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I'm going to dm you about your video synthesis later, if you don't mind.

Please feel free - always happy to answer questions etc...

Jim

haha yeah - I don't actually have a pro, just an xl, but I intend to get one at some point in the future - and implement this trick that I saw someone else suggest somewhere - probably modwiggler - I've generally only used it for the lofi setting which I did know the position of - but I want to re-flash it and use it for other stuff - will have to remember to print out the pdf this time!!!

-- JimHowell1970

Duuude, I had my XL racked for 8ish month before I even realized I could re-flash lol. It was in a mylar generative knock-off, so not knowing what it was actually doing wasn't an issue for me at the time. In my live box I reflashed and banked based off of need, so delay into reverb is first slot, and the other less often used effects are around it. I also added the x0x generator algos to record into the Sample Drum. Not perfect, but certainly useful. I would love the Pro, but oh man, 32 effects/utilities/sources are more than enough for my needs. The added cv controls are quite tantalizing! Maybe one day! I'm going to dm you about your video synthesis later, if you don't mind.

Hey, Stoffaboy, where ya at?

Figured out how to get my modular recorded in stereo the right way from 1010 Music Bluebox without using computer.
Some fun techno with QoP and Chainsaw. Really like the OB-4 for portable monitoring and recording loops from synths and radio.

https://on.soundcloud.com/BhweR

Hello there,

Not playing modular synths for now, just playing Strega & 0-ctrl, M-32, Drumbrute Impact, some pedals and some plugins, but can't wait to buy my first rack and modules, won't be that long now, I hope!

Anway, let me know what you think about what I did, it's mainly improvisations !

https://clementpoline.bandcamp.com/

Cheers

personally I think the hector and empress zoia are the opposite of modular philosophy - basically just a computer in a module format - I'd rather use vcv rack & I really don't like that either - real knobs (ie full size ones as much as possible possible), real jacks, real switches, real patch cables, real modular!!!!

money is only money - a modular synth is something else entirely and much more valuable and worthwhile!

Hey, to cover some of your questions;

Rookie mistake is probably that row of 2HP modules. That is really tight. You wouldn’t realize it until you had them patched just how difficult it is to reach in, not only to get at and turn the knobs, but also to pull out and insert new cables into the jacks.

Poor modules is something to look into—those Sylph Mutable Clones have poor ratings: Marbles 3/5, Rings 2.5/5, Ripples 1/5, Clouds 1/5, Plaits 1/5. Troll ratings maybe? Or legit quality issues?

If your main goal is to compliment your Moog and to rinse every last bit of functionality in as small a space as possible, check out the Poly Effects Hector. If you don’t mind some menu diving, the Hector has 100s of built in modules including all of the Mutable Instruments in your case and more: Warps, Grids, Plaits, Rings, Clouds, Tides, and Marbles. Might be a module you’re interested in collecting: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/poly-effects-hector

I don’t have it. But I have Mutable Instruments modules and for the price I paid I could have bought like 3 of those Hectors. haha, maybe that was my rookie mistake. :)

I've seen you speak about this before, Jim. I know how much you love the pro. It is definitely a solution.

-- yeahivandalizm

haha yeah - I don't actually have a pro, just an xl, but I intend to get one at some point in the future - and implement this trick that I saw someone else suggest somewhere - probably modwiggler - I've generally only used it for the lofi setting which I did know the position of - but I want to re-flash it and use it for other stuff - will have to remember to print out the pdf this time!!!

I'm currently leaning towards Mutable Instruments modules, but many of them are quite large for such a limited space. There are many clones that come in smaller sizes, so I have included them. Some, however, are still quite large. Ripples, for example, is basically just a filter, but takes up 8HP of width. I'd love to hear of any alternatives in a smaller format (doesn't have to be Mutable/clone, any nice filter under 8HP).

the obvious and sane answer to this is... get a bigger case... 6u is easily portable, unless you are a small child - I've carried a mantis (best bang for buck case there is) on trains, planes and buses quite a bit and never had a problem with it being too big to carry - and then you can stay with full size modules and benefit from the ergonomics - remember 1hp is just over 5mm (1/5 of an inch) and 3u is less than 14cm (5.25") - often newbies do not realise how small eurorack actually is!!

