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How do you update the firmware on plaits?i have the original

Yowza! That's a beautiful rack. Infinite possibilities and ergonomically perfect. Would love to hear something from this.
How do you like the Leibniz system? I haven't quite wrapped my head around that yet.
Thanks for sharing.

My 18U system. Still a work in progress, but getting close! The bottom row is for modules I don't have room for (left side) and modules I am considering adding (right side).

Plaits is a perfect first module. Keystep or Beatstep would be nice addition for controller and starter sequencer

Let’s try this again - haha. First time it didn’t share the entire case for some reason.

First case, looking at the Intelligel Palette case as a starter build before getting too crazy. The goal here is to add Melody synth voice as inspiration as well as use the rig to make textures and soundscapes to add to other music. Only locked in module is the plaits as I’ve already purchased one (had to get it in before MI finished up production). Plan to use the Xchanger to pair with my modulation effects pedals to add reverb/delay/echo/swell/etc. I also have a Roland JU106A boutique rig that I could use as synth voice and a TR08 Drum machine, but I’m looking to buy a dfam in addition.

Please let me know sequencer recommendations as well as anything else. Thanks to all and happy holidays!
fuzzmasterstomp

Picture doesn't seem to be showing the updated rack. Make sure to click on it in order to see the latest version.

Howdy folks!

This will be my first modular system ever. I have a couple of synths and know my away around some basic patch architecture, but I'd still like to know what you think. This eurorack is intended to complete my Behringer 2600.

I make mostly techno and ambient/IDM. I don't mind my rack behaving like a normal synth voice, but the main reason for going modular is to open some interesting sound design possibilities. I make music. I'm a composer. This rack is here for the mere purpose of getting interesting sounds that serve the song. It won't be a 'stand-alone/do everything' type of thing. Also, I will not be performing live, so being able to manipulate things on the fly is not a concern for me.

I had to give up my hopes of getting a Synthtech E440 because of lack of hp. I tend towards utilities and multipurpose modules, as you can see from the rack.

Case used is the Cre8audio Niftycase, mainly because of price and Midi to CV conversion.

My other synths include:
-Behringer 2600
-Studio Electronics ATC-1
-Korg MS-20 Mini
-Novation Bass Station II
-Behringer Model D
-Behringer TD-3

Any thoughts are welcome! Thanks!!!

Hi @USSAL,

Here is a suggestion of what you could do. I purposely kept the same case size, power supply, and general vibe that you started with. To me this feels like a fun basic subtractive synth setup. @JimHowell1970 mentioned a lot of good points that needed to be addressed, and I think this example rack takes care of those pretty well for the size of case we're working with. I focused on using similar but more compact modules or ones that provide more functionality than those that were in the original rack. I also added some desirable functionality that wasn't present: mixers, attenuators/attenuverters, S&H/T&H, clock source, slew limiter, noise source, more VCAs, LFOs, envelope generators... and a bitchin' reverb.

There's a lot that I could say about the choices I made, so let me know if you have any questions. But here are some quick notes: The Disting can act as a quantizer or many other utilities that you might find you need. I think it might be difficult to get the original Polivoks filter that you had in the original rack, so I replaced it with Erica Synths' newer one.

I hope some of that helps!
Chace

I included the pedal comments to underscore modulation sources to sounds after the rack…but message received.

that's not the modulation that you seek...

and they're not modulation sources they're modulation effects...

the modulation that you seek is voltages that fluctuate so that you can alter things on modules without using your hands - kind of like magic, but using electricity...

ie lfos/envelope generators/function generators etc + utilities to mix, multiply and mangle them!

Hi Darrell

what sort of sounds were you thinking of? what kind of music do you make, or intend to make?

what case? or at least size and power?

what's your budget?

Jim

Thanks again for the feedback and sound advice. Regarding tidbit audio, they are a small company that make passive doodads that I found on Etsy, here’s a link of them at Knobcon 22:

I included the pedal comments to underscore modulation sources to sounds after the rack…but message received.

