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Sure in a nutshell a sequential switch let’s you split a signal and route it to different paths sort of like cv mixer but not quite. Chris Meyer of Learning Modular explains it better than my feeble fumbling:

This module comes in a few different forms; in the most common, a few different inputs are routed to one output (although they are usually symmetrical – one input can be switched between several outputs). A pulse or gate input then steps through the inputs one at a time, switching which ones is routed to the output. Fancier sequential switches allow you to set the number of stages, to divide an input clock so it switches at a slower tempo than the master clock, or might directly route a series of inputs to corresponding outputs (with usually a summed output as well).

https://learningmodular.com/glossary/sequential-switch/

It’s a great modular utility along with cv mixer, matrix mixers, attenuators, VCA and logic modules to make interesting patches.


Love the Black Sequencer it’s powerful and easy to get started. For sequential switch, check out the Hikari Quad switch it’s really good and easy to use. I like using it with a comparator and matrix mixer for creative patching.
-- sacguy71

Thanks so much for the tip. I’m a beginner, would you mind explaining to me what a sequential switch does before I research the module you suggested? I’m a little overwhelmed by all this and need someone to dumb it down for me. I’ve been eyeing matrix mixers but I have no idea what they do. There’s not enough videos on YouTube or maybe I’m not finding the right videos. What’s the purpose of a matrix mixer, what’s the difference between that and a audio/cv mixer?


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I’m sending prayers to all my friends in Ukraine and Eastern Europe right now.


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Love the Black Sequencer it’s powerful and easy to get started. For sequential switch, check out the Hikari Quad switch it’s really good and easy to use. I like using it with a comparator and matrix mixer for creative patching.


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I started with downloading the free VCVRack software while reading Patch & Tweak and then bought a Doepfer A100 Basic System. These helped me learn a lot as a complete beginner. Then I bought a lot of gear and now focused on smaller systems cross patched.


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Just make your life easier and get a Make Noise Shared System. Thank me later. I’m loving Morphagene and using the Rene v2 sequencer plus Maths is great for modulating it.


The reason I added MD is it seemed like a nice way to quickly generate a random sequence. I will get back to remaking this some another time.
-- aedvig

black sequencer has that too - check out magic...

"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


Hi Mudi,

Wow, I can see the progress, this looks more and more promising! :-) Keep up the good work!

Please keep us updated and kind regards, Garfield.

For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads


Thank you cmb_ it's a joy to have others listen in find something they like.


Thanks for the feedback, now that you pointed it out I realized you are right about the lack off vca's and mixers. Right now I only have a 3x84he case with that 258t, I was thinking of maybe getting another case down the line since I would really want to keep at least the 258t, Rample and Morphagene as sound sources and it seems to me I might be lacking utility modules down the line. As for the Black Sequencer, it seems quite tempting and has many features, I guess right now I am deciding between it, Rene and Hermod, will have to think about that some more. The reason I added MD is it seemed like a nice way to quickly generate a random sequence. I will get back to remaking this some another time.


and linked

ModularGrid Rack

some suggestions:

let's start with mixing:

it doesn't look to me as though you are intending to use an external mixer - as you have the doepfer output module... but there's no end of chain mixer and no mono to stereo conversion - you have a mix of mono and stereo sound sources/sound modifiers - get something big enough that you can mix all your (processed) sound sources and place them in the stereo field - that means panning - you may want cv control over this - you may find that this means multiple modules - there are very few mixers that have mono and stereo inputs with cv-able panning on the mono inputs and send/return functionality - but you might find that a large mixer solves a lot of problems... hexmix & expander & hexvca or wmd performance mixer or tesseract tex-mix might be worth looking at - these mixers will satisfy most of the criteria above (to a greater or lesser extent) including the send/return which is really handy for the fx aid - you might want another 1 or 2 of these - delay/reverb/lofi - or something similar... and quite importantly, they have stereo master outputs and headphone sockets - so you can dump the doepfer module...