At 8HP each, Pam's and Disting EX were included to add lots of diverse functionality in a small space. Continuing the trend of more functionality in less space, Ochd fits many spread-out LFOs into 4HP. The remaining space was filled with a handful of 2HP modules. I'm still learning about all of the functionality of Pam's and Disting EX, and they might be able to cover many functions that I might be attempting to get out of other modules, so let me know if anything seems obvious.

too many tiny (2hp) modules next to each other - they will be (virtually - at best) unusable

this rack will be horrible to play... see above bigger case, ergonomic modules

you might also consider the 2hp tm (turing machine) and tune (quantizer) which would be pretty similar in the same hp

That’s a lot of small knobs in a small case..

Working towards my first modular setup. Comments and critique welcome and encouraged!

I have a Moog Mavis that will start out in an 84HP by 3U by 55mm case: Cre8Audio NiftyCase, that includes power (1500mA @ +12v, 500mA @ -12v, and 500mA @ +5v), midi to CV, and mono out. The Mavis will eventually be removed to make space as modules are acquired. The Mavis will provide some traditional synth elements to the system (VCO, VCF, LFO, EG, S+H, etc.), so the main goal for the rest of the system in to compliment the Mavis.

For example, the Mavis' internal sample + hold source is the VCO, which makes for nice rhythmic patterns, but isn't as random-ish as using a noise source. Adding a module that can provide noise thus increases the possibilities of the S+H, while also providing noise for any other possible use case. The Kinks module has a dedicated noise output, normalled to it's own S+H circuit, along with a few other useful utilities, all in a nice 4HP size.

In the spirit of complimenting a traditional synth voice setup, I want non-traditional elements at the center of the system. Another major goal of this setup is to achieve lots of functionality in a small/portable setup. I'm currently leaning towards Mutable Instruments modules, but many of them are quite large for such a limited space. There are many clones that come in smaller sizes, so I have included them. Some, however, are still quite large. Ripples, for example, is basically just a filter, but takes up 8HP of width. I'd love to hear of any alternatives in a smaller format (doesn't have to be Mutable/clone, any nice filter under 8HP).

At 8HP each, Pam's and Disting EX were included to add lots of diverse functionality in a small space. Continuing the trend of more functionality in less space, Ochd fits many spread-out LFOs into 4HP. The remaining space was filled with a handful of 2HP modules. I'm still learning about all of the functionality of Pam's and Disting EX, and they might be able to cover many functions that I might be attempting to get out of other modules, so let me know if anything seems obvious.

Let me know what you think! Is this reasonable? Am I making rookie mistakes? Too many LFOs? Not enough VCAs? Too Mutable? Needs Beads? Brand X makes poor modules? Redundant modules? Obvious components missing? Money could be spent better elsewhere? Facts, anecdotes, opinions, information, etc. all welcome.

Thanks all, appreciated. The Ladik looks like a winner.

have you read the module descriptions on here?

what is your understanding of what they can or cannot do?

I just took a quick look at the module descriptions and they seem fairly understandable...

to me the main differences appear to be:

one has more cross-fading channels and one has panning and an aux stereo input

one is 12hp one is 10hp

one draws considerably more power than the other

I am considering taking Maths out of my case. Except for modulation, I actually use maths as an attenuator or simpler things.
-- FWGW

I always strongly suggest that anyone considering taking Maths out of their rack download the 'maths illustrated supplement' and work their way through it a number of times (ie more than once or twice) and concentrate on the what, why and how... Maths is way more than the sum of it's parts - but requires some effort to learn to self-patch it to get it to do more than the obvious surface functionality - the effort is more than worth it - as it will translate to a large extent to other modules and to modular patching in general...

the pro version has a screen and holds all the algorithms - so much easier to deal with, without a cheat sheet

if you buy a pro and an xl for example & plan a bit ie set the order of the 1st 32 algorithms to be the same as the other fx aid then you can use the pro as the cheat sheet for the other module

-- JimHowell1970

I've seen you speak about this before, Jim. I know how much you love the pro. It is definitely a solution.

I have already tried Zadar in a music shop in connection with different oscillators. The module is a lot of fun. For simple modulation I've always used Ochd and Maths. If I decide to buy Zadar I am considering taking Maths out of my case. Except for modulation, I actually use maths as an attenuator or simpler things. I still have Samara for these functions. I know that maths is the module for many but just because it's very common doesn't mean it's for everyone. I think that's the nice thing about Eurorack. If I notice over time that I'm missing a function that Maths can do, I still have space for modules that replace it. Does anyone have experience with Noise engineering´s Pons Asinorum compared to zadar?

