awesome thanks.
whats the best way to sync my pams new workout with beatstep pro?(i dont have any expander for pams new workout)
-- Broken-Form

you don't need an expander for Pams

depends:

BSP as master - use one of the drum triggers and patch that into the clock in of Pams - but Pams works best with higher ppqn (pulses per quarter note) which may be inappropriate on the BSP so the other way round is probably better

Pams as master - use one of the channels of Pams to send clock to BSP -> clock in - decide on a ppqn - and set that up using the BSP control software and set the clock multiplier on Pams to match it - 16 or 24 ppqn is probably best - although lower may work perfectly - you may want to experiment a bit

"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


awesome thanks.
whats the best way to sync my pams new workout with beatstep pro?(i dont have any expander for pams new workout)

https://www.facebook.com/BrokenFormAudio

Got a Mantis Case and a Grandterminal+expander for sale,PM Me


@Stratx

For drums and percussions, the possibilities are endless because they depend closely on the musical genres. As the principle of these instruments is basically quite 'physical', it can indeed be a good idea to go for external controllers (as the Beatstep Pro), and even to complete with traditional drum machines. I personnaly use both.

Of course I have reserved some elements inside the modular itself, in relation with the its specific qualities and in order to create more complex drum parts...

So, on the trigger side, I currently use: Marbles, SIG, Varigate (which can be based on chance, a number of steps you determine, and all on several different channels), LB5 (logic module), A-151 (sequential switch), A-160-2; plus Nin (Zadar expander with manual trigs), Ears; and DFAM which has an extreme playability.

But there are also many others possibilities that are popular around pure euclidean sequencers.
As always, a question of taste, priorities and investment :)

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


Cool ,thanks wishbone....
I need to think a bit more, but I may just add VCA into my plan....

Was looking at a couple of your Jamuary videos (looks good btw) and it seems you have what I plan with the dedicated 3U drum rack... also I see you interacting with the Robaux in a way that I think I'm looking for...and in the patch 1 video the kick sound pretty thumping to me so maybe I just need to cover myself by including VCA...

@Stratx...Apologies for highjacking your thread!


Yo, send me a PM


I'm still a bit new to this...are the Beatstep triggers, longer, higher V or something that makes the difference?
Is it mostly noticeable for the Kick.... Last thing I want is to end up with a whimpy kick!
-- Traxam

I'm no expert, but Yes, something like that.

Yep just the kick for my gear, I've not noticed it on the ADDAC103 or Patching Panda Hatz.

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 literally just bought a Beatstep Pro for this after realising i want more control than the Robaux LL8, just gotta learn the Beatstep Pro now! Its way, way cheaper to buy an external sequencer and the triggers give a good Thwack on drum modules, the LL8 does not and your kicks may sound a bit whimpy unless you boost the triggers through a VCA.

Ah ok, thanks for that... I have a Beatstep Pro that I currently use for drums and it is great but was going to switch to have something in the rack & close to the drum modules and I was thinking the grid format easier to programme on the fly...but... if that's the case I may re-consider...

I'm still a bit new to this...are the Beatstep triggers, longer, higher V or something that makes the difference?
Is it mostly noticeable for the Kick.... Last thing I want is to end up with a whimpy kick!


Hi guys, I'm new to modular and this is my current set up. I am looking for suggestions as I want to know better ways of generating CV sequences. Currently I use the LS1 Lightstrip into the Bishops Miscellany to record cv from the lightstrip, but I would like to know other ways of creating sequences perhaps through Pamelas New Workout? I am having trouble sequencing both the Sample Drum and Plaits at the same time to get a decent groove going. I would also like to add effects after my voices, and I am not finding Clouds to be really that interesting, and somewhat hard to predict/control. I'm sure there are some glaring holes in my set up that others may see, so I would love to get some peoples suggestions/recommendations on how to improve this!

Thanks


Nice tunes there!

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


Excellent concept, and you form a real duo: we can feel a nice understanding for the benefit of both worlds.
The applications seem to be numerous (Jarre will be jealous, he will call you soon :)

About the setup, some modules could favour a cartoon spirit (I think of Morphagene, Data Bender), and controllers (like joysticks, or surfaces like LP1lightplane, Tetrapad), for you to test...

Nice work guys! / Beau travail les mecs !

