Two powerful modules all together in a drone/industrial/post apocalyptic ambiance. Quadrax and Plaits.

-- -ADR-

I literally just updated to firmware v1.2 on Plaits Friday night and have been extensively playing with the Orange settings...great, great stuff.

Thanks for sharing your video explorations! :)

“You must have chaos within you to give birth to a dancing star.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche


Hi there!!

I was looking for a new module and unfortunately the manufacturer brand is missing:
OXI from spain
and the new module is CORAL, 14HP polyphonic multi-engine synth voice for Eurorack
https://www.synthanatomy.com/2023/02/oxi-instruments-coral-14hp-polyphonic-multi-engine-synth-voice-for-eurorack.html


All I am saying I miss those yellow Metasonix panels. Maybe I should make some.


@Skipperhead1991 you have not verified your email so I cannot PM you re: your for sale rack


Which custom FW is required for the model you descibed?

-- SimonSays

The official Mutable Instruments site that still hosts manuals / docs and original firmwares has a list of alternative third party firmwares available for each module.

Link here: https://pichenettes.github.io/mutable-instruments-documentation/third_party_firmware/

The alternate Marbles FW is called Resurrection, and it has the "hidden" t mode available. The firmware has a host of other upgrades and some of the stuff available is quite complex. I haven't yet dabbled into it, but it's something I'm planning to try on my Marbles.

Sadly Mutable Instruments closed shop so a clone is your best bet. Good luck with your modular journey!


Thanks, turbosleep.

I’ve not used Grids yet - I’m fairly new to the game so I’m finding my way around. They aren’t super-common so I may need to go clone on that one in the short term.

I’ve just got Marbles this weeekend and have been playing… finding some sweet spots and watching DivKid videos so I’ll get better with it. Which custom FW is required for the model you descibed?

Aaaand… Pam’s is arriving Tuesday. I love Euclidean sequencing but this Anishri/Grids model really hot the spot for me earlier today so I’ve got some fun options :)


Oh, another negative about black faceplates that really got to me was the constant specks of dust that were visible on the system. Even though I'm fully aware the same amount of dust must be on my silver modules, I can relax much better in front of my synthesizer without having to constantly brush some specks off when I'm sitting in front of a full silver system.

Luckily there's still manufacturers who are doing silver plates so I don't have to bother with some custom designs (I really wouldn't).

I think modules like MI Clouds really showcase how much can be done with multicolored LEDs on an aluminium panel, the Blend interface is nothing short of genius. IMO FR4 panels feel cheap and lazy on devices that cost as much as Natural Gate or the Nautilus. Underneath the panel it's just multicolored LEDs, and the panel just diffuses the light.


this user has left ModularGrid


Have you looked into Mutable Grids? It's the same principle -> scanning machine learned rhythmical tables for kick, snare and hihat + individual accent outputs. There's also a similiar rhythm generator on MI Marbles red T-mode with less outputs, and also an awesome stochastic (basically ML with probabilities) model hidden away in the code base (needs modified firmware to access).

For deep euclidean sequencing with great CV-control + lots of outputs Pamela's New/Pro Workouts are GOAT material.


I play my modular synth through a Tesla coil and then mix the sound back in. This was legit really fun to make.


Hey all - does anyone know of a sequencer and/or drums module that would behave like the Mutable Anushri drum section?

It’s a kind of Euclidean-meets-pattern-templates arrangement… two rotary controls to x/y ‘scan’ a pattern map for BD, SD and HH and then pattern-oriented density controls for the BD, SD and HH that can be used together to raise and lower energy, create breaks and fills etc.

There is a similar sequencer on the OP-1 (‘Finger’). It’s very performance oriented and a lot of fun to play. I’d love something like it in my rack?

(My Anushri is a desktop box and I’d like more CV control anyway)

Thanks!


Interestingly I get one heck of a good Kick out of the Befaco ADSR (all sliders down)
Whereas the ALM PipSlope won't even fire a kick off!
The WMD/SSF ADSRVCA will trigger a kick in one mode with the Decay turned up only.

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.

https://youtube.com/@wishbonebrewery


Thread: Drummo

Case comes in 1U+3U, 62 and 104 hp
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/search?s=eurorack+case+4u
Case comes in 3U, 84hp
https://www.cre8audio.com/niftycase

Inspired by

Other inspirations:


Or you can use your trigger to trigger an envelope, that triggers the drum. For example, with Zadar, you can set it to 10V with a block shape and you can choose (or cv) the length. For fun and games, you can use non-trivial envelopes. For example, Zadar has 4x or 8x an upward sine or saw. You can use that #or ratchetting. Remember, most modules trigger when a signal going up goes over a threshold. No reason to limit yourself to blocks. I've had fun with triangle waves and noise in several shapes (for irregular triggers).

