ModularGrid uses so-called cookies to ensure it's so-called functionality. We also use dubious tracking scripts. Find out more in the Privacy Policy. We use cookies and wanna let you know.
Portamento? Well, probably the best one for the price is Ladik's C-012. That's got two slew limiters with selectable portamento on up, down, or both CV direction changes. Their C-015 loses one slew limiter but adds a gate function so that portamento happens only on receiving a gate, and this also has the voltage direction discriminator. And the big bonus is that either one of those are only 4 hp wide, so they don't take up a bunch of space. And they're CHEAP. And since these don't use audio, you could put one in between the P/S and the Plaits to help keep P/S crud out of any audio modules.
As for the Polaris...I'd suggest adding a second VCF so that if you want to use it as a phaser, you're set. My suggestion would be another SVF such as Doepfer's A-121-2, which gives you simultaneous low, high, bandpass, and notch filtering.
One other point: you'd be better off if you tossed the Doepfer A-138 in deference to a current version Veils. That's only 2 hp larger than the mixer, but it allows you to have CV control over the incoming levels. Plus, since it has a "breakable" mixbus, you could conceivably use it in a 2-2 or 1-3 configuration, depending on what's needed at the time. Also, tossing the Intellijel Quad VCA for a Veils gives you the same sort of variable VCA response and breakable mixbus, costing $10 more but occupying 2 hp less.
Well, for starters, it's not an audio mixer...but this should explain what's actually going on...
So, you have four inputs which go "across" to the four pots. Now, if you enable the DC offset jumper, you'll have DC offsets on whichever horizontal row isn't connected to a signal via the bottom pots. This lets you set up three (one of them is for the offset) 1-out/3-in mixers which can add that CV to another CV.
Let's say you want to use it with a sequencer. So, what you'd do is to split the CV coming out of the sequencer's 1V/8va output into three identical signals via a mult. You'll have the same signal on inputs 1-3, and row 4 is your offsets. Then, after also setting the matrix mixer in bipolar mode, you'll have four different output channels with the sequencer out PLUS whatever offset you've dialed in. Couple that with a 4-in/1-out sequential switch, and you can then step through matrix outs 1-4 and let the DC offsets be used to transpose whatever pitch CV destination is desired. The nice thing about using this in bipolar mode is that you can also subtract voltages, so if you suddenly need a BIG pitch change either up or down from the sequencer's output, that's easily done.
Thank you so much for your quick reply. Could you please explain what a DC offset is like im a 5 year old lol?
yeah i have no idea what you said, but very interesting lmao. :P
Well, for starters, it's not an audio mixer...but this should explain what's actually going on...
So, you have four inputs which go "across" to the four pots. Now, if you enable the DC offset jumper, you'll have DC offsets on whichever horizontal row isn't connected to a signal via the bottom pots. This lets you set up three (one of them is for the offset) 1-out/3-in mixers which can add that CV to another CV.
Let's say you want to use it with a sequencer. So, what you'd do is to split the CV coming out of the sequencer's 1V/8va output into three identical signals via a mult. You'll have the same signal on inputs 1-3, and row 4 is your offsets. Then, after also setting the matrix mixer in bipolar mode, you'll have four different output channels with the sequencer out PLUS whatever offset you've dialed in. Couple that with a 4-in/1-out sequential switch, and you can then step through matrix outs 1-4 and let the DC offsets be used to transpose whatever pitch CV destination is desired. The nice thing about using this in bipolar mode is that you can also subtract voltages, so if you suddenly need a BIG pitch change either up or down from the sequencer's output, that's easily done.
Where this really gets fun is when you start combining modulation signals. Remember, you've got 4 ins and 4 outs...and if you want "composite" modulation signals, you can send four different modulation sources to the matrix mixer and get four different composite modulation outputs, depending on how you set the pots.
Basically, they're amazing for scrambling up mods and CVs...Jim's sort of the matrix mixer guy here, so hopefully he'll pop in and point out some other uses.
I personally like my Erica Dual FX. This is the only FX module I’ve owned so I don’t have anything to compare it to or suggest something better. It’s worth checking out, though!
