Definitely some unique sounds in your tracks and a lot of interesting listening in your albums. I particularly liked Récurrences. Thanks for sharing! Cheers!
what would you fill up the rest of this space with?
mults have been largely replaces by stack cables, so we can remove that 4 hp for this discussion.
for reference, I have 4 remaining bus slots,
with plenty of power remaining
for modulation, i've been looking at ochd, triple sloths, Pams (new or pro) or an O_C.
Going to do one more voice, debating between BIA or another plaits clone (given the new firmware)
maybe a clock divider like Fractio solum.
That doepfer-lfo is a nice basic module.. one of the first I bought and still in my case.
there are loads of 4hp attenuverters out there.
Instead of that 914 behringer; check the doepfer a128.. smaller footprint but different frequencies.
A deceptively simple sounding patch, and beautiful. A great listen. Thanks for sharing. And those Stoel modules look interesting too. You need to do more promo work. ;-) Cheers!
Hi,
An attenuator/attenuverter module would be a good option.
For example https://www.modulargrid.net/e/addac-system-addac218
Regarding LFO, Doepfer 145-4, they are 4 simple lfos without VC, but suitable for modulating.
If you want to go one step further, ochd https://www.modulargrid.net/e/divkid-ochd
Best regards,
This would make my little effects box even more mediocre. But if anybody can give me an advice how I can fill up the 8HP from the 995 with flashy modules that suit my desire (at least 3 attenuators and a flexible LFO to modulate the Z5000) I might follow these suggestions. Thanks!
-- Jockl
don't doepfer do a 4hp quad attenuator and a 4hp quad lfo? I just checked, yes to both - more utilitarian than flashy though
"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 we not forbid these kind of douchebags and send them off to Reverb? I am fine with selling rare modules with a markup but shouldn't there be limits?
@JimHowell1970
Thanks for your suggestions. I was aware that my tiny box loaded with uncool Behringer modules won't be regarded as the latest hip thing in this community. One thing I want to avoid is to expand to a full blown modular system so buying a bigger case is no option for me.
@adaris
I guess you are right. I'll swap the bulky 995 with a Doepfer A-138n and a Doepfer A-145-4.
This would make my little effects box even more mediocre. But if anybody can give me an advice how I can fill up the 8HP from the 995 with flashy modules that suit my desire (at least 3 attenuators and a flexible LFO to modulate the Z5000) I might follow these suggestions. Thanks!
You seem to be missing a stereo mixer. You have a Bitbox, QPAS, a Mimeophon, a Desmodus and a Nautilus... all of them are stereo. Unless you want to use them as one big stereo chain, you'll need a basic stereo mixer. Something like a Happy Nerding 2xSAM or Make Noise's own XOH would do. You might even want to go for a larger mixer if you want to be able to play all those sound sources and effects together.
What kind of music do you want to perform/compose with this case?
Electronic musician, improviser, composer, sound designer in Berlin
Solo, Böseblick, Ephemeral Fragments, Only With You, Pep Talk, Lettow Erel Duo
With the black STO, Maths, they're actually just cheap black faceplates you can buy and swap at any time.
Just fancy looking things, not necessary: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/other-unknown-materia-urania-maths-black-gold
Yes, with the FH-2 you have enough modulation sources: and if you incorporate it with your DAW you can assign CC numbers to the outputs and draw in your automation—any curve you can create. Including the expanders, no matter how you arrange them, 24 outputs is a lot for your case. I have no idea where you're planning on putting them all!
If you can describe the type of music you make or want to make or can compare it to musicians you're inspired by, other members with similar taste might have helpful advice on finishing your rack.
Thanks for the feedback! The layout you suggest does make sense. I plan on going line out from various modules into a desktop mixer so that I can multitrack stems...so not everything will be going out the x-pan or case outputs necessarily. I do like the black, but I already own a lot of these modules.
As I'm looking to finish my case, are there any obvious or helpful module/s that I could be missing? Or replacements to certain modules that may perform better/allow for more options? Do you think the FH2 plus expanders and Maths offer enough modulation options?
