Nice one @farkas! Good balance musically and between the instruments, excellent craft work like all your other pieces lately. I think I can feel the late 90s influence again too, maybe a pinch of Fly Pan Am or Stereolab in the vocals. Keep it up!
I think some of this convo ignores that people mostly get into modular cause it's cool and fun. I have aspirations to actually make music with my gear but I kind of think most people just want to make noise for themselves, or that they're at least happy with that, and hell if nothing I make ever gets any attention I'd still be fine with it, I'm having a blast, and in ways I never did with digital. The only real question from my POV is "Can you afford it?" and if so I say fire away. Just one noob's two cents...
This is why I started my journey very slow and easy with a semi modular Make Noise 0-coast and the free software VCV Rack. Learning the basics at low to no cost and ability try try hundreds of modules and patterns at home is wonderful so when I do buy a case/power and modules, I know what I will actually need without going bankrupt. I think a lot of folks end up with cases and thousands of dollars wasted because they did not grasp that fundamental point.
The thing about that sandbox metaphor is that you can do literally ANYTHING in a "sandbox"...but that carries with it the problem of "what do you create in this totally-open environment?" And without a sense of discipline and a suitable background, the likely things that'll be created will be "bleeps", "blips", "drones" and/or "nothing". So the failings there aren't with the tools...but the user, which is sort of the corollary to another maxim: "Equipment doesn't create success...success is up to the musician alone".
And believe me, it is VERY easy to get lost in modular patchwork to a point where you've lost any creative momentum that might've been present before you busted out the patchcables. This gets right back to self-discipline and technical/musical knowledge, both of which I think are essential to cultivate before stepping into modular for that exact reason. Not saying that you need a music degree and all of that, but if you intend to pour several grand into a modular, you need to know why you think you need one in the first place. And that means that, yes, you know your work well enough to say where it needs to go AND you know the gamut of tools for that work well enough to make ample use of one. Otherwise...well, it's worth knowing what depth of the pool you're jumping into, as you don't want to swan-dive into the wading end, nor do you want to casually hop into the deep end and expect that bottom to be right there...when it's NOT. Most people know what to do in that situation...but when confronted with the "modular or not?" choice, the default seems to be to start chucking attractive (and expensive) modules into a box. And to quote Rocky J. Squirrel, "That trick never works!"
Uh-oh, here comes farkas with more of his weird lo-fi glitch art project. :)
As always, thanks for letting me fill your time.
Hi Jingo,
Woooo... that sounds very promising. That's a little mean from your side though, make me so hungry to hear the rest, this demo is so short, it sounds to me like I want so much more to listen at :-)
This demo on it's own would be an almost perfect sound track for a superb film!
P.S.: I can't hear the ACL - Sinfonion in action, you must have used it so subtle :-) Or that background kind of music, are that chords via the Sinfonion? I only know one way to use the Sinfonion and that's the brutal full way ;-)
I want more, I want more, I... ;-) Thanks a lot for sharing this and I seriously hope to hear more of this, kind regards, Garfield.
Hi Baltergeist,
Thanks a lot for sharing your new track. I like the tension you are building up with your track, a bit spooky here and there as well, yeah I love it :-)
This song could go on and on for me and I still wouldn't have enough of it :-) Going to listen it for the fourth time, can't stop discovering all the nice details!
Thank you very much and kind regards, Garfield.
Das System besteht aus einem Standardcase für Audioequipment, in dem ein Doepfer A-100 DIY Kit eingebaut wurde, mit zwei Reihen a 84HP. Die dritte Reihe könnte im Case noch erweitert werden (im jetztigen Zustand ist sie einfach abgedeckt und kann noch nicht verwendet werden).
over the weekend I went into ambient generative style sounds and this is a first kickoff sample into which direction my efforts will go, have a peak into it :)
main modules are -> ACL Multifunction Discrete VCO, ACL Sinfonion, Vector Seq, MI Marbles, MI Rings, HN fx aid, dervish and lots of modulation sources like MI Tides2, XAOC Zadar and erica synths stuff for some more modulation and EG/VCA stuff...