Forgive my ignorance, I’m a beginner. I’ve tried my best to research this online, youtube, and the Patch & Tweak book, but there is very little info on this (or perhaps I’m not searching correctly). I’m interested in the Doepfer A-138m Matrix Mixer module and I would like to know how this specific module is used.
I understand that it has an audio input and output for each of the four channels, but what are knob functions for A, B, C, D?
What does unipolar and bipolar mean?
How can I utilize it in a patch with 2 separate sequencers? What will it do? I noticed people patching it with sequencers so that’s why i ask, otherwise I have no idea.
What is the purpose of a CV mixer and what are different ways it can be used?
If you have any videos or links I could check out as well for more info, I’d appreciate it.
So I’ve managed to buy a second case which gave me a chance to rearrange some stuff in my first case. You’ll probably be put off by the Model D in the second rack because of the space it’s taking up, but this is the setup that works for me and I’ll stick with it for now. I know a lot of people utilizing their model d this way and I think it’ll be a good way for me to avoid buying more modules for the time being. I can utilize the case it came in with other modules if I really need to or just sell it. I haven’t installed the modules in the case yet - I want to make sure I have a solid plan first. You’ll notice that i have a lot of sequencers and that’s because I like utilizing different sequencers for different patches….so I planned everything making sure nothing is redundant.
The only modules I DON’T own yet are the Hysteria oscillators, Intellijel Quad VCA, and Polaris. What are your thoughts on the Polaris filter? Also, what kind of module do i need to add glide in my sequences? Is a slew module what I’m looking for?
If you have any suggestions regarding placement of the modules, please let me know. Also would be grateful to know your thoughts on what other modules I could add to this.
Actually, the total of the Behringer skiff and the uZeus comes out to $154-ish, but a Tiptop Mantis is less than $200 more...and you wind up with double the present space AND a better P/S AND you've got actual busboards AND it can handle depths to 50mm. For me, that would be priority #1. You can have loads of different modules, but if you can't implement them properly due to space constraints, you're going to paint yourself into a corner...especially given that the average depth of Eurorack modules is around 40mm, and you need to give a millimeter or two of extra space for routing ribbons, interconnects, etc.
And even if this IS intended as a "utility" cab, being able to fill out 208 hp with those sorts of modules simply means that you can extend the potential of them, plus have room for more "unitized" groups of modules, such as my fave modulation grouping (Maths, linear VCAs, modulation mixer such as a Frap 321 or Tiptop MISO, Quadrax/Qx) which opens up quite a bit of interaction that yields even more useful modulation signals. Or you could use a big chunk of the extra row for a large-scale performance mixer if the entire rig has enough potential audio signal paths to warrant it.
More isn't always better...but more opportunities is always useful.
And one other point: DO NOT put any of your audio modules in close proximity to a power supply...as in, power supply module next to a VCO or VCF or so on. Reason here is that some switching-type modular supplies can be noisy, and that noise can get into audio fairly easily. Next to the Pam's is fine, though, since noise induced in modulation modules will be far less noticeable than in audio.
BTW I had emailed Happy Nerding and Igor responded. It sounds like he's hoping they can make a new batch outside the Ukraine in 1-2 months. I hope he can get back on his feet!
-- adamj
Excellent news! Good to see that Igor's still got the torch lit...I just hope that the rest of the synth community in both Ukraine AND Russia makes it out of that Pop-Star Stalin's vanity bloodbath in one piece.
Yeah been busy at work and learning my gear. The module is Hikari Quad Switch and it is fantastic. Different than my Doepfer switch but easy to use and has a few tricks up its sleeve for routing signals in a patch. I like using it with Maze matrix mixer and other tools.
Quite some while haven't heard or seen from you, nice to hear your jam and to see your video. It's nice to watch your new studio that is growing very well it seems :-)
Just in a flash of a second I saw you got a Hikari module too?! :-) Which one is that? Do you like it?
Nice work and thanks a lot for sharing this with us! Kind regards, Garfield.