Cheers!

Hi Everybody! I'm new here to Modular Grid and would like some advice on what new modules to get. I know that's a really BIG topic, but am interested in opinions, no matter your musical style.
I splurged and bought a Behringer System 55, and also have a Moog Mother-32 and Subharmonicon, which sets me up pretty well for some vintage sounds. I learned on the ARP 2600 (WAY back in the day!) but want to modernize with some present-day gear.

Any and all ideas are welcome....thanks very much!

Darrell Adams

and the link to the actual public rack - not just a jpg!!!

the rack looks like a completely un-thought out random collection of cheap modules with little to no research having been done before hand

and the patch doesn't make a lot of sense...

the output of your quantizer wants to be patched into the pitch input of your vco (or vcos via a buffered mult) and the output of the sequencer wants to be patched to the input of the quantizer!!!

the sequencer needs to be clocked - where is the clock coming from??

you need to open the vca with an envelope - where is this coming from?? where is the gate needed to open an envelope coming from?? or are you just interested in drones? in which case a mixer would be better than a single vca!

no modulation???

no mixing - you have 2 sound sources, but no mixing - no sub mixing to sum the waveforms from the individual vcos, nor to sum the 2 vcos - so both vcos can be filtered

invest in a quad cascading vca - use it for modulation as well as audio!!!

the patchbay is superfluous - ie completely and utterly useless - apart from using more patch cables than needed in a rack this size - maybe in one 5 times the size or when patching between a couple of larger cases it would become useful - but for now what's the point????????

please take a look at my signature... read it, think about it, ask questions based upon it... at the moment you appear to be floundering - like a flounder on a slab waiting to be filleted - not in the sea where it can swim!!!

EDITED Dec 23rd 2022, 20:31

Newbie here what all think

Thanks Jim… I probably should have mentioned I have 2 korg sq1 sequencers and an additional external mixer. I also have a set of utilities (VCA’s Attenuators, LPG passive multiple, micro mixer) from tid bit audio that float around as needed.

usually a good idea - as much info as possible as simply as possible is usually best...

no idea what the tib bit audio thing is could you post a link?

Of coarse I’m trying to be space and cost conscious, and want to get the biggest bang of sonic options for the buck. I can’t be alone in that quest.

probably not but it's a juggling act... the formula in my signature generally gives the most versatility for the least cash, though and scales well from the smallest to the largest modular synths

For modulation sources. I think there’s a lot of possibilities with ochd, swn, maths, rnd…

yes and you need multiples of these - and ways of mixing them together and attenuating and inverting and modulating them...

combining synced, unsynced and a tiny bit of random together in varying ratios gives better modulation than any one of these alone and often they need attenuating and (possibly) inverting

and I can record modulation to morphagene.

but them you can't use it for what it excels at - audio manipulation

The sg1 can also offer modulation as well as the mutable instruments ears clone, Byxa. I also have a berhinger crave cowering nearby, and a couple pedals…microcosm, two stereo loopers and the new boss slice.

do you mean sq1, not sg1? (that's an old sci-fi tv show!!! which could of course be used for modulation)

and the pedals aren't really modulation sources!!! and I don't see anything for interfacing with these - or do you find they work well at modular levels - I have some pedals that do and some that don't...

But I hear you. More utilities!

good... you got the point...

sound sources, modulation sources and sound modifiers are just what they are - utilities are possiblilities!!!

Thanks Jim… I probably should have mentioned I have 2 korg sq1 sequencers and an additional external mixer. I also have a set of utilities (VCA’s Attenuators, LPG passive multiple, micro mixer) from tid bit audio that float around as needed.
Of coarse I’m trying to be space and cost conscious, and want to get the biggest bang of sonic options for the buck. I can’t be alone in that quest.
For modulation sources. I think there’s a lot of possibilities with ochd, swn, maths, rnd…and I can record modulation to morphagene. The sg1 can also offer modulation as well as the mutable instruments ears clone, Byxa. I also have a berhinger crave cowering nearby, and a couple pedals…microcosm, two stereo loopers and the new boss slice.
But I hear you. More utilities!

