plaits, Forbidden Planet, Chronoblob2, and Afterneath. Now count up the ways you have to generate independent or even linked modulation. Maths can do a lot, but not nearly enough. The Mantis gives you room to expand. You don't have to use it right away, or ever, but chances are that you will want to.
If I were to get rid of the powered skiffs, and use a mantis case, I'd have 4hp more per row for a total of 8. I think this is a good build, and the fact that I can have a little room to move some things around or add some mults or something would be beneficial IMO.
Thanks for the responses so far,
I guess I could go with the 7u or I think erica synths has a similar 6u case, I like the affordability of the mantis - I know it sounds silly but space and size are concerns for me along with having a flat (parallel bottom/sides)
I guess I'm also trying to understand why I would want to go bigger if my goal is to have a reasonably simple single voiced synth with effects - even in the 104 4u case I could add more utility and another oscillator and that would be nice but its kind of surpassing what I want to achieve.. not doubting you guys know and have experience with this, just failing to see where the line is/what I'm missing to hit my needs - or is the bigger case thing just a room to grow into thing because people are never happy with what they have?
an expression pedal interface is actually a good call, remember seeing a red one whilst looking at this, in terms of the env. & pitch followers.. I think I would try do that with a midi pickup rather than tracking - i had looked at the mutable inst. ears and disting mk4 - although the disting mk4 seems like a great module to have regardless so i might add it to the list anyway, that way it probably wont go to waste if I don't like the tracking.
Anyway thanks for replying hope I don't come off as ignorant about the case size
Fun last nite exploring my new Endorphin.es Queen of Pentacles and Ground control and trying various compressor/eq settings from the 1u Endorphin.es Golden Master module.
Still lots to learn but fun sonic palette for sure!
definitely agree bigger case the Mantis Tiptop one or the Intellijel 7u no smaller. I use smaller cases but have much larger modular system to draw from as needed.
bigger is almost always better - at least in the long run - I would recommend 6u instead of 4.5u or whatever these intellijel cases are...
1u looks inviting - but the amount of functionality you can get into the row compared with 3u is very limited - and there is very little that is available only in 1u - that's not available in 3u and takes up a lot less hp - and the advantages of the built in parts are not really that great compared with the price difference imo
I'd recommend a tiptop mantis - better power supply and cheaper than the intellijel 4u/104hp - and the 'built in functionality' of the intellijel can be added in not many hp - as and when you actually need it
if you want to use a guitar with eurorack modules I'd suggest that you get a dedicated input device that at least has envelope follower and comparator included = or get a disting mk4 or ex - as they have an algorithm that has both envelope and pitch following
an expression pedal interface module is also really handy - so you can control the modular with your foot whilst your hands are occupied playing the guitar
fx aid is a really useful module that adds a lot of variety in effects (and other areas) - the xl has both better ergonomics and more modulation inputs
"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!!!
sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities
and you are full of crap Next_G so buzz off if you do not have anything nice or valuable to contribute. I always heard better to be silent than be rude. No need for that here. If you don't like my music don't listen!
Cool drone man! Just do what I do and ignore rude jerks who say bad stuff about lack of talent and what not like this one guy here NextG never fails to amaze me with his rude snide remarks.
You will never record a song in the DAW of that I am sure. You already have problems to operate a simple Eurorack sequencer like Eloquencer, or your pathetic attempts to operate a simple mixer.
Ah so helpful! I too am getting my head around how envelopes work with VCAs and filters.
Thanks! It really is a fun jam box and Endorphin.es makes great stuff. I can get the drums in one module and good sequencer as well with hands on live jam features. I love being able to instantly create cool stutter like effects easily on the Ground Control sequencer or with the FX engine on Queen of Pentacles.
Meh. I was thinking modulation and glitchy drums. Could bump. I'm gonna keep working on it.
I also think mults are good when you have a bigger system and you want to get from one module to another using an intermediary mult without having to buy stupidly long cables.
-- greenflyCan’t tell if joking or making a suggestion akin to buying a Mordax Data because of the pretty graphics
-- toodee
I don't know if I would have 10 mults but I understand why having more than one might be appealing. If I think about the star splitters I use, probably 3 are full with cables and 3 more are probably half full. I could see having 5 mults may be viable if you want to distribute cv / audio a bit more efficiently.