& there's not a lot of sub-mixing... so no mixing the 2 vcos in the 258t before hitting a filter for example...

the liivatera mixer is very large and would probably be better replaced with multiple smaller mixers - for example a couple of 3*MIA - remember that you will want to mix both audio and cv

there's a lot of gate to trigger channels, which you probably don't need - maybe keep the g&t - dump the ladik...

lfos: i'd dump the ochd and the eowave and replace with a batumi

vcas: I'd want more - dump both and get a couple of veils... again - you will want to vca both audio and cv

filters: ok 3 is about right - you might find you want a 4th dual/stereo one down the line

sequencing: I'd consideer swapping both the hermod and the md out for an erica black sequencer - 4 channels of up to 64 steps, with gate/quantized cv/modulation and mutes (better to mute the cv than the audio!!) for each and you can plug in a midi keyboard to record sequences - and the interface is much more ergonomic than the md - which if you wanted to use it for generating 'notes', you would also need a quantizer - maybe a 4 channel one... and/or possibly a sequential switch...

other modules: you might find you want a waveshaper - really useful with the 258t, an lpg and some more utilities: a sequential switch, a matrix mixer, some logic... take a look at my signature to find a rough guide to how to get the most versatile modular synth for the least money...

so I think it might be a good idea to add an extra row and I'd probably go for 104hp instead of 84hp - it looks like this is a DIY case so an extra row is relatively inexpensive - remember you do not need to fill it all at once - it's better to go slowly - but I think you will want more space to expand into in the future - based on the row power rack warts there's plenty of power - make sure you buy proper bus boards, to avoid rf issues with flying ones...

oh and Maths - keep Maths - it's a great module - even better if you work your way through the 'maths illustrated supplement' a few times and spend some time working out why it's doing what it's doing

"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


Excellent trade with @blib_blib, well packed, arrived quickly, and works as described

Thanks


Hello, so I wanted to get into this hobby for a while and I think it's finally time for me to do so. Here is what I would like to do with the system once it's finished:
1. sequence the thing with something that is relatively straightforward, has several voices and gives me the possibilities to make up quirky rhythms, the idea was that I'd use Hermod with external midi controller to quickly record in the ideas, not 100% sure about this idea yet, still considering sequencers like Rene
2. one voice would be used for melodies through the 258t (already own it)
3. the Rample I chose for drums, I like it cause of the program change. this would be mainly used as another voice or two
4. I quite like the Morphagene, I looked for a digital module that can generate ambient stuff and this one seems to be pretty interesting.
5. the rf nomad is there for occasional more texture, this I would like to mix in with Morphagene or 258tt

Still wondering whether I have to go with Maths, but the functionality seems pretty sweet. I'd plan to use it for envelopes, attenuating, all sort of sequencing things and such.
When it comes to filters I quiet like SEM or MS20 filters, Humpback and Dual Borg seem pretty nice from the demos, not quite sure if I will end up going for both of them, I still have this idea to throw a Metasonix filter somewhere in there, obviously that would require a proper PSU. I shall see about that.
I also like the idea of having two sequencers and having the ability to chain them together, that is why I have added MD, it seems like it would help out with getting the ideas out there and also help with polyrhythms .

In the nutshell the whole idea would be to make sort of a standalone system that can do melodies, drums and ambient while there would be some modules that would add some more dirt to it. I have made several versions of this and this is where I am so far.

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_1770788.jpg


Dear friends, due to recent events in Russia, I can't produce the module... All development on it has been stopped for an indefinite period... I'm sorry. No war in Ukraine!


you'll also want an instrument interface - the sonicsmith ev1 - seems to be the best in lots of ways - apparently the pitch tracking is great for single note runs etc - don't think it can handle chords - but nothing else can either

-- JimHowell1970

It's actually the Sonicsmith ConVertor E1. I just got the module. It does a pretty good job of pitch tracking both diatonic and chromatic harmonica. Haven't tried it with anything else. It's not perfect by any means and glitches here and there. Also the firmware needs an update to get all the advertised features. I think it's coming Q2 this year.

-- ScottyDizzle

yes, I know, I was using my old and failing memory...

"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


Good points on the Maths vs. 3xMIA. Being a newb - and not knowing what you don't know - isn't helpful. I think I'll plan for the 3xMIA in future expansion. I really should go through that patch guide for Maths to know exactly what it entails.

working your way through the 'maths illustrated supplement' a few times is a great start - spend some time working out what it's doing too, not just patching - but thinking - the time investment really pays off - same with disting - use favourites to set up a sub group of algos that don't overwhelm and learn them - when you find an algo that really resonates - then put that on a list to replace with a module - for both going slowly is probably a good idea

With regard to uO_C - I'm on the fence. I'm leaning on holding off and leaving space to populate with a few 2 HP modules and FX AID... not sure if going with the XL version is in the cards.