Quick 2022 Wrap up:

Haven't been that productive with music this year somehow. But here's what happened in the meantime:

Patch050 - Lots of delay and some metallic bells from the Rample:

Patch052 - This and the next patch are based on the same session and share some core patterns, that get broken up by missed opportunities (highly recommend this one)

Patch053 - Really chaotic wild and quite heavy. I liked this a lot but other times it feels like a chaotic mess.

Edit: Come one, you can tell me when I paste the same video twice ;)

EDITED Dec 27th 2022, 20:29

Hi, check out the fh2 from expert sleepers
I was thinking about a mutant brain but finally bought the fh2 2 day ago :)

The brains IS only 4 CV and many trigger.
The fh2 IS 8 CV or Gate out. I think IS better for your use (and got many features)

& the link to your public rack because jpgs are shit - now we can mouseover and click-through!!!

you are trying to do too much in too small a case with too little in the way of support modules - it's a schoolboy mistake relating to not going through enough newbie rack posts (ie lack of research) same as not linking the rack above!!!

too many sound sources, too many sound modifiers, too little in the way of modulation or utilities... these are the important bits in modular... mixing looks like an oversight that's been "fixed" at the last minute without any thought - I must have a mixer and I only have 6hp left, what will fit... no vcas, how are you intending to play this (generate pitch and gates for notes? there's no midi->cv module or sequencer(s)

don't get me wrong all these modules would be great together in a much larger case with the support modules to actually support them!!! add at least another row - or much better 2 to make space for these essential modules or throw most of this out and start again around at most 2 voices...

see my signature for some hints on how to get a versatile modular that will keep you engaged for less cash

EDITED Dec 23rd 2022, 00:28

lots of big modules - not a lot of case space - if you like ergonomics and want all these modules I'd say just get a bigger case (104hp either 6u or 9u) so there's some space left over for future modules - my guess is that the verbos cv processor seems like it's enough for now, in the future you'll want more utilities - doepfer make a lot of ergonomic utilities for reasonable prices

also seems like too little in the way of 'voices' for 6u - I'd probably want to squeeze in another one somewhere - again bigger case - tbh I'd probably switch the rcd, penrose, permutation and clock modules out for a pams... it'll cover all of them and save a few hp...
which will leave a bit of space for a sub-mixer...

personally I'd want more vcas - and definitely consider swapping out the verbos envelope - 2 big, there are plenty of smaller envelope generators with good enough ergonomics that are much smaller - and the source of uncertainty - for exactly the same reasons...

Looking for some thoughts on this set up. Mainly using this for sound design and sample manipulation. Anything stand out here that should be reconsidered?

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_2105579.jpg

there is a youtube channel called @eurorackDIY where you can find really useful tuto.
-- klodifokan

good to know
thank you!!

Hi,

there is a youtube channel called @eurorackDIY where you can find really useful tuto.

I don't know why, but if I copy the link MG says video not available.

https://www.youtube.com - slash - @eurorackDIY - slash - videos
slash = /

EDITED Dec 22nd 2022, 15:17

As @T0MMI001 and @JimHowell1970 have pointed out, when shortening the sequence length not a 4/4 time signature, you are creating polymeters and not polyrhythms. I will edit the post above to avoid confusion.

Hi all,

Title says it all. What do you think? Would you chop and change? Just a hypothetical rack at present

As it stands, the Furthrrrr Generator and MA35 are the absolute must keep modules, the rest I'm flexible and open to swaps etc. One of the priorities however is Ergonomics; I can appreciate that Ochd is touching on the compact side of things, but generally speaking space to wiggle knobs without interference is ideal.

