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Procrastinating and writing up a small report for the end of the year, feel free to take a look, too and chime in!

What Did I add in the last year?

• The Tesseract Texmix grew four stereo inputs. While I have little Stereo Soruces it has been great to experiment with Mono-to-Stereo Effects I might have been better off with two monos but limitations are good for creative choices
• I added a sampler voice inside the rack, for purists this might be a bit harsh or space waste. But the Squarp Rample (currently still with it's stock sounds) works like a charm, has some live performance perks and is sitting better and better in the mix. I'll also need to consider getting a good pair of midi TRS adaptors for it to be fed with midi signals, too
• Missed Opportunities. Fantastic module, I had to mount it upside down for space reasons inside the skiff but due to the color coded Bananuts I put on it, there is litte opportunity to plug something in the wrong way

Issues I solved:

• Good Repeatable Randomness, which results in more Procedural Drumgroves
• Analog Kicks are cool, but I'm adding a lot more Interest on the Percussions with Rample
• Using FXAid in the A effects loop and Disting in B gives a lot of opportunity to mess with effects and some stereo width

Issues I created:

• I might have too much audio sources and little modulation now
• I REALLY need to check and write down which modules generate and expect what voltages. I'm still doing this blind right now
• Even without knowing all voltages I will need to add an attenuvertion in the rack. Befaco ABC can do that, but ist often used in other places
• Second Filter would be great to play around with the drums, or some light EQing

What is next?

• Due to some weird combinations I'm left with a 5HP gap and one last Power Connector in the top row. I'll probably fill this with a 5HP Befaco Attenuverter
• Keep Making Music and experimenting more with the two Midi controllable devices, hoping they will play well in the future.
• Listening to as well as making more music out of my comfort zone
• Any suggestions?

Yes.

No.

Yes & No.

Personally I think you might be OK with Veils and those 2 LPG's.

This is my rack mainly for dark ambient will sequence with beatstep pro and a sq-1

Do I need more vcas

I ordered a TipTop Audio SD808 to @Ashel1985 and everything fine.
Well packaged and a fast delivery.
Highly recommended seller.

I wish this was real, instead it just sits here teasing me, along with all the other lightstrip prototypes!
-- benirose

Ah I was wondering why I couldn't find any record of it or second hand module! Such a shame

What Jim says! I started out almost year ago and, with his advice, I got myself an Intellijel 7U 104hp case. He actually advised a Mantis, which is much cheaper but has no 1U row. I built a second case (DIY) in the meantime without 1U and I have to admit I don't miss it. I'm using only half of it on the 7U anyway. In any case (haha, get it? case!) a bigger case is very advisable because as soon as you're adding a few modules, you'll curse the fact that you have to buy a bigger one. Might as well get that bigger one right now.

Plaits and Beatstep Pro is what I also started with, and a CEM3340 based analog oscillator. Plaits is a bit of a taster menu. Lots of modes to try out, e.g. a bit of FM, a bit of wavetable, a bit of physical modeling, and so on. When you want to go further, you can get a specific module in that area later on.

yeah - I think that's true to some extent for most people... especially if you aren't moving the modular around too much...

I started with a smallish case (6u 72hp) and was travelling a lot, then moved everything into a mantis - and then expanded back into the smaller case - and now I am stationary and have 9 cases for a total of about 1800hp - just over 6 years or so...

hi
this one is more bug than feature...
if a module does not have an image a MG branded placeholder is shown. it seems that this placeholder does only work for >=18HP.
in case the module is smaller (e.g. 4HP) the image doesn't fit at all and looks like crap:

currently i am building a bunch of DIY modules and i am not able to attach images until those modules are finished. but already planning a new rack with those unfinished modules isn't really an exotic use case, isn't it?

Huge fan of your YouTube series (all of them)!

Thank you for posting this rack!
-- DrFrankenspine

Thank you!

Have you tried this?…

You can assign a cv output on the shuttle control to its own internalized random voltage source; 3 source types listed: randomized, quantized random, and stored random. Check out the Shuttle Control software dropdown menu—https://cargo4.endorphin.es/

All 3 randomized outputs are on an assignable note so all you would need to do in Ableton is press the appropriate note, I think. It might act like a gate. I don’t know.

Sorry I couldn’t be of more help.