I'd agree, to some extent - hold off, but skip the 2hp modules (they're not very ergonomic) and get the fx aid xl, as it is both more ergonomic and more versatile, especially if you want some weird fx - more modulation inputs, more space for the knobs

The issue at the moment is I'm not sure what I'm trying to solve. Or I should say I haven't learned enough of my current gear to know what is truly missing. Yeah... I'd say generally FX and sequencing. I'm thinking it's best to take my time with the last 11HP and not make any rash decisions. I guess the question is... what will have the most impact on what I can do within current confines?
-- ScottyDizzle

if you don't currently have a problem to solve, I'd stand back learn what you have and from there what you are missing, in the meantime save your pennies, for both another case and for more modules - although the mafd does seem to be a good idea

what are you currently using to sequence? the moogs?

"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


Nicely done zuggamasta, cool vibe and some rich sounds.


Good points on the Maths vs. 3xMIA. Being a newb - and not knowing what you don't know - isn't helpful. I think I'll plan for the 3xMIA in future expansion. I really should go through that patch guide for Maths to know exactly what it entails.

With regard to uO_C - I'm on the fence. I'm leaning on holding off and leaving space to populate with a few 2 HP modules and FX AID... not sure if going with the XL version is in the cards.

The issue at the moment is I'm not sure what I'm trying to solve. Or I should say I haven't learned enough of my current gear to know what is truly missing. Yeah... I'd say generally FX and sequencing. I'm thinking it's best to take my time with the last 11HP and not make any rash decisions. I guess the question is... what will have the most impact on what I can do within current confines?


Outstanding experience with @JNH-83
Thank you!


Thanks a lot for the advice plgrade. I should probably have been clearer that i will most likely sell the lifeforms rather than expanding by moving it out the rack - which obviously impacts what I’d put in it’s place. Nothing against the sv1 - Just had it for a few years and looking for a change. I’m filling this rack at a snails pace but I suppose I should get planning on what will fill the space. The new Tiptop/buchla 258t looks tempting!

I think you’re right about the size of the ATN8. It’s a shame but looking at how tightly the knobs are spaced compared to the stages makes it look like it would be a pain to operate. I’ll have a look at the modules you suggested when I have a minute and get planning again!


I've found both the 3xMIA and FX Aid XL to be incredibly useful in just about every patch. You have Maths already, which can do the 3xMIA tasks if you aren't already using all four Maths channels, so 3xMIA may be more useful if and when you add an additional 104hp. I know some people love O_C, and some of the algorithms look incredibly fun, but I hate menu diving so I can't offer any advice on that one.
I'm not sure that having two filters is a problem. You can use one to self resonate and use that as an extra/sub oscillator, maybe?
What problem are you most hoping to solve? With such a small amount of space left, I would focus on the one thing you really want to do, but can't with your rack as it is.
Have fun and good luck.


Motivated by the reassurance that I can patch the same modules out in its respective input link to Modular Grid Thread. I build this little patch. It is also using a square wave to low pass filter with little resonance as seen in one of the hip eurorack youtube channels. was a good exercise to build the ARP2600m patch on my own modules.

Feedback path is going from the mixers monitor back in to one of the Mono channels one the mixer. The feedback gets processed with Reverb and Overdrive from the Mutables ears. The Kick is also routed trough the Ears module, using Ears Envelope Out to duck the Main Bassline and Feedback path.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Still lots of things to learn and improve tho.


FYI, there are a bunch of Neutron tutorials on YouTube, that's probably as good a place to start as any.


