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I think you're experiencing a lot of confusion relating to what modules actually do - a lot seem to be in the wrong categories...

for example - source of uncertainty is a random modulation source, not a sound source as the other's are that you've classed as "sources", what you've classed as 'modifiers' some are modulation sources and plog - I'd class that as a utility - as I would compare2 (both logic), O&C I'd categroise with Pams, etc etc etc

take a look at my signature - the formula especially - it's designed as a rule of thumb for getting the most versatility from a modular synth for the least money...

also agree strongly with what @plragde says - also I heard, but don't know how correct this is that ColdMac can be used for both audio and cv, but not at the same time - so what looks like a great bundle of utilities - is actually only 1/2 as useful as it could be - wmd/ssf toolbox & mutable instruments kinks are very useful combined utility modules that are easier to understand and maybe easier to find - kinks either used or NOS in stores or as a clone (it's been discontinued for a while now)

The outputs don't go to the next input, rather they are mixed with the next output if unpatched.
-- adaris

important distinction!!

Cool, thanks for the suggestion.

no still mostly the same problems

especially the mixing solution... the queen of pentacles is stereo out, the furtherrgenerator is lots of mono outputs of individual waveforms - these might need mixing, the godspeed has 2 mono outputs, the desmodus versio and the arbhar are stereo

other than the veils - good choice of vca btw, the cockpits are allegedly stereo, but on single jack (no idea how that works), feeding rosie, a stereo output! do you need a load of stereo cables that are specialist, either mono->stereo, or single stereo cables??

it just fails to work properly - no ability to sub mix waveforms - except for what's available onboard the actual vcos, no ability to convert mono to stereo... there's no panning - so the mono sources are only ever going to be hard left or hard right... no where in between...

& no filters?

You're not going to find anything that covers all the functionality of Cold Mac in 8hp. But you have some of that functionality elsewhere, and you might not need other parts of it. Maybe go through the technical map (https://github.com/whimsicalraps/mannequins-technical-maps/blob/master/cold-mac/cold-mac.pdf) and see what you really wanted from it. Anything you replace it with will almost certainly be easier to learn and use.

Thanks! Any suggestions on what might replace the Cold Mac?
Also, yeah, I'm probably being too eager about the Buchla / Tiptop modules. They just look so cool...

Cold Mac is very hard to get hold of, and the two Buchla/Tiptop modules feel a little out of place to me, but overall it seems fine. It's a lot to get all at once, though. Maybe think about an incremental plan, giving you a chance to learn about modules a few at a time?

The outputs don't go to the next input, rather they are mixed with the next output if unpatched.

Pam's does Euclidean, but in a more set-and-forget way, so if you want playability, Euclidean Circles is a reasonable combo with Quad Drum / Qex. But it does take up space. You might think about the other wide modules here (Morphagene, Qpas, Maths) and consider alternatives. There's also a fair amount of overlap among O_c, CVilization, øchd, Sloths, and Wogglebug. It's not so much that one can be covered by the others, but that there's a lot of similar kinds of modulation here and not much to modulate. Jim has good advice on thinking about voices and their paths through a possible system. Try not to fill the case more than 3/4 full in any potential plan, to leave room for discovery and expansion.

very peaceful :)

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/users/view/197880

no link?

Jim’s right- I’d ditch the Euclidean Circles and Mordax Data module in a case this size and replace them with something like the Intellijel Quad VCA and a good cv mixer and perhaps add a logic module.

I made some adjustments for my techno live setup case.
I am open to feedback if this setup is balanced?

Please leave a comment if I am on the right track here or not...?

Here is the link>

Cheers
and thanks

EDITED Feb 20th 2022, 17:22

'Lluvia' is one of tracks included in my mixtape Efímero, mainly with rings attempt to keep a minimal introspective and meditative state of mind.

Clock is generate by Rampage and Rings is sequenced by Rene. Desmodus Versio with shimmer reverb and Beads are mixed in Jumble henge together with Rings.

