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Quid sidechain du master effect (trigger ou audio ?)
Quid dual sampling du mk4 ?
Quid sync tonalité m32 et osc ext ?

EDITED Dec 30th 2022, 19:03

That's true, but if we compare modular synths to an instrument, it's like you have to build your guitar every time before you start composing. Surely for each song you had in mind, you would choose one type of wood or another, more or less strings, etc... This is the theme, you have a sound in mind, and you are looking for how to achieve and you end up acquiring new gear.
There are sounds that can be achieved with your current equipment, but especially at the beginning, there are sounds that you can only get with a specific setup.

@modulargrid

@gumbo23
1. open the two racks in two different browser windows.
2. be sure Keyboard Shortcuts are enabled
3. in the first window hover over a module and press c
4. in the second window hover over the rack (important) and press v

-- modulargrid

Your workaround does not work properly on mobile devices like iPad :(
Also it's complicated when trying to store iterations of your whole setup.
To have two (or more?) cases with separate power consumption charts on the same page would definitely let me pay for a unicorn account :)

EDITED Dec 30th 2022, 05:05

Friends and /W arrived tonight. Have not touched /W yet, but Friends is already a freakin Monster. Well worth the wait. Their stuff is insane quality too. I can't wait to get Three Sisters, and Mangrove. I want to get a Monome Teletype to take advantage of the I2C bus behind the panel. Disting Ex has I2C. but I'm not sure how they may interact. I need some I2C cables.

Friends and /W arrived tonight. Have not touched /W yet, but Friends is already a freakin Monster. Well worth the wait. Their stuff is insane quality too. I can't wait to get Three Sisters, and Mangrove. I want to get a Monome Teletype to take advantage of the I2C bus behind the panel. Disting Ex has I2C. but I'm not sure how they may interact. I need some I2C cables.

This will be terrific to get started with. Pam's + Zadar + Plaits + BIA + Marbles could keep you going for a good long while before you really "need" anything else.

Its probably best skimmed through haha

I've never worked with a pre-existing kick drum sample, but I've made some huge kick or kick-ish drum sounds from scratch just starting with an LFO. Filters, tube amps, reverbs, frequency shifters, all of these can be very useful, you just have to experiment.

EDITED Dec 29th 2022, 22:27

I'm kind of a newbie here, but I would suggest some filters. You can add some nice movement to a bass drum by putting it through a filter and modulating the filter's frequency or resonance with a sequencer or LFO or envelope follower or...

I'm primarily a guitar/bass player. But I've also had several different synthesizers and sequencers over the years, and eventually got seduced by eurorack modular within the past year. So, I do consider myself a newbie around here. Anyway... Really enjoyed this discussion and it got me thinking...

Philosophically, I have always felt that the SONG was king. And, I know lots of folks feel the same. IOW, it could be a crap recording played on a $100 pawn shop guitar. As long as it's a good song, it will still be a good song. Likewise, playing a weak, uninspired song on a $5K Hummingbird is never going to make it a good song. So, good music, a good song isn't ultimately about the gear.

But, I start to wrestle a little bit with that idea when it comes to modular synths. Especially as someone who is still learning some of the basics, it often feels like the gear itself actually has a huge influence on the music that comes out. Add a new module to the rack and it can inspire new sounds you never imagined. Realize a new way to patch things up and the gear is now a major part of the inspiration for the next awesome new song that you create. It actually is about the gear.

I'm not saying it's good or bad. I just think it's interesting. Maybe a little bit of a paradox.

Very nice, driver update went well. The unpatching went well, too. I just skimmed through and will listen in full later.

I've not done this for a while, had to update OBS and the iphone drivers and reinstate the Youtube stream key... hopefully this is all working OK?
I'm going to slowly pull all the patch leads!

I nearly maxed out the power with a Konstant Labs StrongPWR. It most likely provides more power than I can ever use in a 2x 84hp case. Why did I do it?
-- Arrandan

I went the same route for my case, the other thing is it’s expandable - can add a larger PSU, another power board and two more bus boards to support 12u cases

Good post! For my first DIY case, I nearly maxed out the power with a Konstant Labs StrongPWR. It most likely provides more power than I can ever use in a 2x 84hp case. Why did I do it? Well, it comes in a nice package deal with two filtered bus boards that instantly got rid of the hiss plaguing my Intellijel 7U case when connected to my iPad. Second - is it really that expensive indeed. I think €250 or thereabouts was well spent on peace of mind.

Maybe I should add - "don't skimp on case and power - a mantis is the same price as a module!" - to my signature!!! although I think I'm at the character limit already...

Advice is a fantastic thing - you can either take it or leave it - and there's so much it's difficult to tell which is the good advice and which isn't!!!

Stories of a novice.
3 months ago I decided to start in the world of modular, after several years with VCV.
First of all, I watched videos, read forums, etc.
At first, ignoring opinions from some forums, I decided to build myself a 3U 104HP case.
I decided on the "cheap" option for the power supply. The famous Meanwell RT-65B with 2 buses.
At the last moment, I decided to listen to what I read and built a 6U 104HP case.
What I want to tell you is what just happened to me with the power supply. Run works fine. No problems so far, but I've run out of power on the -12v rail (it only has 500mA). Well, I had to decide to put another meanwell, one for each bus. I had to disassemble all the modules, the cover of the box (luckily I made a removable cover) and redo the wiring. A great mess!!!!.
I hope this helps other newbies like me to keep in mind that:
-3U 104HP is NEVER enough, not even at first.
-Better an external source, type 4ms or Modulaire maritime for example
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/4ms-company-row-power-40
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/modulaire-maritime-cargo
Maybe it costs a little more than what I have spent but it is worth it. (€80 option 2 x meanwell plus accessories vs €120-150 external option, with power brick), without taking into account the boring work that it has cost me.
As @JimHowell1970 rightly says, Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine. And the utility modules draw negative current, and in the end the source becomes obsolete.
Greetings to all and sorry if I have bored you.

v1.2 installed and all is well! Thank you! Very cool stuff! So, it's the right button, not the left. I pro'lly should'a picked that up the first time I read the manual... Doh! But it's all good now! Thanks, again for the help!