Agree it is a sandbox and learning fun too. One reason I want to build a setup is to explore the lego building blocks of synthesis- VCA, VCF, VCO, EG and so forth. Plus unique sounds. No presets so complete freedom. The challenge is so many modules so research the tones and features is time consuming.
I completely agree with just about all of this except #5. I think modular is absolutely stellar if you have don't have a clear direction or idea of what you want to do musically specifically BECAUSE it is a sandbox. The caveat to that, of course, is that one must be comfortable with experimentation. Maybe that's what you mean by having a developed direction, I am not sure, but modular is definitely not for you if experimentation is not something that appeals. Besides, how does one develop or come to recognize limitations without experimentation? Modular, to me, is one of the most suitable milieus for this.
Yes, it is expensive, but, as you say, with a little research one can learn synth basics and start small, and let the system grow organically along with one's musical/artistic direction. A professional-level bass or guitar, amp, and minimal pedalboard can add up to several thousand dollars. If you're a drummer you know how much a good set can cost, especially when add quality cases. As an upright bassist, I can assure you that quality student-level instruments can routinely cost upwards of $5k. So, put into context, modular isn't actually that expensive unless, as mentioned, you want to replicate a Moog One. Which I would agree is utterly insane.
Another track for the next album, like the others it still needs some work. Morphagene, Tetrax, Cocoquantus, Three Sisters, and various Nonlinear Circuits modules, especially the 8-Bit Cipher, and others at play.
I recently bought 2 x Intellijel 1U Buff Mults from Chris_Da_Break and he was really easy to deal with organising payment and delivery to UK. I can recommend this seller.
Recently bought a Intellijel Performance case from @t0b1 and he was really easy to deal with organising payment and delivery to UK. I can recommend this seller.
BASS
circ rythem > gate mult - sdsr gate > trig O_c
LPF
Brilliant caution to newbies. I recommend the book Patch & Tweak as well as using the free software VCV Rack before spending a penny on modular gear. For me, I learned subtractive synthesis on Moog Sub 37 which I still own and love and moved into DAWs with Ableton Push and software VSTs then Elektron gear for live performances. Now been using those and west coast Make Noise 0-coast to experiment with patching. Several years later since then, I am looking into building a basic modular rig for sound exploration and creating weird background sounds to supplement my studio.
Hi all,
I have two Elektrons (Analog 4 MK2 and octatrack) along with a Make Noise 0-coast and other synths like Moog Sub 37 and Microkorg. Want to build a modular setup to complement what I have already. I play mostly ambience soundscapes to techno harder industrial style music. Working on a soundtrack for an action fantasy sci-fi film and anime and use a bunch of VSTs like Massive. So far, I really love the patching 0-coast and happy accidents but find the graphics and weird labels hard to learn modular synthesis as a beginner. I already understand basic subtractive synths from the Moog Sub 37 and Elektrons. Thoughts? Should I buy a Eurorack sequencer and sampler? I have been able to control the 0-coast semi modular via CV from the A4 Elektron and over MIDI with the Octatrack.
It's your thread, so steer away!
I have a bunch of Verbos modules and they're great, but they are quite the investment for someone just starting out. If money isn't a problem by all means, get them, but there are more affordable options for similar features.
You can also download VCV Rack and explore many different sounds in there without opening your wallet. All of the Mutable Instruments are available in there (under the brand "Audible Instruments"). Many other IRL modules have VCV Rack analogs.
If you are interested in AM/FM, you might want to get a complex oscillator. They all seem to be based on an old Buchla 259r, so the difference in tone is what you'll want to focus on. I've had both the DPO and CS-L and I personally prefer the CS-L, but my buddy prefers the DPO. It is all person taste. There is even a Verbos and ACL complex oscillator. There is an old DivKid livestream out there where one of the guests had 2 oscillators to do the AM/FM stuff and then went to a single complex osc and was blown away by the difference. (I think it was James Ciglar on DivKid Modular Podcast #6 - Oscillators).