EDITED Dec 14th 2022, 07:03

Hi! Can anybody describe me what are the differences between them two ? things like - what one can do, the other can not ? etc. Thanks for any comments! Regards!

@bopodoq thanks for the response above

Out of curiosity I decided to just look everything up, as my rack gear is not so many pieces. I found only half of my rack items list their power consumption, and the ones that do list a range of 30-70W with typical draw around 30-40W. I'm on a normal "home" circuit of 15A in the US (implying max load of 1800W and circuit breaker tripping around 1440W). SO it looks like, unless I have a giant power hog on the same circuit, I should be fine to run my updated audio rack.

I’ve never been too concerned myself. Power conditioners/ supplies are someone self-limiting in the number of receptacles available. In any event, if they are plugged in to the same receptacle box (unless they are split receptacles - unlikely) or in the same wall, they may be on the same circuit anyway.
Not necessary to overthink it, just use common sense and be reasonable.

Hi folks,

I'm doing some updates to my 19" audio rack gear. I love how the MG tool shows power consumption on draft modular setups. Do any of you know of a tool (or other easy way) to similarly calculate power consumption for other audio gear including 19" rack units? I've recently added SSL Fusion to my rack and want to check the totals won't overrun my power conditioner or circuit.

I would make a manual list if needed, but if there's a slick online tool, I'd be glad to use that. No good initial Google finds so thought I'd ask around. Not exactly a modular question, but similar ballpark... I'll appreciate any ideas you have!

Nicholas

"another alternative might be a Happy Nerding FX Aid Pro..."

Another second for the fx aid series. Any of the FX Aid guys are great, as long as you can keep up with what dot means what.
-- yeahivandalizm

the pro version has a screen and holds all the algorithms - so much easier to deal with, without a cheat sheet

if you buy a pro and an xl for example & plan a bit ie set the order of the 1st 32 algorithms to be the same as the other fx aid then you can use the pro as the cheat sheet for the other module

EDITED Dec 13th 2022, 23:54

Just a reminder about the MicroFreak: It has a CV and Gate output as well as clock in and output. So you can clock it from your modular rig but you can't sequence it. I eventually got rid of mine because of this so just wanted to highlight it.

that would be a good reason to sell it and put the money towards modules to me

As general feedback I would say that your rack looks like the rack of someone that has done research about modular but has no experience actually using one. I know that might sound a bit harsh but I also think it's perfectly natural. The thing about modular is that (especially among beginners), there's always this drive to try to maximize "functions per HP" and try to squeeze as many functions as possible out of your modular. In theory, this makes sense since modules are expensive but in practice, it leads to frustration and an unusable system. Planning a rack is a useful exercise to do, myself I have a couple of racks here on MG where I just play around with different ideas. I'm not gonna tell you to look into module X, Y or Z but rather: Buy the least amount of modules you can start with then figure out what you're missing or what's frustrating you about your current setup, then try to solve that problem. It can definitely be worth having fewer modules if the ones you get fits you better and makes your system more fun/easier to use.

I've never seen anyone that's been able to plan a full system without actually using it and I don't think this system is any exception to that rule. I think your system is very unbalanced and probably not very ergonomic but the best way for you to know how to balance your system is to start small and slow. The only thing that I know for sure is that your modular system will never turn out the way you plan it to.
-- exzs

this is all great advice - another thing to realise that comes up again and again is how small modules actually are... 1hp = 1/5" - they are very small and a lot of new users are surprised by how small modules actually are... lots of small modules next to each other will be impossible to play - especially if they have trimmers (not to mention how inexact trimmers can be) - fewer, larger modules with less panel furniture are much nicer to actually play!

Thanks for taking the time to answer me.

NP

Yes you're right about it all, I've considererd what you said and yes and I'm going to redesign from start my rack, and planning to use a Mantis rack or a Case From Lake rack (don't know why, but I like the 1U modules hehe, just maybe for utilities yeah)

personally I think this makes light of the importance of utilities... but each to their own... I've never found anything that warrants 1u - I'd always rather just add an extra 3u (I DIY most of my cases) as they cost the same to build (at least in terms of hardware and barely anything extra in terms of wood) they really just save 3.5" in height and take up more than that saving in width...