Do you think I need a dedicated mixer module or is Maths and X-Pan suitable if I'm going out into a desktop mixer?
Cheers,
Experimental sounds but I don’t even know what style I enjoy tbh. Still new to it. But I use my expert sleeper for vcv rack so I have a lot of little things like clocks delays and mixers that I can use to blend in . But I want to hear what people think would go well . Whatever it is il look into . Maybe a Intellijel shapeshifter? Or some befaco mixer? I don’t know which would he better or if there is something better than those 2.
What kind of music are you making? What functions do you feel are missing? Is there something you wish you could do, but can't?
We will probably need some more details so that we can help. Otherwise, people might just start listing random modules.
I’m looking for another 30hp module but I want to hear some opinions about my setup. What would be the best thing to include?
Whoooaaaaaa, where'd ya get the black maths? Happy it's working again!
Edit: second hand, I gotcha. I'm a bit toasted, myself, today.
Am curious to know how it turns out though, holler back when you get that sumbitch runnin again.
-- yeahivandalizm
Kinda forgot to update, but thankfully both the module and the case are in good working order! Thank you again for the proper advice. There are a couple of buttons on the module (oh, btw it's a 2nd-hand Maths with a black faceplate) that are a little bit sticky, but also work alright. At some point I'll have to do some triaging to clean 'em out, but I'm thinking I might leave that to the pros.
Happy holidays!
well there's absolutely nothing in there that I'd put in - including the case
start with a bigger case - you'll probably want to expand from this once you've got it and having the space already available will save you buying another case... bigger cases are often better value per hp and have better power solutions - tiptop mantis is near perfect starter case - buy (or make from cardboard) blank panels to cover the unused space
as a multi-effect unit I'd want one with a screen so it's easy to work out what algo you have loaded - fx aid pro would be my choice... because if you decide that you want another multi-effect you can then buy another one - either the standard of the xl and if you set it up right you can use the pro as a reference for the algos on the others - 1st 32 algos on the pro match the 32 algos on the other modules...
I wouldn't buy b-company modules without comparing modules from other companies - ie don't just buy something because it's cheap... find the one that you actually want - spend a lot more time researching before you buy...
you'll probably want to amplify the sub37 so it's actually at modular levels for processing
you will want more modulation and utilities than you think - these will exponentially increase the flexibility of the rack - they take up space - back to get a bigger case!!!
something to consider is that in order for a modular designed as an effects processor to be worthwhile - it is a full blown modular synthesizer, with an external sound source replacing the vcos - everything else is identical...
"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
There's no need to use 8 HP for a triple passive attenuator module. You could replace that with a similar module or even one with more functionality from another manufacturer that takes up less space and you'll have room for an LFO module.
You're welcome! I should also mention that certain wavefolders can be used as both a clean VCA and a VCA with overdrive/wavefolding, at least I know this is true of the Bastl Timber. So that's something else to consider.
I build this to add a few basic effects to a Subsequent 37. Now is this pure genius or plain boring? I would love to expand on a LFO module but have no space left in the Doepfer LC.
Wow just listened to the TG4 and RK2 and they both sound incredible. Guess this is yet another rabbit hole to lose myself in.
Settings for Disting MK4
H-4 Dual Quantizer
P0 = 31
P1 = 31
P2 = +3 Minor
P3 = +3 Minor
P4 = 0
P5 = 0
P6 = 0 = C(?)
0-Coast (also quantized) playing a slow, droning bassline.
Small request for a longer period of time before logout. Modular synth builds don't seem mission critical, but I feel like I get logged out faster than my bank. I "sketched a patch" today and lost it because I was auto logged out. I would love it if I was never logged out, ever.
There are quite a few VCAs that can amplify but are basically clean until the amplified signal hits a ceiling of 10V or thereabouts, so I don't think the overdrive in the Tallin is a natural function of it being an amplifier, rather it's something they specifically built into the module. I see people make the claim that "most VCAs just attenuate" sometimes, but that hasn't been my experience in Eurorack. I think almost any VCA that isn't strictly linear is going to be capable of amplification, and even some of the linear ones can amplify to a degree if the control voltage is high enough.