For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads
the best solution for the extra 1 hp space that odd-count modules cause is to use at least one of those spaces to put in a Konstant Labs PWRchekr
Interesting! I didn't realize there were 1 HP modules that weren't just blank. This indeed seems useful. My case does not have any such indicators.
i went with erica dual fx. for the most part im happy
Oh, I missed this option. The FX aren't quite the same but it looks almost like two Pico DSPs in one module. I wish with the bigger form factor there were more CV inputs for control of both FX parameters at once, but it still looks like a reasonable option. And it seems you can switch between controlling the different parameters (or wet/dry) with the CV input, unlike the Pico which only let's you control parameter 1. So the added flexibility is a good step up from the Pico.
Responding to myself from earlier in the thread:
I found one retailer in England selling [an FX Aid XL] but it looks like they won't ship to me in the US. Sigh...
It turns out they had an issue with their checkout system, and they do ship worldwide. We got it straightened out and I managed to buy their very last FX Aid XL! I had spent a long time looking and I think I may have been very lucky and got the last one in the world (at least a brand new module from an official retailer). Crazy. Now I'm just hoping it arrives in perfect working order next week 🤞 but I think I found a great replacement for my ALM MFX.
BTW I had emailed Happy Nerding and Igor responded. It sounds like he's hoping they can make a new batch outside the Ukraine in 1-2 months. I hope he can get back on his feet!
Cheers for the various replies - not sure why the static image never updates with changes, but hey.
By way of an update I'd add:
Yes - a bigger case would be great - once I save up :)
re: "Utility" - my terminology, rather than the module definition! I had to put any thin modules in the Behringer case (due to 38mm depth) so that is the main / only criteria for populating it. however it is sequencing, mixing and drums now, so kind-of organised.
I like the vpme.de (for live tweaking) but find managing samples a bit of a pain
I agree re: Disting EX's - I have a MK 4 single one, would consider replacing it for an EX but maybe no further than that.
I love the Befaco, now I've learned how to use it better (see drum comments above)
I got a Pamela's, and already had an MCO voice - getting much better use out of that now (and modulation in general)
Hadn't realised how much I needed the Intellijel mixer either.
@trigmusicnx
I just started spitballing again yesterday. Hehe. Originally I had 5-6 2hp mods only. I've been building, deconstructing and rebuilding as I go. I lean heavily on visualization. The reason I added them was to try to get away from Starlab. It's great to get some advice on this. Much appreciated!
Wow. Amazing and thanks! I've seen and read about a few of those modules but never saw most of them. And it looks like so much synergy and interoperability between modules. This gives me so much to chew on. I'm gonna have a lot of fun checking these modules out. Thank you for spending so much time on this!
Do you think I'd benefit from having the Plonk for experimenting with a wide variety of real world sounds? I was a bit impressed by what it's capable of.
I've looked at Beads a lot. Seems like a great module.
Whats the best way to use this build to get string or plucked string sounds?
Edit: OMG. I'm in love with the Stochastic Inspiration Generator!
If you're trying to do a small drum machine build here...DON'T. You're far better off with a dedicated drum machine that does more (because it's designed for this purpose) and costs LESS than your efforts here. But to be frank, I don't see what you're aiming for here.
IMHO, having to wrassle with two Disting EXs will be a real chore unless you're all about menu-diving. And a lot of the rest doesn't make sense without context, I would presume.
-- Lugia
heh. yea it is particularly un-focussed. if it was a utility rack as the original poster has labelled it, drop the drums, and why is there a little mikey, when you have a ES9 going off to a computer. surely youll have an audio interface there for recording whatever. furthermore ES9 is way overkill for this little rack too. i would say rethink what it is youre trying to achieve with eurorack.
français plus bas.
Hi fam, I previously worked on a µplaits, which is a clone of Mutable Instruments PLAITS, but I found it not very handy : to tiny and the knobs were too sloppy, so I got myself a "real" Plaits. Since a month, I have collected 10 very nice stops on the module and made this video without any artistic pretention, just for the fun. A big thank you to Emilie Gillet for the splendid works and the marvelous modules. I wish her a lot of fun.