Кайф


I concur with the previous recommendations.
What strikes me is the feeling that you are not yet confident with the basics of synthesis, nor the implementation in synthesizers.
I have no clue about aquariums. Similar to synthesizers, it doesn't make sense do buy a tank, some stones and algas, fill it with water and drop some fishs into it. For sure they will not survive. Beforehand I should have done my homework! Same here: Teach yourself a foundation knowledge how all of this works together and have a testbed for hands on experience.

a) worth reading to build up knowledge:

SYNTH SECRETS. Gordon Reid's classic 'synthesis explained' in-depth series in Sound On Sound. The article series run every month, non-stop, over 5 years and is still used by Colleges and University courses as 'essential reading' when teaching the foundations of synthesis and sound design.
https://www.soundonsound.com/series/synth-secrets-sound-sound

PATCH & TWEAK is a comprehensive look at modular synthesizers. It explores how to build them, how to use them, and how to get the most out of them, with beautiful illustrations and step-by-step tutorials with easy-to-read patch diagrams.
https://bjooks.com/products/patch-tweak-exploring-modular-synthesis

b) add hands on experience:

With all the recommended theory readings, I would have also added a semi-modular synth for the beginning. Most of them are ok to start with. Just add a cheap MIDI keyboard if you use one without keys.
You have a Behringer Neutron, which is exactly a semi-modular synth. You are ready to try what you're learning.
But, read the USER MANUAL and understand all sections first, before you judge on your gear.

After you are through all these recommendations, we would be happy to read your experience and feedback here in the forum.
Happy experimenting!


As a side note, I'm considering ditching the Pittsburgh Modular Giraffe to put in a Happy Nerding 3x MIA. Then other options are to finalize with the FX AID, SHTH, and MAFD (to break free of the 8 steps on the DFAM). This would be instead of the uO_C.


I wouldn't go with the Malekko. I bought one and had issues with bleed. I ended up returning it and going with the ALM Tangle Quartet, which is 8HP.


I started my 104HP thinking it'd be a supplement to my Moog Semi Modulars - M32, SubH, and DFAM - and now it's something else all together.

Basically, I ended up with a unit that could be a standalone voice vs. just supplementary to my semis. I also wanted the ability to process acoustic instruments. I tried to add in some utilities - attenuverting mixer, MATHs, buff mult. Thus far, I didn't add a sequencer or drums. Have a few options with the semis.

So with 11HP left I'm wondering what else can I do to make this 104HP more complete?

To finish things off (for now) I'm thinking of adding in a S&H module (utility) and a micro Ornament & Crime (sequencer).
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/after-later-audio-shth

Other alternatives:
https://sonoclast.com/products/mafd_2hp/

or add the CV Trinity expander...
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/bastl-instruments-cv-trinity-expander-aluminum-panel
...not sure what the value of this module would be in my setup.

The only possible mistakes I've made thus far is having 2 filters - still can't decide what I like better the Pittsburgh Modular Crow or the Bastl Cinnamon. The other possible mistake was maybe buying the Pittsburgh Modular Flamingo. It seems with the capabilities of the Knit (uPlaits) I don't need a waveshaper.

Thoughts on adding the uO_C and SHTH? Or would I be better served with other module(s)?

ModularGrid Rack


you'll also want an instrument interface - the sonicsmith ev1 - seems to be the best in lots of ways - apparently the pitch tracking is great for single note runs etc - don't think it can handle chords - but nothing else can either

-- JimHowell1970

It's actually the Sonicsmith ConVertor E1. I just got the module. It does a pretty good job of pitch tracking both diatonic and chromatic harmonica. Haven't tried it with anything else. It's not perfect by any means and glitches here and there. Also the firmware needs an update to get all the advertised features. I think it's coming Q2 this year.


You've said it yourself: put the SV-1b back in its case, because it's skewing your decisions, unless you commit to a larger case. If you don't, you risk saying to yourself six months from now, "Why did I let this push me around?".

I think ATN8 is going to be too small and fiddly (it may prove difficult to use in practice), and I would suggest separating attenuversion and mixing in your mind (but not necessarily in what you purchase, just don't make the combo a priority). Nearness is a start but mine took three months to arrive, be warned. You might consider Hyrlo and/or Doepfer A138s for mixing. There are lots of other possibilities. On the attenuversion side, 3xMIA, Frap Tools 321, and again many other possibilities.

If you're using the VB regularly, then stick with it until you can build a compelling argument otherwise.


ModularGrid Rack

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for a bit of advice on my rack as it’s slowly filling up and I want to get some opinions before I buy anything else!

I sequence using an iPad, using the modular to create semi-generative textural / rhythmic loops before adding some bits and pieces in ableton.