Generally it's about the trade-off of what the extra module gives you vs hp consumed so I have 3 one of which is passive. Thats more than enough for me.
You may be a person who likes to have 15'000 sound sources and filters, which would seem daft to me but I just want to say @toodee, that that's ok pet x
I also think mults are good when you have a bigger system and you want to get from one module to another using an intermediary mult without having to buy stupidly long cables.
-- greenfly
Can’t tell if joking or making a suggestion akin to buying a Mordax Data because of the pretty graphics
--- Voltage control all the things ---
Hey there,
Im looking into building this over the next few months
Its small and full but after a fair amount of research and tinkering I think it does everything I'm looking for
which is
I guess im just posting here because I presume alot of you are far more experienced and might catch something dumb or have some suggestions on how to improve.. one of the areas I'm fairly flexible is on the chronoblob as id like to get maybe some reverb in here too but I want a lot of control over delay
Should probably point out im not past going larger with this setup
money not really an issue, just happy to limit myself a little to keep it small.
I had a DB-01 and Digitakt before I started buying modules. Honestly, I think you should get the DB-01 and work with it, then see what you are still missing and want from modular. It will be expensive to build up modules that come close to what the DB-01 offers, and the DB-01 has three CV inputs (in addition to clock in/out and MIDI in/out) and a hot output, so it can be easily hooked up to a rack in future. Erica Synths does have a Bassline module (I suspect it shares much circuitry with the DB-01) but it lacks noise, synced LFO, and most importantly the seriously playable sequencer that really puts it into 303 territory. I know this is a modular forum and I should be talking up Eurorack, but sometimes the alternative is better.
Thanks a lot !
Too bad, I like the metro workflow so much ... I will have to make a choice and the answer will surely be: " i need to get them both"
Now available! See the new Magerit CANAL, a continuous variable state filter of 2 & 4 poles. It could be a large definition of this new VCF, but here we will explain why and what makes this module an unique filter.
Nice :)
Enjoy your spare HP, don't rush to fill every last space, this is not like filling sticker books. Resist the urge to 'complete' your rack, its never complete so just relax.
I've been following on YT, listened through them all yesterday :) Good stuff!
Session 008 was mega restrained, I've not got that restraint!
Enjoy your spare HP, don't rush to fill every last space, this is not like filling sticker books. Resist the urge to 'complete' your rack, its never complete so just relax.
Thanks a lot Garfield.
I think you have earned a break with all your kind words and time spent listening to people's music on MG :)
*Edit, there are a couple of new photos here https://www.wishbonebrewery.co.uk/2021/11/28/the-conflict-within/ though the writing is about business stuff.
Enjoy your spare HP, don't rush to fill every last space, this is not like filling sticker books. Resist the urge to 'complete' your rack, its never complete so just relax.
Props for attempting to mediate a standard, @XODES. What is the decided PCB height (not faceplate) to accommodate both sizes? I’m away from my Intellijel system and digital caliper at the moment.
-- illiac
I actually just was too lazy to make 2 panel versions, and it looked like it solved a couple issues, like preventing the "wrong" version to be put in the box by error, or customers ordering something that wouldn't properly fit in their rack.
BTW, just like said in my previous post, dimensions for both the PCB and panel are the Intellijel ones. Everything is documented on their website :
Props for attempting to mediate a standard, @XODES. What is the decided PCB height (not faceplate) to accommodate both sizes? I’m away from my Intellijel system and digital caliper at the moment.
Actually the panel (and PCB) dimensions simply are based on Intellijel ones, and the major (or minor?) change is about the mounting holes that are open on the outsides. That's it. So there will be tiny gaps when used within PL cases, yet you can use screws on top AND bottom.
Recently, a couple of manufacturers apparently adopted this method : Synthrotek, Winterbloom, and EcoLab (for the latter, their 1U modules are not on Modulargrid yet, and these have been showcased on Instagram over the past few days).