The aim of the case is to explore sound on the experimental tip. Sequencing currently to be done with an SQ1 or Turing type module. Potentially thinking about expanding into the future for multiple voices, but for now multitracking is all good.

Artist reference points: Sciama, Fresnel Lens, Synth Sense.

Thanks!

EDITED Dec 22nd 2022, 23:20

I'd try on modwiggler/MusicTechDIY...
-- JimHowell1970

great idea
Thank you!!

EDITED Dec 22nd 2022, 04:07

@Vbsmusic: check this store, it's in Italy. they've got new LS1 bundle on discount
https://www.newgroove.it/vendita/soundmachines-ls1-lightstrip-x3-bundle/
also single module, discounted price.
https://www.newgroove.it/vendita/soundmachines-ls1-lightstrip/
buy me a coffe ahah :D

Hi community,

just did a patch today to try my new klavis logica xt, i use the 3 output to modulate prism and rings, still not perfect but i think it's start to make sense...

it's a slow ambiant texture consist of Rings and Gen3 as sound source, sequence by hermod for rings, a copy of that sequence trough shiffty goes into gen3, rings filter by prism, modulations by tides and contour 1 & hermod, gen3 gets filter by filter8same mod source but differnet shapes...

=af5f98cdd9b74679bc139d740e3110e5&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

any comments are welcome

cheers!

use a stereo matrix mixer (as I suggested on reddit)

The robaux and similar modules don’t create polyrhythms.. but they can create polymeters. #bigdiff
-- T0MMI001

all true - but a simple clock divider (as long as it has /3,/5 etc) or multiplier (*3, *5 etc) can be used to create a polyryhythm - so easy (and not particularly expensive) it's to expand/augment them - it is modular after all!!!

EDITED Dec 21st 2022, 23:53

The robaux and similar modules don’t create polyrhythms.. but they can create polymeters. #bigdiff

Hi,
There is an offer on the marketplace
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/offers/view/730698

Anyone know where to get one of these? Or anything similar?
-- Vbsmusic

Best I can come up with is...

• Mult the audio output of both Cruin and Chainsaw four audio signals total.
• Send those signals into four 1U VCAs
• Mult a steady 10 volts into Mutes.
• Use Mutes to open and close those four VCAs.
• Those VCAs feed one mixer ahead of Ikarie and one ahead of NG
• Use Switchblade to change the v/oct into Cruin and the trigger into NG.

With those mutes I can turn off/on Crun and chainsaw into each of Ikarie and NG.
So with a few switches, turn off Chainsaw into NG, and Crun into Ikarie, while hitting Switchblade to change the melody into Cruin and NG.

If I always want CS into Ikarie and Crun into NG, I think I can get away with two VCAs - not Four!

I've got a live set coming up and plan to use this rack (maybe) along with Digitakt for beats.

Here is what I'm trying to do:

1 - I want to play four note chords through Cruin and Chainsaw via Harmonaig.
2 - Sometimes I want to play them through Ikarie
3 - Or switch them over to Natural Gate
4 - Or play a different melody line through Cruin
5 - And be able to split Cruin into Natural Gate while Chainsaw goes into Ikarie

As I work through the permutations, I start to get lost a bit - and am hoping to find a simpler approach. I own a lot of utilities, and am willing to buy another if something nails this. Here is my strategy so far...

• I am mixing Cruin and Chainsaw into the first Hyrol, and from there it is easy to mult that mix into both NG and Ikarie.
• I can then mix NG and Ikarie with 4xMix into Mimeophone.
• I can also change the v/oct into Cruin from Harmonaig to another melody line using Switchblade (which I can also use to change the trigger).
• But at that point I want to split Cruin into NG and Chainsaw into Ikarie. And I don't have a solution for that...

I could put another mixer in front of NG. Basically give each NG and Ikarie a dedicated mix. BUT, I'd love to be able to flip a switch or button to make the swap from chord to separate melodies - rather than twist knobs. I have mutes which might help - and could use more mults maybe.