Hello earthlings! I am fairly new to modular but have a question for anyone familiar with Ableton and Endorphin.es' Shuttle Control.

I'm creating a live show that uses Ableton plus a tiny modular rack for drum synthesis. All sequencing will be done in Ableton and transmitting midi via USB to the Shuttle Control, which converts it to gate/CV.

Unfortunately, I have found I cannot use Ableton's CV Tools to send CV to Shuttle Control. The only option appears to be using an External Instrument, which is the only tool that provides "Shuttle Control" as an option under the "Midi To" section. With External Instrument I can send triggers by dropping notes on a midi grid, which is great for triggering my Pico Drums.

However, I can't figure out any intelligent way to send CV from Ableton to Shuttle Control — the only option to send CV appears to be by drawing the modulation curve by hand in the Envelopes panel. That sucks because I want to be able to send CV that is randomized, as well as pre-arranged, during my live show. Is there a plug-in or Max device that does this?

If anyone has any know-how on this, I'd sooooo appreciate it. Thank you!

I'd add more rack space, probably at least another 6u 84hp or 104hp - to house more utilities, modulation and filters

Thank you very much for your time! You've stated the inevitable and I was trying to bend principle. Damn it.... perhaps everyone has attempted to confine their monsters in the beginning.

there is no right or wrong way to do things... but you can learn from others experience and advice...

more utilities will give you more possibilities, but I'm not sure I'd necessarily remove stuff... I'd add more rack space, probably at least another 6u 84hp or 104hp - to house more utilities, modulation and filters - there's a lot of sound sources and effects modules in there and not a lot of modulation and utilities - which I'd want more of (and tbh will give you exponentially more versatility in patching than you currently have)

I'd consider swapping the erica dsp for an fx aid pro though - again more versatility - but I'd much rather have more filters, mixers (sub with offsets and matrix), vcas, etc etc etc - see my signature for hints...

I want a rack to make sounds that are Ambient/IDMish to cinematic noise. Sometimes generative.
I’ve owned the SV1B, After Later Eny, Filty, bOSC, DVCA, Black Hole DSP and Serpens Hydrus for around 2 years. My new acquisitions are Pam’s WO, braids clone, Spherical Sounds Vortex and a Qubit bundle deal. The middle 1u row is not owned yet.
Am I doing this wrong? I may punt the Erica DSP and an OScillator for more utilities?

I own:
Make noise 0 ctrl Strega 0 coast
Keystep pro
Beatstep
MPC 4000
MPC 2000xl
Mackie 1604
Lots of pedals connected to a patchbay
DSI Prophet 08
Roland JX3P
Ensoniq TS12
Roland S50
Korg M1R

https://m.

Hi
If you need a patchbay for Leibniz system, just pm me.

Yowza! That's a beautiful rack. Infinite possibilities and ergonomically perfect. Would love to hear something from this.
How do you like the Leibniz system? I haven't quite wrapped my head around that yet.
Thanks for sharing.
-- farkas

Thanks! I have a Soundcloud page here https://soundcloud.com/user-114833897 ... but nothing there really uses more than a row or two at a time (I have a separate Palette 104 case that I use a lot of the time, swapping modules in and out as I work on learning them).

As for the Leibniz... I need to spend a LOT more time with it. I feel like nearly everything I've done with it has basically been trial and error. That's fun, but I need to spend a weekend doing nothing but watching Bries's YouTube videos on the system... I'd like to have a better handle on what is really happening with it. And the system in general really needs XAOC to develop a routing utility of some sort... having to take everything out of the case to move the cables on the back is a pain.

Plaits is a perfect first module. Keystep or Beatstep would be nice addition for controller and starter sequencer
-- 33PO

or the pro versions - looking forward...

I'd recommend starting with a larger case - you will inevitably need it and the smaller you start with the sooner you'll need it!!!

How do you update the firmware on plaits?i have the original
-- Broken-Form
Look into the manual or one of the recent youtube videos, even site with the link for the download directly links to
the update informations.

How do you update the firmware on plaits?i have the original

Yowza! That's a beautiful rack. Infinite possibilities and ergonomically perfect. Would love to hear something from this.
How do you like the Leibniz system? I haven't quite wrapped my head around that yet.
Thanks for sharing.