Thank you so much for your comments! I love this community already! I think while you get lost in your research about modules etc it is good to have a reality check, which you definetely gave me! Also one has to be careful that GAS is not hitting, but I already learned my lessons buying and selling guitar pedals and have now just a handful which do the job.
First of all, modular synth are in my (very limited) opinion the place to live your creativity to the fullest (given enough space and money). Having that said, I would like to start out with something where I spend my 1500 - 2000 Euro/$ and have a system I can begin with exploring. You all make a good point about getting a bigger case and maybe Lugia is right that I shouldn't just copy what some person on YT does (well I liked the sound, but it might be that I will go some other way eventually). Also I get your point about the shiny LEDs on the NE stuff, I totally see that to be very annoying.
Also thank you sacguy71 for sharing your intellijel setup, looks interesting and I will get some inspiration. Might be as well that I just end up getting the DB-01 combined with my Digitakt. No, I think want to go Modular and explore this space!
Do you have any suggestions for must haves (modular-wise) in a setup that kinda has a DB-01 (303) character but also leaves room for some more weird and melodic stuff? I know thats very broad, but at this point I just wanna get some directions to do more research before I come up with a second version of my initial idea and eventually do my first buys. Great thing about modular is the possibility for endless expansion!
have you already bought this? or is it just a 'dream' rack - because it looks like a nightmare!
-- JimHowell1970+1. I'm looking at this, and I have literally NO IDEA what some of this is doing in here. Like, SEVEN mults? And three are buffered? Unless you're splitting a single CV off to 16 separate VCOs, this is bonkers. Spendy bonkers, at that!
If this isn't a troll (and I'll give everyone 3:1 odds that it is), just delete this thing and start over, preferably AFTER studying other experienced users' builds beforehand. And I'd also suggest this: https://vcvrack.com/ It's a free and pretty spot-on Eurorack emulator, hundred of modules (some by the makers on here, in fact), and a patching system that works just like regular ol' Eurorack. Mind you, it likes FAST processors and LOADS of RAM to really cut loose, but when it's got those, it's an incredible way to see what and how things work in modular.
One other thing I would suggest: get a patchable synthesizer. This is the lane in between prepatched synths and fully modular ones. And thanks to Voldem...uh...Uli, Behringer reissued a 2600 for the rest of us unconnected, poor slobs. And it's actually VERY spot-on; I know this from 40+ years of futzing around with them, v.2 thru the present de facto v.5. Build quality is beefy, as well...bears NO resemblance to typical B. quality. But this is a really good learning choice, as I and loads of others from back in the day will state that the ARP 2600 was THE teaching synth, and the only reason it stopped being that is mainly due to ARP's infamous Avatar fiasco and general mismanagement that tanked them by 1981. Plus...it interconnects with Eurorack, so that when you're REALLY ready to build, the 2600 and the Eurorack "speak the same language", namely 1V/8va scaling and positive gate/triggers, and you can use the 2600 as a "core" device for a bigger modular.
Lastly, it's $650, and contains pretty much zero potential for adding anything "wrong". Several months with that, plus studying builds and maybe getting a copy of "Patch and Tweak" (which'll give you some REAL ideas about what modules do and how to get them to do that...and MORE) would be a good idea as well. But don't do what's shown above, for the love of god. Take the time to study, work out ideas, and work with a patchable synth, and you won't regret it in the end.
Provided, I'll state once more, that this isn't a trolling attempt.
-- Lugia
Yes, Lugia, I'm not trolling. And yes, Lugia, Chris probably has 16 VCOs (or more) and I probably will as well. He earns millions of dollars off of film scoring, of course he can afford all this.
Tbh, I'm kinda copying Christophe Beck. He's mad, like you guys! Also note that this is only Rack 1A out of 6 racks. And if it makes you feel better, imagine it without the 1u tiles. I'm starting to think I should've put those in Rack 1B instead. Also, I'm not actually sure about those mults on the left (Doepfer and 2hp). However the ones on the right, I'm sure. Feel free to check out all my racks if you want to know exactly what I'm trying to do, I'll make them all public now. Again, I'm a beginner, so go easy on me please.
Here's my reference: https://twitter.com/cbeckofficial/status/887059471356133376
I might not actually buy EVERYTHING he has. I'm just trying to study his style and see what improvements need to be made to fit MY style.