Français :
Salut les zamis, j'avais un clone du Plaits de Mutable Instruments, mais je ne le trouvais pas très pratique : Trop étroit et les rotatifs étaient, à mon goût, trop souple. Je me suis donc fendu d'un Plaits original et quel confort ! Depuis un mois, je collecte les bons endroits où je me suis arrêté sur le module. J'en ai collectionné et monté 10, sans prétention artistique, juste pour le fun.
sequencing and mixer at the bottom or in the most accessible place. filters off to the sides where i can get at the without vcables getting in the way. important things you dont want to bump like oscillators in the centre under the cable clutter.
basically, stuff you touch often on the sides or bottom.. or accessible in general
-- trigmusicnz
If you're trying to do a small drum machine build here...DON'T. You're far better off with a dedicated drum machine that does more (because it's designed for this purpose) and costs LESS than your efforts here. But to be frank, I don't see what you're aiming for here.
IMHO, having to wrassle with two Disting EXs will be a real chore unless you're all about menu-diving. And a lot of the rest doesn't make sense without context, I would presume.
sequencing and mixer at the bottom or in the most accessible place. filters off to the sides where i can get at the without vcables getting in the way. important things you dont want to bump like oscillators in the centre under the cable clutter.
basically, stuff you touch often on the sides or bottom.. or accessible in general
Yes, absolutely. You have a lot of sound sources but what are you going to do with them? I don't know what those Moogs are capable of, but vcas are always good. Mixers, lfos, envelopes,... And watch out with the 2hp modules - they are extremely small! I have one module with such a small knob and it's very difficult to use. And on mine, there's plenty of space around it! You have two next to each other...
-- Arrandan
and some are very deep. not good for shallow skiffs. beware
2nd update the best i feel. pams and oc will be a great combo. qpas is liquiddy i felt, like a stereo ripples with extra offsett stuff. very cool but not aggerssive enough for me.
id reccomend a better sampler. i hated bitboxs. UI wasnt for me. love erica sample drum. if in doubt, assimil8r! lol
maximum 2hp. and then starlab and akemies castle? maybe go in the middle a little more. fx aid xl, or a clouds clone, plaits or a smaller synth voice. akemies castle is pretty special though. just thats its freaking huge. marbles or a clone is a good call. insert behringer hatred here. lel
i went with erica dual fx. for the most part im happy. its pretty simple. people seem to reckon fx aid xl is the best in a small form, better than endorphines milky way apparently.
I already tried vcvrack, mirack legacy and other stuff but need to try physical.
The 44 x 4 is a start but I want it to be my first system, practical to travel with,
train and go deep into 1 or another module, maybe play for friends time to time or in the street...
After that, I'll consider to invest more, will surely buy something like intellijel palette case and then manage a room space for the suite, if I want it growing more as a studio practice/laboratory for preparing next nomad period.
So it's important to me, so far, to think with my budget ; the system you saw will take me all the year rest to buy.
That's why I have no need to worry about the lake of space at the moment ;)
Well, let's see...part of the problem is that you're rather dependent in this build on BIG modules...which take up quite a bit of space. Instead, work on how to accomplish the same thing in LESS space.
The Strymon, for example...there's not an exact replacement in stompboxes, but the ability to USE stompboxes might be very much of use here. So if the Starlab costs $650 (it does) and robs 28 hp, it might make far more sense to use a couple of Strymon AA.1 modules...which then allow you to connect two different pedals of all sorts. This also keeps you from being too dependent on that single module. Tossing it also opens a lot of room; even with two AA.1 expanders, you still gain 20 hp.
Another problem is the Akemie's. Algorithmic FM, done right, involves a number of envelope gens. So not only would you have all that space taken up by the Akemie's itself, you'd ALSO have to have space for a quad function gen such as an Intellijel Quadrax or a Tiptop/Buchla 281t. In short, a FULL Akemie's implementation would take a PILE of space. And 2hp's stuff is OK...but poses a serious ergonomics problem when you start stacking them up, making the controls too tightly spaced for easy use.
As for the chord pads...if you try and implement that in a test build here, you'll quickly find why polyphony and modular can be a really bad mix. You're better off getting a real polysynth; I suggest the Modal Argon8, myself...not too spendy, plus the synth engine is a wavetable BEAST.
Anyway, the case is right...we often recommend Tiptop's Mantis on here for first builds because they're solid, they've got decent power, and you get 40 more hp in a 2 x 104. Let's see what I can cough up here... (several hours later...)
OK, this should work...and amusingly, this full cab only costs about $300 more than the previous unfinished one.