As far as other VCAs that do some type of overdrive or distortion, my first thought is tube VCAs like the Metasonix RK2 for example. Abyss Devices Saevitus and Synthetic Sound Labs Tube VCA/Timbral Gate are a couple others that come to mind. But if you search MG for "Tube VCA" you'll find quite a few. Aside from Tube VCAs I know Expert Sleepers makes a JFET-based VCA, "Persephone" that can be used to overdrive the input signal as well.
I recently heard the XAOC Tallin and found the built-in overdrive very intriguing. I'm guessing that this is the product of the module actually being an amplifier and not just an attenuator like other VCAs.
It still got me thinking if you guys know of other VCAs that, instead of transparently modulating the amplitude, either react uniquely with the incoming CV/audio or modify the output interestingly?
Bonus points for modules with unique features directly linked to the VCA format. What I mean is: I'm expecting a drive + VCA module to be able to produce a similar effect to the Tallin, but I can imagine that there are some funky modules whose combinations are more dependent on the VCA circuit
Smart transaction with @Zerius
Recommended seller.
Hi fellow synth nerds
I've been building a live rack for 3 years now and I've gave about 20 to 30 live perfomances with it in various projects.
What I love the most about modular synthesizer is the fact that as the posibilities are infinite, everyone have a different way to work and make sounds with it. For me, my eurorack as helped me to be more confident to express my fellings thought my music.
I built my rack to give live improv shows
Beats are made with a roland tr8s
I can mix with a 4 channel focusrite thats goes to ableton live were i threat drums and euroack then do a master
Or
I mix with a 8 channel focusrite were i treat kick, bass, snare&claps, hats&shakers, manis histeria and chords&arps independently then do a master. I can also live multi-track record this way.
In both ways i can adjust sounds and send effects with a small midi controler. I play with 120ms latency that doesn't impact the playability (i got used to it really fast)
The transportation and the importance of the show are the reasons why i'll choose one or another way of mixing.
In his "little" version my live setup fits in a 100L backpack (forclaz DUFFEL 100 BASIC) It is fully wired, can be installed and tuned in 20 minutes for a live show and does not require a car.
The "heavy" version require a larger computer. I choose that one when I have to record or if my performance require a better mix
Here is a video with one of my project "Jean feutre" with a french cartoonist :
The goal here is to treat music and visual arts as equaly. It is mainly based on improvisation and we can synchronize visual effects with sound thanks to midi.
I don't assume my way of doing live shows with my modular synth is the best one. I'm just here to tchat about it
If you have questions or feedbacks fell free to answer the thread !
Hey there, not noly it is one of my favorite generators, Twin Wave mkII is by far my favorite complex LFO, used here to show what complex LFO are/do.
I've used a Fold6 with drive at 50% and fold just barely on to get kicks to punch specifically a ModBase09 mk2 through around 80 of 90 multi-hour techno streams. This worked well for 909 style kicks. I tried with a Unicorn Boom (808) and didn't like that much, but through a 100 Grit it got a super fat sound. So it all depends. I also use 2x TriTones with a smile curve on the master and this really helps out to get the hats, kick and sub to sound huge.
I jumped on it and rushed through, so got Friends and /W.
Whew.
Yup, happened again just now too...can't get a /W for nothin...
I’d black out the case and rearrange some modules:
The FH-2 is gonna have a long usb cable attached so best to keep it off to the side so it doesn’t hang over your Maths.
The X Pan Out at the top makes for cleaner patching to your In/Out just below.
2HP VCAs spaced apart for easier patching. (Wherever you put them)
Bitbox and Rene for faster dominant right hand navigation. Especially bitbox screen usage. And you can tuck the bitbox output cables up the side to your master out so they’re not in the way.
The top row progresses logically from Sound to Space, Mono to Stereo modules. Your sound sources then Desmodus for synthetic tail mono in / stereo out patching followed by your stereo modules: Qpas, Mimeophon, Nautilus, XPan. Or Desmodus after Nautilus if you’re using it as a final reverb.
