All Posts

@HGsynth,

You say in your layout description you have 'MIDI in the bottom left' but you have the ES-8 which is an Audio Interface, I think. You might be thinking of the FH-2 instead yes? That does MIDI to CV conversion so you can play from external USB devices and your DAW, etc. An interesting alternative to the Transmit 2 output is 4ms' Listen i/o. It's the same 6HP but has two mono inputs and stereo outputs, and both outputs can be used as headphone jacks. I play sounds out of my DAW, iPad, iPhone, acoustic instruments, (using the headphone output on my devices with a 3.5mm stereo-to-split-mono cable) through modular and then record them back into the DAW (with a stereo-3.5mm-to-dual-mono-6.5mm cable) using the line input on my audio interface. (I have it routed properly in my settings so there is no feedback issues). It works!

None of these need a buffered mult - a passive will be more than adequate

Don't worry, it's just an example, haha. He's already got two buffered multiples in the rack, I'm just patching his design. BUT... He listed his need to connect with 'external gear' and be 'a multi-voiced instrument'. So if he is pitch tracking from his DAW or keyboard split four ways by a passive multi into that Quad VCO and the voices sound out of tune—knowing full well he spent 13K on a rack and then cheaped out on passives just to save an extra $30 will make a dreadfully bitter jam to dance to.

That Music Modular Thing Four Big Knobs is a DIY project so you're gonna have to build it yourself or maybe find someone selling it already. If you don't have the soldering stuff you might want something else. I think you should check out Intellijel's Tetrapad as a potential substitute.

Anyways good luck! Hope you find your sound.

EDITED Nov 7th 2022, 13:23

Switchy Glitchy-Icicle Sound:
— Start with a Boring Sound > Send it to your Buffered Multiple and split it into 2 copies.
— Sound 1 goes into Data Bender and into Veils 1-2.
— Sound 2 goes into Beads (Scorched Cassette mode) and into Veils 3-4.
— Split a single LFO and invert one copy in 321. Send each to Veils 1-2, 3-4. (Split the inverted copy for later)
... Now the sound will rotate between two crunchy variations, call it "Data Blending Grains of Beads". Mix down in Stmix or send to Morph 4 for deeper crossfading with a another source.

None of these need a buffered mult - a passive will be more than adequate

Note: If you don't have them already, you'll wanna get Rings, Beads, and Veils ASAP as they have stopped production. If memory serves, Perfect Circuit is the last place that has Veils and Beads for sale. Rings is gonna be tricky to find available in a store, so you might have to swap in a Rings clone instead.
-- Toccata

ALA appear to be making full size clones - I'd goo with those if you have to go for a clone - there are some reasonably priced used modules available too, if you look hard enough!

You have quite a lot of LFO's. By my count, it's 62 separate sources. That includes not only the dedicated LFO modules but also things like Pam's, Data, Maths, Zadar, and the Cs-L (9 in LFO mode). That would be difficult to keep track of and tweak in large patches. And a lot of Polarizers, 17 or so I see, which may not all be so necessary when so many modules have built in attenuverters.

I'm really big into Buffered Multiples. I have 14 and it's not enough. I'll tell you why you should consider adding more using a simple idea from your system:

Switchy Glitchy-Icicle Sound:
— Start with a Boring Sound > Send it to your Buffered Multiple and split it into 2 copies.
— Sound 1 goes into Data Bender and into Veils 1-2.
— Sound 2 goes into Beads (Scorched Cassette mode) and into Veils 3-4.
— Split a single LFO and invert one copy in 321. Send each to Veils 1-2, 3-4. (Split the inverted copy for later)
... Now the sound will rotate between two crunchy variations, call it "Data Blending Grains of Beads". Mix down in Stmix or send to Morph 4 for deeper crossfading with a another source.