Modular playlist on SoundCloud


Yeah, I already have the 0-ctrl and the strega, that's what I meant by saying "Make Noise Cheap Easel", sorry if that wasn't very precise!


@zuggamasta

Having just soldered up a kit, I can confirm that the https://www.modulargrid.net/e/addac-system-addac217 does not improve the triggers from the DOT or the LL8 for triggering a Kick drum. What I do know is the the Arturia Beatstep Pro gives good triggers and makes the Kick drums nice and punchy.

Anyone need a Addac217? Pretty annoying that I just spent half an hour shuffling sliding nuts to get it into my percussion case!

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.

https://youtube.com/@wishbonebrewery


There is a simple way to do this: you start by making a selection of modules through the features in the 'My Modular' section.

You choose for example: 1 sequencer, 1 or 2 vcos, 1 drum module, at least 1 vcf, 1 envelope generator, 1 vca, 1 lfo, 1 fx, some utilities like 1 multiple and 1 attenuator, 1 mixer, etc.

Don't be afraid to make a mistake, because it is on this basis that many here will be happy to correct your selection by explaining things to you. Okay?

'On ne devrait jamais quitter Montauban' (Fernand Naudin).


Hi Guys
I am a music producer for more then 20 years but worked mainly with Ableton for the past 15 years.
Am a fan of UK Garage, Dub, Ambient and my main influences are artists like Four Tet, Floating Points, Burial etc...
I really wanted to get away from the PC screen and start jamming more.
Thats why I wanted to build my first eurorack that would not be dependent of a computer screen and would be suited for live jamming, with drums, bass, a versitile synth and some rack for vocal sampling. Goal is to create live music on the go in the same music spectrum as the artists I mentioned above. My problem now I have no idea where to start and could use some help for creating this rack. Money shouldnt be an issue, I just dont want it to take too much space in my studio, so I could pack it easily.
Any suggestions very welcome!


I'm with you on this one. I think the patchwork aesthetic suits the modular philosophy

-- padmasan

Nicely put.

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.

https://youtube.com/@wishbonebrewery


This seems strange to me, Why do people have an obsession with Black panels?
I'm enjoying the eclectic and wish those Red ADDAC modules were still a common thing, I don't want everything to be black, it can't just be me can it?
-- wishbonebrewery

I'm with you on this one. I think the patchwork aesthetic suits the modular philosophy


I was kinda wondering why there weren't more bright colors.

I'd rack iridescent chartreuse or dayglo orange if I could get them. Black and silver are boring.

YMMV! :)

“You must have chaos within you to give birth to a dancing star.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche


That's awesome! Well done! :)

“You must have chaos within you to give birth to a dancing star.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche


If you're going with the 0-coast, you should probably take a hard look at the 0-ctrl.

It works as a clock, sequencer as well as an envelope, pulse, and gate generator.

Obviously pairs well with the 0-coast as they are designed to be used together.

Best wishes! :)

“You must have chaos within you to give birth to a dancing star.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche


I’ve got it into modular rather late @64 yrs old and being honest it’s been mainly due to having more and more physical problems playing guitar so I got rid of some gear, bought a little Skulpt, then a Mother 32, got hooked, bought a Boog to go with it and then remembered my late little brothers huge Synthesisers.com modular rig, mostly built from kits, by the time he died it was damn near the size of Keith Emersons rig! Watched some YouTube vids and fell down the rabbit hole.
I thought ok I don’t really know what I’m doing so if I buy a rig I can see set up and running on YouTube then I’ll at least be on the right path. Yeah …famous last words..I know, so I bought a little ALM 6u 52hp Added Sono Abitus, a Rangoon, Monsoon, Vermona Melodicer & Pam’s new workout to start with, planning to add a nautilus delay & Morphagene later when funds allow. Ok so it works, it makes some rather satisfying and even occasionally tuneful noises but nothing like my chosen YouTubers little system pulls at what little hair I have left| I then got distracted and had an Oooh shiney moment when I saw a Brains module going cheap on Thomann along with a slim 4 channel mixer only to be slightly disappointed when it got here as I’d veered from my chosen path of a small ambient machine.
I’m persevering and have had lots of fun modulating with the Pam’s, and can’t wait to get my hands on the new one as the screen will be easier for me to see.
I’m not giving up though, I’m learning more each day from you guys on here and several YouTubers.