This has everything you'll need for a "core system". Anything from that point is additional. And there are some real surprises in here...
TOP: Starts off with an audio input, with envelope following AND an onboard P-to-V converter. This allows you to control things from any monophonic source. Then for the "main" oscillator, I went with an SSF Zero Point Oscillator. This has a lot in common with Intellijel's Rubicon2...except for the space required. After that are two Klavis Twin Waves mkii, which are dual wavetable oscillators with internal quantizing. This gives you a total of (technically) SIX oscillators. After all of that, a Void Modular Hexagram crams six VCAs into one module, with a "breakable" mixbus so that certain sources can be isolated if needed. Then for VCFs, I put in a Tiptop Forbidden Planet and a G-Storm Delta VCF. The former is a reproduction of the infamous Steiner Synthacon multimode, with HPF and BPF capabilities that can turn basic lead lines into something aggressive and in-yer-face. But the latter filter is much calmer...an SSM design based on the VCFs in the Korg Delta and, later on, their Poly-61. A Veils provides VCA control over levels being sent to the Alyseum Q-Mix, which is a four-channel pannable stereo mixer. For effects, a Frequency Central Stasis Leak gives you mono-to-stereo versions of tap tempo delay, stereo chorus, and reverb, and then Mutable's Beads lets you screw around with the entire mix via its granular processing. Last up is your output module, which has transformer isolation for the stereo outs as well as your headphone preamp. So, that's the "voice" path...leaving only...
BOTTOM: Konstant Labs PWRchekr starts things off so that you get a visual readout on your DC rail health. Then Pam's, followed by a Qu-bit NanoRand v.2 which gives you a sizable artillery of random sources, etc. And then after that is a very interesting pair of modules from Stochastic Instruments: their Stochastic Inspiration Generator plus the expansion module that gives you independent control of all four of the SIG's tracks. This is a melodic pattern generator that uses stochastic processes to generate melodic lines, with the occurance of each pitch being weighted by the chromatic set of sliders. Following this is SSF's awesome little utility module, the Tool Box. Then we get into modulation sources, starting with a Xaoc Batumi + the Poti expander, Maths, and a Quadrax/Qx pair. But as for the small modules after the Maths, those allow you to manipulate the behavior of modulation signals...so there's a Frap 321 for mixing/crossmodulating/offset generation/and so on, then a Happy Nerding (stay safe over there, dude!) 3xVCA for a trio of linear VCAs to control modulation levels.
Now, this seems a lot more sensible. Not much in the way of oversized modules, and the functionality is REALLY jacked-up from what was there before. And like I said, it takes the price of the previous unfinished build and only adds about $300 while, at the same time, filling the cab out completely.
One other thing you really should get and mess with before incinerating the Magic Plastic on this, and that would be to get a copy of VCV Rack. It's FREE...has software models of some of the hardware modules on MG, and works pretty much like yr.basic modular. Just remember: it wants a LOT of CPU power to really cut loose, but if you've got a computer made since the mid-2000s, you should be cool. https://vcvrack.com/
NB: for some reason, MG is only showing a link to the build on my end, not the actual build screenshot. Click on the link if you don't see the build in the post.
BTW, the best solution for the extra 1 hp space that odd-count modules cause is to use at least one of those spaces to put in a Konstant Labs PWRchekr. It really IS the most useful 1 hp module of all time if you have a power supply with no DC rail indicators. The PWRchekr tracks the DC rail voltages and gives you visual feedback if there's a malfunction...and all for about $25, which puts it into the STOOPID-CHEAP zone!
I picked up the g storm jupiter 4 chorus and not feeling it yet. Wonder if I’m not giving it edgy enough PWN to get the Jp4. I’m very curious about this new phasor.
-- t4mber
The JP-4 chorus is just one part of the JP-4 sound. The other, and just as important, factor is that the synth could overdrive its output stage. Try using something that adds some grit to the signal before it hits the G-Storm. That should get you a LOT closer.
Of course I have many directions to enlarge or build after that system, for me it's a check point to experiment how modular synth fit to me...
If it does, I'll consider more fat and powerful stuff to keep playing.
I'm more into dirty ambiant, experimental and noise.