I don't think it was a bad shout by @rextable to have so many multiples. I know I have one Pams, and I normally have to mult each output using those star jacks to get copies of my signals. I have to admit I find it annoying and its very messy, It's generally cleaner when you just patch into mults and distribute from there. It's how I use mine in my one 1u row which tend to be my first choice even if it means losing the buffered mult for copying pitch.
I also think mults are good when you have a bigger system and you want to get from one module to another using an intermediary mult without having to buy stupidly long cables.
There are some very useful sequencers in the O&C when running hemispheres. However I am finding more and more that the more recently released sequencers really do the leg work in creating complex and interesting variation in sequences with built in quantization that really make it unnecessary to buy specific dedicated modules to create variation in cv. My current goto sequencers are Bloom and Metropolix.
Hi Garfield,
Thanks and no worries. I like Ground Control but I must admit that I’m still learning what it can do. It reminds me of a smaller and easier version of my WMD Metron sequencer. I did order the Erica Synths Black Sequencer to complement it and Rene in my travel cases since Erica Synths has a huge 20% off sale right now on most of their modules and I’m a fan of the Erica Synths modules in my system to use for the Doepfer 6u case. I figure that with four smaller cases, I can use each standalone or together for a larger setup as needs dictate.
Those are AUX inputs. A different-colored (black, here) collar around a jack is normally an output; jacks without that are generally inputs. Except here, for some weird reason. Annoying.
Also, it seems to me that this won't exactly "acid" because it's designed to do a lot of things the 303 wasn't. Ratcheting, for example. Instead of that, I would suggest this: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/transistor-sounds-labs-stepper-acid This has the modulation outputs you want, plus it is...for all intents and purposes...an improved TB-303 sequencer with some extras. About the only thing it doesn't seem to have is a "random sequence" function (I might be wrong, though) to emulate the "take the batteries out" results.
The Metropolix is a great sequencer...but it shines best when doing Chris Franke-type sequencer manipulation. The Stepper Acid is a lot closer to what Larry Heard (aka Mr. Fingers) used on that very first ACIEEED track, "Washing Machine".
Hi Sacguy71,
Nice jam and test of your Endorphin.es - Queen of Pentacles! Ha, ha, you got quite some rhythm there :-) How do you like the Ground Control? It was in the beginning my first choice of sequencer but since they took I don't know... almost 2 years to release it, I went for the Vector from Five12, which I never regretted by the way.
By the way, please don't get angry or disappointed if I wouldn't reply any more to all your jams, that's not because I don't like your jams, it's the opposite, I really do like them however I have decided to soon reduce my time on modulargrid.net in the next few days to have more time for myself to experiment more with my modular system and try to make a few more jams. I have realised that over the last two-and-a-half-years that I have been (very) active here on this forum that I started to have less time left for myself and my modular system. I loved to motivate you and many others by my comments, at least I hoped my posts motivated you and I am sure that without my further help you will be doing great! :-) Though I will going to be less active here, I still will regularly look at the posts and here and there perhaps still create a new post or reply to a post however just not as intensive as I have done in the recent past. Of course I will continue creating review reports and make those available on my website for download.
This all shouldn't stop you from continuing creating great jams and post them here though ;-) Thank you very much for your contributions here and kind regards, Garfield.
For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads
Hi Wishbonebrewery,
Nice way from getting from that crackle sound to an almost kind of Tangerine Dream sound that yet turns into a modern piece of electronic music. Great transitions and beautifully done, one of your master pieces I believe! The rhythm around 4:00 is just great, the percussions there and the same for the drum that kicks in just before 5 minutes, it all just fits very well together, wow!
By the way, please don't get angry or disappointed if I wouldn't reply any more to all your jams, that's not because I don't like your jams, it's the opposite, I really do like them however I have decided to soon reduce my time on modulargrid.net in the next few days to have more time for myself to experiment more with my modular system and try to make a few more jams. I have realised that over the last two-and-a-half-years that I have been (very) active here on this forum that I started to have less time left for myself and my modular system. I loved to motivate you and many others by my comments, at least I hoped my posts motivated you and I am sure that without my further help you will be doing great! :-) Though I will going to be less active here, I still will regularly look at the posts and here and there perhaps still create a new post or reply to a post however just not as intensive as I have done in the recent past. Of course I will continue creating review reports and make those available on my website for download.