A Pam's New Workout with the Pexp expander might be a better solution than the Yarns, depending on what you want to do. Pam's by itself is a great multi-function module.
I had to look up DAAT and SynthSense, but if I found the right stuff, you might want a sampler like 1010 BitBox or an ALM Squid Salmple. I have the Squid and it's amazing. Then something to trigger those modules (external hardware includes a BeatStep/KeyStep Pro, or modules like a Euclidean Circles, Pam's New Workout, or even something like a Winter Modular Eloquencer.) I see you said sequencing is taken care of externally, but those 4 jacks on the Yarns get used up very quickly. I personally keep everything inside the case.
Lots of good advice here. I second (fourth?) the idea to ditch the digitakt.
Just in the spirit of offering a differing opinion, save the simple Doepfer-type modules for VCV Rack. Learn their uses there and save your money and the tactile response for more... fun modules. You get more bang for your buck to get some really nice modules that can do more than one thing.
Like a lot of Noise Engineering modules can be used for a bunch of different applications (Basimilus Iteritas Alter, for example, can make really great percussion sounds or be used for bass or noise). Mutable Instruments Plaits is another multi-use sound source (though all MI modules are available on VCV Rack under the brand "Audible Instruments").
I don't like to suggest individual modules but you might want to look at Pamela's New Workout. It is super versatile and you'll probably get one eventually anyway so you might as well get it sooner than later. It is a clock, clock divider/multiplier, LFO, random gate/cv generator, logic, attenuator, etc. It's super useful. Plus it has the MIDI expander and holds time really well, so you can even use it as a master/slave clock for your DT (if you decide to keep it.)
As always, use the forums if you have more questions!
Can you really.....
Wish I'd not just moved all my modules! :)
*Is that a Unicorn Only feature?
How about in 'My Modular' there could be a Move Row Up / Move Row Down buttons? So when you add a new row you can easily move rows without having to move each individual module.
-- wishbonebrewery
Hey, you can do that under the edit tab, swap row X for Y.
Hello! I've been thinking a lot about quadraphonic systems and the key element for me are the matrix mixers. Not only they can send audio to 4 different outputs but they can also mix dry/wet fx signals to multiple destinations without the need for many fx modules. It's hard to imagine the possibilities that's why not many people consider them.
Hello! I've been thinking a lot about quadraphonic systems and the key element for me are the matrix mixers. Not only they can send audio to 4 different outputs but they can also mix dry/wet fx signals to multiple destinations without the need for many fx modules. It's hard to imagine the possibilities that's why not many people consider them.
Absolutely brilliant ideas. Thanks MNLO.
I really like the look of Verbos. They've seriously nailed function and form. I'm a fan of the Harmonic Oscillator (and their whole system!), so perhaps the case will take a stroll down that street next.
I'm easy in terms of direction. I suppose one path I'd like to explore is implementing the classic techniques (subtractive/fm/additive etc.) with gritty digital sounds reminiscent of the 80s/90s era of bit-depth/sample-rate restricted technology. Any thoughts?
In all honesty though, I don't want to steer the thread too much in order to hear ideas that simply wouldn't have crossed my mind before. The only real criteria being what have people found to be particularly great sounding and fun to use.
How about in 'My Modular' there could be a Move Row Up / Move Row Down buttons? So when you add a new row you can easily move rows without having to move each individual module.
Ah, that sounds like a great combination of instruments. In that case, I would definitely get something like the Doepfer A-119 or a similar mic/instrument preamp with envelope follower. Rings and Clouds would likely both be really fun with a dulcimer.
I've been using two of the TipTop Mantis cases (208 hp each) along with two Make Noise skiffs (104hp each), and I would highly recommend the Mantis in regards to value for money. They have been having trouble with low stock, but I'm sure you could find one soon.