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


I've literally just bought a Beatstep Pro for this after realising i want more control than the Robaux LL8, just gotta learn the Beatstep Pro now! Its way, way cheaper to buy an external sequencer and the triggers give a good Thwack on drum modules, the LL8 does not and your kicks may sound a bit whimpy unless you boost the triggers through a VCA.

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


My first draft for an Ambient Soundscape oriented eurorack. Feedback is appreciated as I am very new to modular!


A new CV generator/recorder unit from Neutral Labs.
I love this unit.
Very simple build, mostly surface mount pre-installed, a few things to solder.
Contains many waves arranged in pages, with two output channels, one on the main clock, the other on divisions from that clock. Each channel can be using different waves. Many any things you can use this for, I touch on a few in the demo section but there is so much more.
Very simple build, this is a great early module to build as you get started.

Build


I've been wanting to get into eurorack for a very long time. I own four semimodular synthesizers, a beatstep pro and sq1, and even bought a Behringer CP1 A months a go because i found it very cheap on eBay which I havent touched at all.

My goal:
I want this rack to be focused only one thing, and thats glitchy percusive/drum sounds. I'm not interested in creating a basic 'kick snare hat' sort of drum machine since I already have a Digitakt and RD9 for more conventional drum sounds. What I really want is to be able to explore sound design but in a rythmic way, both in terms of sequencing and sound modulation.

Influences:
I will list some of the artists that inspire me in order to give a clearer understanding of the sound I'm trying to achieve: Aphex Twin, Floating Points, Jean Jelinek, uZiq, Squarepusher, Venetian Snares, etc...

Context:
I already have a Neutron and DFAM, also I will be using my Beatstep pro as the main sequencer (which has a probability function and can kind of work as a basic 'generative' sequencer). I want to start with a 6U 104hp case in which I want to put both Neutron and DFAM and I'll just remoove them as I get more modules.

The rack I've planned:
https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_2155174.jpg

Questions:
- I want to bring effects in and out at random times. Would Pamelas New Workout combined with Twiigs allow me to send random clocked gates to the mix inputs of the effects I've put in the rack?
- One of the most important effects I wan to have is a beatrepeat which would allow me to modulate the lenght of the repeats triggered randomly at clocked intervals. Would Databender be able to do that? Are there any better alternatives?
- I have not included any VCAs, envelopes or utility modules, this is becuase the three voices I have in the rack already have built in VCAs and envelopes, plus the Neutron has two attenuators, slew limiter and a basic sample and hold. Am I missing something important here? This is the first time I build a eurorack synthesizer and I'm worried that I might not even know what I dont know.
- Is it absolutely necessary to have an output module? I've seen a lot of people on youtube mixing eurorack signals with outboard mixers and not getting a lot of noise. My idea is to mix all the voices with the STMX module, then send the output into Databender as a final effect and then from Databender straight into my Mackie CR-1604 mixer. Would I be ok doing that?

I know this is quite a long post, but like anyone else when starting with eurorack, I have a million questions haha, also I have watched all of Grant Boss's videos on youtube a million times, and pretty much I want to be able to do what he does but in a waaaaaaaay smaller case.

Thank you very much if you actually took the time to read it, and obviously any feedback is more than appreciated.


Check out this video Emily Hopkins and I made where we run her harp through our modular synths. I really love the patches, particularly the last one. I'd love some thoughts on the patches:
*
*
*


I've been looking at the Robaux sequencers for this purpose recently...
Planning on using probably the LL82 for only drums...


super fun !


1_ A Guitar into Beads is a fun idea. Beads has 'attenurandomizers' for randomizing the most creative aspects of the module so you can just sit back, jam, and get lost—I've played a guitar into Beads for hours in the dark.

2_ For Drums, have you seen the Percussion Interface from 4ms?
I love envelope followers! I think they are the most special, magical modules to have. Everyone, but kids especially, light up when they scrape or hit a surface or pluck a spring and hear some grand elaborate sound come out. It feels as though the sounds were generated by the surface touch 1:1. That's my favourite parlour trick.

3_ You're leaning heavy on the 'random' generative modules but as you're an acoustic musician also, I can't imagine you'd be amused by random for very long—like watching television with randomized channel changing—at some point the guitarist or drummer in you will kick in and you'll want the randomizing entertainment and the novelty to stop so you can develop a groove, or refine an idea to an expressive personal musical level. The "random abrupt percussive esque stuff" you like might not actually be random so much as unexpected, and that is the listeners perspective. Once in control of the modules, random, true randomness like chaotic arbitrariness can be either boring or anxiety inducing—you'll find yourself always twiddling knobs for a more 'refined', 'character', 'musical' sound.