Maths next to the LFO and Tempi (time defining modules), just below the mults for system wide patching.
Go to the “Sketch a Patch” in your My Modular, and draw up some patches. You’ll learn whether your modules and layout inspires you or needs improvements and tidying.
In any case, I am at a point in my modular journey with tons of gear so saturated to focus now on recording and remastering tracks in my studio. I am glad to have WMD, Mutable Instruments and Hexinverter Mutant Drum modules since these three firms have closed up shop which is sad news but love their modules.
Lack of vactrols is the issue. Have seen a few go for around 220. This isn't too unreasonably all things considered.
Sinc Bucina is highly underrated.
Same. Also, happened last time too. I got a 3 Sis through the lottery system...that was cool. The shopping carts should be limited to 1 per and also have a timer on them. I'm tired of fighting with cart systems and I'm pretty sure the wizzes out there have automated the whole thing too. Same thing happened at Control Mod and Control Voltage when they got stock. Sold out within 30 seconds and it didn't matter if you had it in your cart.
Not surprised. The exact same thing happened last year when I bought Data module and Catnip modules. Both sold out in minutes. I was lucky to get them in time.
I've been designing and building stompboxes for years. Just got hooked on eurorack this year and have been having a blast with this little setup. It's not just a layout plan. It exists in real life and, so far, I've just been recording and jamming with it on my own. I haven't quite figured out how to incorporate it into the live band situation, yet. For one thing, it feels like it takes me too long to set up and change patches. Maybe I just need more practice? Anyway...
I sort of think of it as a percussion skiff. My goal with this skiff is to create rhythmic, melodic backbones and soundscapes that I can add acoustic instruments to (i.e. hand percussion, bass, guitar, keys, etc...), occasionally vocals, too.
I am trying to keep it relatively compact. But all the comments here about difficulties with too many small 2hp or 3hp modules make a lot of sense. I happen to only have one 2hp module (div) but I find it really useful and use it in almost everything.
The TAPLFO and the PLVXf are units that I designed and built myself. The PLVXf is a Polivoks VCF clone based on the freely available schematics on the web and I like it a lot. The TAPLFO is based on the Electric Druid TAPLFO3c chip (https://electricdruid.net/product/taplfo3/) and has a lot of nice options, but maybe a few too many. I am thinking that a more compact redesign of the TAPLFO might be in order.
For some randomness, I used to have an Erica Synths Swamp (Wogglebug clone) installed but took it out to make space for the filters I now have (Zlob SVF, PLVXf, and SSM2044 - I am also working on an EDP Wasp clone that will be the same size as the PLVXf). I am now trying out the Zlob Diode Chaos to replace the Swamp and save a lot of space. But I think I might still be looking for a random module that suits me better.
As for sequencers... what I like about the Baby8 is that it has both gates and CV. With the individual gate outputs for each step, you can trigger up to 8 different things. What I don't like about it is that consecutive gate outputs do not trigger independently. They just make one long gate and only trigger once. So, I am looking into replacing the Baby8 with an Intellijel Steppy. Four tracks of gates but no CV. But I do have a Korg SQ-1 for CV sequencing. I'll see how it goes.
I really like having a delay in the rack, but could maybe go with something smaller. Suggestions?
Feels like I've already written too much. So, I'll leave it there, for now. Again, I only got started on this within the past year but I am having a blast figuring things out. So, thought, comments, suggestions are very welcome!
Orders opened at 8am my time today. By the time I clicked calculate shipping it was sold out.
Oh yes thank you for attaching that. I'm new to the modular grid forum. Looking forward to comments.
and the actual link to the OPs public rack so we can actually do stuff like mouse over and click through...
@echo7 - this is infinitely better for us - you'll get better advice etc...
"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
levels looked exactly where they should be. > -- ChrisfromDC
You can confirm the signal was sent correctly into the module and 2-3 of the top 4 LEDs were lit while the remaining bottom 4 were cycling green, yes? And the file finished playing? At any point during the process did all the lights blink red?