But you're entirely out of Multis and you've only made one sound! That idea expands out of your reach if you multiply Beads into not only Veils but another VCA and trigger the Freeze function using the extra copy of the inverted LFO that gated your Data Bender channel. Then you'd have a Data Bender Sound with Frozen Beads interspersed which could then be sent for further processing in FX Aid—all with only one LFO needed. But a typical LFO is too predictable; you could humanize your crossfading with Zadar as an LFO and modulate the shape of the envelope in realtime. You could control the volume curves of the crossfading using the Nin expander with your Joystick, but you'd need at least another 2 multiples to move that depth of modulation from a single controller. Or you could 'play' the crossfade with the knob control: Turn Left for the Data Bender, Right for Beads. As you can see, lots of potential for ambient, generative soundscape design when you can stretch Zadar envelopes over minutes with intricate reverb-soaked crossfading; or variations on full drum beats; or wavefolded melodic line madness, etc.

So it may be something to consider; keeping your most favourite LFO's, and multiplying those signals instead of reaching for 62 separate sources. You can only use so many time divisions before polyrhythmic modulation sounds sloppy. The expressive potential of modulation is in how the attenuverters interact with one another and that can be controlled very well with just a few sources multiplied subtly(!) across many inputs in complex routing schemes.

Make sense? So maybe a few more buffered multiples would be my advice.

Note: If you don't have them already, you'll wanna get Rings, Beads, and Veils ASAP as they have stopped production. If memory serves, Perfect Circuit is the last place that has Veils and Beads for sale. Rings is gonna be tricky to find available in a store, so you might have to swap in a Rings clone instead.

EDITED Nov 6th 2022, 20:58

I don't have a Lyra, so my entry is an unqualified guess at the user experience with 4 voices instead of 8

4 voices from chord
4 complex envelopes from Zadar
4 VCA and mixer from Texmix
LYRA for FX
Touch Control from Pressure Points

Added some alternates:
Tetra instead of Pressure Points
A couple of the Noise Engineering FX instead of LYRA FX

EDITED Nov 8th 2022, 23:54

This setup is mounted on a nifty case that provides power, midi to cv in and a audio out. I'm satisfied so far with this setup even though I'd like to hear some suggestions about some module replacement. I'm thinking of 2hp Sine to be replace with a modular to line out for different mixing purposes for the pluck or other vcos. Comments are welcome.

We didnt do the deal, he was just late to grab the mutable rings and now he hit thumb down on my account, which was suposed to be pure, as my actions, which even when things got heaten by courier services was ALWAYS top notch for years.

Who do i contact or how can i make it work ? i make living out of eurorack cases this negative feedback means much to me :(

Hi,
I just wondered if it makes sense to correct something like this:
Varigate 4+ is listed with a street price of € 258:

on schneidersladen.de its currently available for € 318
i found some notes about including/excluding vat in this thread

street price of € 258 may was true some time ago but in my opinion the street price should be changed to € 318
Do you agree?

Thank you, I’ll check it out.

Looks like that was it. Thanks.

I just have done a instructional video in french with manually done cc.

I just have done a instructional video !

What I like about Lyra-8 is the interaction between me and the machine, which makes Lyra-8 more a de facto instrument than a generically defined synthesizer.
In Eurorack, there is a plurality of controllers and oscillators, modulation sources, and effects; in principle, it would not be hard to recreate a similar experience. I'm not referring to the actual structure of Lyra-8 but to the experience it offers.

Is anyone interested in this idea or has a similar desire? I propose to post racks (max 84hp 3U) that may offer a similar experience. Please feel free to explain your ideas in detail.

EDITED Nov 5th 2022, 11:11

Malekko has a whole ecosystem of modules that work amazing with the Varigate 8+. Rotating Clock Divider can take advantage of the bus clock sent by the Varigate

Swap the Tangle Quartet for the Malekko Quad VCA and your Varigate will save/swap presets on the VCA!

Voltage Block would be a great addition.

made some adjustments:

EDITED Nov 5th 2022, 05:32

Bought an ES-8 from @bassscience and had a great transaction...great communication and module was packaged with great care

I am sad as well and love WMD modules and have quite a few in my setup. Hope they come back one day.