This all shouldn't stop you from continuing creating great jams and post them here though ;-) Thank you very much for your contributions here and kind regards, Garfield.
P.S.: I am missing once and a while those beautiful pictures of your beautiful designed beer cans! :-)
For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads
One other point about Maths: everyone uses it because the alternatives involve taking up even more space (quite a bit, in fact, in Eurorack) and still won't exactly do what Maths is capable of.
I actually DO have some things that can work in the same way...one of them is an EG&G Model 175 "Universal Programmer", another is a JAS arbitrary waveform generator with all analog controllability, and the last isn't workable right now because I need a tech that's not scared off by restoring and modding analog computers, and I've got three Systron-Donner 3300s that need to be refurbed into one fully-working one with synth I/O capabilities.
The latter weighs about 60 lbs and is the general size of a bedroom TV. The EG&G is bigger than most 1970s stereo receivers. And the JAS is SO rare and SO fiddly, I can't recommend it to anyone who's not got a lot of EE chops or doesn't have a soopergenius tech on hand. If you can find one, that is.
This is why Maths gets used all the time. It's not a "sheeple" thing at all...it comes down to the fact that it can do so much in only 20 hp. And if you've not seen it, here's MN's page on it...with what's really just a "basic" overview of the module: https://www.makenoisemusic.com/modules/maths Plus, it traces its lineage right back to Serge Tcherepnin and the famous Serge Dual Universal Slope Generator, so there's about 50 years of engineering and development there. Very hard to go wrong with that!
have you already bought this? or is it just a 'dream' rack - because it looks like a nightmare!
-- JimHowell1970
+1. I'm looking at this, and I have literally NO IDEA what some of this is doing in here. Like, SEVEN mults? And three are buffered? Unless you're splitting a single CV off to 16 separate VCOs, this is bonkers. Spendy bonkers, at that!
If this isn't a troll (and I'll give everyone 3:1 odds that it is), just delete this thing and start over, preferably AFTER studying other experienced users' builds beforehand. And I'd also suggest this: https://vcvrack.com/ It's a free and pretty spot-on Eurorack emulator, hundred of modules (some by the makers on here, in fact), and a patching system that works just like regular ol' Eurorack. Mind you, it likes FAST processors and LOADS of RAM to really cut loose, but when it's got those, it's an incredible way to see what and how things work in modular.
One other thing I would suggest: get a patchable synthesizer. This is the lane in between prepatched synths and fully modular ones. And thanks to Voldem...uh...Uli, Behringer reissued a 2600 for the rest of us unconnected, poor slobs. And it's actually VERY spot-on; I know this from 40+ years of futzing around with them, v.2 thru the present de facto v.5. Build quality is beefy, as well...bears NO resemblance to typical B. quality. But this is a really good learning choice, as I and loads of others from back in the day will state that the ARP 2600 was THE teaching synth, and the only reason it stopped being that is mainly due to ARP's infamous Avatar fiasco and general mismanagement that tanked them by 1981. Plus...it interconnects with Eurorack, so that when you're REALLY ready to build, the 2600 and the Eurorack "speak the same language", namely 1V/8va scaling and positive gate/triggers, and you can use the 2600 as a "core" device for a bigger modular.
Lastly, it's $650, and contains pretty much zero potential for adding anything "wrong". Several months with that, plus studying builds and maybe getting a copy of "Patch and Tweak" (which'll give you some REAL ideas about what modules do and how to get them to do that...and MORE) would be a good idea as well. But don't do what's shown above, for the love of god. Take the time to study, work out ideas, and work with a patchable synth, and you won't regret it in the end.
Provided, I'll state once more, that this isn't a trolling attempt.
Hi Mowse,
Wow 3 videos/jams, great work! :-) The first video provides a beautiful view over your rack-setup, lovely to watch that!
At your second jam you really getting started, great long stretched start into a fantastic track! I love that one :-)
But that's not all, no! You give us yet a third jam :-) Your rack at night! Lovely jam this is, a track that builds up the tension beautifully, this sounds superb!