Note: After you're done playing the file it will automatically reboot and look exactly as it did—no obvious indications. You'll have to press both A buttons simultaneously (not hold them but not tap them either; just a generic medium press) before you have the ability to scroll through the presets sideways. Then you'll have to press left or right to get to the Orange models.
I have two Plaits and had a problem midway through the second when playing the file through VLC (it must have some kind of EQ or volume booster, audio algorithm) but no problem with either when just playing the file directly off my desktop. And yes, after it was done it looked like nothing happened. I had to press both buttons before I could toggle through the models.
That might help.
Hello,
I'm looking for feedback on this rack build. I'm a composer trying to utilize integration with my DAW but also have my eurorack be able to stand on its own.
https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_1104834.jpg
I currently own all of the modules and case EXCEPT FH2+expanders, bitbox mk2, Nautilus, and Desmodus Versio.
What do you think of this setup? The goal is using the FH2 for modulation options since it can generate complex lfos etc. as well as for polyphonic playing.
I will have a separate standalone mixer on my desk, so I tried to save some space not using dedicated mixer modules. Also included will be a Moog Mother 32 as well as a Keystep Pro, so there's more modulation options there.
Any advice, module recommendations/replacements welcome.
Cheers,
B
I carefully followed all the instructions for the recent Plaits firmware update, but after days of trying I can't get anywhere with it. Definitely booted it up in update mode, ran the update via the model input, levels looked exactly where they should be. Same Plaits menu as previously, however, and no indication anything took. Seems like most people who described installing this had not that much trouble and a good result. So what could I be doing wrong? Very frustrating.
the Make Noise LxD is EXACTLY what I'm looking for, but retailers are all sold out and people are listing them on Reverb for INSANE prices ($300-$500). Did Make Noise discontinue it without saying anything? Why are these so hard to find?
-- noahnicholsmusic
I don't think the lxd is discontinued - I hope not as I would also like one at some point in the future!
Make Noise are at least reasonably good at marking discontinued items as discontinued on here...
Why are they hard to find:
There has been (& still is, and will be for sometime) a global shortage of electronics components (covid -> manufacturing slow down -> distribution nightmare) - I'm guessing the vactrols are difficult to source in large quantities - and if you have only a small number of vactrols and no idea when you will get more - you'd put them in a module that has higher return and as high demand (optomix) than in a module with lower returns (lxd)
It's possible that lxds will be available again in the future, then again maybe not - don't hold your breath
Remember even Make Noise is a small company (as are all eurorack modules manufacturers) and therefore only makes small batches of modules and from time to time there will be temporary shortages of particular modules, even withoout the effects of a global pandemic - (extreme) patience is a good skill to develop!
"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
If you can't find anything locally, Blue lantern is on etsy. Flavio is easy to contact. I recommend his Dual decay (ddk) module. He makes a few other percussion and fx oriented utility modules I haven't seen elsewhere. Worth a look.
How are you trying to process the kick? Are you wanting rumble? Just smack in general? Cleaning up the low frequency mud? Compression/sidechain ducking?
I process external drum machines through eurorack using two of these to boost the individual outs: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/blue-lantern-modules-booster-array They are cheap and work wonderfully for that purpose.
I also use a lot of other stuff to process the sounds, but the Worng Soundstage is a cool option for stereo mixing.
Have fun and good luck.
-- farkas
Nice! Thank you I will be watching those. Now sold out of course.. Also probably more expensive for Europeans.. But I will check out the technology and try to find something similar that is locally available. =)
Not as resonant like the LxD, but check out the ph Modular LPG: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/ph-modular-2hp-vactrol-lpg
It was an easy direct purchase. I have both and sometimes prefer the LxD for the resonant channel, but otherwise the ph fits the bill.
I've been looking for a good LPG for my system that doesn't take up too much space, and the Make Noise LxD is EXACTLY what I'm looking for, but retailers are all sold out and people are listing them on Reverb for INSANE prices ($300-$500). Did Make Noise discontinue it without saying anything? Why are these so hard to find?
Also, does anyone out there have any ideas about a similar LPG around the same size and price? I'm very limited on free space in the rack and need something with the same punchiness as the LxD strike input.
Cheers!
