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I don't want to copy the sound. But he is very creative with those modules and it's interesting for me. I prefer a more contribution comment. Thank you anyway.

looks like all of them... hehehehe

copying someone else's modular will not get you where they are - the most important and unique part of the modular is the user...

Hello everyone. I'm trying to figure out which doepfer modules are part of the system used by my favorite guitarist. On the left is all of Doepfer and part of the upper right side Analog systems. I'm just trying to figure out the doepfer modules. I'd like to number them left to right starting at the top, and clearly the first case seems to be all vco's with an envelope follower last. Any contribution is welcome. Thank you!

https://modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=3796916#p3796916

I put this link because I don't understand how to place the images on this website

Hi Sndbyte, you mentioned being interested in generative sounds but I didn't see much support for that in your rack. If you wanted to go further down that path, maybe sell the Behringers, replace with a mini-Plaits and use the space saved for more generative-friendly modules.

Here's a suggestion rack: You'll need some random for generative. The SSF Ultra Random is discontinued but I got mine off Reverb (with a little patience) or you could get the Wogglebug instead - either gives you lots of options. The Pip Slope EG can be put in cycle mode and is fully CV'able. Missed Opportunities might be random overkill but is there to spice up all the EOCs. The duo Quanitze for making your two voices a little more musical, and a clock/signal modulator so you don't have to over-commit your Maths and use that for other interesting stuff instead.

Beefaco Rampage and Maths share common ancestory... the main advantage of Maths over the Rampage apart from being less cluttered and therefore more ergonomic (which is a very good thing in itself - & don't get me started on the frap tools falistri, for this very reason) though is that there's a lot more documentation available - not only are there a myriad of videos (some of which are very good), but there's also the 'Maths Illustrated Supplement', which has 32 example patches for Maths - great as a basic guide to getting more out of Maths, but even better if you spend the time thinking about the what, why and how of what it's doing and use that as part of building up a modular patching mindset...

As for a mixer... I really like the Tesseract Tex-Mix - it's not perfect, but it's inexpensive and expandable - doesn't have 1/4" outputs (except for the headphone out), but as far as I know very few modular mixers do... if you must have 1/4" outputs, then the befaco output module is decently priced... & if you can wield a soldering iron, both of these are available as DIY kits...

haha, thanks Wubbywubby!

Thanks everyone for the thoughtful feedback. I haven't bought anything yet, so I'll definitely go with a Mantis and not worry about size/expansion/having to pick smaller modules/etc.

I was mostly concerned about utility/basic type modules and if I was missing anything obvious that would work well and compliment what I had in the case already, or just general essentials. Or if what I had didn't make any sense at all.

As far as the Benjolin goes, that seemed like a good option for an out there crazy oscillator for noisy stuff, but I haven't looked at it enough. Maybe I'd be better off going with a simpler 2nd voice/oscillator to start. I'll have to look at it more. Same goes for the Bastl filter. I didn't look at it too closely or get too deep into seeing what other filter options are available. As for the Intellijel Mixup, I wonder if there are better options for a case this size or if there is a mixer with 1/4" outputs? I'll have to look into that more. I know everyone loves MATHS and maybe I should consider that. Befaco Rampage seems like another useful module that I've messed with in VCV Rack. And I'm still really interested in morphagene/ahbar, so I'll have to read other threads as to what people say about how those two compare.

As Jim said, I'll probably buy as few modules as I think I can to start out. Good advice.

Thanks again for all the comments, I appreciate it!

EDITED Jul 21st 2022, 06:24

So for the MMG by Make Noise, could it cause this type of issue if you passed an AC signal to the DC input?

-- jb61264

no it's potentially the other way round - using the DC input to add DC to the AC signal...

Great, thanks! I will not bother with the AI for this build, nor worry about adding another VCO. I'll also have a look at some expression pedals.

addac do a dual expression pedal interface...