The most obvious thing to do is repatch :) But this is for a live performance, and would rather not if I can find a module based solution.

Any slick ideas? Thank you!

It's running like a dream now!
excellent!!! good news...
It was the trim pots on the back. Had to adjust those to my likes.

yeah, buggers those aren't they - trimmers that need setting and on the back!!!! argh!

Thanks (again) Jim!
-- isolatediguana

I'd try on modwiggler/MusicTechDIY...

Hi
i want to build 2 passive modules but i am a noob.
are there any PCB experienced bleepbloppers out there who would like to transform my design into a file that can be uploaded to a PCB manufacturer? both modules are very simple but one has a multi layer PCB.
of course i pay for this job.
in case anyone is interested please send me a message.
thanks!

EDITED Dec 21st 2022, 17:00

thanks for the answers, I already have one modular synthesizer, yarns elements maths clouds, you're right about the larger case, we need to lay more utilities.

Robaux also has the SWT16+ in addition to the LL8. If you want something comparable to the Tiptop Circadian Rhythms, this might be a better choice. The price of the SWT16+ is between an LL8 and the Circadian Rhythms, but is also available as a DIY kit if you're into that. If you want something where you don't create rhythms per step but more generating it by knobs, you can look into something like the vmpe.de Euclidean Circles V2 (has six channels) or something like Mutable Instruments Grids, which has three channels + three accent channels of 25 mappable pre-programmed drum sequences)

Good to keep in mind while browsing for trigger / drum sequencers is what type of workflow you want. The SWT16+ and also other sequencers like the Erica Synths Drum Sequencer have a different project setup than the Circadian Rhythms (disclaimer: I don't have either of these but am looking for a drum sequencer as well so I've read up on their workflow).

In the Circadian Rhythms you have 8 outputs, called channels here. All 8 channels are bundled together in a preset and you can have multiple presets, which are then sorted into groups.
What's interesting about the CR is that all channels in a preset have a fixed length of 8 steps and you "extend" those 8 steps by looping a selection of presets. So let's say you want a 16-step rhythm, you can achieve this by looping two presets (can be any of the eight presets in a group). The looping multiple presets means that you can experiment more with combining different rhythms that you've made, as opposed to the more linear classic TR style approach. Also the interface of the CR is different, depending of the amount of presets you loop you can edit the triggers of multiple channels at the same time.

The Robaux LL8, SWT16+ and others like the Erica Synths Drum Sequencer have a more "traditional" TR-style approach. Channels are bundled into presets (similar to Circadian Rhythms' presets) and then divided in projects. However in these type of sequencers you can most of the time edit the default sequence length per channel, which is probably 16 steps. Depending on the module you can select less than 16 steps (which can create polymeters) but sometimes also extend the sequence length to 32 or even 64 steps.

Euclidean Circles is more based the number of filled steps divided by the number of steps, however it also has a step edit mode per channel (with a max length of 16 steps). Mutable Instruments Grids is its entire own thing, you can find lots of explanations online on how it works but it might be worth to take a look.

On the ModularGrid modules page you can filter on drum sequencer with a maximum width. Set function selection to "drum" and second function to "sequencer", punch in the max with in HP and have a look. Of course you will find some other modules as well (like drum voices or melodic sequencers) but it should give you an idea of what's out there.

Oh and one more thing; if you look outside of eurorack, there are plenty of sequencers that are eurorack compatible, have loads of features and are on average far cheaper than their eurorack-sized competition. For example the Arturia Beatstep Pro and the Korg SQ-64 just to name a few. Compared to something like the Tiptop Circadian Rhythms, the Beatstep Pro is half the price and fully eurorack compatible.

EDITED Dec 22nd 2022, 11:15

Thanks (again) Jim!

Thank you very much my friend. A friend of mine is taking care of it!

-- orys

That's good... hope it gets fixed!