Have fun and good luck!
@farkas, sorry I didnt clear things up before, I am a hammered dulcimer player (primary instrument); my live and recorded work usually revolves around pre-recorded dulcimer samples which are converted from pitch to midi via ableton then ableton is used to sequence an elektron analog 4 MKI. I have a bunch of external piezo mic'ed gear which makes me think I want some pre-amp modules like the ears. I make ambient music and was looking to put together a small generative synth for my first eurorack setup. Since becoming more knowledgeable about my current system (pretty much everything besides the micro plaits and disting) I am realizing that I need more space to build the machine which can match my required level of modulation and expression. Thanks for the help, will be building a bigger case...
I think if I was dead set on the micro Mutable clones and 84hp, I would go with something like this:
You still haven't mentioned what kind of music you are trying to create, or given us any idea if you have any other gear to pair with a modular, so this is all just guesswork. First and foremost, I would recommend buying a larger case than you think you currently need though. That would be the first universal piece of advice I could give.
Would it be possible to implement rack gear? I think it would be great for studio building, and there are a vast amount of units and ecosystems.....examples:
Distressor
Pultecs
Manley
Etc
It would help build and plan a Studio Rack
thoughts?
The chromatic modules are a good place to start, as you can get a VCO, VCA, Filter, Mixer, EG, and LFO all in just three modules for around $100 a piece. It’s what I did and don’t regret it. Definitely go for a 6U case. My rackbrute 3U filled up very fast and now I’m kind of stuck debating with myself if I want to get the 6U and have 9U which is more than I need, or switch to a different 6U case and sell my 3U or keep it as a separate case for a small system later. Either way it’s a problem I wish I didn’t have.
Hi there,
I have a brand new Disting Ex and I can't make it communicate with my Sweet Sixteen via i2c.
I've tryed every possibilities.
Pull up on Disting enabled and disabled on Sweet 16.
Disabled on Disting enabled on Sweet 16.
Sweet 16 in master and slave mode, with pull up enabled and disabled.
3 different Dupont cable at the back of the modules.
I read the manual 12457664531 times of course.
Nothing works.
I have contacted Mangu at Tesseract, he tries to help me. Thanks to him very mich.
But for the moment no solution.
If someone could help, it will be veeeeery appreciated.
Have a nice day.
If you're curious about the sound of the E520 this demo may be helpful:
Hi Mowse.
So which modules do pay you a rent? I need those modules, get some side-income to finance some other modules ;-)
Have a good weekend and enjoy the Panharmonium... oh typing that is quite okay ;-) Kind regards, Garfield.
Hello Mudmux,
Welcome to the forum :-D
Well... you could start with the Stereo Line Out module only and then see if you miss the Headphones, if yes you buy that one too :-) You don't have to buy everything in one go. It's advised to take it slowly and buy only a few modules in one go, get experience with those and the (re-) adjust your opinion on those you still want to buy, and then buy again a few, etcetera.
Sorry, can't help you with the ALM hpo, don't know that module, perhaps someone else who got it can help you with that one.
Good luck with modular synths and kind regards, Garfield Modular.
Hi JRenklint,
Always 4 times faster... that's weird isn't it, looks like a setting to me. Did you had a closer look into the Logic Pro already? Perhaps somewhere multiplied the clock before sending it out on MIDI? It also could be a setting in the Erica Synths - Black MIDI to CV module but that one you should be able to find in the manual.
For the moment as a work around (till you found the problem) you could use a modular divider and divide the clock by 4 then you are back to the original clock signal :-)
Good luck with the troubleshooting and kind regards, Garfield Modular.
Ok. This thing was worth the price tag. It can stay. I won't even charge it rent.
Hello Everyone! Long-time user, first-time poster here on modular grid.
I have been making music with modular synths for about three and a half years. Currently, I am developing my system to work well in live situations and in conjunction with external sounds and instrumentation via Little Mikey*.