I Haven’t yet got the 2VCA, nearness, NIN, ATN8 or the A133-2. Looking to pick up the nearness and 2VCA or the doepfer next. Also I have a typhoon instead of beads which I’m looking to swap (sadly at the expense of the typhoons stereo VCAs and gain knobs which I use for output gain control). There’s 10hp leftover in this layout and I’m open to suggestions on what that could be filled with - and also things I could potentially swap out to gain back some hp if needed!

Which leads me to the Voltage Block and ATN8...ATN8 seems like a good deal both hp and cost wise but I’m wondering whether to go for a stereo mixer/attenuator with a smaller footprint? After swapping typhoon for beads and losing its stereo output gain knob I have reservations about using 2 fiddly knobs on the ATN8 to control EOC output. But I do like the flexibility it offers and it would be nice to have some cv mixing capability. Plus it’s more future proof if I end up swapping out the lifeforms. The VB gets used in every patch - but I wonder if swapping it for a NE mimetic digitalis is a better choice for a case this size.

Also, I know I could put the lifeforms back in its box and save a bunch of hp, but it’s so much more convenient and portable having it in the case! Long term I may replace with a different osc/filter/env combo, but it’s staying for now.

Thanks in advance for your opinions!


A Clock O’Pawn clock source from Shakmat, Good tool to have available in your studio. Good BPM knob, as well as external clock and tap tempo. Also allows connection to MIDI, which is useful.
Quick build for an experienced builder.
Recommended.
Clock O'Pawn clock source build and demo


Looks awesome. Intuitive and powerful!


Ceiling. Definitely the ceiling...and a pile of carriage bolts.

or floor - I currently have 3 cases on my living room floor and a video monitor on the coffee table!!!

More seriously, if you're going to have an audio input, you'll also want it to output envelope signals. Have a look at Doepfer's A-119, which is pretty much the standard for these. Not only do you get the necessary preamp, you also get an envelope follower AND a comparator. The comparator sends a gate when the input level exceeds a certain threshold, and the envelope follower does pretty much what it sounds like: it extracts level information from the inputted signal and then converts the amplitude variations as a control voltage...which, if you run the audio signal through a VCF and then use the envelope follower to control the VCF's cutoff, giving you your original sound but with this synced-up filter sweep imposed on it.
-- Lugia

whilst I completely agree with the need for both envelope follower and comparator for external inputs - it might be useful to point out that there's a 1/2 decent envelope/pich follower algo in disting - and kinks will do the comparator - so if they're not needed all the time - maybe these will suffice...

"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


looks ok to me

I don't see a lot of duplication - the 3 doepfer vcos can be combined into a 3 osc sound source, beads can also be used as a delay... so I wouldn't worry about that... I imagine you are using plaits for hats - I do this too quite a lot, but I find it needs a - but I'd probably add something for that - to free up plaits for different duties

missing utilities - yes - that's where I would add things, instead of removing things - options are good, more options is better - & it's usually what gets ignored - especially when buying a reasonable number of modules in a short time - they may seem boring, as they don't make or alter sound - but they are essential for plumbing - see my signature!

some more sub-mixers: a couple for the triple doepfers, 1 for the standard doepfer, 1 for tides - to mix waveforms etc, 1 for percussion - so that all percussion is on either a single mono or stereo channel - so maybe a panning mixer, if you want stereo percussion

a matrix mixer or 2: mix 4 copied modulation sources - get 4 more complex, yet related, modulation signals out, send/return, feedback etc

maybe a stereo mixer: mix stereo sources - beads, blades etc - then either send those to the roland mixer - that way you only take up 2 channels for all the stereo sources

more vcas: you can never have too many of these - I'd add more cascading ones - always useful - another veils perhaps...

a sequential switch: so you can switch things about over time - the a-151 is fine and reasonably priced

maybe a stages - very versatile, not only for modulation, which you possibly have enough of, but also sample and hold and trigger/gate delays - but you could always just add these as separate modules (yes I see you have a sample and hold in kinks - excellent module - but more will always be a bonus)

I'd also be tempted to add a fx aid xl - extremely versatile - Igor is a star for adding more and more algorithms... there are now filters and drum algos as well as the plethora of delay and reverb effects & not to forget lofi settings and bit reduction!