By the way, please don't get angry or disappointed if I wouldn't reply any more to all your jams, that's not because I don't like your jams, it's the opposite, I really do like them however I have decided to soon reduce my time on modulargrid.net in the next few days to have more time for myself to experiment more with my modular system and try to make a few more jams. I have realised that over the last two-and-a-half-year that I have been (very) active here on this forum that I started to have less time left for myself and my modular system. I loved to motivate you and many others by my comments, at least I hoped my posts motivated you and I am sure that without my further help you will be doing great! :-) Though I will going to be less active here, I still will regularly look at the posts and here and there perhaps still create a new post or reply to a post however just not as intensive as I have done in the recent past. Of course I will continue creating review reports and make those available on my website for download.
This all shouldn't stop you from continuing creating great jams and post them here though ;-) Thank you very much for your contributions here and kind regards, Garfield.
For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads
Right...the idea they're working with is to develop a "universal" tile, something that works in both spaces and which can be screwed-down irrespective of hole spacings. If they can hit that mark...and I think they CAN...then they could make the tile dimensions open-source, allowing any manufacturer to use it. That would effectively end this ridiculous squabble; BOTH formats have very compelling modules, and I knew when I first heard that there was going to be this format split that it was going to cause problems...and it has. XODES is also working out the dimensions of a 3-row tile carrier that can handle both Intellijel and Pulplogic formats simultaneously.
I don't endorse this for the usual reasons: not every "influencer" on eBay is what I would call "authoritative", and just because they can build a dedicated rig in something the size of a Kleenex box does NOT mean that YOU can...or even moreso, SHOULD.
When Dieter Doepfer came out with the "beauty cases", he named them that for a reason. They're cute and all, but they don't have enough space to come up with a proper build...even a limited proper build in a lot of situations. What they're best at is to be used for "mission-specific" purposes, especially if you're pulling modules for that "mission" from a much larger system. They're LOUSY at being housing/power for full-on modular builds, though.
Secondly, I think I can run even odds on whether your first low-lighting gig with this build causes you to throw that thing against a club wall. The NE circuitry is good stuff...but the PANELS look like someone hurled up a stomachful of India ink and then poked at it with a dental pick to do the lettering. As of late, they ARE doing more sensible panels...but these earlier ones just look like hammered dogshit. Just try lowering the light in the room to typical venue levels, then try and patch/program that build above. You will go immediately berserk! Ain't kiddin'!
sacguy71 and I agree: get a bigger case for starters. And both of us would definitely suggest the Tiptop Mantis, which is quite portable (Tiptop even sells a dedicated gigbag for it!). And another good reason for this is:
Intellijel Palette 62 = 62 hp 3U, 62 hp 1U, powered (1200mA on the 12s, 500 mA on the 5) = $299
Tiptop Mantis = 208 hp total (2 x 104hp), powered (3000mA +12V, 1100 mA -12V, 300mA 5V) = $335
Also, not only does the Mantis make a lot more sense, Tiptop has a case coupler for the Mantis line...meaning that when it's time, you can slap a second Mantis onto the first one. Put the upper one almost straight-up, and the lower on its angled "feet", and you get excellent ergonomics. With a cab like that, you can keep extending the synth's module complement pretty painlessly. Use the Palette 62, and you're sort of stuck in that regard.
One other point about a bigger case...bigger case is friendlier to bigger modules, and if you intend to play this AND your axe at the same time, bigger is better. You sure as hell don't want to be twiddling tiny controls while playing...you want your major controls (VCF cutoff and resonance especially, as well as your main mixer) to have BIG knobs, stuff you can just reach out and GRAB without worrying if that's the VCF cutoff or something you'd not want to change. Better still, with a bigger cab you could add a CV faderbank for "immediate" controls without worrying about what you'd just grabbed in amongst all of those cables and knobs.