I do have a couple of 1/4 to 1/8 cables - I use them between my mixer and AI. The thickness of the cables bothers me, as I am more used to thicker cables :D

yes some can be very thin and plasticy - you can get slightly thicker ones too usually a bit more rubbery like standard guitar cables - I prefer these ones

Two quick questions, if you don't mind...

1) when would an AI module be useful?

Input modules - if you are always using inputs and want to free up other amplification channels...

Output modules - if you get digital clipping when using an audio interface and regular attenuators are not doing the trick / if you are going to play live a lot and need balanced outputs / if you need balanced/isolated outputs because there is noise introduced by the mains power

2) can you recommend any interface modules for pedals?

AI Synthesis, Doepfer, addac, alm sbg

Hi,

A few small suggestions:

-- in smallish cases, it's important to be thoughtful about big-ish modules. Tapographic Delay and Benjolin2 I think merit close attention to alternatives given their (large) size. A small do-it-all FX module (like Happy Nerding's one) could do wonders. And there are a lot of good alternatives for chaos-type modules with great capabilities in smaller HP. Nonlinear Circuits (NLC) Hipster or Sloths are ones I can highly recommend; Joranalogue Orbit is similar to Hypster, but I prefer Hypster. And there's a lot of other NLC units that are worth looking at. I looked at Benjolin a few times but it didn't make sense for me vs. alternatives.

-- I understand you're looking at experimental / ambient / noise. Still, I suggest you don't ignore the value of "basic b$tch" modules which form the core of almost any usable system. Jim and Lugia say basically that much all the time. I will re-emphasize that. Basics with some clever and flexible patching yield perceived complexity. Jim loves CV matrix mixers; I love stuff like Joranalogue Morph4 or sequencing control signals through a switch like Boss Bow2. Net net, I think there's a lot of merit to "focus on a strong (generalist) modular core plus some modules specific to your taste" approach.... That said, I DO see your Doepfer, Intellijel, Xaoc, Pam's, Plaits, and filter module as solid choices that would play well in most systems. Just beware adding too many "specialist" modules in a small case.

-- More generally, I can recommend considering "balance," particularly in a rack that isn't huge. 1/3 of HP devoted to things that make or change sound, 1/3 of HP devoted to control signals and things that modify control signals, and 1/3 of HP dedicated to utilities and some finishing FX. That type of rule of thumb was critical for getting me working modular systems of 240HP and less. Over that HP, assuming there's a solid "core" system, then one can go more buck-wild here or there on specific module types. IMO, it's best to ensure there's a solid "core" system, then add selectively from there.

-- I'm on probably my 8th+ distinct modular setup and I'm still f$cking things up a little. There's a ton to learn in modular. Now, I have a great home rig and a work-in-progress travel rig. Lugia, Jim and a few other forum regulars helped me a lot. Hope you enjoy the process and get a nice system that works for you.

Cheers,

Nicholas

Great, thanks! I will not bother with the AI for this build, nor worry about adding another VCO. I'll also have a look at some expression pedals.

I do have a couple of 1/4 to 1/8 cables - I use them between my mixer and AI. The thickness of the cables bothers me, as I am more used to thicker cables :D

Two quick questions, if you don't mind...

1) when would an AI module be useful?

2) can you recommend any interface modules for pedals?

Thanks again!

And this can get interesting when you've got a bunch of DC-coupled devices in your voicing, but NO AC-coupled ones after that to strip DC, then you send it on out to your amp. And this can result in............
Yeah. Always try to eliminate any and all DC in your audio path, because once it hits your amp, things WILL get ugly.
-- Lugia

So for the MMG by Make Noise, could it cause this type of issue if you passed an AC signal to the DC input?

Enough force can bend or snap a 3.5mm plug, but 1/4" plugs are far more substantial. And accidents like that DO happen!

especially when the modular lives on the floor - I managed to accidentally kick a stackcable sticking out of a module - bending it into unusability...

FYI, don't go smaller than a Mantis if you've not bought a case yet. I've seen dozens of Rackbrutes, Palettes, et al get jammed out with "sexy" modules, resulting in...well, nothing in quite a few instances because the "utility modules" were totally ignored. The smaller cases (below 2 x 84) are far better suited for what I call "mission specific" builds instead of generalized builds resulting in a full-on modular. Small cases (without some good discipline on the part of the user) also result in potential fails such as teensy controls that have to be adjusted with tweezers because your fingers DO NOT fit. They also tend to be builds in which essential modules get left out; this is particularly awful when someone opts to jump into modular without advice, buys everything, and then wonders why their "modular synthesizer" doesn't work and/or sounds like refried garbage. Basically, it's pretty simple to put together a good basic build just by skimming the forums here, or hanging out on The Site Formerly Known As Gearslutz or The Site Formerly Known As Muff Wiggler and observing the "traffic". But it's EQUALLY easy to spend thousands on a compromised pile of crap, especially when not paying attention to all of that advice.

completely agree with this...

In fact, some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile above.
-- Lugia

I'm going to quote you on that...

I have the same in my Modwiggler signature - and it's inspired at least one other forum member to adopt similar statements in their signature file...

"Coupling" refers to which signals can or cannot be passed through a given patchpoint. "AC coupling" means that the point can be used for anything in the audio range, which can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but in general it implies a cutoff that blocks DC signals (or anything in the range below subsonics, such as modulation). "DC coupling", however, means that the patchpoint can accept any signal, all the way down to DC (offset voltages, y'know).

And this can get interesting when you've got a bunch of DC-coupled devices in your voicing, but NO AC-coupled ones after that to strip DC, then you send it on out to your amp. And this can result in............

Yeah. Always try to eliminate any and all DC in your audio path, because once it hits your amp, things WILL get ugly.

1/4" jacks are nice...but the reason I prefer them whenever possible has nothing to do with audio and, instead, has to do with what happens when the output cables get yanked really hard. Enough force can bend or snap a 3.5mm plug, but 1/4" plugs are far more substantial. And accidents like that DO happen!

FYI, don't go smaller than a Mantis if you've not bought a case yet. I've seen dozens of Rackbrutes, Palettes, et al get jammed out with "sexy" modules, resulting in...well, nothing in quite a few instances because the "utility modules" were totally ignored. The smaller cases (below 2 x 84) are far better suited for what I call "mission specific" builds instead of generalized builds resulting in a full-on modular. Small cases (without some good discipline on the part of the user) also result in potential fails such as teensy controls that have to be adjusted with tweezers because your fingers DO NOT fit. They also tend to be builds in which essential modules get left out; this is particularly awful when someone opts to jump into modular without advice, buys everything, and then wonders why their "modular synthesizer" doesn't work and/or sounds like refried garbage. Basically, it's pretty simple to put together a good basic build just by skimming the forums here, or hanging out on The Site Formerly Known As Gearslutz or The Site Formerly Known As Muff Wiggler and observing the "traffic". But it's EQUALLY easy to spend thousands on a compromised pile of crap, especially when not paying attention to all of that advice. In fact, some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile above.

I've really been enjoying Knights Gallop from Shakmat for controlling my kick snare patterns. It is super playable, but it only generates two triggers meant for kick and snare from one clock . I just built a Time Wizard from Shakmat as well and am using that for hats and melodies now and have only had a couple of hours use, but I am liking it so far. Joining the different divisions into an OR gate can reveal some nice patterns and its just a knob twist to change the pattern up a bit. I have also found the Sl3kt from WMD useful for switching between patterns on the fly, so you can have one pattern playing while adjusting the other pattern and then you can switch with the flip of a switch.

Thank you! Getting there…

That’s a good question. I’m using Pamela in this, but I’m not thrilled with it for this purpose - it’s not playable enough. I’ve been looking at various modules to drive the QD, and oddly I’m contemplating getting another Stochastic Inspiration Generator. Now that that patch has been destroyed I’m going to mess with SIG into QD and see what I can do. Euclidean Circles is also high on the list. Constellation looks interesting. What to do, what to do…?

Yup, Lugia is right on. Just gotta keep plugging away at it (pun intended) and I recommend you keep hitting record when you get to something you like. I find it very valuable to listen back critically and think of what I could have done differently. Cheers!
-- TumeniKnobs
and to be able to use the sounds you like/record as samples :)

This is really great, very emotive in my opinion...I'd say you are definitely figuring out ways to compose a complex set of sounds into something coherent...really enjoyed listening.

What are you triggering the QD with?

Been spending a lot of time wiggling and learning new modules and also how to manhandle this giant rack I now have. This just started out tooling around with Metropolix then trying to build something around what I was grooving to. Turned into a pretty big patch with lots of stuff going on. Too much stuff probably. Still trying to figure out the best way to compose a complex set of sounds into something coherent... Also, and crucially, I changed the gel on my overhead light from red to green. Sounds much cooler now. Cheers!

Yup, Lugia is right on. Just gotta keep plugging away at it (pun intended) and I recommend you keep hitting record when you get to something you like. I find it very valuable to listen back critically and think of what I could have done differently. Cheers!

Loves me some twinkly $h!t but the wubbywubby $h!t is also very cool! Cheers!

Clicking on the link on the product page leads to an error... so module discontinued... good luck finding one!
-- JimHowell1970

Thanks @JimHowell1970 wasn't considering buying/trying to buy one, just looking through the various modules that Make Noise does and noticed MMG...hadn't seen a module really like that before.

EDITED Jul 20th 2022, 18:22

I just received my Modbap Transit and I measured the depth to be 25mm (that's with the included flat ribbon power cable attached as well).

Yeah my understanding is "DC coupled" generally just means not AC coupled.

https://noiseengineering.us/blogs/loquelic-literitas-the-blog/ac-vs-dc-coupling-what-is-it
-- adaris

Thanks for posting that link, that was a great read @adaris

From my limited knowledge of electrical engineering, I'd say yes. DC coupling means both AC and DC current can pass through. It has no bearing on the polarity of the current (positive or negative) which I'm suspecting might have been why you asked? The opposite would be a problem though: DC signals can not pass through AC coupled inputs, because AC coupling has no direct path between input and output and will only allow AC current above a certain threshold frequency to pass through.
-- theneweuropa

Thanks @theneweuropa my electronics learning curve is a bit steep as well. It makes sense that it would be the case considering I believe that is what DC coupled audio interfaces are capable of?

helps to RTFM... which is on the original module and not included on 3rd party panels

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/make-noise-mmg

"The AC coupled Input has an attenuator to adjust signal levels. An un-attenuated DC input is also offered as this was the type of input utilized on the original QMMG. Together these inputs allow for mixing audio signals or combining a control signal with an audio signal to yield asymmetrical behaviors in the circuits that follow."

Which definitively answers the question - yes you can send AC signals through the DC input

Clicking on the link on the product page leads to an error... so module discontinued... good luck finding one!

it depends, which module are you thinking of?
-- JimHowell1970

Hey Jim, I was looking through all the Make Noise modules the other day and noticed this one:
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/grayscale-make-noise-mmg-multimode-gate-grayscale-panel

Shows an AC in and then a DC below it and just wondered if an AC signal could also be routed to the DC input. I still have a big 'learning electronics' curve to get over but it seemed to me that I've heard you can run audio signal via DC (and having a DC coupled audio interface also made me wonder).

Handy little module containing a simple Attack/Release generator and a basic LFO.
Kit was missing 3 capacitors, I had spares so no delays. And I put one diode in backwards, which you’ll see when I get to the testing area.
But a good, straightforward build.
Recommended.

Build and demo

missing 1/4" outputs is not a big deal - there are plenty of 1/4"->1/8" cables - I generally use these...

as for headphones - only really needed if you intend to use them away from what you regularly plug into - a mixer or an audio interface, as these usually have headphone outputs - alm make a very small headphone module - alm hpo

or get an end of chain mixer with a headphone output included

as for case - buy the mantis, buy as few modules as you think you can... ie a minimum viable synthesizer (sound source, modulation source, sound modifier, a way to play, a way to listen) and a few utilities - a quad cascading vca is a good investment & can be used as a mono output... and get some blind panels (or make them out of cereal boxes) to cover the holes!!! buying a case that you know you will run out of space in is a false economy!!!!

"AC Coupling" often has a filter to remove DC signals...

the Audio Interface module does not replace your computer audio interface(s), it's just a way of amplifying line level to modular level and attenuating modular level to line level - you may or may not need attenuation at all - a lot of audio interfaces and mixers can easily handle modular levels on the way in...

the audio interface wont really help with pedals, either, instrument level is even lower and a different impedance - and you've got the guitar interface already - better to get a veils as it can amplify line level to modular level, especially if you don't need it all the time - as for guitar pedals - get a proper interface for those

I wouldn't worry too much about 1/4"/1/8" there are plenty of cables available that do that... these are mostly what I use for this

as you are a guitarist, I'd also look at some modules to enable you to use your feet to control the modular - expression pedal and foot switch interfaces - addac or doepfer, for instance

I wouldn't suggest another vco - you have 3 already... that's enough for this amount of hp imo... see my signature for some useful advice on how to get the most versatility for the least cash...

EDITED Jul 20th 2022, 13:12

Thanks, the Veils is a nice looking module, and it is hard to have too many VCAs...

I was thinking that the AI module would be useful as I plan to run guitar, soft and hard synths into my modular (1/4 to 1/4 makes that easiest), and running the modular through pedals. Also, perhaps, running back through a DI box, once I've mapped out a path.

That being what it is, is the AI module overkill? I've been wondering that myself... I already have two AIs (4i4 and Quantum 2626), so I am not sure it is needed?

Maybe another VCO instead?

Yeah my understanding is "DC coupled" generally just means not AC coupled.

https://noiseengineering.us/blogs/loquelic-literitas-the-blog/ac-vs-dc-coupling-what-is-it

EDITED Jul 20th 2022, 11:44

From my limited knowledge of electrical engineering, I'd say yes. DC coupling means both AC and DC current can pass through. It has no bearing on the polarity of the current (positive or negative) which I'm suspecting might have been why you asked? The opposite would be a problem though: DC signals can not pass through AC coupled inputs, because AC coupling has no direct path between input and output and will only allow AC current above a certain threshold frequency to pass through.

Good transaction with @Inhuman
Thx !

Apologies if this is more an Ableton issue than modular, but grateful if someone can help

I'm new to the modular game, and trying to integrate my Eurorack into Ableton, using CV Tools. The issue I am having is CV Tools is unable to calibrate pitch, saying "Error. Insufficient voltage."

I have tried this using Plaits and Moog Mavis, patching them into an ES-8, which is then connected to my laptop via USB. I believe I have all the settings correct, and volume is loud enough (Ableton error message suggests checking that).

I actually got this to calibrate once. I don't know if I just got lucky but on applying the exact same settings, it didn't work the many other times I tried.

This may be one for Ableton support, whom I have also contacted. But reaching out on here in case someone has a possible solution.

Many thanks

EDITED Jul 20th 2022, 09:24

for the first case - as long as your cables are long enough (and they don't need to be that long) then it'll be fine...

a quad cascading vca - I'd buy a veils if you can - is a great idea!

why do you think you want an audio interface module?

I got some helpful advice last time I was here, and I am hoping to get some more on my new setups...

1) I have now collected the Dreadbox Chromatic set, and was hoping someone could confirm that I have it in a usable order :)

2) The other question relates to this mashup set. I have some space in it that I plan to fill as modules become available, but wanted to get some advice as to whether my choices are good ones.

I was thinking the following: Intellijel Designs Audio Interface II, Doepfer A-135-2 and something else (8hp left I think).

Ideally, I'd like my second set to be a relatively complete system in its own right, but I don't mind if it plugs some holes from the Dreadbox set instead, or gives me some extra firepower where needed. (please note that all of the modules in the two sets are already owned by me, so I'd rather use them all!)

Grateful for any advice I can get from those with much more experience. Thanks!

EDITED Jul 20th 2022, 12:56

Just realized I'm missing 1/4" outputs as well as a headphone out... which would probably be good to have.

it depends, which module are you thinking of?

Thank you for the suggestions.

At this time I'm restricting myself to the 104hp (for space and budget reasons) but maybe in the future will expand to a 2nd row of 104hp.

@Lugia Sounds like utilities/modulations sources are the way to go with the limited space I have. When I first saw you recommended After Later DVCA I was a bit surprised as I already have the Quad VCA. But just last night I noticed I was using all 4 VCAs and now see how the additional 2 on the DVCA would be useful.

re: the 4ms Listen I/O, this looks useful but I probably will not use the input as the only thing I really use my rack with is the sq-1 or a Neutron. But I like the output as I use headphones so I'm considering the PICO output as it is only 3hp and has the output which I could use if I ever decide to record anything. Right now I'm just using a cheap headphone attenuator plugged into my VCA with my headphones.

2 other utilities I am considering along with what you have suggested are the Intellijel Triplatt and the Happy Nerding 3x MIA (although I can't find that one on sale anywhere).

Oh and I forgot to mention I do have a Korg nts-1 so I think I can use that for reverb/delay etc...

@33PO Marbles looks interesting and I'd consider adding that but at 18hp for the one module I think I'll need to wait until I have another row of rack space to add that one. I've looked at Pamela's New Workout and see that people highly recommend it, but I am trying to avoid menu driving which is why I'm not really looking at the disting mk4 either.

thanks again everyone!

If a module has an AC input and also a DC input...could another AC signal be routed using the DC input?

So, after messing with VCV rack for a bit now, I'm thinking of getting into hardware. I'm interested in experimental/ambient/noise/general sound exploration and also using the system to process guitar and maybe other instruments/audio.

I went with the Mantis size rack after seeing people recommend that on here. Although I'm thinking maybe starting out with a smaller system could be a good idea, too... something like one of those small powered Doepfer 48hp or 84hp cases. Obviously, it's a trade off in terms of being able to grow your system but also probably not a bad idea to start smaller and not invest so much money right off the bat and not have so much at your fingertips right away.

I have other gear I could potentially integrate such as a keystep, behringer model D, moog grandmother, digitakt. Didn't really look too much into percussion modules. But maybe a simple one could be nice to have in this system.

Other modules I'm interested in are the morphagene and arhbar which seem similar but don't know if they overlap too much with beads.

Thanks!

Great little module! Top quality and presentation, and excellent communication from the makers as well.

My new composition made with eurorack modular.
Viscous and fuzzy ambient recorded on a tape.
Logic Pro X for post-processing.
Better to listen with headphones. More explanations below video on YouTube.

i fell backwards into modular a few months back...

Oh, hell! Did it take the paramedics long to dig all of the patchcables out of your back, or...

i have no idea what i'm doing.

but i made this a couple nights ago. this is a single track recording of a live jam... i popped a microphone into my amp box and the record button on audacity, then recorded that output into my iiphone.

again, no idea what the hell i'm supposed to do here.

-- beeb

DON'T question the process. That would be Rule #1 here.

If you've arrived at a musical point where you're flowing on the twin engines of "beginner's mind" and "intuition", then you actually DO know what you're doing, you just haven't figured out how to communicate that to yourself. Continue working along those same lines; eventually, you'll figure out an entire set of your OWN rules and methods for composition with modular.

As for those terms..."beginner's mind" is right outta Buddhism. It's the principle that states that "beginners" can actually have a better idea of what to do when they know very little of what they're doing that with. As such, you're not constrained by a headful of rules and "accepted" methods, so you're more apt to create excellent work when you DON'T know those aspects. Also Public Image Ltd....where John Lydon, Keith Levene and Jah Wobble agreed that it was better for Levine to play guitar as if he had no idea how to play the guitar. Results there? Some VERY substantial additions to how to approach that instrument!