A longer version is included in mixtape available at bandcamp:
https://sergionunca.bandcamp.com/album/ef-mero

You could get two Antumbra DVCAs and chain them together with the jumpers on the back, that's Veils in 8hp
-- milkmilklemonade

Nice idea. If you chain them, since they'd be 4 VCAs does that make them cascade to the next input (etc)?

The newer Veils or two chained Antumbra DVCAs would be my choice as well (and is, I have them both).

Hello!

I'm trying to think through a generative system for a Doepfer A-100 P9 9U case. This is what I had in mind:

In/out: Joranalogue Recieve 2, Happy Nerding Isolator.
Sources: Doepfer A-111-4, Tiptop Buchla 258t; Tiptop Buchla 266t.
Computer/FX: Ornaments and Crime, Happy Nerding FX AID XL
Modifiers: Joranalogue Contour 1, Joranalogue Filter 8, Happy Nerding MMM VCF, Xaoc Zadar/NIN, Intellijel Plog, Mutable Instruments Stages.
Modulators: Xaoc Batumi/Poti, Ladik L-121, Joranalogue Compare 2, Mannequins Cold Mac.
Utilities: Intellijel Scales, Doepfer A-130-2 Dual VCA, Dopefer A-135-2 Quad VCA/Mixer, Intellijel Quad VCA, Mutable Instruments Veils, Schenktronics Attenuverter, ALM PNW/Pexp, Doepfer A-151 Sequential switch, Happy Nerding PanMix Jr.

I'd love some feedback. My plan is to have the rack be complimented by external gear (such as the Arturia Minibrute 2s - 4 sequencers, 2 lfos, an extra VCA and an inverter), but would still like the rack to be a largely self-sufficient system. Am I heading in the right direction? Any functions or utilities that I'm overlooking? Any modules I should switch out because there are better, more readily available options?

Thanks so much in advance!

You could get two Antumbra DVCAs and chain them together with the jumpers on the back, that's Veils in 8hp

yeah - veils is great - and mutable product support is outstanding - unfortunately it's 10hp - so 2hp over what the OP wants - but probably worth making the space for!

the older veils has been discontinued for nearly 2 years - the new one, veils (2020), saves 2hp and adds a couple of features, including offsets and sliders!

sounds like your instincts are reasonably good then...

take a look at and think about the formula in my signature - it's a quick and dirty, rough guide to getting the most versatility out of a modular for the least expense

Thanks for the feedback. I thought so a bit.. hehehe....
I need to revisit this system a bit more.

It was a headphones thing this morning with a pair of AKG k175's that are pretty bassy, think I would have woke the wife! Thanks guys :)

Thanks! Me too haha. I should mention that the resonance on the Modcan Multimode Filter was cranked all the way up, that was an important component of the sound.

EDITED Feb 20th 2022, 14:47

Very cool. I really liked that kick.

+1 to basically everything Jim said.
What about this:

I got rid of the scope and Clouds clone, added a better mixing option, attenuverters, some plumbing, and changed the layout to be a little more logical in the signal flow department. That leaves you with 26hp open. Cover that with blank panels until you play around with everything and start to realize what you really need. Saves a bit of money from your original design too.
Just a suggestion on how I would approach this. Have fun!

*Edit: Also, I think there is a newer version of Veils that could save you a few more hp. Not sure about availability of the newer one vs. the older one in Australia though.

EDITED Feb 20th 2022, 14:30

I can recommend the veils vca

Thanks! The drum sound was:

Doepfer A-111-3 (triangle LFO) -> Abyss Devices Saevitus -> Modcan Multimode Filter (lowpass) -> DIY Veils (for some amplification) -> Sketchy Labs Freak Shift -> DPW MoG -> Metasonix RK4. For the basic drum sound, the Freak Shift and MoG were dry/"off", but they still significantly affected the tone for one reason or another.