To date, I have been using a rosie as my output module; I like that it can be used as a line out or headphones out, and I have used it to plug directly in to a house PA system no problems. I have a 7u 84hp intellijel performance case and have been using the rosie as a basic end-of-chain mixer, but I recently ordered a verbos scan & pan and am looking to free up some space by getting a smaller output module.
Of course I have considered the intellijel 1u options, specifically the Stereo Line Out and/or the Headphones 1u (do I need both? can I use headphones with the output jack in the Performance case with the Line Out module?). I am also kind of interested in the ALM hpo, but am not sure if I would miss the 1/4" out.
Anyone care to share some experiences? Thoughts? Stories? Anyone curious about the same things?
Happy to be here!
~
* if anyone is looking to sell an expert sleepers Little Mikey contact me :) *
I think it could work very nicely and I think also that there will be found several other ways to do it. That will be the fun part, experimenting with the concept in multiple ways. The weekend is coming and there will be time to exploire.
You are right, using a VCA as a pre-VCA is definitely silly :D
Thank you for the advice, GarfieldModular! A lot of good ideas here. Unfortunately I don't have a tone of modules so my options are limited. At the moment I am just looping the Pip Slope through my current VCA to boost the sound even though it is altering my decay. Thank you for the tip about the Waldorf - DVCA1, I will definitely look into it!
Down the eurorackhole you go ;)... Be prepared to raise funds, constantly changing modules and setup, watch lots of yt...
Most basic setup in my eyes is: vco, vcf, vca, eg, lfo. Expand this by these modules multiple times as you like and need, a mixer, attenueatars/-verters, cv functions/manipulators, one or two effects (reverb and delay), always remember: you can't have enough vca's and hp, and money. Also sell the DT (funds!) and get an eurorack CV sequencer like the hermit or so for the beginning, just my two cents, I ditched all elektron stuff (rytm mk2, DT, DN, A4 mk2) to fund eurorack stuff, never looked back! :)
Best,
jingo
Thanks! Reading through my comment again, I realize that I sounded like an asshole... Apologies to everybody, keep up the good work!
a good starting point would be to get all doepfer modules (vco, vca, vcf, lfo etc) - they are reasonably priced and pretty good
the dreadbox chromatic modules appear to be quite decent too - but pretty much any brand within your price range is a good idea
for a vca I would suggest a quad cascading vca - either veils or the intellijel qaud vca would be my top picks for a starter case
otherwise maybe an idea of budget would be a good idea - i would go for simpler stuff to start with and learn how to patch before getting more (complex) modules (and get them slowly, if you can)
and don't forget to spend some time working out what different types of module do - especially ones that come under the banner 'utilities' - they are relatively inexpensive and are the dull polish that make the shiny modules actually shine
On the rack builder page there is a new tab menu entry Builders's Notes beside the Comments tab. This is a private text area where you can add and edit notes related to your rack build. Builders's Notes is a Unicorn feature.
The Sketch a Patch section has a new cable color system available: Rainbow
The color of the cables is not defined by length like in the Stackable and Doepfer systems.
Instead the colour is assigned automatically in order one after another in series as you lay them out. 12 colors are available.
This should make it easier to follow complex patches.
but why is this crap allowed, on the other hand?
It's not allowed. I have unlisted the PSU.
When I posted an alternative front plate for the Rubicon a while ago, I caught hell from the admins, because I didn't know about the "pick another plate" functionality. I am sorry, but why is this crap allowed, on the other hand? By this logic, let's post all the numerous Doepfer bus board power supplies, and also the power bricks by 4ms and Intellijel, and maybe throw in a couple of flying bus cables as well?
Edit: The FM Ogre is covered up because bugs. But trust me it's there.