4_ The good thing about the Intellijel 62 is that it is super popular. Put it in your search engine and image search all the other people with your exact case asking for advice and showing their setup. (Especially from r/modular and the Intellijel forum)

5_ 62HP is a great start. You could always buy a bigger case later and use the 62 for more portable duties. Modules like the Tetrapad and Planar are great to have as lap or close-at-hand controllers in a 62. This setup is a good explanation of what I mean when I say what sounds like random from the audiences perspective can actually be tightly controlled, hands-on performance modulation: (note: at 0:56 he set it to randomize only to quickly abandon it for the more controlled sound with the joystick and the sliders—he literally couldn't listen to more than 2 seconds of randomness before he turned it off. That's worth noting.)

6_ You can still buy C4RBN, just don't prolong buying it for very long. If you can't get a C4RBN there is the µVCF at 6HP and then Wasp, Ikarie, Ripples, etc at 8HP. A filter is one module that you will want to play hands-on. So that's where size is 'the bigger, the better' —Perhaps rethink having a Maths eat up 1/3 of your available rack space. You won't find many 62 cases with such a big utility module. (consider the Make Noise Function or Instruo Cnoc). But there's always more room in more racks. : )


I’m a fan of the Basil knit rider as a trigger seq. I didn’t really like the 8+. I think I’m just more comfortable looking at a grid layout than the sliders.


That is a great video! That kinda sells me on the varigate 8+ and the voltage block. I’ve been on the fence about a brain of sorts for my system. Thanks!!


Agree with Jim. Well rounded and playable isn't going to happen in 62hp.
If I may ask, what is it that is drawing you to modular that you aren't getting in other formats? To get a well rounded eurorack, you will likely need to spend a considerable amount of money over a long period of time. You mention that you just want to try stuff out, which can be a lot of fun, but may be very frustrating creatively (and financially) if you you don't have much of a plan for your initial investment. If you must stick with 62hp to begin, I would recommend concentrating on a single one of your initial goals, either random abrupt percussive stuff OR nice melodic harmonious stuff.
Good luck and have fun.


I'm very happy with the Zadar.
-- Arrandan

In fact, I'm replacing the Zadar with the new envelope generator. Zadar is a fantastic module, but I'm only using it for envelopes, and most of the waveforms are unused, so I'm trying to simplify things a bit. I would also prefer to have knobs for each channel, instead of just sharing a set of knobs, so I can easily see and modify the attack and decay settings.

I guess I'm not a huge fan of menu diving, and the way I'm using Zadar is to set it up and forget about it, as I find it a bit inconvenient for quickly changing things on the fly. Lately I find myself using the "Make Noise Function" much more, so I want to try and add more envelope generators in that vein.

Other than that, the Zadar is a great module with small footprint, and I think is perfect for long evolving modulations.


I'm looking to create something "well-rounded (as everyone says)" and generative.

you probably won't really achieve that in this size rack

I tend to like random abrupt percussive esque stuff, but also nice melodic harmonious stuff. I also play guitar and drums which I'd love to throw into this, hence the line input.

neither of which are at line level... and will require further amplification - the 1/2 veils clone may cover this, but then you're a vca down... beads has some gain built in I believe but I've never used it

But I honestly have no idea what I'm actually going for, just have to try stuff out I suppose. Anyways, let me know if you have any comments/suggestions.

I'd try to spend quite a lot of time trying to work out 1 thing you want this rack to do before spending any more money and focus on that - or upgrade the case so that it is big enough to discover what you want/need by buying more modules and patching it

*I know C4RBN is sold out forever, I'd definitely like to know any alternative 4hp or less models that are just as good. Thanks!

modules smaller than 4hp crammed in small cases with other small modules = crap ergonomics = no fun to play

I would suggest going and reading a lot of other newbie rack posts and taking a look at my signature and contemplating the formula therein

"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


actual link to rack - jpgs are crap!!!

ModularGrid Rack

"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: MDLR

Hey Richie.