Thanks for the help and inspiration

Ian


Dear non-designer Euro manufacturers. They look bad. Stop listening to the vocal minority. Look at the synths of old. Look how good Rossum and Synthtech looks compared to After Later. They make me wanna barf while I off myself, crying in the corner. They look foul and diseased. They look tacky and the contrast is horrible. Even Folktek looks miserable. Take some prozac guys
-- intowhite

Couldn't have said it better myself.


Dear non-designer Euro manufacturers. They look bad. Stop listening to the vocal minority. Look at the synths of old. Look how good Rossum and Synthtech looks compared to After Later. They make me wanna barf while I off myself, crying in the corner. They look foul and diseased. They look tacky and the contrast is horrible. Even Folktek looks miserable. Take some prozac guys


They are so depressing and ugly. Spend all day looking at black cords and electronics everywhere already... Always get the silver panels when possible but apparently there are many edgelords with horrible design taste who are into eurorack, they are the majority. No big surprise - have you heard the youtube demos for most modules?


I'm going to order a Matt Black Vinyl wrap for my Toilet!

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.

https://youtube.com/@wishbonebrewery


Well, not really starting modular for real for now, but things has moved a bit, and I'm gonna start a full 54 hour week training in synthesis next week.

My setup is like this for now :

-Make Noise Cheap Easel (I'll soon get the 0-coast)
-Moog M-32 (not mine, won't keep it for long)
-Drumbrute Impact
-Line 6 DL4
-Boss SD1
-Angry Driver
-Big Muff Bass
-Folktek Alter x
-Doepfer A-100 LC1 (that I'll get from a friend soon) with DIY Braids, Clouds & Ear
-Plus VCV Rack2 and all kind of plugins in Reaper

I'm clearly not mastering every part of this setup now, but I hope to very soon.
I want to buy a Keystep 37 to control the 0-coast better, considering that I don't have any controller as for now.
I also kind of want to buy a Tiptop Mantis case like pretty soon and get some modules, a few, to complete this setup.
I just don't know what modules to get with ths setup, I think that in effects I'm pretty good with what I have for now, same goes for oscillators.
Maybe some random generators, enveloppe, filters, switch, logic, mixers, looper, sampler, utilites or CV modulation would be good?
Maybe a all in one module, like the Disting, Pam Pro Workout, Ornament & Crime or something like that?
I'm not a big fan of menu diving but maybe that's the first good module to start?

Cheers

C39303


Hey ! hope you are well ! taking some time to discover this forum, even if i'm registered from some time now !

here's one of my latest "patch" !

--> leave a comment under the video if you like !

have a nice week-end 😊


Personally, I don't care about the colour. I just want it to work. But I have noticed that this 'black panel' phenomenon has been growing and gaining ground for some time.

This 'limited black edition' fashion affects all sectors. An example with this telescopic handler for agriculture... Well, I can understand it here, we see the same trend in cars and motorbikes. But when you find this also for your toilet...

alt text

'On ne devrait jamais quitter Montauban' (Fernand Naudin).


I had a quick look and put this together:
ModularGrid Rack

I think you could still remove the passive and active mults in a case this size, you can get stackables or flying mults which will save you space, so I replaced all three Rides in the storm modules with the new Bastl Aikido, added a cheap and great LPG, 3x MIA for more mixing and attenuating, an extra stereo filter (you have so many sound sources in such a small space) and the FX Aid pro for fun.

I'd also like to have added an ochd, another clep diaz or memetic digitalis for more modulation, but I got obsessed with using all of the hp and trying to even up the odd hp width modules (hence the aikido).

Otherwise I'd consider swapping the pico VCO and Hysteria for a klavis twin waves, and you'd have space for a sample & hold or logic module.

But that is just what I'd do...

Ask yourself why you are struggling to connect with it and what is causing you the biggest barrier to using it or finding inspiration. I really struggled to find the right sequencer & modulation combination for me, and explored a lot of different ones. when I finally found the right sequencer that clicked it was a huge transformation for me, I'd previously bounced off of the Varigate 4+ even though I wanted to love it.


I haven't bothered much about panel colors so far, but what somehow bothers me more than the panel colors is the way each module looks so different from the other.

Even if you get all black modules, they still look different in style. Some have a shiny finish, while others are simply matte black; some appear "blacker" than others; some panels appear clean and minimalistic, while others appear busy and a little crazy; then you have gold on black and white on black trends too; don't even get started with knobs, as they come in all sizes and colors too.

Eurorack looks busy and intimidating, and I totally understand those who replace the original panels and knobs to make the instrument look homogenous, more clear, and more approachable. Maybe going all-in on black panels is a way to bring some order to this madness.