I added in the Abyss Devices Saevitum -> Happy Nerding FX Aid XL (Peak compression algo) later in the track when the drum sound is distorted.

too many sound sources - so completely unbalanced - especially with the massive sequencer
no filters
poor mixing solution
no real vcas
no mixing for cv
no utilities
no control

black panel maths are near unobtanium - maybe you can find a replacement panel...

it's not just Australia - module supply can be erratic at the best of times and the pandemic has made it worse, everywhere - but I wouldn't worry too much - start with an absolute minimum and add modules as and when and only after you thoroughly understand the modules you already have and how they interact

things I would note - some of the modules will be unusable in their current positions

I'd go with 2 fx aids, the dsp2 takes up a huge amount of space - which could be better used for other things

look at your mixing again: the eoc mixer is 4 stereo ins and there are no panning - all your sound sources are mono - or dual mono

not convinced about the unity mixers - I'd want some control

beads or typhoon - I wouldn't have both in this size rack

tbh probably too many voices in too small a case...

Yeah, man! Interesting tones. What were you using for the kick drum?

Sounds like intravenous electricity. I'm digging it.

That’s wild! I hope you had that cranked. :-) Cheers!

Good day modular people.

I would like to know what you think of this setup?

I am going for a techno live performance case.

Is there some things i am missing? Do i have as well enough utilities to run this beast?

Hope to hear some feedback, will be much appreciated.

Thanks

Headphones recommended, but its all a bit hectic!

Weirdness, after watching a patch video by @Anthurium VCO's Noise, LFO's, I found to get some of the effect that Anthurium was getting I had to put the VCO signals through a pre-amp before mixing, then found that feeding the VCO's a negative offset to drive them slower than the knob settings.
Its all a bit gritty and mental to be honest!

The vid I was following

I'm looking at various options for Quad VCAs (or similar VCAs in 8hp or under - as an example Happy Nerding's 3 x VCA). Anyhow, I saw the Malekko Quad VCA (https://www.modulargrid.net/e/malekko-heavy-industry-quad-vca-black-panel) which looks really interesting but I can't seem to find much feedback from people about this module. The only thing that comes up is that Malekko, as a company, isn't very user friendly in replying to peoples mails.

So, if you see this thread, and have the module, maybe you can tell me what you think?

Thanks in advance.

p.s. I forgot to say, the black panel isn't of any importance - can be silver.

EDITED Feb 20th 2022, 07:44

New modular track, hot off the presses:

i wish had the space/place to be building DYIs....

but I've been working on a revamp set of units .. ...
it seems a lot of what i was originally after is hard to get in Australia @ the moment, due access to overseas supply.
so im going on availability now ...

can you have a look over it and see if its more balanced ..
i know i've got a couple odd bits but I'm trying to think out of the box.!

cheers
BB

P.S i really appreciate the time/ knowledge you are imparting in my direction.. thanks again...

You should keep the Neutron in its own case, giving you room for support modules which you will need.

How have you patched the Dot and the Black Sequencer? I don't have either, but I don't see a way of doing what you want to do with just these two modules. The BS expects a regular clock and has only one Gate In. With a VCA, you could drop out notes from the BS on low gate from the other Dot channel. Other sequencers would let you use a Dot channel as an irregular clock, but mostly only one channel, not two. It might make more sense to use the Dot separately on percussive voices, and the BS on melodic ones.

If you want to combine two or more audio signals, then, yes, you will need a mixer (perhaps more than one, depending on what you want to do), and there are many possibilities. The µJack is discontinued, but Intellijel makes the Outs module, and again there are other possibilities. I have personal experience with the ALM HPO and Befaco Out v3, and like both.

There are more modules you are likely to need, but it might be best to start using these while you keep doing research. Through use you may discover things you want to do and can look for ways to accomplish them.