About the MI modules, yes I know that, planning on buying clones on second hand modules.
Don't know why but I like the turing machine too, maybe just not use all the expanders yeah, and why not try marbles.

I have marbles, it works slightly differently than a TM, in terms of how it generates the signal, but marbles does have the advantage of 3 quantized cv outputs, 1 random output and 3 triggers/gates in a single module in 18hp (or less in the case of some clones - pachinko is acceptable at 14hp - but smaller it'll be fiddly) and remember the TM needs quantizing!

Same goes for ramapage and maths, I've looked up both and even now, don't know what module is best for my use (maybe I should start by knowing what I really want to do, that will surely help!), but yeah math was my first choice.

swings and roundabouts to a large extent - but I'd rather have Maths - spend time with it and the supplement and try to understand the what, why, how of it...

And again, you're right, same goes for the sound sources, I just wanna be sure that I had enough, but 2-3 is already enough for a rack that size I suppose?
Didn't know about the size of the modules and for the 2hp modules then, thanks for the advice!

lots of 2hp modules together is miserable...

I'll repost my rack when I'll be satisfied with it, if I could get your opinion then, would be great!

Thanks again!

NP again - just post the new one in this thread and I'll get a notification

Thanks for taking the time to answer me.

Yes you're right about it all, I've considererd what you said and yes and I'm going to redesign from start my rack, and planning to use a Mantis rack or a Case From Lake rack (don't know why, but I like the 1U modules hehe, just maybe for utilities yeah)
About the MI modules, yes I know that, planning on buying clones on second hand modules.
Don't know why but I like the turing machine too, maybe just not use all the expanders yeah, and why not try marbles.
Same goes for ramapage and maths, I've looked up both and even now, don't know what module is best for my use (maybe I should start by knowing what I really want to do, that will surely help!), but yeah math was my first choice.
And again, you're right, same goes for the sound sources, I just wanna be sure that I had enough, but 2-3 is already enough for a rack that size I suppose?
Didn't know about the size of the modules and for the 2hp modules then, thanks for the advice!

I'll repost my rack when I'll be satisfied with it, if I could get your opinion then, would be great!

Thanks again!

C39303

@Rookie
Thank You.

what does the volca manual expect as a clock - usually stated as ppqn (pulses per quarter note)? - can the beatstep be set up to send this?

what voltage is the volca expecting as a clock? the beatstep might not be sending out enough voltage, in which case an amplifier of some sort would be needed...
-- JimHowell1970

I havent touched my volca modular in two years and even back then did not dig deep. I suggest to look at many videos of the volca modular, there is one input you need a cable with a stereo plug to two monos so you have two inputs, on the volca there are patchpoints from which you can patch each of those two inputs to the destination of your choice. As far as i rememember its definitely possible to clock the sequencer.
Maybe you want to look into "undulations" youtubes channel he has in depth videos about the volca modular that might cover that.
I should dig out mine sometimes.
...edit and yes a gate is not a gate and a trig is not a trig, there are different formats, i don't know what the keystep puts out.
-- znort101

I don‘t own a Volca Modular, but I successfully synced my Beats, Bass, Keys, Sample and FM to a Keystep. In the Keystep-MIDI-Software there is a section where you can choose different sync-options. As Jim said you have to set it to the PPQN the Volca expects. If I remember correctly there is a KORG-setting, this should be the one.
-- CoogLFish

!thanks a lot, JimHowell1970, znort101 & CoogLFish. this seems to be very helpful. will dive into undulations channel, looks great. yes, keystep can be set to ppqn through midi control center, i'm not sure about voltage though. will try to set up everything this week and post the results, hopefully this works :)

EDITED Dec 13th 2022, 14:08

I don‘t own a Volca Modular, but I successfully synced my Beats, Bass, Keys, Sample and FM to a Keystep. In the Keystep-MIDI-Software there is a section where you can choose different sync-options. As Jim said you have to set it to the PPQN the Volca expects. If I remember correctly there is a KORG-setting, this should be the one.