Also...who's to say that you WON'T want to plug the guitar into the synth? Eventually, that curiosity WILL hit you...and if there's no room for a proper input preamp + envelope follower (see the Doepfer A-119...probably the most popular of these), this ain't gonna happen. Again, this is part of the YT influencer problem...they aren't YOU, they don't have any idea of what YOU want to create, they have no idea of where YOU might want to go next, they're just faces on a screen that don't interact and which often have a (stated or, annoyingly, NOT stated) vested interest with the thing they're shoving in the camera. Create YOUR instrument...not copy someone else's...and it will do what YOU want. And for help, there's this joint right here, cuz we're about the farthest thing from "noninteractive" as it gets!
final nail> -- Lugia
As I understand it, PL boards adhere to a taller standard than will fit within the Intellijel standard. You can go Intellijel to PL, but not vice versa.
Wasp VCFs are great for leadlines...they have a very cutting sound that rips right thru the mix. Feed that something that's harmonic-rich (sawtooth, perhaps) and it'll shriek and yowl like the best.
The Three Sisters, though, is a different critter altogether. What it is is something between a bandpass filter and a formant-emphasis filter, which is useful for synthetic vocal sounds, which are usually the vowels as they contain all of the fundamental and formant spectra. But if it's not being produced (the listing doesn't show that as it's manufacturer-locked), there IS an alternative: https://www.synthrotek.com/limaflo-motomouth-formant-filter-eurorack/ Synthrotek's distributing these now, which I and others might consider problematic, but that's more or less the only game in town that'll get you into the Three Sisters turf.
Most external gear can cope with euro level - just turn the mixer down - if you have it at full volume it probably will clip - but start without a output module - if it clips then try a pair of passsive attenuators - and if they still clip or you NEED balanced outputs then buy an output module
the argument about mults was mostly about the fact that you don't need buffered ones for anything other than v/oct - but they were a bit excessive - passive mults are cheaper and don't take power headers - trying to stop you spending money on stuff you definitely don't need
the expander for zadar is very useful - more modulation inputs and you can mute the envelopes both of which are pretty handy
as for Maths - it's often left out by people who are willfully defiant due to the fact that it's popular - and as others have said - experience of fixed-architecture synths is really not as applicable to modular synthesis as it would seem - it's great for patching basic east coast style mono-synths and that's about it
personally I'd want more vcas and a matrix mixer
if you want to see my rack - look for this one : All My Eurorack includes DIY backlog and pre-orders, etc if it's upside down it's not there yet!
"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!!!
sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities
maybe start just with a few modules and fill space in with blank panels?
Erm, I'm confused. Either you miss-typed or I'm missing something. The PanMix IS Euro level? Surely that means I DO need a drop it down to line level before hitting external gear. No?
-- rextable
There have been quite a few discussions about the necessity of euro-to-line output modules in beginner rack posts on this forum over the past year or two. In general, most people don't need them. I've been at this for a few years, and I still don't use one. I just monitor levels into external gear closely. You can take a look at my rack and those of the other commenters by clicking on their user name. Some users have invested in output modules, many haven't. I do use a Strymon AA.1 for an effects pedal send/return, but otherwise I haven't needed a dedicated output for recording, etc.
Welcome and I just built a mobile techno focused system with drums, bass and so forth in a 4u Intellijel Palette case. So far it works great. Here is what I put together to help you as a guideline:
First, some advice.
Ditch the larger Desmodus Versio and get the smaller Happy Nerding FX Aid unless you plan on a larger case. Also get rid of the Clep Diaz, Mimetic Digitalis, Horologic Solum, and 2HP LFO. Get a Pamela New Workout instead as it takes up less space, has 8 triggers and greatest clock in eurorack and good euclidian sequencer plus logic and random options for modular and great for drums.
Get a decent quad VCA and thank me later as well. I know that you like Noise Engineering but their modules tend to be on the larger side and not idea for a small case. I also recommend a larger mobile case like Intellijel 7u case that is still portable or a Tiptop Mantis case.
This is something I would like to see IF people making listings can't be bothered to tell which format their tiles are in the original listings. Some do...you see some listings that clearly note that they're Intellijel format or Pulplogic format. And then, quite a few don't.
Frankly, what I would prefer to see is something like XODES's solution: a universal-sized tile panel with large U-cuts for screws instead of the little holes one normally sees. They did that right! If this could become the de facto tile panel standard, not only would it be convenient, it would put the final nail in this tile format dispute.