I don't have a neutron but...

the normalised (default) path should be something like vco -> sub-mixer -> vca -> vcf or vc0 -> sub-mixer -> vcf -> vca

saying that the obvious place to take your output from is the output labelled 'output'...

where are you trying to take your signal from?

maybe check the cutoff on the vcf...

My goal is to use the neutron and/or another synth like the Behringer Model D as my sound source(s) sequenced by the Black Seq which would be triggered by the Dnipro Dot to play rhythmically. I’ll then want to feed the sound sources into the dual fx for some reverb and delay which I’d then like to output into headphones or my audio interface to record into my DAW.

Let’s say I wanted to sequence osc 1 and osc 2 of the Neutron separately to the Black Seq CV1 and CV2 and basically have channel 1 and 2 of Black Sequencer triggered separately by Dnipro Dot. What would be the best way to go about this? Are there any additional modules needed to achieve this? At the moment, I’m only hearing one or the other triggered by the Dot for some reason. Perhaps I have it patched incorrectly.

If I wanted to sequence the Model D and Neutron, then would I need an audio/cv mixer? I assume I need something to sum the two signals together into one output so I could then patch into FX and then an audio interface module of some sort.

What module would you suggest for tracking into my DAW and listening through headphones? I was looking at something like the Intellijel μJack. Would you suggest any better alternatives?

Grateful for any help I could get!

-- Avesta

Black sequencer only has a clock input - so you can clock it from the dni pro and then use the internal per channel dividers to advance the sequences in the black sequencer - tbh, the dni pro is a bit superfluous in this set up - the black sequencer is very capable of doing all sorts of things - gate length per step, tieing notes/gates and playing different channels at different speeds etc

if you think you have it patched incorrectly maybe you could describe the patch - or better yet illustrate it in modulargrid - so we can take a look

mixer - just get a decent end of chain mixer that has send/return and headphones as part of the package

this way you can mix the original signals from the semis and layer in as much of the fx as you want - at the lower end a tesseract tex-mix master and 4*mono channels would probably work quite well - otherwise something like es9, which @sacguy71 suggested would can do the trick of both mixer and audio interface

most 1/2 decent modern audio interfaces should be able to cope with slightly attenuated modular level signals - so just a matter of watching your gain staging - levels not too high anywhere - and you should be fine to go straight into the audio interface from the mixers stereo outs

if you don't already have an audio interface (and want an external one instead of the es9) - go for one with at least 4 outputs - 2 for monitoring (these are usually copied to the headphone outs too) and 2 for sending audio back out to the modular - otherwise if you want to send audio back to the modular you won't be able to monitor through the audio interface - which may or may not be an issue for you, now, but next week it might be...

nb with the es9 - some people have issues on windows apparently, so if you're running windows you might want to do a bit more research than just simply reading the manual - works perfectly on macs from what I hear...

A few suggestions:

1. Remove the Neutron from the case it takes up precious HP and better modules can be used for it on the side. You can chain the Neutron out of case.

2. Get a larger case at least a 12u or 14u case better. If you need compact, the smallest I would get would be something like a Doepfer 9u suitcase.

3. You want lots of support modules like VCAs, attenuators, sequential switch, matrix mixer, logic will really be central to a basic modular system.

4. The book Patch and Tweak is a must to beginners. It really helped me as a total beginner two years ago.

5. You need a good matrix mixer for what you want to do.

To do what you want also get a clock module like Pamela new workout. Having a central clock module will let you sync up the Dnipro dot and Black Sequencer and have more options like logic and so forth.

For sending audio out of the modular and into a DAW, you need either a eurorack mixer and audio interface OR you need to get a module like Expert Sleeper's CV to MIDI/USB interface to convert CV to line audio levels. Expert Sleeper's ES-9 module would do this for you. Actually I need to get one for my Doepfer monster case eventually as well.

I’m a beginner in the world of eurorack hoping to get some advice on my newly acquired setup here. My knowledge of eurorack terminology and the module functions are very low, so please excuse my ignorance.