Link to a pdf with a list of the 3x32 presets for the FM synth in Plaits firmware 1.2:
https://tinyurl.com/225jzkrt

Just a reminder about the MicroFreak: It has a CV and Gate output as well as clock in and output. So you can clock it from your modular rig but you can't sequence it. I eventually got rid of mine because of this so just wanted to highlight it.

As general feedback I would say that your rack looks like the rack of someone that has done research about modular but has no experience actually using one. I know that might sound a bit harsh but I also think it's perfectly natural. The thing about modular is that (especially among beginners), there's always this drive to try to maximize "functions per HP" and try to squeeze as many functions as possible out of your modular. In theory, this makes sense since modules are expensive but in practice, it leads to frustration and an unusable system. Planning a rack is a useful exercise to do, myself I have a couple of racks here on MG where I just play around with different ideas. I'm not gonna tell you to look into module X, Y or Z but rather: Buy the least amount of modules you can start with then figure out what you're missing or what's frustrating you about your current setup, then try to solve that problem. It can definitely be worth having fewer modules if the ones you get fits you better and makes your system more fun/easier to use.

I've never seen anyone that's been able to plan a full system without actually using it and I don't think this system is any exception to that rule. I think your system is very unbalanced and probably not very ergonomic but the best way for you to know how to balance your system is to start small and slow. The only thing that I know for sure is that your modular system will never turn out the way you plan it to.

It seems like you're using up a lot of hp with your compressor and mixer. Although I imagine you'll be using the Roland 531 as your main mixer, it's handy to have several submixers in your system. Perhaps you intend to use the Doepfer A-130-8 as a submixer, but the Frap Tools 321 and Intellijel Triplatt (listed below) offer many useful features in addition to mixing.

For a smaller compressor, you should look into:
Steady State Fate - Autodyne [4hp] https://www.modulargrid.net/e/steady-state-fate-autodyne
Noise Engineering - Librae Legio [6hp] https://www.modulargrid.net/e/noise-engineering-librae-legio
Cosmotronic - Messor [8hp] https://www.modulargrid.net/e/cosmotronic-messor
God's Box - Lollipop mk2 [12hp] https://www.modulargrid.net/e/god-s-box-lollipop-mk2

For submixers I really like:
Frap Tools - 321 [6hp] https://www.modulargrid.net/e/frap-tools-321-
Intellijel - Triplatt [6hp] https://www.modulargrid.net/e/intellijel-triplatt
Joranalogue - Mix 3 [6hp] https://www.modulargrid.net/e/joranalogue-audio-design-mix-3

A possible alternative to the Roland 531:
AI Synthesis - AI007 Quad Mixer [12hp] https://www.modulargrid.net/e/ai-synthesis-ai007-quad-voltage-controlled-mixer-vca
Toppobrillo - Minimix [14hp] https://www.modulargrid.net/e/toppobrillo-minimix-black-panel
Cosmotronic - Cosmix [16hp] https://www.modulargrid.net/e/cosmotronic-cosmix

Good luck and have fun!

"another alternative might be a Happy Nerding FX Aid Pro..."

Another second for the fx aid series. Any of the FX Aid guys are great, as long as you can keep up with what dot means what. Fx aid has some clouds stuff going on already, and is more instantly satisfying. All the x into y algos are sweet, tho you might still need a small clouds buddy to get some granular going. Even so, 2 og fx aids and a uburst would consume the same hp as the typhoon thing, with an insane ammount of possibilities (making a mental note to try this myself). On the other hand it would consume way more currency.

I also agree with Farkas. 104Hp will likely be too small for what you're trying to accomplish (maaantiiiiissss). That being said, "do more with less" is always a game worth playing.

I think 104hp is going to be too small for the amount of variation you are hoping to achieve (twinkly and abrasive).