Yeah I love Marbles a lot. Really nice versatile module :)


I'm fairly new to the modular world, and am looking to build my first little rack. I've already purchased Intellijel's 4u 62hp palette and Mutable Beads. There's also a used Plonk for good deal, but I'm not sure what modules on this rack I'd substitute out if I got it. I'm looking to create something "well-rounded (as everyone says)" and generative. I tend to like random abrupt percussive esque stuff, but also nice melodic harmonious stuff. I also play guitar and drums which I'd love to throw into this, hence the line input. But I honestly have no idea what I'm actually going for, just have to try stuff out I suppose. Anyways, let me know if you have any comments/suggestions. *I know C4RBN is sold out forever, I'd definitely like to know any alternative 4hp or less models that are just as good. Thanks!

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_2151716.jpg


Thread: MDLR

Love it.
Is Marbles any good?
Man...that Modcan quad LFO. Sweet!
Richie


Some of them look very ADSR-like, though the module doesn't support sustain with a gate or something like that.
-- Arrandan

The sus/level encoder let you set the point on the shape to be held when a gate signal is send to the input trigger. (page 5 in the manual)


I'm very happy with the Zadar. It's basically a list of digital envelopes that you can chose from. Some of them look very ADSR-like, though the module doesn't support sustain with a gate or something like that. Instead, you get a huge variety of non-ADSR shaped envelopes. You can use CV to change duration, voltage (= attenuation) and many other skewing parameters. The only thing I’m missing is the Nin expander, so I could have 2 cvs per channel. Anyway. Short summary: 4 super flexible channels in 10 hp. I love it!

Modular playlist on SoundCloud


Without VCA's but with 6 AD EG channels, and can act like LFO's, Slew limiters and AD EG
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/tesseract-modular-selam
-- ferranadsr

Looks good, and the price is more than affordable too, I will check it out, thanks.

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/klavis-quadigy
-- toodee

A powerhouse indeed. I'm not sold on menu based modules and I would rather use a simple interface with no menu diving. I'll check it out anyway and see if it fits my needs, thanks for the suggestion.

Check out the Doepfer Dual Micro ADSR. 8 hp with 4 outputs and it's well priced
-- padmasan

Doepfer's "mini" modules are quite cool, I bought an A-138n mixer some time ago and I'm more than happy with it. It doesn't take much space, is well priced and works flawlessly. I'll definitively check this ADSR out, thanks.


Check out the Doepfer Dual Micro ADSR. 8 hp with 4 outputs and it's well priced

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/doepfer-a-140-2


Used live with diverse sound sources, a pure pleasure.

Listen to what you can do with simple but rich sound sources like a singing bowl, a finger piano, or a cymbal.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CnuyKS9sEmP/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

=b750b27dbbf246c2bbff87a09093ddb1&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing


Hi there !

I have no opinion on the modules you mentioned as I haven't tried any of them (except for the Quadrax which is well worth the price IMO), but I'd like to put one more on to your radar:

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/klavis-quadigy

This powerhouse of a module can deliver 4 ADSR envelopes and offers a lot of configuration options which you can conveniently save as presets and then recall. Freely assignable button on the interface, clockable LFO's with a clever stretching mechanism, etc. Worth a look, I think, I'm very happy with mine.

--- Voltage control all the things ---


Hi,

Without VCA's but with 6 AD EG channels, and can act like LFO's, Slew limiters and AD EG
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/tesseract-modular-selam
Best regards,


I'm looking for some envelope generators to pair with the Itenllijel Quad VCA I already own.

My initial idea was to get the Intelijjel Quadrax with the Qx expander for added outputs. However, it turns out that the price is much higher than the one listed in MG, and I'm now considering different options.

For the price the Quadrax would cost me, I could add a couple of Cosmotronic Delta-V function generators instead, which in turn would also provide some extra VCAs.

On the cheaper side, the Hikari Instruments Triple AD is quite interesting too, but I haven't been able to find it anywhere in Europe, and having it shipped from Japan will probably add to the price. The Nano Modules Quart is also looking good, though neither of those would provide additional outputs.

And just recently, I discovered the After Later Audio QARV, which is quite large at 20HP, but includes four function generators and VCAs plus a mixer. The price for this one looks incredibly good too, and it would probably allow me to get rid of the Quad VCA or at least use it for other duties.

Do you guys have any opinion on those modules? I already own some modules from Intellijel and Nano Modules, and I like both the build quality and user interface, but I've never used anything from Hikari or After Later. Are there any other options I'm overlooking? Maybe you can suggest some other alternatives.


Thread: 2hp delay

possibly a revision due to component unavailability

"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


Thanks all for the replies! Will look into all of these.