For the complex mixing I may choose an outside solution for that later (could be erica synth's matrix mixer)...
as well for sequencing (not my priority need), I could choose later inner solutions but will surely try to find a ndlr (conductive labs).
Thanks for any comments about :
- what you think is not there but is absolutely necessary...
- the buying order I should choose to make it fun as quick as possible...
Maths Channels 1 and 4 are very useful for me , efficient ,snappy etc. a lot of tricks and ways to use it , west coast style .I didnt like the results i had with it as an enveloppe follower and it is a bit large if i need only one channel . May get another one channel Serge inspired function generator instead( After Later Audio Tilt maybe) if i find a report of compared efficiency with Maths. Well , size was the motive to let go of the QMMD , which i can of regret so...
But i have to mention the WMD Multimode Enveloppe , (have 2 ,one with expander for CV and pulse out for all stages) It is not an easy one at first as controls on Attack, Decay and release are the opposite way of "usual" enveloppes : longer time =lower RATE so CCW on the pot... Also the modes pot is not incremented and has no less than 9 different modes from AR to ADAR cy. (!) So these are the drawbacks but you have shape for A ,D,R from expo to log thru linear, 0 to 8V out. -8 to +8V out and inverse +8 to -8V . and that can be very useful , especially with a bipolar VCA like its excellent counterpart the WMD Multimode VCA (double channel) which is a very clean VCA with huge headroom (theres a built in saturation helper if needed though)and Fade /Pan functions , AM with ring mod feel , Expo or linear modes with all the outputs you'd need , A , B , sum and inversed ones.
The MMEnv -8 to 8V also gives good punch with some filters i have , even though the CV ins in those should only react to positive voltages i guess, maybe the little delay involved in the stages when going from neg to pos voltages . Anyhow , going bipolar does not reduce the voltage by half as its usually the case , it uses the symmetric PSU capabilities to the max , as does the headroom on the MMVCA . Check out their specs , they are awesome
Erica Synths has a series of educational modules for learning about electronic music generation. I’ll be doing all of them, and we started with their EDU oscillator. Next is this one, their simple envelope generator. Even if you don’t buy the kit, I recommend you download the user manual, it’s a great practical guide to electronics in music.
Hi Lugia, sorry it's taken me a few days to reply and thank you for this.
The modules you have included to mess with the sequencer are really interesting. Particularly Ladik, which I'm going to buy quite a few modules from. One question, the sequential count module is pretty much impossible to get hold of and there are no videos etc. Can you explain exactly what it does and maybe suggest an alternative ?
Thanks for sharing your patches and ideas! Lots of great tones in there that I would like to explore myself.
Thank you Chace, glad you enjoyed!
You also have a very nice voice to listen to. How would you describe your accent?
-- Chace
I beg to differ, but I guess that‘s not too uncommon :D. I don‘t know how to describe my accent really. I‘m from an Area in Germany fairly close to France and I did my Bachelors Degree with a British University so that’s that.
On the Module Finder, in either the All Modules or the My Modules tabs, you'll see a green icon at the top right corner of the modules you have on your currently selected rack. The number indicating how many instances you've got.
Thanks for sharing your patches and ideas! Lots of great tones in there that I would like to explore myself.
You also have a very nice voice to listen to. How would you describe your accent?
Oh Happy Nerding is in Ukraine? Yikes... Well I hope they can get out, or at least stay safe.
I might just opt for a Pico DSP since I actually already have a Nin (also 3HP) but ran out of space due to another change of plans (because of Mutable Instruments ramping down production and me having a bit of a freak out and buying things I planned to get after a second case). Plus, the Pico is relatively inexpensive, and I can actually buy one! So it's got that going for it.
I'll probably still try to get the FX AID XL and/or another MFX, and worst case I own "too many" modules. I'm going to expand into a second case at some point, and it's not a big deal to switch around the rack and swap modules once in a while. Or sell some.
It is becoming difficult to tell if I am succumbing to eurocrack/GAS or if I'm being smart & strategic in buying modules aggressively because things are so hard to get. The lines are blurry.
Yes I was on the latest version. I was in contact with both the manufacturer and the retailer and everyone agreed the module seemed faulty and should be returned to the retailer.