I had a few Erica Synths modules and big 20% discount this week made it great time to finish my Erica focused rack to fill my empty Doepfer 6u case to use with the 4u palette Endorphin.es case and my other two small cases. My build so far:
I already had an extra Pamela New Workout, Maths and WMD attenuator and the Black Wavetable oscillator and Polivoks filter so now can work as a great supplement or stand alone. Sweet spot for small rigs is two rows of 84-104HP to get basics needed (clocks, sequencer, VCA, attenuators, mixers, etc). Any smaller than that you miss the key essentials.
Thoughts?
I don't know, man... 10 buffered mults? Two Pam's?
The folks that commented before are definitely pointing you in the right direction, especially for a case this size. Everyone is going to do this modular thing differently, for sure, but I can't imagine this is the best use of the limited space you are giving yourself. Are you planning on using the PNWs as your main sequencer, or do you have something external to sequence pitch more effectively?
I'm not a Maths disciple, but since you brought it up twice, it is excellent as Jim said for grasping and accessing the fundamentals of MODULAR synthesis. You may have years of experience with synthesis, but trying to cram all of the functionality of a fixed architecture synth into the small euro case you have selected is very difficult (impossible?), hence the Maths love. Need a mixer? Need a subharmonic generator? Need to attenuvert four different envelopes? Need a basic logic function? Need to create a weird shifting bouncing ball envelope? Maths... It doesn't have to be a complex signal chain. It just gives you all of the stuff you are ultimately going to need more than 10 buffered mults.
The PanMix is euro level. You probably won't need an external output module.
Have fun and good luck!-- farkas
Forget the mults - bloody hell :-D
Version 1.2
Mults are gone, Freak is gone, 8HP of space to grow into.
Erm, I'm confused. Either you miss-typed or I'm missing something. The PanMix IS Euro level? Surely that means I DO need a drop it down to line level before hitting external gear. No? That was the idea behind the PAnMix and Cockpit combo. My intention was to use the PanMix to for things that don't need to be panned hard left and right by default (eg Rample and Plaits) and then use the Cockpit as a stereo summing mixer for all the effects.
Assuming I'm right about the PanMix, really, between it, the Cockpit (plugged into the Intellijel case output and the additional Mosaic output, the routing options are very flexible.
For all conventional sequencing duties I have a Keystep Pro. I have a Keylab MkII for control and expression purposes. I also have a midi foot pedal by DataLooper that I plan to plug into the Intellijel case midi input. Had I mentioned that before this case might have made a little more sense haha :-)
The two PAms and the O_C are there solely to create and mess around with tempo-locked gates and pitch-quantised self-modulating modulation sources - many of which will be required bring this case to life. If you factor in the number of modules in this case that require clock and pitch and time locked CV and gates, my choice of modulation sources makes sense
... I reckon anyway :-)
I don't know, man... 10 buffered mults? Two Pam's?
The folks that commented before are definitely pointing you in the right direction, especially for a case this size. Everyone is going to do this modular thing differently, for sure, but I can't imagine this is the best use of the limited space you are giving yourself. Are you planning on using the PNWs as your main sequencer, or do you have something external to sequence pitch more effectively?
I'm not a Maths disciple, but since you brought it up twice, it is excellent as Jim said for grasping and accessing the fundamentals of MODULAR synthesis. You may have years of experience with synthesis, but trying to cram all of the functionality of a fixed architecture synth into the small euro case you have selected is very difficult (impossible?), hence the Maths love. Need a mixer? Need a subharmonic generator? Need to attenuvert four different envelopes? Need a basic logic function? Need to create a weird shifting bouncing ball envelope? Maths... It doesn't have to be a complex signal chain. It just gives you all of the stuff you are ultimately going to need more than 10 buffered mults.
The PanMix is euro level. You probably won't need an external output module.
Have fun and good luck!
Hi,
I m thinking of buying a metropolix. I mainly do acid, and I intend to use it mainly to sequence my erica synth bassline (+ another voice).
Is there a way to use one of the auxiliary outputs to generate accents?
Thanks !
Salad.