There should be a link below each price that lets you toggle back and forth between euros and dollars. I'm guessing you accidentally clicked on it?

Thanks Mowse! Haha! Yes, back in the day it took an absolute age to render anything. These animations at 1280x720 took several hours each. I can render a 10 minute video overnight depending on the complexity. I have a 7 minute very complex fractal video rendering now that looks like it'll take about 30 hours on my M1 Mac Mini - this would have been impossible back then. Cheers!

For some reason, prices on my modular pages are showing up in Euros or something ( € ? ) now where they were (and should be) in dollars. WTF? Is there a new setting that I need to change somewhere? I'm in the US.

EDITED Nov 4th 2022, 16:37

I bought a NE Viol Ruina from @Thingue and everything was perfect. Very good communication and fantastic module.

As the title says.
Is warmstar electronics still producing modules?

I'm intrigued by their "Bends" module, but concerned that an order sent to their website won't go through.

Thanks for pointing that out. I have a Compare 2 now, mostly use it for the logic section. Still trying to figure out how to integrate it into my patches, to be honest.

The price of all of this with the NiftyBundle is $650 (minus the 2hp fx module)

I use an ES-9 to send everything to my iPad, where I use AUM to mix it. AUM can also add effects, side chain compression, etc, so I'm finding it very flexible. With it, you can record each track separately. I also send everything to a mix bus, on which I apply a final EQ (removing hiss if necessary, for example), and I record that as well for publication.

Hi dears
I'd like to record my session and experimenting with ambisonic and audio360.
My setup is eurorack modular (from vca out ti mixer), model-d and some DIY stuff. All mix with xenix1200fx
I'd like record every instruments in differenti traks.
What is a good solution on budget for recording?
Is Better an USB mixer like ZEDi-10FX (anybody use it?) or a sound card?

Thanks and synth the world

Excellent stompbox.

A relaxing ambient drone piece that arose from trying to avoid buying a Lyra-8.

Main patch notes: Generate 3 and Klavis Twin Waves II supply low end drones, while Odessa gives some high end. Odessa is multed. One stereo channel goes through Timiszoara (granular glitch mode) then into Melotus Versio (in Desmodus Versio mode). The other channel goes through Nebulae (in Mars Affects mode). Slight EQ in Ableton, plus Orion Valhalla reverb plugin.

Anyone know if the Enigma is compatible with a MK2 MTM Turing Machine?

One day the kids will see these expensive racks in old studios and get told "this is how we were making these sounds".

Of course there will also be WMD devices in there.

EDITED Nov 3rd 2022, 19:42

Hi all,

I just hooked up my new Hrad expansion module to my XAOC Devices Praga mixer and enjoy it quite a bit. However, one function still puzzles me. That is how the heck to use the send and return features on the module with my modular FX units! Any ideas?
I also have this question on how to use send/return on my Qu-bit Mixology mixer module. Instructions in the manuals are not clear or I am just dense.

Over the past 2 month I've been digging in to modular synthesis and come up with a rack aimed towards creating music such as jungle, idm, Ambient, hiphop and experimental. The idea was to mainly focus on drums but still have the possibility to create Ambient soundscapes.
I've been messing with music and synthesis for a while so I've designed the rack to be kinda familiar, for example not having to many hybrids but instead adding modulars that has specifik functions like delay, adsr doing its own thing. Ive added a good amount of different modulars, hoping it will give me a wide range of modulation and patching variations. Originally i added the buchla 258t but since its not available until January i added the Dannysound en129 and the MCO instead, i might even cancel the buchla 258t and keep DS en129, maybe!
fyi - i might sell the z5000 so i pulled it out of the rack.

equipment that i already own

Varigate 8+
vpme QD
Z5000
Chronoblob
intellijel mixup
Sample drum > arriving soon
Dannysound en129 > arriving soon

until know everything works as intended so that's great, but if there are any obvious mistakes, holes or just good ideas for further fine tuning, speak up.