My goal is to use the neutron and/or another synth like the Behringer Model D as my sound source(s) sequenced by the Black Seq which would be triggered by the Dnipro Dot to play rhythmically. I’ll then want to feed the sound sources into the dual fx for some reverb and delay which I’d then like to output into headphones or my audio interface to record into my DAW.

Let’s say I wanted to sequence osc 1 and osc 2 of the Neutron separately to the Black Seq CV1 and CV2 and basically have channel 1 and 2 of Black Sequencer triggered separately by Dnipro Dot. What would be the best way to go about this? Are there any additional modules needed to achieve this? At the moment, I’m only hearing one or the other triggered by the Dot for some reason. Perhaps I have it patched incorrectly.

If I wanted to sequence the Model D and Neutron, then would I need an audio/cv mixer? I assume I need something to sum the two signals together into one output so I could then patch into FX and then an audio interface module of some sort.

What module would you suggest for tracking into my DAW and listening through headphones? I was looking at something like the Intellijel μJack. Would you suggest any better alternatives?

Grateful for any help I could get!

Not yet.... but I'll look into it

@wishbonebrewery - are you using favourites? I think one of the main reasons that you're having to consult the manual every time you use it - is that you're trying to use it for too many things... yes it can do lots, but as with everything often less is more!

you don't need a mutant brain for a BSP to talk to a modular - it's got cv/gate/velocity and trigger outputs already...

I would recommend a lot more research and thinking before spending any money - a couple of pointers:

in the first iteration - Pams can do euclidean - so not a lot of point with the euclidean circles too

in the second there's a melodic quantizer - scales, but no melodic voice or vco to use it to send quantized pitch to... and only the scales for pitch sequencing - I'd get frustrated with this...

how are you mixing? sub mixing before filters/effects and end of chain? ok I see the cockpit2 - but that's not really going to do a satisfactory job - spend some time thinking about how all the voices and effects will interact... are any stereo? do some mono sources need panning into a stereo field? no mixing for cv...

no vcas... why would you want/not want these?

I'd rather have a second fx aid than a pico dsp - awkward size 3hp and less versatile - but I don't think you need it, anyway...

take out everything except what you absolutely need and then add back slowly, justifying precisely why you want/need every module - ie do I need this and why?

take a look at my signature and ask yourself why? you've got way too many sound modifiers and possibly modulation sources - not a balanced rack even for a percussion rack - & I'm not sure that's 100% what you're after here - seems more confused than anything else

personally I would buy originals where possible...

they generally have better ergonomics and I prefer to give my money to original designers - after all they did most of the work - plus Emilie has been fantastic with support when I've needed it - and I think that they'll probably hold their value a bit better and be a bit easier to sell in the future, if the need ever arises

I generally think eurorack modules are small enough without shrinking them further and using trimmers instead of proper pots/knobs - as they are more difficult to use/less precise - but then I've got my average cost of racks down to under £1/hp - by DIYing cases and power supplies - so I don't care that much about rack space (and I've got quite a bit left over) - might need an extra power supply at some point - but that's not much - and I might buy a second mantis - which will put the average price up a bit...

I've got quite a few mutable instruments modules, but saying that I've also DIYed a few and have some left in my backlog - but they are all full size or bigger in a couple of cases - and personally I'm not keen on small smd soldering - especially electrolytic capacitors! so I doubt I'll buy anymore once I've finished the ones I have

Im a bit stumped as to how I should be patching the neutron whilst mounted in my system, in order to have a default signal path that includes the vcf. I'm trying to work out if I have a faulty unit, as vca-vcf-output exhibits strange behaviour, seemingly being influenced/influencing the lfo. Does anyone have any experience with a racked neutron, and any tips regarding where I may be going wrong in terms of path? Sorry for the noobery but I was hoping someone could shed some light on this for me. Thanks!