I could easily fill another 6u with these - but I'd spread them out...

"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


I tried to go that small, the fact is it's just not workable or possible. For me, the magic size was (2) 6U Rackbrutes, which I've since modded with intellijel tps80's, ventilation. PM-DB25 connections, USB port for Flux, and so on. The 89hp per row just works for layout and module sizes, and the 76mm depth meant that I could run whatever I needed or wanted.
-- Vow3ll

Hey Vow3ll...i would be really interested in the mods you did to your Rackbrute 6Us. I have a 6U and a 3U currently filled up and will be buying another 6U soon to run 6Us side by side...with the 3U complimentary to my Minibrute 2

JB


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I think this is a very short term solution - so I'd still get the bigger case - yes it's going to cost a bit more - BUT - if you are like most people you will want more as soon as you can afford it - and this way you are prepared...
-- JimHowell1970

I can attest to this statement :) after swearing I would only get one Rackbrute 6U, I now have a Rackbrute 3U also filled in with plans to get another 6U to have two 6Us side by side and to better use my 3U as a complimentary piece to my Minibrute 2 :)

JB


Hi arthabaska. I'm a big fan of a lot of the music you mentioned. Cornelius's Fantasma is a personal favorite.
After taking a quick glance at your rack, I'm thinking you are VERY oscillator heavy. I think I'd be tempted to part with the Drone Bank, E350, and A110 Standard VCO in favor of more mixing, for sure. With so many sound sources I would be looking for creative ways to mix, crossfade, aux send, etc.
As far as utilities, figure out what problem you are running into and add individual utilities as necessary to solve specific problems. Whatever you want to do is probably possible, but I'm not sure what issues you are running into to recommend anything specific at this time.
Have fun and good luck!


Morning all, so I've somehow accumulated a large amount of modules over the past two months, telling myself to buy whatever looks fun (within "reason"), and trim later. I suspect I'm nearing a good point to trim, but I'd like to make sure I'm not missing anything that might be useful, or have anything too superfluous.

I'm quite new to all this, but so far I'm having great fun making interesting noises and soundscapes. I'm not entirely sure where I want to go production-wise, but over the years (I'm 39) I've spent most of my time listening to Shibuya-Kei and adjacent Japanese artists (Cornelius, Fantastic Plastic Machine, YMO, Pizzicato Five, anything Trattoria/Readymade/Emperor Norton), 90s music like Bjork, Bogdan Raczynski, Aphex Twin, Boards of Canada, pretty much anything synth-based from the 80s, then some Torley Wong, Clint Mansell, Ulrich Schnauss, Brian Eno, etc. If I'm drawing inspiration from all of that, I'd try to draw out the fun/playfulness of these acts. Polyphony is not a huge goal, as I don't think I could do better than the Summit with modular, so keeping it under 4 voices for the most part.


So, the main questions I have:

  1. Do if I have any duplication going on, especially with oscillators (3x A-110-4, E350 & E352, etc)?
  2. How much overlap/duplication is there between Beads and the Microcosm? They both sound great, but I'm not sure I could explain their differences very well yet.
  3. Are there any utilities I'm obviously missing?

This is three Doepfer A-100-G6 cases, with the top right spot acting as a shelf, currently holding a Roland TR-8S. The Roland 531 mixer is powered by the uZeus so I can use it when the racks are off. The Tiptop Quantizer currently has the arpeggiator firmware, and the uO_c has Hemispheres.

External gear: Roland TR-8S, Moog DFAM, Korg Volca FM/Sample/Keys, Hologram Microcosm, several POs, Synthstrom Deluge, Polyend Tracker, Novation Summit, Korg Minilogue, Arturia Keystep 37, Tektronix 465B (analog scope)

Rack: ModularGrid Rack


hahaha, no it's where DIY and video modular leads... I've only ever bought 2 cases & I often think that if I'd been able to buy a mantis first and been able to add Maths to the modules I first bought, without buying that second case, that I'd've been able to stop there... but who knows and who cares - I certainly don't
-- JimHowell1970

Whatever blows your skirt up, no judgment. I'm obsessed with perfecting the smallest build while still doing everything I want to do creatively. However, the temptation is always there to go bigger...

-- Vow3ll

perfecting the smallest build ...????
how small are we talking here???...
Palette case 62 HP..?