EDITED Nov 4th 2022, 05:26

Yeah I have zero concept of space and workflow in this context so this commentary is gold lol

Added to ferranadsr's comment above this is moving me away from an 84hp bundle toward a 104hp "proper" system.

Making a system from nothing is way more intimidating though...

I suggest getting a bigger case and replacing all the 2hp modules with a doepfer equivalent. As you have it right now it would be very uncomftable to play while patched (because the jacks are super close to the knobs), not to mention I'm not even sure you can cram that many 2hp modules near eachother physically because of the power headers

I added Both to the options of the 1U tiles.
Now they can be of the type
* Intellijel
* Pulp Logic
* Both

IMO it makes more sense to display both Intellijel and Universal if Intellijel is selected as I would expect the most prevalent use case is to look for modules that will fit the user's rack

This is the way it is working now.
I did not call the new option universal because in more cases the modules are just available in both formats instead of that one combined universal format.
To not overcomplicate it the universal 1U should be entered as both. I think this is the best compromise and should address what users like to see but I am not very familiar with 1U. So what do you think?

Clank told me they don't make a silver panel, so I reverted the listing to the black version.

I really wish people wouldn't upload alternative panels to official module listings.

We now have a filter for Pulplogic 1U and Intellijel 1U modules.
-- modulargrid

Thank you !

If a module is universal and a user selects 1U Tiles / Intellijel in the filter should that universal module be displayed? Or should there be a third filter entry 1U Tiles / Universal ?
-- modulargrid

IMO it makes more sense to display both Intellijel and Universal if Intellijel is selected as I would expect the most prevalent use case is to look for modules that will fit the user's rack - the opposite would have users have to make a search twice to cover what is available to them.

Thanks, your English is good and so is your advice!

• Pamela's New Workout -- okay cool, I was looking at it bc it has a good reputation, so that goes straight in.

• The Cre8audio case has built-in audio and MIDI outputs, so that's covered here out of sight,

• Chipz and Cellz are mainly tempting because the ~£90 saving on bundle means you effectively get one for free. So fair point, but there's something to be said for a plug 'n' play system. Especially with a brain like mine.

• Envelope generators, noted, and I'm gonna check out some DMO demos as soon as I finish listening to this Terry Riley album, then update and maybe make a non-bundle version of this rack.

Thanks!

Hi,
I am a beginner, but imo:
-I would change the 3 modules 2hp of clock modulation from a Pamela's New workout, more functions, similar money, similar size.
-You will need an audio output, a mixer or at least something that attenuates the outputs of your voices (vca's), this means at least 6 hps more.
-You are dedicating more than 50 percent of your case space to 3 modules.
-I would move to a larger case, or, I would sacrifice cellz and chipz modules.
-A couple of envelope generators would be nice too.
-Find in Youtube some demos of rides-in-the-strom DMO module, versatile, affordable and "in your music scope"
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/alm-busy-circuits-grey-pink-pamela-s-new-workout
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/rides-in-the-storm-dmo-
Best regards,
sorry for my English.

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_2074210.jpg

My interests are creating bleepy bloopy electro and drone and textural weirdness from blissful new-age all the way to malevolent noise, so the Chipz and Cellz bundle plus Eowave Weather Drones gives me an intro to both aspects: two very different voices plus routes to combining them, for an unexpectedly reasonable price.

I'm trying to cover a wide range of musical and technical bases in a small footprint for a relatively modest cost, so the first purchase is the bundle, Chipz & Cellz with case and cables, plus the two Takaab modules. Next comes Weather Drones, then the 2hp modules to incrementally increase functionality in rhythmic and melodic areas. At some point I'll probably get a Beatstep Pro but initially I'll be exporting straight to DAW or into a Tascam digital recorder.

Since I have the knowledge of a gibbon and the skills of a neanderthal I've tried to approach it the way I would conceptualize a visual art or writing project, thinking things through in terms of thematic lines and desired affect. This technique has served me well making ambient music in MIDI, although I admit I might be an idiot for trying to apply it to literal pieces of actual technology.