My 18U system. Still a work in progress, but getting close! The bottom row is for modules I don't have room for (left side) and modules I am considering adding (right side).

Plaits is a perfect first module. Keystep or Beatstep would be nice addition for controller and starter sequencer

Let’s try this again - haha. First time it didn’t share the entire case for some reason.

First case, looking at the Intelligel Palette case as a starter build before getting too crazy. The goal here is to add Melody synth voice as inspiration as well as use the rig to make textures and soundscapes to add to other music. Only locked in module is the plaits as I’ve already purchased one (had to get it in before MI finished up production). Plan to use the Xchanger to pair with my modulation effects pedals to add reverb/delay/echo/swell/etc. I also have a Roland JU106A boutique rig that I could use as synth voice and a TR08 Drum machine, but I’m looking to buy a dfam in addition.

Please let me know sequencer recommendations as well as anything else. Thanks to all and happy holidays!
fuzzmasterstomp

Picture doesn't seem to be showing the updated rack. Make sure to click on it in order to see the latest version.

Howdy folks!

This will be my first modular system ever. I have a couple of synths and know my away around some basic patch architecture, but I'd still like to know what you think. This eurorack is intended to complete my Behringer 2600.

I make mostly techno and ambient/IDM. I don't mind my rack behaving like a normal synth voice, but the main reason for going modular is to open some interesting sound design possibilities. I make music. I'm a composer. This rack is here for the mere purpose of getting interesting sounds that serve the song. It won't be a 'stand-alone/do everything' type of thing. Also, I will not be performing live, so being able to manipulate things on the fly is not a concern for me.

I had to give up my hopes of getting a Synthtech E440 because of lack of hp. I tend towards utilities and multipurpose modules, as you can see from the rack.

Case used is the Cre8audio Niftycase, mainly because of price and Midi to CV conversion.

My other synths include:
-Behringer 2600
-Studio Electronics ATC-1
-Korg MS-20 Mini
-Novation Bass Station II
-Behringer Model D
-Behringer TD-3

Any thoughts are welcome! Thanks!!!

Hi @USSAL,

Here is a suggestion of what you could do. I purposely kept the same case size, power supply, and general vibe that you started with. To me this feels like a fun basic subtractive synth setup. @JimHowell1970 mentioned a lot of good points that needed to be addressed, and I think this example rack takes care of those pretty well for the size of case we're working with. I focused on using similar but more compact modules or ones that provide more functionality than those that were in the original rack. I also added some desirable functionality that wasn't present: mixers, attenuators/attenuverters, S&H/T&H, clock source, slew limiter, noise source, more VCAs, LFOs, envelope generators... and a bitchin' reverb.

There's a lot that I could say about the choices I made, so let me know if you have any questions. But here are some quick notes: The Disting can act as a quantizer or many other utilities that you might find you need. I think it might be difficult to get the original Polivoks filter that you had in the original rack, so I replaced it with Erica Synths' newer one.

I hope some of that helps!
Chace

I included the pedal comments to underscore modulation sources to sounds after the rack…but message received.

that's not the modulation that you seek...

and they're not modulation sources they're modulation effects...

the modulation that you seek is voltages that fluctuate so that you can alter things on modules without using your hands - kind of like magic, but using electricity...

ie lfos/envelope generators/function generators etc + utilities to mix, multiply and mangle them!

Hi Darrell

what sort of sounds were you thinking of? what kind of music do you make, or intend to make?

what case? or at least size and power?

what's your budget?

Jim

Thanks again for the feedback and sound advice. Regarding tidbit audio, they are a small company that make passive doodads that I found on Etsy, here’s a link of them at Knobcon 22:

I included the pedal comments to underscore modulation sources to sounds after the rack…but message received.

Cheers!

Hi Everybody! I'm new here to Modular Grid and would like some advice on what new modules to get. I know that's a really BIG topic, but am interested in opinions, no matter your musical style.
I splurged and bought a Behringer System 55, and also have a Moog Mother-32 and Subharmonicon, which sets me up pretty well for some vintage sounds. I learned on the ARP 2600 (WAY back in the day!) but want to modernize with some present-day gear.

Any and all ideas are welcome....thanks very much!