Hey there,

I am wondering if this is a typical beginner's blues? I am stuck atm and try to find modules to improve my setup. Every time I try to compose and arrange stuff, I end up with the same pains and loose motivation.

If this was your rack:
Which module would you keep and which one would you kick out / substitute with?
current rack screen

My long-term idea is to invest in an elektron digitakt as drum machine and into the eowave swarm to spice things up with drone sounds. I also have a Behringer crave and volcas. I had much fun with them, but I think I should get rid to avoid fiddling around with them and focusing more on Eurorack.

Thanks a lot!

Cheers


Funny, I'm the other way. All of my current modules are silver (Intellijel, MI, XAOC, ALM etc.) and I limit myself to not purchase any black ones. I've been burnt too many times by black PCB panels, which I dislike with a passion. Especially on something like Natural Gate, which is supposed to be this final word on LPGs it's comical to have a PCB panel. Brushed aluminium for me!


Yeah, you guys are weird hahaha
I mean, my own cases are slowly turning quite black but its not by choice.

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.

https://youtube.com/@wishbonebrewery


I've been searching for stereo spatialization modules, but the closest category is "dual/stereo" which includes dual ADSR's. Can we have a function of stereo spatialization?


Thread: Starter rack

I like the idea of MTM organ but can’t find any available.

Music Thing Modular Chord Organ - DIY module started as an alternate firmware for the Radio Music - you can usually get the kits and pcb/panel sets from Thonk (UK) or Exploding Shed (DE) - but they both appear to be sold out at the moment

Definitely going to need a bigger case lol.

we did tell ya!!!

I think the next thing I’ll add is a plaits or rings clone because they seem useful and I love the sound of rings.

then get rings - I'd go for a full size clone (ALA Resonate) - unless you want it to be near impossible to tune

Should I maybe swap the maths out for marbles or something similar??

no - completely different modules - you need both! (maybe)

"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


Thread: Starter rack

Should I maybe swap the maths out for marbles or something similar??
-- Jerkson

These are two VERY different modules. What exactly do you need and want the module in this space to do? Why Maths? Why Marbles?


Thread: Starter rack

Thanks! Didn’t expect so many useful responses. Sometimes it’s nice to get some outside perspective on things.

I’ll link my patch next time instead of a jpeg.

That FX Aid Pro looks very useful.. definitely adding that to the list of future additions.

I like the idea of MTM organ but can’t find any available.

Definitely going to need a bigger case lol.

I think the next thing I’ll add is a plaits or rings clone because they seem useful and I love the sound of rings.

Should I maybe swap the maths out for marbles or something similar??


this user has left ModularGrid


Thread: Starter rack

a chaos generator like Wogglebug

no - wogglebug is random not chaotic - so not a chaos generator

there's a difference... both produce "unpredictable" results but in different ways

random is as random as possible - usually pseudo-random, as the generator needs to be seeded, if using a processor to generate your random - you may be able to modulate the upper and lower bounds or the seed, but it's still random

a die roll is random - it will generate a number between 1 & 6 with an equal probability - let's call it r

whereas chaos will have some sort of rule - or an attractor - essentially a function - to influence the outcome - f(r)

possible very simplistic rule (attracts to 3.5ish) if more than 4 subtract 2 if less than 3 add 2 (3,4,3,4,3,4)
or if a product of 2 divide by 2 - so you get (1,1, 2, 3, 3 , 5 )

roll the die and apply rule

often the previous chaotically generated number will be used in the function to generate the current chaotic value - in order to give a more similar result - or maybe an lfo will be used to influence the outcome - possibly with speed and offset as modulateable parameters or possibly both strategies will be employed simultaneously

obviously these are incredibly basic examples - iirc there's links to much more in depth discussions of chaos on the nonlinearcircuits website (iirc Andrew the owner has a phD in designing chaotic circuits)
-- JimHowell1970

Thanks for the clarification!

“You must have chaos within you to give birth to a dancing star.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche


Ha! I was just thinking about this. As I get to know my rack better, I actually do find myself half-wishing for a more uniform black panel look. When I was first getting started, I didn't really care and almost preferred an eclectic assortment. I'm getting a little more conservative the longer I do this though. Haha. It's funny that it matters to any of us, but it does for whatever inexplicable reason.


This seems strange to me, Why do people have an obsession with Black panels?
I'm enjoying the eclectic and wish those Red ADDAC modules were still a common thing, I don't want everything to be black, it can't just be me can it?