-- JimHowell1970

It's running like a dream now!
It was the trim pots on the back. Had to adjust those to my likes.

Too many layers in one synthbass. There are 2 basic synthbass at 0.40 seconds. sub oscs are common, but oscillators at mid and treble frequencies are different. In short, I say mid bass and side bass here. In mid bass and side bass, one of the oscillators is an osc with analog thruzero fm feature. the other is a fully digital thru zero fm oscillator. I made this mainframe by programming it in analog logic. but there are still some extra moves. I cut them out of some of my synthbass jams and inserted them into the song.

Hi Guys,
my new piece "Nebel" for handpan and a small modular synthesizer in calm and thoughtful mood is available on Youtube.
Mostly TipTop Buchla clones modules, the sequence from the ER-101 and the effects are Erb-Verb and Echophone.

Greetings from Germany! 😇

Wow! That's really intense. Amazing job. I'd love to know how this kind of track is made. Is there a lot of recording small samples and editing them together in a DAW? For example the section that starts at 0:40. It sounds complicated...

Thanks for sharing. Cheers!

For FH-2 polyphonic playing you could setup in the configuration tool:
Type: Poly, 2 Voices;
Per Voice Ouputs: CV, Gate or Trigger, Velocity(?) and Envelope(?). ( 4 x 4 )
Then you'd have a full 8 expander outputs for whatever—the filter and repeater, one of the Noise Engineering modules, bitbox?

You have two oscillators yes, so to play your rig polyphonically you'd have to patch both oscillators and mix them down to a single centred output so you can then bring them into your reverb, delay effects and make them stereo. Otherwise you'll have two voices, one in left side, one in right—probably not what you want. Of course you can record each voice separately and have as many layers as you want in your DAW. But you basically have two subtractive signal paths osc/bb>filter>fx and osc/bb>fx>filter, so this is not gonna be complicated.

The bitbox does multisample polyphony too with MIDI, so you have that option with your Keystep.

If you dropped an expander there is the Disting, I don't have it but it is VERY POPULAR—44128 racks.
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/expert-sleepers-disting-mk4

or since you're doing sound design you could look into the Happy Nerding FX—also well liked and popular, also something I don't have, haha. https://www.modulargrid.net/e/happy-nerding-fx-aid-black-gold

Ultimately it comes down to you. Personally I'd probably not devote so much hp in a small case to a reverb and two different delays... but your name is Echo so that's your thing. Do your thing.
-- Toccata

Thanks for the feedback. There's 3 oscillators in the system when you count the basimilus. Plus I have a mother 32 so that's 4 voices. Technically the maths and I think mimeo could be used as a voice as well. So FH2 plus 1 expander gives me 3 voices + 4 outputs leftover for modulation. That's probably enough. I also might mess with MPE controllers...so I just wanted to have enough outputs for that. I plan on playing it polyphonically...saving those parts as samples into bitbox...looping a variety of those and reusing the oscillators for other things afterwards.

In terms of too many delay and reverb...I agree. I own the mimeophon already...but I'm very intrigued by Nautilus and definitely would like to pick that up. I heard they are very different and I'd like the sound design possibilities of Nautilus...it has distortion etc. For reverb, I wanted the starlab...but it's too large to be practical in my case...and wouldn't fit with the modules I currently own. So the NE reverb was what I came up with as a substitute....perhaps it isn't necessary and I can just use DAW reverb.

I will check out those modules. I just don't want to complete my case and be missing something that is important.

Cheers,

EDITED Dec 20th 2022, 18:54

A filter from Jolin Lab in Italy.
Another very quick build, mostly surface mount already installed. Not necessarily for beginners, though, it can be tricky to not damage the surface mount parts while you're soldering the jacks and so on, some parts are VERY close to delicate surface mount parts.
It sounds OK. Not as aggressive as I expected, seems to be milder to my ear.

Build

thanks for your response farkas,

i might find time next week to get more in detail about the system and for what im aiming for... .