Darrell Adams

and the link to the actual public rack - not just a jpg!!!

the rack looks like a completely un-thought out random collection of cheap modules with little to no research having been done before hand

and the patch doesn't make a lot of sense...

the output of your quantizer wants to be patched into the pitch input of your vco (or vcos via a buffered mult) and the output of the sequencer wants to be patched to the input of the quantizer!!!

the sequencer needs to be clocked - where is the clock coming from??

you need to open the vca with an envelope - where is this coming from?? where is the gate needed to open an envelope coming from?? or are you just interested in drones? in which case a mixer would be better than a single vca!

no modulation???

no mixing - you have 2 sound sources, but no mixing - no sub mixing to sum the waveforms from the individual vcos, nor to sum the 2 vcos - so both vcos can be filtered

invest in a quad cascading vca - use it for modulation as well as audio!!!

the patchbay is superfluous - ie completely and utterly useless - apart from using more patch cables than needed in a rack this size - maybe in one 5 times the size or when patching between a couple of larger cases it would become useful - but for now what's the point????????

please take a look at my signature... read it, think about it, ask questions based upon it... at the moment you appear to be floundering - like a flounder on a slab waiting to be filleted - not in the sea where it can swim!!!

EDITED Dec 23rd 2022, 20:31

Newbie here what all think

Thanks Jim… I probably should have mentioned I have 2 korg sq1 sequencers and an additional external mixer. I also have a set of utilities (VCA’s Attenuators, LPG passive multiple, micro mixer) from tid bit audio that float around as needed.

usually a good idea - as much info as possible as simply as possible is usually best...

no idea what the tib bit audio thing is could you post a link?

Of coarse I’m trying to be space and cost conscious, and want to get the biggest bang of sonic options for the buck. I can’t be alone in that quest.

probably not but it's a juggling act... the formula in my signature generally gives the most versatility for the least cash, though and scales well from the smallest to the largest modular synths

For modulation sources. I think there’s a lot of possibilities with ochd, swn, maths, rnd…

yes and you need multiples of these - and ways of mixing them together and attenuating and inverting and modulating them...

combining synced, unsynced and a tiny bit of random together in varying ratios gives better modulation than any one of these alone and often they need attenuating and (possibly) inverting

and I can record modulation to morphagene.

but them you can't use it for what it excels at - audio manipulation

The sg1 can also offer modulation as well as the mutable instruments ears clone, Byxa. I also have a berhinger crave cowering nearby, and a couple pedals…microcosm, two stereo loopers and the new boss slice.

do you mean sq1, not sg1? (that's an old sci-fi tv show!!! which could of course be used for modulation)

and the pedals aren't really modulation sources!!! and I don't see anything for interfacing with these - or do you find they work well at modular levels - I have some pedals that do and some that don't...

But I hear you. More utilities!

good... you got the point...

sound sources, modulation sources and sound modifiers are just what they are - utilities are possiblilities!!!

Thanks Jim… I probably should have mentioned I have 2 korg sq1 sequencers and an additional external mixer. I also have a set of utilities (VCA’s Attenuators, LPG passive multiple, micro mixer) from tid bit audio that float around as needed.
Of coarse I’m trying to be space and cost conscious, and want to get the biggest bang of sonic options for the buck. I can’t be alone in that quest.
For modulation sources. I think there’s a lot of possibilities with ochd, swn, maths, rnd…and I can record modulation to morphagene. The sg1 can also offer modulation as well as the mutable instruments ears clone, Byxa. I also have a berhinger crave cowering nearby, and a couple pedals…microcosm, two stereo loopers and the new boss slice.
But I hear you. More utilities!

Quick 2022 Wrap up:

Haven't been that productive with music this year somehow. But here's what happened in the meantime:

Patch050 - Lots of delay and some metallic bells from the Rample:

Patch052 - This and the next patch are based on the same session and share some core patterns, that get broken up by missed opportunities (highly recommend this one)

Patch053 - Really chaotic wild and quite heavy. I liked this a lot but other times it feels like a chaotic mess.