Hello all. I've revised my build since I last sought advice, and I have several questions. Also I'm looking for any general advice from experienced builders. This is my first (goal) build and plan to actually start it soon. Please guide or correct my thoughts and provide any input that might help! My background is that I am someone who has played with this stuff in software for at least 10 years, but got my first taste with the Neutron about a year ago (and have a list of limitations I frequently run into when using it, especially lack of attenuverters, triggerable EGs, lack of end of cycle triggers on EGs, and needing a third oscillator). I also own a handful of volcas but using a bunch of separate sequencers at once is unmanageable and my musical ideas tend to come in phrases of at least 2 bars in 16th notes or 16th note triplets. FWIW all the spontaneity and live recording functions of the Volca line are sucked dry as soon as you want a sequence longer than 16 steps. I also have played the cello and bass guitar from a young age so I'm not intimidated by music theory and like to have chord progression stuff possible in my workflow. In addition I'm very curious about plugging my bass and cello w/pickup into a modular synth. I studied physics and love learning about how instruments work and how to imitate them. At the same time purely electronic and imaginary sounds are amazing and I want to explore both at the same time. So here goes:
Goal: Primarily a flexible sound design lab with 3 operator FM, TZFM, and sequencing/sampling capabilities (keystep is a nightmare to program) so that I can minimize interaction with a computer. When I finish that amazing flute patch I worked so hard on I want to sample the instrument for later use. However I also have fun strong-arming the Neutron into generative patches and have gotten all kinds of contemplative sounding atmospheres, accidentally discovered the concept of filter pinging, and somehow gotten 5 part percussive rhythms plus a bassline out of just its 2 oscillators, an lfo, and a single filter. That type of exploration is extremely rewarding, so having exploratory generative tools (with a steering wheel, something like a very, very small Colin Bendersesque setup) is also important. I like the basic building blocks approach (rings is a compromise, more on that later, and damn would I die for a Trident). I like to be able to create the effects I want out of small parts so that I understand them before deciding on what compromises I'm willing to make when offloading them to another person's subroutine/module.
External hardware:
Behringer Neutron
Keystep
Behringer Xenyx 1202FX
Volcas/Bass Guitar/Cello
Mio2 MIDI router/filter/mapper
So that's the goal. On to specific questions:
Oh, but first, modules covered by the neutron so there is no confusion: 2 oscillators with soft sync (only to eachother, but there's a hardsync mod), pwm, and log FM, 1 resonant self oscillating filter with 2 outputs (Lpf+hpf, hpf+bpf, bpf+lpf), 1 clock syncable audio rate lfo, noise, 2 vcas, 1 attenuator, 2 linear ADSRs (no cv inputs except for gate, non loopable), overdrive w/tilt filter, grungy delay (input and rate cv controls, not clock syncable), S&H + hardwired slew (clock syncable, audio rate, used mostly as a bitcrusher), 1 slew (either linear or log not sure), 1 slew hardwired to pitch, 1 audio in that does no boosting of line level inputs but allows for self-feedback patches.
Ok. Questions.
1. Filter recommendations:
Neutron allows for notch behavior by combining its two filter outs. A second notch filter would be very nice, working towards the 3 notch/bp filter requirement for recognizable vowel formants which I could then control with CV. Also more notch filters = better phaser effects. The two in the build here are just placeholders, though I do like the way ripples sounds from the youtube videos I've watched. Smoother than Neutron and, like Neutron, no bass drop on Q increase.
1.5. Matrix mixer thoughts:
The doepfer 4x4 was my first choice because another thing I very much lack with the neutron is offsets and attenuvertors and it does this. But the main reason is for routing an inverted envelope follower from a kick drum to several sources at varying levels of attenuation. I know there's also a lot of other magic that can be done with matrix mixers and that is something I plan to learn. But the doepfer is big, the intellijel 1u quadratt or a shades gives offsets and attenuversion, so I think the smaller non-offsetting non-inverting 4x3 mixer is fine for now. Another alternative is that there are a couple of 4x2 mixers that can be chained into eachother later on, but I think i'd rather have the 3 available right away and then just trade up once I know more about the different things I want it for.