I agree with this... and point out that black maths and PNW are unobtanium

To maximize space and gain a lot of different functions in 10hp with no menu diving, I HIGHLY recommend one of the Noise Engineering Versio modules. You can flash them with different firmware (super easy process) for the task at hand. I love the Desmodus (reverb/delay), Melotus (granular), and Ruina (distortion) firmwares. Melotus could cover your Clouds needs in a smaller footprint and give you access to even more functions if you choose to pursue them. This is one of the better investments I have made in euro.
-- farkas

another alternative might be a Happy Nerding FX Aid Pro...

although tbh in lots of cases I want more than 1 of these functions at once - delay and reverb and granular for example! so maybe at least a couple of these types of things are a good idea... which leads us back to get a bigger case!!!

don't get a smaller rack - unless you are just going to loose the 1u - ie get a mantis - you could buy 2 mantises for about the same price as a intellijel performer case

but then I don't like 1u - I'd always rather have an extra 3u and haven't yet seen anything in 1u that can't be found in 3u for much less hp - and relegating utilities to 1u imo

mantis is by far the best compromise for hp/cost/decent power supply/manufacturer reputation - unless you absolutely must have 1u for some reason (as I noted above I haven't found one)

the mutable modules are going to be potentially difficult to get hold - as mutable has closed and used modules may attract a premium - there are clones that are available though - there are full size ones now though - from After Later Audio for example.. stages may be particularly difficult though...

saying that I'd consider swapping out the turing machine and expanders and look at something smaller and does something similar (mutable marbles, for example)

you almost definitely don't need both rampage and maths in a case this size - I'd just get maths as it has beeter documentation (the 'maths illustrated supplement') and a lot of youtube video lessons

again you almost defintely don't want so many sound sources in a case this size - 2 or 3 is a better fit - as there is no way you can fit the modules that you need to support them in the leftover space - ie enough sound modifiers, modulation sources and utilities (mixers, vcas etc etc) see my signature for some hints on this!!

I'd also strongly advise not to put 2hp modules next to each other - especially ones that have trimmers on them - they will be almost impossible to adjust especially once they are patched - eurorack modules are really quite small (to the point that a lot of people are surprised how small they are when their 1st ones arrive) - 5hp = 1 inch/2.54cn

in the first tranche:

I wouldn't buy so many multiples - probably just the switched one - and you probably don't need that many in the future either in this size case - I'd just use stackcables or headphone splitters for passives, if you need buffered ones for pitch (or because repatching passives during performance can add clicks, or because you have a module that stops maths working because it's input isnt buffered & maths expects a buffer) then add a buffered one in the future - but not now

I'd also get a different vca - one with a variable response (the doepfer octal is linear only so best for cv or with exponential envelopes if using for audio) and that cascades (ie is also a mixer - if you can find one a mutable veils is a good choice (or a clone) or an intellijel quad vca - this will also, at least in the beginning replace a mixer - so you can leave the mixer out too!! not that you won't want a lot of mixing and vcas in the future, just that they are unnecessary to start with

I'd also consider swapping out the bcompany dual vcf - for a couple of different filters - so you get different flavours - doepfer make a decent selection of inexpensive 8hp filters - I like the moogish ladder filter, the SEM, the WASP and the Low Pass Gate (which is a combination of a low pass filter and a vca)

I'd also be tempted to replace the doepfer dual attenuator with a couple of 2hp trim modules - and scatter them so they are usable (tiny trimmers)

hope this helps

in the filled case :

the quantizer is superfluous - hermod and Pams both have built in quantizers...

I'd probably get mixers with knobs so you can have some control rather than the intellijel ones - maybe one designed for audio - possibly something based on the moog cp3 - as it has some nice grit it can add - and a separate one for modulation - I like a matrix mixer - but to cram one in you'd probably need to loose the tetrapad - which I personally would do (and leave it for the inevitable 2nd case and add tete)

the clock divider is also probably superfluous - pams has a lot of clock division (and multiplication for that matter) functionality - and will probably be enough in this size case

I havent touched my volca modular in two years and even back then did not dig deep. I suggest to look at many videos of the volca modular, there is one input you need a cable with a stereo plug to two monos so you have two inputs, on the volca there are patchpoints from which you can patch each of those two inputs to the destination of your choice. As far as i rememember its definitely possible to clock the sequencer.
Maybe you want to look into "undulations" youtubes channel he has in depth videos about the volca modular that might cover that.
I should dig out mine sometimes.
...edit and yes a gate is not a gate and a trig is not a trig, there are different formats, i don't know what the keystep puts out.

EDITED Dec 12th 2022, 23:17

rings works very well through a filter - or one for each output...

what does the volca manual expect as a clock - usually stated as ppqn (pulses per quarter note)? - can the beatstep be set up to send this?

what voltage is the volca expecting as a clock? the beatstep might not be sending out enough voltage, in which case an amplifier of some sort would be needed...