Edit: Come one, you can tell me when I paste the same video twice ;)

EDITED Dec 27th 2022, 20:29

Hi, check out the fh2 from expert sleepers
I was thinking about a mutant brain but finally bought the fh2 2 day ago :)

The brains IS only 4 CV and many trigger.
The fh2 IS 8 CV or Gate out. I think IS better for your use (and got many features)

& the link to your public rack because jpgs are shit - now we can mouseover and click-through!!!

you are trying to do too much in too small a case with too little in the way of support modules - it's a schoolboy mistake relating to not going through enough newbie rack posts (ie lack of research) same as not linking the rack above!!!

too many sound sources, too many sound modifiers, too little in the way of modulation or utilities... these are the important bits in modular... mixing looks like an oversight that's been "fixed" at the last minute without any thought - I must have a mixer and I only have 6hp left, what will fit... no vcas, how are you intending to play this (generate pitch and gates for notes? there's no midi->cv module or sequencer(s)

don't get me wrong all these modules would be great together in a much larger case with the support modules to actually support them!!! add at least another row - or much better 2 to make space for these essential modules or throw most of this out and start again around at most 2 voices...

see my signature for some hints on how to get a versatile modular that will keep you engaged for less cash

EDITED Dec 23rd 2022, 00:28

lots of big modules - not a lot of case space - if you like ergonomics and want all these modules I'd say just get a bigger case (104hp either 6u or 9u) so there's some space left over for future modules - my guess is that the verbos cv processor seems like it's enough for now, in the future you'll want more utilities - doepfer make a lot of ergonomic utilities for reasonable prices

also seems like too little in the way of 'voices' for 6u - I'd probably want to squeeze in another one somewhere - again bigger case - tbh I'd probably switch the rcd, penrose, permutation and clock modules out for a pams... it'll cover all of them and save a few hp...
which will leave a bit of space for a sub-mixer...

personally I'd want more vcas - and definitely consider swapping out the verbos envelope - 2 big, there are plenty of smaller envelope generators with good enough ergonomics that are much smaller - and the source of uncertainty - for exactly the same reasons...

Looking for some thoughts on this set up. Mainly using this for sound design and sample manipulation. Anything stand out here that should be reconsidered?

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_2105579.jpg

there is a youtube channel called @eurorackDIY where you can find really useful tuto.
-- klodifokan

good to know
thank you!!

Hi,

there is a youtube channel called @eurorackDIY where you can find really useful tuto.

I don't know why, but if I copy the link MG says video not available.

https://www.youtube.com - slash - @eurorackDIY - slash - videos
slash = /

EDITED Dec 22nd 2022, 15:17

As @T0MMI001 and @JimHowell1970 have pointed out, when shortening the sequence length not a 4/4 time signature, you are creating polymeters and not polyrhythms. I will edit the post above to avoid confusion.

Hi all,

Title says it all. What do you think? Would you chop and change? Just a hypothetical rack at present

As it stands, the Furthrrrr Generator and MA35 are the absolute must keep modules, the rest I'm flexible and open to swaps etc. One of the priorities however is Ergonomics; I can appreciate that Ochd is touching on the compact side of things, but generally speaking space to wiggle knobs without interference is ideal.

The aim of the case is to explore sound on the experimental tip. Sequencing currently to be done with an SQ1 or Turing type module. Potentially thinking about expanding into the future for multiple voices, but for now multitracking is all good.

Artist reference points: Sciama, Fresnel Lens, Synth Sense.

Thanks!

EDITED Dec 22nd 2022, 23:20

I'd try on modwiggler/MusicTechDIY...
-- JimHowell1970

great idea
Thank you!!

EDITED Dec 22nd 2022, 04:07

@Vbsmusic: check this store, it's in Italy. they've got new LS1 bundle on discount
https://www.newgroove.it/vendita/soundmachines-ls1-lightstrip-x3-bundle/
also single module, discounted price.
https://www.newgroove.it/vendita/soundmachines-ls1-lightstrip/
buy me a coffe ahah :D

Hi community,

just did a patch today to try my new klavis logica xt, i use the 3 output to modulate prism and rings, still not perfect but i think it's start to make sense...

it's a slow ambiant texture consist of Rings and Gen3 as sound source, sequence by hermod for rings, a copy of that sequence trough shiffty goes into gen3, rings filter by prism, modulations by tides and contour 1 & hermod, gen3 gets filter by filter8same mod source but differnet shapes...

=af5f98cdd9b74679bc139d740e3110e5&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

any comments are welcome

cheers!

use a stereo matrix mixer (as I suggested on reddit)