Literal and thematic criticisms are, ofc, both equally valid and welcome, but try to be kind. Or if you're being brutal, try to be constructive!

I talk with someone who say its 2,1mm... and an adapter will cause bad contact... I can't find a 2,1mm on internet argh...

Working with Qu-Bit Nautilus while playing Plaits. "From the deep ocean trenches, to shimmering tropical reefs, Nautilus is the ultimate exploratory delay network." This jam brings in atmospheres of the ocean, from shoreline to deep trenches. Other voices include the Moog Mother 32, DFAM, and BIA. Qu-Bit Nautilus is quickly becoming a favorite among my collection of delays.

We now have a filter for Pulplogic 1U and Intellijel 1U modules.
Functionality is there but of course most of the data is missing. It can be added by users but it would be easier if I would bulk edit the modules.
Is there a list of manufacturers that only do one format but not the other?

Regarding that universal format. If I would add this how should the filter behave. Currently there are these 1U options:

• 1U Tiles / All Formats
• 1U Tiles / Intellijel
• 1U Tiles / Pulplogic

If a module is universal and a user selects 1U Tiles / Intellijel in the filter should that universal module be displayed? Or should there be a third filter entry 1U Tiles / Universal ?

Hadn't looked into slope detectors before, but they seem like really useful utilities. If I understand them correctly, they'll send out gates while they detect a changing cv signal, correct?

-- HGsynth

Btw you actually already have two in the Joranalogue Compare 2 but those can be linked and can do so many things besides slope detection. I have one too but also a Ladik Deriviator that I tend to use for slopes only, sometimes paired with some logic to autmate the record button on my Morphagene.

I removed the effect I had and added the one you suggested. Do I need an FX Aid Pro as well?
-- Jamest2305

Depends on how many effects you want to add in your DAW later on. You can always leave it out first and see if you feel like you want to do some crazy stuff with effects in your rack later on.

Both the Erica Synths Bassline and the x0x heart are quite similar (...) having them both seems a bit overkill.

They're both kits I have wanted to build for ages and had always been at the heart of what i planned to do so want to keep these
-- Jamest2305

If you want them both that sounds reasonable, since both of them eat up some HP I'd remove the Atlantis in a rack that is this size.

I added a Doepfer Quad VCA. Will 4 be enough or should I add another?
-- Jamest2305

Combined with the added Lapsus Os Quad Attenuator it will be enough at first. You can always add one later on as they're not that big and you can get them fairly cheap.

• Something that creates envelopes, LFOs, random, i.e. modulation.

Isn't this what Maths does?
-- Jamest2305

Yes, Maths can be a modulation source amongst other things, that's why so many people recommend is for a starter system. Maths has four channels, two of which have a trigger and rise/fall control, basically giving you two LFOs or envelope generators aka modulation sources. Two modulation sources (not counting the modulator and envelope on the Atlantis) is not much. You can dedicate all the Maths Channels to modulating the Noise Engineering Manis Iteritas alone, let alone all the other modules.
The Ornament & Crime module theoretically has four modulation outputs but I assume you don't want the o_C only for modulation source as it can do many things. I'd add something like Pamela's New Workout or Intellijel Quadrax (or maybe even both)

Also, please take a second look at the case you are going to use. Since you've added a 104HP Palette Case Top Row, I assume you are going to buy an Intellijel Palette.
However, the Palette module you've added to the top row is only on the 4U Palette cases, which contradicts with your case settings that indicate a height of 7U. On the 7U version this top row is not present (although some I/O is on the back of the 7u Palette case), which would mean that you could remove that Top Row module, giving your case another 1U row.

You could also provide a link to the case you want to buy so me or someone else can create a valid ModularGrid template for you :)

tbh with you i wasn't sure which one to get, i have just built this erica synths diy modular kit and would really like that adding to my rack, that's 84 bhp. If I am going to do this then I would need a 9U case I would think. Any suggestions?