If you want to be perfect, make sure that your tuning note is an "a". But this is already academic, there is no real reason, as long as it is only your oscillator that must be in tune to your samples.
-- Durst

um, usually the lowest note of a sequencer, that uses actual notes, is a 'c' so tuning to a 'c' makes more sense - or to an interval from a 'c; - so that every note is an interval from 'c' alternately substitute a different root note for the c - and then the sequencer plays intervals to that root note

this also works with most quantizers as they don't care about root note... and if they do they're usually sending notes relative to 'c' (0v is usually c0)

A filter isn't a bad idea... but the voices here (Doepfer, Rings, Plaits) also have filtration built in, plus there's the Optomix. So that might not be as pressing a need as it seems, depending on how you like to patch. (I know in my case I have several filters, but they're actually among my least-used modules, for exactly this reason.)

Zadar and a switch are also great suggestions. If you go the latter route, I'd highly recommend Noise Engineering's Vice Virga, which gives you a ton of options in 8hp.

EDITED Feb 27th 2023, 07:24

Cool.

I think 104hp is going to be too small for the amount of variation you are hoping to achieve (twinkly and abrasive). To maximize space and gain a lot of different functions in 10hp with no menu diving, I HIGHLY recommend one of the Noise Engineering Versio modules. You can flash them with different firmware (super easy process) for the task at hand. I love the Desmodus (reverb/delay), Melotus (granular), and Ruina (distortion) firmwares. Melotus could cover your Clouds needs in a smaller footprint and give you access to even more functions if you choose to pursue them. This is one of the better investments I have made in euro.
Have fun and good luck!

A third for the Wasp filter.

I can also recommend the XAOC Odessa for generating incredible drones with its 512 upper partials.

i guess this question was way too dumb to answer :D

I won't worries so much, and if you buy a new module it may be very likely that it'll be shipped already with the new firmware. For example Michigan Synth works are already shipping their Beehive/Plaits with 1.2 installed!

https://michigansynthworks.com/collections/euromodules-test/products/beehive-8hp-plaits

I think what I would do is just remove all cables and make a recording of the oscillator for, say, 10 seconds. Make a sample from it. Then next time, just play this sample and tune the oscillator to this sample before you starting adding voltages. Move the Coarse and Fine knobs until you don't hear beating.

If you want to be perfect, make sure that your tuning note is an "a". But this is already academic, there is no real reason, as long as it is only your oscillator that must be in tune to your samples.

EDITED Dec 12th 2022, 15:38

I highly recommend the Doepfer Wasp filter for what your setup wants to do.
-- benscott

I second the wasp filter, it's quite nice.

Edit: Just make sure your case is deep enough.

EDITED Dec 12th 2022, 03:47

I highly recommend the Doepfer Wasp filter for what your setup wants to do.

Edit: Am new to the modular world.

Have been toying around with a lot of rack ideas and finally came up with a rack that I feel like would suit my needs, my eventual goal is to play live.
The type of music I make ranges from minimal/lofi house, minimal techno and drum and bass.
I externally have a Arturia MicroFreak as another voice, and a Soundcraft Signature 12 MTK as a mixer.
My idea with this rack is to have the pizza and the freak to trade roles for providing bass, and lead sounds. The Rample will be used for most of my drums and some textures and one shots that I will externally make in Ableton, with the prok kick being a sort of backing kick as I transition from one song to the next. I want to be able to modulate a lot, and also in patterns like in drum and bass, like Waeys, Levela, Sustance, Rizzle, Klinical, etc. The dark gritty underground type of drum and bass, so I'd imagine a lot of "rolling" sounds if that makes sense.
I mainly plan on using the tetra pad to make my music sound more human, and to possibly put the snare "density"(?) on one to make off beat snares in drum and bass scenarios.
I want to use Squarps Hermod due to it offering a lot of things that I want in the early stages of my rack, as I wont be able to buy everything in one go.

This is my eventual rack that I am trying to work towards (I hope the thing updated it didn't in preview):

And these are the modules that I want to buy in the first round:

Is this a good first euro rack, will it fit my needs, are there modules that I should swap out for modules that would better suit my need and all the other questions a noob like my self could ask.

Thanks a ton in advance!

EDITED Dec 12th 2022, 00:31

This stuff sounds great and looks amazing. Wonderful visuals.