Case thoughts:
I originally wanted a Behringer Go because it's cheap, big, and has lots of power. However I will need to travel with my rig, so it needs to fit US carry-on specs. That turned me to the rackbrute 6u, but I'd still need to drop $100+ on a hard case for it, and it doesn't have enough power. Another power module and I would have to give up a module. Alternatively I could buy 2 rackbrute 6us and a soft case, and plug into the second case's power supply, but i'd still need another power module in the future. That plus the travel case costs make me think jumping straight into an intelligel 7u is the better way to go. It is ready to travel out of the gate and has more than enough power. Also I was able to recoup over $100 of the price difference by replacing modules with 1u versions. Accounting for the above issues, cost per HP is as follows:
2 rackbrute 6u (171hp2) + soft case = (600 + 30)/(171x2) = $1.84/hp (not accounting for a future second power module so probably not much better than the 1 rackbrute solution below)
1 rackbrute 6u + hard case = (300 + 100)/(171) (IF IT CAN HANDLE 1500mA) = $2.34/hp
1 7u intellijel (assuming the top row = ~5 modules of saved space) + no extra case = 650/~229 = ~$2.84/hp
1 6u Mantis case: I hate the way it looks. I think it looks like a Fischer Price toy. I'm as utilitarian as they come, but this is an instrument and if looking at it kills your inspiration then in this case (no pun intended) style is equivalent to utility.
Option 2 probably wont even work and gives me zero space to expand, option 1 gives the most space to expand but introduces so much uncertainty (will it fit in the case I buy? What sort of foam will I fill the case with?), option 3 isnt THAT much more inefficient than the other two and is easiest to travel with, while still leaving me room for a few more modules. It is also linkable to another case in the future.
Seq + Sampler thoughts:
In addition to what I said in my intro about needing seq/sample functionality, I love euclidean rhythms. The neutron can actually do pseudo euclidean rhythms with both oscs cranked way down as pulse waves and synced. One gives the main clock and the other gives evenly spaced but not quite perfect divisions of that clock and then resets each main cycle. Add in pwm and delay for more rhythmic coolness. Problem is now I have no more oscillators, so a dedicated module for clock play is very much desired. Hence Hermod and Marbles. Hermod is kind of a bang for buck beast here, as it handles midi connectivity with my Keystep and DJTechTools 4x4 continuous rotating potentiometer thing. And it can play with my Volcas if for some reason I decide not to sell them to help fund this. I love using Seq24/32/48/64/66 on the computer, and to a more limited extent Caustic 3 on android. Pattern based is what I jell with (pun somewhat intended). The 1010 musicbox stuff has that workflow as does the Hermod (though with a different interface).
Current choice: Hermod + Bitbox micro
Alternatives: Blackbox + Midi interface (poly 2): ~$1000. blackbox not triggerable by cv, and no guarantee auto multisampling will be implemented. Speaking of midi solutions. An 8 channel midi interface runs about $400 in EU. Add $100 to that and you end up with a Hermod, which does sequencing, midi, and prevents me from needing a dedicated euclidean module. I'd need to hear a very compelling argument to decide to NOT just get the Hermod and call it done.
Hermod + Bitbox Mk2: 16 samples would be nice, but it didn't have velocity multisampling last I checked and that is a non-starter for me. It's also bigger and unless i prove to myself i NEED more than 8 pads it seems like a waste to purchase it. Micro has more outs too, and I don't care about synthbox/fxbox firmwares.
Pyramid + Midi + Bitbox micro: Just no. $$$$$$$$$$
Still researching: Squid Salmpl, Vector, Eloquencer.
Getting late will finish tomorrow. In the meantime thankyou for any tips or thoughts you have!
Nice @mowse, I can see how you'd be moving in this direction with your rack. What do you think of the quad effects path question? That felt like the hardest part to me (which is why I went with the Picos since they're so small and cheap) but I kind of think you'd have to lean into it to really do this well.