Thread: 2hp delay

Hello, yesterday I received 2hp delay, but I found some differences in the internal circuit of the module...in the images on the site it's different, I'd like to understand why. Thank you



Yeah, I would recommend DFAM with Basimilus Iteritas Alter (with plenty of modulation and effects) if you want to get in a similar vein. Soma inhabits a different kind of universe, so you won't get the exact same experience, of course. Both DFAM and BIA are readily available and reasonably priced.


The DFAM can sound really nasty, and when combined with the MAFD by Sonoclast you can program in 8 different sounds and sequence them independently from the rather limited onboard sequencer. I am also currently getting back into the Dreadbox Drips, which features similar concepts (2 VCOs with FM plus Noise, Filter, 2 Envelopes), albeit with somewhat less flexibility.


Food for thought:


Hey everyone!

I'm looking for a percussive/drum synth that can behave similarly to the pulsar in terms of sound (raw experimental percussive sounds) - but at a lower price point. Anyone have any suggestions? Would love to hear your thoughts!


can i use it to sequence the E352,plaits and the boba fat at the same time?
-- Broken-Form

yes... one of the pitch sequencer channels for each of e352 & plaits (if you're using plaits as a melodic voice or to change mode) and 2 of the drum sequencer channels for the boba fet (& 1 for plaits if you're using it for a percussion voice)

you could also send both outputs of plaits to 2 vcas and use a pair of the drum sequencer channels to choose between them - different hats for example

-- JimHowell1970

awesome im making ambient music so first my plan is to only use the boba fat asa drum voice,and E352 and plaits for drony stuff

-- Broken-Form

np

in that case just use the pitch out from the 2 pitch channels - and nothing plugged into the level or trigger inputs on plaits

have fun!

"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


can i use it to sequence the E352,plaits and the boba fat at the same time?
-- Broken-Form

yes... one of the pitch sequencer channels for each of e352 & plaits (if you're using plaits as a melodic voice or to change mode) and 2 of the drum sequencer channels for the boba fet (& 1 for plaits if you're using it for a percussion voice)

you could also send both outputs of plaits to 2 vcas and use a pair of the drum sequencer channels to choose between them - different hats for example

-- JimHowell1970

awesome im making ambient music so first my plan is to only use the boba fat asa drum voice,and E352 and plaits for drony stuff

https://www.facebook.com/BrokenFormAudio

Got a Mantis Case and a Grandterminal+expander for sale,PM Me


can i use it to sequence the E352,plaits and the boba fat at the same time?
-- Broken-Form

yes... one of the pitch sequencer channels for each of e352 & plaits (if you're using plaits as a melodic voice or to change mode) and 2 of the drum sequencer channels for the boba fet (& 1 for plaits if you're using it for a percussion voice)

you could also send both outputs of plaits to 2 vcas and use a pair of the drum sequencer channels to choose between them - different hats for example

"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


thanks guys

im away from the studio due to work,so havent had time to actually use beatstep pro as sequencer yet.

can i use it to sequence the E352,plaits and the boba fat at the same time?

https://www.facebook.com/BrokenFormAudio

Got a Mantis Case and a Grandterminal+expander for sale,PM Me


There is somewhere a pdf "The book of bad ideas" not sure if it was on this forum, i dont want to look for the link now.

https://www.infinitesimal.eu/modules/images/5/5e/The_book_of_bad_ideas_V2.pdf

BR


There is somewhere a pdf "The book of bad ideas" not sure if it was on this forum, i dont want to look for the link now.

Also watch lots of videos, i would suggest Make Noise, Monotrail, Undulations (allthough he does not mainly Eurorack but definitely helps you to think out of the box like clocking a sequencer with an audio signal from playing piano or clocking it at audio rate and using as audio source and gazillions of other weird ideas of abusing stuff)


In case my opinion may be useful, six months ago I started with modular hardware. I have started with a very tight budget, and acquiring modules for a "basic" patch (VCO, filter, VCA's, basic Envelopes).
After many "patch and unpatch" I think that, although the basic utilities (VCA's, LFO's, envelopes) are essential, but more complex modules are the ones that give more room for experimentation. Mainly effects (delay, distortion), waveshapers and filters with some extra function.
I think that now I have entered a second phase, where I am exploring for example my Endorphin.es Airstreamer and my NE Viol Ruina filter and although they are quite basic modules, it is surprising what they give of themselves.