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.

https://youtube.com/@wishbonebrewery


Thread: Starter rack

a chaos generator like Wogglebug

no - wogglebug is random not chaotic - so not a chaos generator

there's a difference... both produce "unpredictable" results but in different ways

random is as random as possible - usually pseudo-random, as the generator needs to be seeded, if using a processor to generate your random - you may be able to modulate the upper and lower bounds or the seed, but it's still random

a die roll is random - it will generate a number between 1 & 6 with an equal probability - let's call it r

whereas chaos will have some sort of rule - or an attractor - essentially a function - to influence the outcome - f(r)

possible very simplistic rule (attracts to 3.5ish) if more than 4 subtract 2 if less than 3 add 2 (3,4,3,4,3,4)
or if a product of 2 divide by 2 - so you get (1,1, 2, 3, 3 , 5 )

roll the die and apply rule

often the previous chaotically generated number will be used in the function to generate the current chaotic value - in order to give a more similar result - or maybe an lfo will be used to influence the outcome - possibly with speed and offset as modulateable parameters or possibly both strategies will be employed simultaneously

obviously these are incredibly basic examples - iirc there's links to much more in depth discussions of chaos on the nonlinearcircuits website (iirc Andrew the owner has a phD in designing chaotic circuits)

"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


simply choose everything but not HEAD

Indeed! I hadn't really used the panel selector much. It is possible to switch from HEAD to 1/N there, pointing directly at the most recent image.

in my opinion it makes sense to have modules default image set to HEAD because there are often improvements in quality or perspective.

I still think it would make more sense not to default to HEAD. In my experience, updated images are almost always a new panel color or someone uploading a (usually lower quality, and not matching other images from the same manufacturer) image of the actual panel from their rack. If someone uploads a higher quality image, it usually happens within a short time of a module's release, so usually that image is already in the database by the time I'm adding a module to my rack.


Thread: Starter rack

Small option for chords: MTM organ..


Is there a way to set the current module image to something other than HEAD even if someone wants the current default image? (So that a rack isn’t following the HEAD image, and doesn’t update when a new image is uploaded.)
-- chaos215bar2

simply choose everything but not HEAD

image

image

EDIT
ensure you have enabled the panel selector (top right of the rack)
image

further i misunderstood your question :D
in my opinion it makes sense to have modules default image set to HEAD because there are often improvements in quality or perspective.


Other people who have set their module image to HEAD version (default) will see your newly uploaded image.
HEAD means: always show the newest image.
If they switch to an older version it will stick there, newly uploaded images will not affect their racks.

Is there a way to set the current module image to something other than HEAD even if someone wants the current default image? (So that a rack isn’t following the HEAD image, and doesn’t update when a new image is uploaded.)

Seems like this would maybe make sense as the default behavior. Rather than setting the module image to HEAD by default, just set it to whatever the current default image is, but stick with that image permanently.

To use an example, if I add a module to a rack with, say, a silver panel as the default and only image, then that’s probably the version of the module I own. If someone uploads a black panel later, I probably don’t want my rack to get updated with the black image. Seems like there’s no way to do that now, unless I re-upload (duplicate) the silver panel image and select the old version when adding the module to a rack, which would be a bit silly.

It’s always a little weird to come back to a rack after a few months and find out a couple of the module images have been switched out to a version I didn’t originally have in the rack and don’t actually own.


Thread: Starter rack

I'm a newb so not much advice/perspective I can add other than to say, I had Plaits suggested to me for my setup, which also contains Maths/Dixie/Quad VCA, and I've been loving it.

e.g., Dixie pulses enveloped via Maths and used to trigger the percussive modes of Plaits gets some interesting ambience, if you play around enough.

With the firmware update, Plaits has an LFO mode, which paired with Dixie gives you good flexibility if you want one to act as the clock for the other.

Someone also suggested (to me) a chaos generator like Wogglebug to add an element of unpredictability, if you have room for it. Not essential but something fun to keep in mind. Ambient, in my experience, thrives on chaos.

FX Aid pro kept coming up in my search for FX, so sounds like you can't go wrong with that recommendation.

Good luck, have fun, and seriously consider wise people's advice when they say, "You may need a bigger case."

I started out with a 64 HP "budget setup" that quickly ballooned to 128 HP despite everything I could do, lulz.

While I'm very happy with a smaller setup, too small a setup might not achieve all the things you want, particularly polyphony.

Here's a link to a good thread from the forum on why polyphony isn't easily achievable....item #4 in particular.

Best wishes, good luck, and enjoy the ride! :)

“You must have chaos within you to give birth to a dancing star.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche