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https://open.spotify.com/album/7h724zB5ISc0ViQg2yf1dI?si=flSXhUIZTPi7sh2WbiOXcQ
My new IDM/Experimental Electronic Music release is a trip through our algorithmically enduced social media dystopia.

"The utopian promise of social media connecting the globe on the basis of common understanding of human worth was a noble and enchanting proposition. If “sunlight is the best disinfectant”, then having more engagement should have allowed the truth to rise to the top. But we’re painfully realizing that the more appropriate quote describing our situation is “a lie can run half-way around the world while the truth is still putting on its shoes”. As long as algorithms don’t perfectly align with the ideals of human flourishing, consumers and creators alike will fall deeper into the feedback loop of audience capture until we reach critical mass, causing our civil societies to erupt, then collapse. There is still time to course correct, but we must learn from our mistakes before we become totally distracted by the looming revolution in A.I."

www.macromicromusic.com
https://www.instagram.com/macro_micro/

Does the SSF Ultra perc replace the Ultra kick?

I had a run with the Ultra Perc and Im very impressed.
You can do great kicks and whole drum kit whit it.
It just makes me smile.

Im asking myself, if there is a need to keep the ultra kick, if I have a ultra perc
Honestly I didnt dig deep into the ultra kick. It just delivers a instant awesome kick, that is always great, but I didnt go much further.
I like it very much and it does percussion sounds as well.

What do you think?
Maybe you could tell me how you use them?
Maybe I overlook something and leaving the UK for the UP is a hastly decision?

Greetings

Chris

I'm fond of this filter:

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/eowave-tempete-magnetique

and one that is smaller:

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/supercritical-synthesizers-neutron-flux

For "dark ambient" the Nautilus as a delay processor would be a good addition:

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/qu-bit-electronix-nautilus

Now that you are "down the rabbit hole," you'll constantly switch modules and such in search of what is best for you.

Have fun 8'). Think of it all as a haiku poem, getting as much out of a small framework as you can. Going big prematurely
costs a lot and can be wasteful. Concentrate on one module type at a time, and winnow things down.

EDITED Mar 5th, 22:39

You're absolutely correct, I was wrong. Octave offset and key/octave are shared by all voices.
I've had this one some time ago and thought it could do that independantly for all voices.

Hi both!

It´s not that clear ...

I´ve read the manual but doesn´t appear to allow independent octave transposition accross channels.
There is a octave offset, but it´s not per channel i guess, just an overall transpose of the octaves.

-- redsquares

EDITED Mar 5th, 16:30

I have a faulty O&C, that used to work well, but one moment stopped sending correct voltages out.
I used it mainly as a quad quantizer and worked fine.
One day pitches were all over the place.

I tried to calibrate it but couldnt do it properly.
The voltages i set didnt reach what was supposed to go out, according to the manual for calibration.

It might need another main processor, but i dont know how to do that, and dont have one to test it.
Also, might not be the processor that is faulty. So i would need someone who knows how to assemble them, and has a spare processor, in order to test, make sure that is the case, and repair it.

Of course i am willing to pay for the work.

I am in Portugal and can ship the module within the EU.

Thanks in advance for your help!
Peace

Hi both!

It´s not that clear ...

I´ve read the manual but doesn´t appear to allow independent octave transposition accross channels.
There is a octave offset, but it´s not per channel i guess, just an overall transpose of the octaves.

If you just take a look at the frontpanel, you'll have your answer.

hi

everybody, you do know Pamela's PRO Workout ??

have you tried reading the manual?

https://www.addacsystem.com/contents/productdownload/ADDAC_207_Quantizer_REV05.pdf

theres a section on transposing in it - I only read the table of contents...

I wonder if the 207 can individually octave transpose channels.
I know Bard Quartet can ...
I know Ornament and Crime can ...
Can ADDAC 207 ?!

Peace.

also interested in a filter that would compliment the forbidden planet,but maybe be a bit more "playable"bringing something else to the table

Consider also Frap Fallisitri or 2x Joranalogue Contour, 2x the Instruo one, if you don't need the utilities of maths

Just upgraded my whole system with tons of modules. Note that the 0-CTRL is standalone and just put on here for reference. Super simple P.T Silent Hill Vibes with wailing woman on a radio effect. For the Kickain, I just used a super slow multiplier from the Pamela to add some deep bass vibes. To get the background errie sound you go through the Basimilus IA is using the settings Metal and Treble along with turned all the way Harmonics and everything tuned to 12 o'clock. From the Basimiuls IA you could go through either Ghost or Nautilus and experiment with different effects. But the insane voice radio effect is through the Platis using the last option Speech Synthesis and shaping from the Pizza. Overall, absolutley creeped me the hell out and super excited to keep playing around with stuff. If anyones got feedback or other ideas, I'm more than willing to try!

EDITED Mar 5th, 01:19

thank you for the your insight, Jim! i do have reverb and delay pedals and to save rack space i'm planning to keep effects as pedals, unless i can squeeze one in later on.

make sure you get some pedal interface modules then - modular is very high volume compared to effects pedals

i was planning on using the keystep pro to sequence.
a second vco would be way down the line. first want to start with a manis and build around that and the mother32, grab a pams and maths or maybe make noise function to save space, and fill up the rack space ive got left with filters, vcas and utilities.
-- madTraffick

I'd definitely go for the maths over the function... much more than just an extra function generator - the utilities in the middle make it 4-5 * the usefulness - and that's without learning to patch program it...

seriously the mantis is the way to go for a case - not the 3u rackbrute... you wouldn't believe the number of people who I've told this to - only for them to just buy a smaller case and then 2-3 months later they message me to say - yeah you were right, I just bought a mantis!!!

-- JimHowell1970

Yup, listen to Jim re: Mantis as a starter case, I'm one of those that didn't listen! :D

Thanks again, Jim. I hear you about the rack size, but I was gifted the 3u, so it is what it is. I am also going to be building it up slooooowwwllllyyyy, so in a year or two, I'll see where I'm at and possible sell my 3u for a 6u or mantis.

I'm going to start with a Manis, Pam's, and Maths, and begin the journey there... Then in a few months, I'll add a filter, maybe Wasp, quad VCA, and then I'll realize how important utilities are...

Kassutronics Slope.. my fav function generation & 8hp

i have again 8 HP for a last module

i will think about all that...

-- cores

i have again 8 HP for a last module

i will think about all that...

I love my JUNIPER MD, it offers a multitude of functions
-- BIOman

Yeah in such a small footprint. 8 tracks of LFO/Env/Function generators with all parameters CV controlable encapsuled in 8hp.. This and Pam Pro are my modulation heaven :)

I love my JUNIPER MD, it offers a multitude of functions

Juniper is probably (by far) the best and more complete one...

Here's something I came up with: combine a free-running CV sequencer with a free-running trigger sequencer, two sample-and-hold circuits, and two oscillators to create interesting duophonic melodies by just turning knobs. In my case I use a Xaoc Devices Moskwa CV sequencer for its quantized output, a Mutable Instruments Grids, a Joranalogue Select 2 for its low-droop S&H circuit, and two Shakmat Banshees. Additionally, I like to use the Doepfer A-173-1 mini-keyboard to transpose the second VCO (not shown in the patch).

The result is a melody that is sampled from the active CV step at every trigger, but since the triggers don't always arrive at the same time and the signal is held until the next trigger, both oscillators will often play different notes that are always musically related. Change the clock speed of the CV sequencer two influence which notes will be picked. Change its track length to determine how many notes to choose from. A variety of musical intervals, accidental chord progressions, and other happy accidents galore!

Patch notes in the description, best with headphones.

[]

Too many voices in a small space without enough modulation and utilities.

I've lost count of the number of times I've written that exact sentance... it's a very common newbie miustake... wanting lots of voices without a clue of the difference between a vco and a voice...

Think of how many different things are on the MS20 just to make that one voice (for the most part) feel alive and musical - envelopes, an LFO, two filters, sample and hold, "ring mod", and the external signal processor, plus a pitch wheel thingy. That's the sort of approach you want to take to modular if you want to get more out of it than you would just with complete synths and pedals.

indeed - probably a good idea to change "complete synths" in the last line to "incredibly basic synths"

start with a single voice... get the modules you need to support that voice...

if you think you'll want more than 1 start with a bigger case - a tiptop mantis is a good sized starter case - suitable for 2-3 voices... and when you choose things like modulation or vcas - buy quads - unless you have very very good reasons to buy fewer

Maths can do a lot of things, but not all at once, and certainly not enough for all these.

but it is an incredibly useful & versatile module... & something you can grow into - see the "maths illustrated supplement" for more details...

Pam's is also very powerful, but you don't want to rely on it for basic modulation, and it isn't very hands-on. None of these modules are necessarily bad,

in fact quite the opposite - all the modules are great, but not neccessarilt together in a small starter rack

plus read the manuals properly - Pams can be used as a quantizer - so no need for a separate one - plus nowadays I'd buy the pro pams and not the older "new"

but you should probably use this much space to make one or two excellent, super-flexible voices rather than 4 with what is probably slightly under the bare minimum of support.

more like 1...

Watch videos about complete modular systems, like the Make Noise Shared System/Tape and Microsound systems, or even do a bit of research on the suggested systems from Buchla (careful not to get sucked into that, though, because, while Buchla stuff is awesome, it makes Eurorack look like smart financial planning). Semi-modular synths as well. Get a sense of what people are using and calling "complete instruments" and why designers and users feel that way. It will help you design your system's vital plumbing in an informed way and make these modules feel and sound more like yours.

-- Zacksname

also take a look at my signature and have a good long think about it.... it's a simple formula for getting most versatility in patching for the least outlay (& scales from the smallest to the biggest systems)

a good starting point for a modular is:

a sound source, a sound modifier, a modulation source, a way to play and a way to listen (a quad vcdascading vca will work and is a good investment) plus if possible a few utilities

Honestly, you seem pretty set. If anything I'd maybe add a utility vca and more another modulation/envelope source. The real question is what do you need, what are you missing when you patch?

If you're set on using your Alesis keyboard look into the Befaco Midi Thing or the Noise Engineering Univer Iter. Otherwise you can go with a keyboard with CV outputs or you probably have enough space in your rack for a TSNM or another Pressure Point or similar controller.

You could also consolidate down and move your effects skiff into the main rack if the sizes here are representative.

Don't let unnecessary GAS get you. you have your bases covered, practice and master your modules and eventually you should naturally figure out what to weed out if it's not working for you or where to expand if you're missing some functionality.

If you just want to plug a keyboard into your modular, buying a plain Arturia Keystep will be cheaper than any MIDI to CV converter in Eurorack.

A Keystep Pro would be even better and would probably streamline your sequencing/producing here by giving you both the keyboard and access to multiple sequencer tracks, but that is a bit of a price jump from the Keystep or even the mighty Beatstep Pro that you have (plus the Keystep Pro lacks all the cool knobs).

The regular Keystep is your best bet here for just adding a single keyboard, though. It's cheap, has its own CV connections, does sequencing/arpeggios well, and can even be used as a MIDI to CV converter if you want to control pitch and gate of a module from, say, your computer. MIDI to CV is expensive to do in the rack and none of the cheapest options give you much mire power than a Keystep

EDITED Mar 2nd, 21:33

indeed you need more modulation sources. Perhaps get a Batumi quad LFO or Maestro? That gives more options.

actually one thing ive been thinking i would like do is connect my Alesis Q25 midi keyboard to my system for more "Playability"but i need a midi to cv module for that right?but what module would work im abit baffled with this?

I used to be part of the "house band" at an open mic before Covid (the band was a drummer and me. Occasionally, the sound man would sit in on guitar). We would back up anyone who wanted back up. I was using the Sonuus G2M to trigger the synth with my bass guitar so I could play synth bass when appropriate. In between acts I would run a sequence and we'd jam until the next act was ready.
It's a good idea to have some kind of system for keeping your oscillators in tune if you're playing with other instruments. I have a TipTop Z3000 in my large rack () so it's easy enough just to dial up A440 and tune all the other oscillators to it. With my smaller rack () it wasn't as straght forward. I would use a tuner on my bass guitar and tune the synth to it.
Having the right musicians is important because they have to understand that when the sequence is running, it is king. You always have to listen to what the sequence is doing and play with it. Sometimes it's a set pattern, sometimes it's generative. When it's generative, you really have to be on your toes because you don't know where it's going.
I really liked playing with drummers. I was thinking about doing an act with a drummer and a sax player but it never got off the ground.

Too many voices in a small space without enough modulation and utilities. Think of how many different things are on the MS20 just to make that one voice (for the most part) feel alive and musical - envelopes, an LFO, two filters, sample and hold, "ring mod", and the external signal processor, plus a pitch wheel thingy. That's the sort of approach you want to take to modular if you want to get more out of it than you would just with complete synths and pedals. Voices and effects are cool, and they can sometimes even be used as really interesting modulation, but for the most part you'd need at least 2-3 times this space to feed these sound sources and effects. Maths can do a lot of things, but not all at once, and certainly not enough for all these. Pam's is also very powerful, but you don't want to rely on it for basic modulation, and it isn't very hands-on. None of these modules are necessarily bad, but you should probably use this much space to make one or two excellent, super-flexible voices rather than 4 with what is probably slightly under the bare minimum of support.

Watch videos about complete modular systems, like the Make Noise Shared System/Tape and Microsound systems, or even do a bit of research on the suggested systems from Buchla (careful not to get sucked into that, though, because, while Buchla stuff is awesome, it makes Eurorack look like smart financial planning). Semi-modular synths as well. Get a sense of what people are using and calling "complete instruments" and why designers and users feel that way. It will help you design your system's vital plumbing in an informed way and make these modules feel and sound more like yours.

EDITED Mar 2nd, 09:17

thank you for the your insight, Jim! i do have reverb and delay pedals and to save rack space i'm planning to keep effects as pedals, unless i can squeeze one in later on.

make sure you get some pedal interface modules then - modular is very high volume compared to effects pedals

i was planning on using the keystep pro to sequence.
a second vco would be way down the line. first want to start with a manis and build around that and the mother32, grab a pams and maths or maybe make noise function to save space, and fill up the rack space ive got left with filters, vcas and utilities.
-- madTraffick

I'd definitely go for the maths over the function... much more than just an extra function generator - the utilities in the middle make it 4-5 * the usefulness - and that's without learning to patch program it...

seriously the mantis is the way to go for a case - not the 3u rackbrute... you wouldn't believe the number of people who I've told this to - only for them to just buy a smaller case and then 2-3 months later they message me to say - yeah you were right, I just bought a mantis!!!

thank you for the your insight, Jim! i do have reverb and delay pedals and to save rack space i'm planning to keep effects as pedals, unless i can squeeze one in later on.

i was planning on using the keystep pro to sequence.

a second vco would be way down the line. first want to start with a manis and build around that and the mother32, grab a pams and maths or maybe make noise function to save space, and fill up the rack space ive got left with filters, vcas and utilities.

I think if you want 2 voices you're better off going for the 6u rackbrute, or better yet a mantis (more space, better power and no rack wart wasting precious hp) - this is because the support modules that are needed for 2 voices are really squeezed into 3u and it will leave you some space to expand into without the extra expense of buying a second case...

& maths takes up a lot of space out of 83hp...

good starting advice: buy a bigger case, buy fewer modules to start!

I'd get a full size plaits clone - not the beehive - trimmers are notoriously imprecise - so if you want to use it for tonal music, it's difficult to tune!!!

I want this rig to provide lead melodies/arpeggios and atmosphere.

how are intending to sequence? no sequencer (except the random ones in Pams) & no aropeggiator... the keystep?

where's the atmosphere? no reverb, no delay???

What are some other modules that I should be focusing on for modulation? Or after I get a Maths, hypothetically, should I turn my focus to VCAs?

you've probably got enough modulation between Maths and Pam's... take a look at my signature - it's a rough guide to building a modular synth that's as versatile as possible, for the least outlay... you're missing sound modifiers and utiltiies... I'd want at least one filter for each voice - and as plaits has 2 outputs (not stereo as such) I'd want 3 and possibly more... plus at least one module that can do delat and another for reverb... unless you have pedals or something similar (which you don't state)

you'll also want to mix your sound sources...

sequential switches, sample and hold, attenuverters, attenuators and offsets etc etc are also highly recommended and incredibly useful - utilities are the dull (& inexpensive) polish that are needed to keep the shiny expensive modules shining

a separate clock divider is also very useful... great for creating bass lines from other audio... /2 = -1ve, /4 = -2ve

& yes maths has attenuators/offsets - but you'll be using them for patch programming maths - so will need more (download the 'maths illustrated supplement' for more information) - BTW patch programming sounds complicated, but it's just patching - in this case self patching a module to itself to get extended funtctionality...

& yes Pam's works as a clock divider - but I'm not sure it can divide external sources...

How many VCAs do you think I'd need for this type of setup?

more than you think you do... vcas are extremely useful and powerful - they are for modulation as well as for shaping notes - 2-3 per voice is a good rule of thumb - although as they're also useful for controlling volume - more is always better!!! there's a reason behind the meme - you can never have too many vcas!!!

a good starting point would be a veils clone (or similar) - which is a quad cascading vca - cascading in that it has mixing capabilities built in... you may find you want more than one of these (or at least an extra dual or triple vca)

i have read and see a lot of videos of MATHS

100% peoples says : MATHS is indispensable, essential...

i thinks i will buy it...

thanks for you reply

i am a little afraid by MATHS who look like very complicate to use

Doepfer A-143-1 seems to be simpler to use

-- cores

it's very simple, but deep... something to grow into... nothing to be afraid of!!!

I really enjoy maths and also rampage
I think maths can never be wrong and many ppl started with it.

I would like to try the tip top Buchla 281t
Can someone who has it, explain whats unique on it?

thanks for you reply

i am a little afraid by MATHS who look like very complicate to use

Doepfer A-143-1 seems to be simpler to use

EDITED Mar 1st, 19:15

Apologies in advance for another ?wHaT sHoUlD i BuY? post, but here I am... I have done lots of research into modular but still find myself asking questions specific to my situation.

I am here to ask for your opinions on which types of modules you think I'd benefit from, and which types I don't need as much/to start. I plan on making a small modular rig (I don't have unlimited $$ for this) and will build slowly based on my needs. The rack will suplement some of my other gear. I want the rig two have max 2 voices and focus on modulating those VCOs and my Mother 32.

Gear for my modular Setup:
-Arturia Rackbrute 3U, 88hp (minus 5 hp power = 83 hp to fill)
-Mother 32 semi-modular
-Keystep pro

Other Gear in my setup
-Microfreak
-Drumbrute Impact
-Minilogue XD

Module I Need:
-Manis Iteritas Alia VCO (I absolutely love the sounds from this module - gritty, industrial, obscure, etc. Plus, it has the built in envelope, which seems beneficial). This is the only module I know that I want to build around. The BIA is an option too, but the Manis has me sold.

Modules I think I should get:
-Pam's Pro Workout (looks immensley useful and I can't think of any reason I wouldn't benefit from it)
-Make Noise Maths (because every single person recommends it and by all accounts seems like a swiss army knife of uses for 20hp
-After Late Beehive Plaits Clone (Hard/expensive to get an original MI Plaits so I'm all for this clone based on mostly positive reviews I've read)

Plan:
I plan on using this modular rig to supplement my existing setup.
I've got the Minilogue XD for chords, Mother 32 for basslines, Microfreak for whatever else I need, and Drumbrute Impact for drums.

I want this rig to provide lead melodies/arpeggios and atmosphere. Modulate the Manis and Mother 32, and possible the Plaits clone.

Questions:
-What are some other modules that I should be focusing on for modulation? Or after I get a Maths, hypothetically, should I turn my focus to VCAs?
-How many VCAs do you think I'd need for this type of setup?

I appreciate you taking the time to read through this, hopefully not too redundant beginner post. Thank you in advance to any and all comments and recommendations.

Cheers!

thanks JimHowell

do you have a MATH ??
-- cores

I do have Maths, yes... have done for about 6, maybe 7 years... used in every patch either simply or in a more complex way...

I also have the a-143-1...

If I could only have 1 then Maths it would be

The right module next for you is the module you want. I don't understand why guys are asking other people how to design their rack or which module to buy.
-- GunnarWaage

I get it. I like to have others' thoughts when I feel like I need to make a decision. Each of us can always learn something. I think asking others is just part of the learning process. There's always going to be sombody else out there with more smarts and experience (at least compared to me :)~ And, I'm going to want to hear others' experiences when I'm undecided about dropping the kind of cash that a Eurorack system can soak up!

i already got all the modules shown in the posted racks
-- Broken-Form

So, like others have already asked, what's not blowing your mind right now? Are there things that you use all the time? Do you have any modules that you like but have a hard time actually using? What makes you think that you need another module, other than a desire to fill up empty space? Do you just want some blind recommendations, or are there things/sounds/effects that you want to learn how to create?

I think that's what I take away from Gunnar's comment, above. If you want useful recommendations, it helps to have some idea of what you are looking for. IOW, if you don't know where you're going, you're probably not going to get there. And I say 'probably' just because even a blind squirrel gets a nut once in a while.

So, to my point, here's my suggestion... Since you want to do dark ambient, you may not be interested in adding some percussion but, since I'm not yet sure what you're looking for, that's what I would miss in your rack. Personally, I can't imagine having a rack without it. You may not want a 4/4 kick or snare hits cutting through your dark ambient atmosphere but it would add creative possibilities for adding punctuation and playing around with tempos and rhythms.

At the same time, there's nothing wrong with not having any percussion modules in your rack. Be bold! Do your own thing! Best of luck with your journey!

A few months back I had posted that I wanted a "laptop" rack that I could play around with away from my main setup. This is what I finally ended up going with. About half the modules are things I already owned. No doubt, I'll be revolving some of the modules through my main system as I play with it more and develop a better idea of where I want it to go.

thanks JimHowell

do you have a MATH ??

download the 'maths illustrated supplement' (google)

it'll give you an idea of what maths is actually capable of... it's a guide to patch programming it - especially useful if you spend the time going through it and concentrating on the what, why and how rathert han just patching blindly... and by extension a great resource for thinking about patching - when you patch your modular you are patch programming the whole thing not just an individula module

Hi there :)

I´m very new to modular and unfortunately I´m kind of drawn to it and feel like, that it would really make sense for me in my eager to make ambient but also noisy kind of music...
I´m trying to figure out what kind of modules and set up would be in any way a good way to start and also basically would work.

This is me so far and I´m also 100% sure, that this is not functioning
https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_2488677.jpg

I also got the Korg MS20 mini and SQ1.
And a lot of Guitar Pedals like Delays, Reverbs, Granular, Phasers, Looper.

Any help and advice highly appreciated!

Kind regards!

EDITED Mar 1st, 10:14

i already got all the modules shown in the posted racks

if it were me, I'd get a morphagene first. Then, maybe an endless processor. Clouds or Beads. IDK if you have a bitbox already but I didn't like it. It was just a big bright screen in the middle of my rack. It didn't feel like eurorack modular to me. Powerful, but so is my computer.

The right module next for you is the module you want. I don't understand why guys are asking other people how to design their rack or which module to buy.

please need your help

ok thanks

i will think about all that...

Personally, I might suggest the Doepfer module just because you did get rid of the Vermona LFO and this might be a good way to cover some of that function while also having envelope functionality and a few other things. However, this is more subjective territory now, and if you just like the idea of Maths more, it will also be really good in here.

The best bet here is just to buy the one you like the idea of the most and sell it if it doesn't work. Forming a preference around these will depend on trying them out. Personally, I own a Tiptop 281t, so I'm more used to the Doepfer module and its style and I coild be biased (it's very similar to the Buchla one).