Thanks again for taking a look.

Firstly. I’m an idiot. I set my case size to 84, but have a 104hp case. I was building it this way on the site to try and rein myself in. Kind of like setting your watch 10mins fast so you won’t be late.

I thought I put it back to 104 before posting but failed. I’ve switched it back. So there is some space to play with.

Lugia - Thanks for the filter advice, ill check it out!

Jim - I thought that QSM would cover me for mixing. I’ll re-investigate.

I’ve read a lot of the replies you give on other beginner’s rack attempts and I know you consistently quote your signature. I guess (like all beginners it seems) I didn’t pick enough utility. I’ll continue the search.
The question of “Which utilities = more utilities” is something I find quite tough to answer.


Yes a good point and it's a pity that other manufacturers don't follow this great example, so the user can decide to use the module on a +5 V rail or only on a +12 V rail.

For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads


virtually no utilties -how are you mixing?

plaits has a filter built in... although there's no harm putting it through another one to warm it up/darken it a bit

I'd go for a bigger case, either 9u or 104hp, or both, if you want all these modules - just to add a selection of utilities - see my signature!!!!!

"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


Ceiling. Definitely the ceiling...and a pile of carriage bolts.

More seriously, if you're going to have an audio input, you'll also want it to output envelope signals. Have a look at Doepfer's A-119, which is pretty much the standard for these. Not only do you get the necessary preamp, you also get an envelope follower AND a comparator. The comparator sends a gate when the input level exceeds a certain threshold, and the envelope follower does pretty much what it sounds like: it extracts level information from the inputted signal and then converts the amplitude variations as a control voltage...which, if you run the audio signal through a VCF and then use the envelope follower to control the VCF's cutoff, giving you your original sound but with this synced-up filter sweep imposed on it.


How I use my sequential switch - a-151

2-4 sources -> inputs
output -> input on a module

or

outputs -> 2-4 inputs
source -> input

trigger into trigger in to step through them

sources and destination can be pretty much anything - audio of cv, as the a-151 is effectively passive (yes I know it draws a bit of current, but the switchng is passive, I've also had it switching video

switch cab be set to 2.3 or 4 - gaps in i/o are fine

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


Thread: Melivora

If you really dig the way that the Furrthrr sounds, then why not go for the original? You could get THREE of Buchla/Tiptop's 258t complex oscillators for a fraction of the Furrthrr and still have money left for a very good bottle of whisky to sip on whilst pondering the spectral mayhem. And if you just go with two and then find another 6 hp nearby...maybe tossing the Super Sawtor (it IS discontinued, after all) to get that...those two 258ts will slip right into place.


Actually, just use inline mult widgets. This build is right on the edge where I would say to not have the mults in a build at all due to space constraints.

Most of the time, a sequential switch is what you'd use to switch between sequencer rows (such as the Moog 960 and the 962) by sending end-of-row signals to the switch so that the next row is, say, row 2 or 3, then back around to row 1, etc.

However, they DON'T have to be used for only sequencing. The ARP 2500's Mixsequencer is an electronic switch-type device that can scan across several incoming audio signals and change the inputted signal each time your clock sends a pulse to the Mixsequencer. But you can do the same thing with most any present-day switch; feed four audio signals into the switch's inputs, set up your clocking for it, and then send the output to whatever audio destination you like. Same thing works with control signals, too.

In the test gear world, these devices are referred to as "multiplexers"...several signals go in, clock steps through the inputs, and the result is a single output consisting of whichever channel is selected by the multiplexer. Same idea applies here, also. One that could be fun is to send differently-divided clock signals that can then cause a sequencer to jump around in time with the switch's selected input. LOADS of that good ol' "abuse potential" there...


Filter? Well, if you're in a situation where the build's only got room for one, this is probably the one you're looking for: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/tiptop-audio-forbidden-planet .

It's a clone of the Steiner-Parker Synthacon's multimode filter. And take it from someone who had a Synthacon for a number of years: if you can only have ONE VCF in your system, this is one to have. Bass ranges pound via the LP input, and the bandpass and HP inputs are capable of yowling leads that will cut through most anything. And it's cheap, too...$120. Fits right in that 8 hp hole.


or start hanging cases on the wall!

"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