"Intuition", though...that's the "magic" at the core of improvisation, and something Karlheinz Stockhausen explored extensively in various works, starting in the mid-1960s ("Mikrophonie I") through the early 1970s and his ensemble works. Plus, there's two collections of his text pieces ("Aus den Sieben Tagen" and "Fur Kommende Zeiten") where musicians are supplied with a text, and their task is to allow a group-sense of intuitive action to arrive at a possible result. However, the interesting thing about those works is that they're surprisingly consistent. Back in the mid-1990s, I performed the first set's "Set Sail for the Sun" along with an ensemble...we totaled 6 people. And after some warm-up passes, we started arriving at fairly consistent results, and everyone was a bit nervous about that; were WE in control of the process, or vice-versa?

In 2002, I got a chance to discuss that with Johannes Fritsch, the violist on many of the ensemble projects from that period. I explained what was going on with those "cohesive" passes, and he smiled and simply noted "Ah...then you did that right!". Very, very interesting, indeed!

EDITED Jul 18th 2022, 21:52

Smooth purchase of Befaco VC Slew from @SetProxy Would recommend!

Pamela's New Workout and/or Marbles are great for rhythmic/generative gates/CV

@Jim, thanks for the ideas! Lots of points you raised, I'll try to respond to the major ones below:
-- The Jolin LPG bank you mentioned is likely a great fit here.
-- "Mixing really needs to be addressed..." Agreed! Working backwards, ES8+6 give me 10 outs to DAW, I don't see myself needing more than that with this setup. Lots of potential ways to manage the up to 10 voices, let's say main options are 4 mono + 3 stereo pairs, or 6 mono + 2 stereo pairs. I have some spare Doepfer A-138N (4-ch narrow mixer) I could slot in, those can cover some mono needs. I'm inclined to get 1 Intellijel Mixup, which seems like a low $ and HP way to up the mix channel count, and a 2nd Mixup (if needed) could later be added and chained to the first. Also, SoundStage is a new module for me, I need some more soak time to get a sense of how I'll likely use it... I'm inclined to run a LOT of my pitched sources through it and treat it like a stereo sound-field out. Net net, my current sense is another 10-16HP devoted to mixing could really meet the needs for this setup.

quite possibly!

-- you mentioned CV mixing. On that end I've got Sum&Diff, SISM, and Morph4. Do you have a more preferred setup for CV mixing / mangling? I did see your suggestion of a matrix mixer, just wondering if there's anything more / less to your preferred CV mix setup?

good start, but I find matrix mixers to be incredibly useful for cv - take copies of n modulation sources and get n different, but related and more complex ones out - I have 2 in my system that's about 1200hp for audio at the moment - they're of the smaller 10hp variety (& diy) personally if I were going to buy again (add on more likely than upgrade) I'd go for either the doepfer (bigger and better ergonomics) and/or the 4ms vcam (cv controllable) and/or one of the nlc offerings (cluster/clump - again better ergonomics and/or cv control)

-- "low priority modules" and remaining space. As of today, I've got 95%+ of the modules above (most being re-racked from earlier cases into the new case). AND there's some fluidity between this setup and my home setup. My home setup has all its major functional needs covered, and some HP to spare, so if I want to pull a few items out of the travel rig (above) and slot them into the home rig, that works fine. BUT I think where we're netting out is I'll probably need to free up 16-26HP in the rig above for LPG and mixing additions. In my next few sessions with the setup, I'll focus on (top) rows 1-3 to check which of those modules I least need in this setup.

yeah I think that's where I'd be looking too... I'd much rather have fewer sound sources and be able to route them more places and effect them more than be sound source heavy... remember you can mult outputs to different filters/effects and the fx aid has pitch and frequency shifters etc so I'd probably throw one of those in too - probably instead of scales - not sure how much use you'd get especially as you seem to have a 'battleship' sequencer with the vector and expander - with pitch already quantized

-- likely next steps: add Jolin LPGs and a little more mixing capability, and get a bunch more soak time with the setup before other changes (if needed).

sounds like a plan...

have fun!