Thanks for the lengthy reply

If you want to make hard techno, by this I assume a bit in the styles of Charlotte de Witte or I Hate Models, you will needs loads of effects. I'd advice to keep your standard reverbs, delays and compressors in Ableton, otherwise it'll take up a lot of space and money. However eurorack effects can be more interesting as their parameters are often easier to modulate. The FX aid pro seems to be a reasonable choice as it offers a load of different effects. Maybe you can also look into the Endorphin.es ghost, it's a multi-fx module but it seems to be really suitable for hard techno as it has filter, delay, reverb, compressor and distortion. This can be used pretty good for those rumble kicks I think.

I removed the effect I had and added the one you suggested. Do I need an FX Aid Pro as well?

Both the Erica Synths Bassline and the x0x heart are quite similar - both have a saw/square VCO (bassline has also triangle tho), a filter that can do acid-type resonance, a gated VCA, accent input and VCF envelope depth. Unless you have a specific feature that you want on either of these machines, having them both seems a bit overkill.

They're both kits I have wanted to build for ages and had always been at the heart of what i planned to do so want to keep these

If you are interested in the possibilities of eurorack though, I'd remove either the Erica Synths Bassline or x0x heart and add the following modules:
- A separate VCA where you can control both the input signal AND the CV input signal (the Befaco Hexmix seems to do only of the combined output of the signal and CV in). Something like the Doepfer A-130-2 or the Happy Nerding 3x VCA. These give more flexibility to use the VCAs as simple attentuators as well. Maybe even more than 3 VCAs

I added a Doepfer Quad VCA. Will 4 be enough or should I add another?

• As a sound source it'd be nice to use more dissonant or richter harmonic sounds as well. An analog VCO (which usually has saw, square, triangle and sine) is nice as base or a sub sound but it'd look into modules that can do a wider variety of sounds. These are more difficult to learn but give you more flexibility. A Mutable Intruments Plaits is often mentioned for this. Since the module is discontinued, you can also use clones

will have a look at this

• Something that creates envelopes, LFOs, random, i.e. modulation.

Isn't this what Maths does?

Winter Modular Eloquencer sequencer and Endorphin.es Queen of Pentacles is a good way to get modular techno easily.
-- benscott

Would this be better than an Oxi One and RE-909? I've just got an RE-909 kit i'm about to build and was planning to use that for my drums.

Also, please take a second look at the case you are going to use. Since you've added a 104HP Palette Case Top Row, I assume you are going to buy an Intellijel Palette.
However, the Palette module you've added to the top row is only on the 4U Palette cases, which contradicts with your case settings that indicate a height of 7U. On the 7U version this top row is not present (although some I/O is on the back of the 7u Palette case), which would mean that you could remove that Top Row module, giving your case another 1U row.

You could also provide a link to the case you want to buy so me or someone else can create a valid ModularGrid template for you :)

EDITED Nov 2nd 2022, 10:52

Thanks @dubstepjoris for the detailed response!

To be honest, I'm hoping for the rig to be able to do a bit of everything. I've currently got a 6u Rackbrute + Minibrute 2s setup, which I'm planning on turning into a standalone synth for more beat oriented music, so this rig can be predominantly generative focused.

Good point about the trigger sources and quantizers. As @Manbearpignick says, I tend to use the O_c for shift registers and quantizing, so I'm hoping that the 2 there plus the Scales will get me where I want to go. Then again, I'm definitely eyeing the Harmonaig and a few others. It's amazing that with a rack this size, it still feels like I have to make compromises in places.

Thanks again everyone!

This is why I like the Eloquencer and Queen of Pentacles combo. You get a killer sequencer, drum voices, filter, and effects in two modules leaving room for utilities like a good mixer and VCAs and envelopes. For an attenuator, the WMD 4tten is great with sliders to help adjust levels for the various drum voices. But you could just buy an Erica Synths Techno System and be done with it.
That is what I would do if I had the cash and wanted a well sorted modular techno machine.