EDITED Dec 28th 2022, 20:34

NB I think Noise Reap closed
-- JimHowell1970

It is but the designs have been open sourced with few restrictions

https://github.com/odeliy/noise-reap/tree/master/modules

while holding the left button, and turning up harmonics, the model lights should light up- in order- all the way to the top.
-- fretless19

OK. That's definitely not happening. I'm off to install v1.2. Thanks!

Yes, this is much better option than double ADSR. Do you think that I should replace Pam's with this module or this is just great addition to Pam's features?

-- luinnar

Keep Pam's and Zadar. Pam's is the heartbeat of my entire rack. I mostly set it and forget it and tweak other modules, but it drives almost everything in my rack.
Have fun and good luck.

Greetings, good people of MG.

We are excited to announce the arrival of our tiny yet useful 1u module: Tensile Tile. The bootloader is officially finished, meaning that updates will be doled out according to community demands as well as our own (every patch could always use one more saturator, envelope generator, vca, etc.) It's open-sourced, so if there's a function that you feel it's lacking then you can implement it yourself.

Here is the list of current functions:
-Audio effects encompassing ring mod, rate reduction, three different flavors of waveshaping, and two flavors of bit crushing.

-Audio utilities such as low pass filter, vca, inverted vca, polarizer, and rectifier.

-CV utilities like slew limiter, sample and hold, comparator, and max and min.

-All of the usual logic gates.

-Two different modulatable ASR envelope generators.

To alleviate the configuration procedure (as there is only one button to flip through folders/ functions) there's a user folder which the module will initiate to once a function has been added to it.
More functions are in the works, and we are very open to suggestions. Let us know what you're missing and we will try our best to make it happen.

Available very soon!
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/other-unknown-tensile-tile

EDITED Dec 28th 2022, 18:50

First of all, thanks for all of your comments! I need to learn a lot :) It's hard to wrap up all of my additional questions, but I will try.

I'd rather have veils
I would go with Mutable Veils (2020 version)
Get a MI Veils (V2) for a VCA

I bought last in the World Veils, so I'm doomed and my modular sync adventure has started ;)

case is weird size if you are actually building it - 84hp or 104hp rails are easier to buy - and a better size - especially the 104...

Yes, I want to build one. I changed its size to 64 because this helps me think small, I want to build 6u x 84hp case. My idea is to start with ~10 modules.

you do have too many sound sources to start with and too many in the long run in this size case
I'd also take a look at your end of chain (eoc) mixer - not enough channels for what's in the case already... no send/return

I removed Cs-L, so Plaits and BIA as sound sources. I decided for this mixer because it has headphones out... Right now I think that it's better to have separated modules for mixer and for headphones to have more creative possibilities. 4 channel mixer (with some stereo inputs) will be enough for this or I need more? I'm not quite sure about this Stmix from Befaco.

For ambient, look into Zadar.
Xaoc Zadar is great for envelopes.

Yes, this is much better option than double ADSR. Do you think that I should replace Pam's with this module or this is just great addition to Pam's features?

the multi-fx, which I'd replace with an fx aid pro

Fx aid pro has bazillion effects but only 1 channel, more to explore but one sound sorce at the time... Tough decision.

This is my second approach, but I still think that I'm missing things. Some more utils needed. But I want to limit myself to 10 (max 11 modules) and try not to cross 2,5k euro.

EDITED Dec 29th 2022, 17:45

Also curious, does v1.2 retain all the features of v1.1 (color blind mode and LFO mode) as well as the 8 new models?
-- moosapotamus
Yes.
I would suggest just installing the newest firmware, as opposed to 1.1.

while holding the left button, and turning up harmonics, the model lights should light up- in order- all the way to the top. each light representing a tuning higher than the last. The LFO setting is found below the lowest pitch setting.

Thanks, Jim & fretless. I followed that procedure. The two bottom model leds light up once harmonic is turned all the way up and stay lit while I turn harmonic back down, then they go out when I release the left button. And no chasing leds, and still no LFO action.

BTW, just curious, where is that procedure documented?

Maybe I'll try Jim's suggestion, but install v1.1 instead of the most recent v1.2. Since I can go into color blind mode, I assume that I already have v1.1, but that's the way the module came to me. Maybe a reinstall will do it?

Also curious, does v1.2 retain all the features of v1.1 (color blind mode and LFO mode) as well as the 8 new models?

Thanks for the feedback Jim - really handy. Can you recommend any utility modules you've enjoyed using? Currently toying with the idea of adding in Miso or Triplatt, but perhaps they're a bit overkill with the CVP already in there?

I'm totally open to suggestions on the oscillator front. Pam's is a great shout. I think Permutation stays in as I can't seem to find a Turing function in Pam's unless I'm missing something?

I'm happy to replace the case with a larger one later down the line to be honest and it will most likely happen before long, but that being said the nudge led to good discoveries on the EG front with Quadigy so thanks for that. Lower hp SOU alternates that spring to mind are Random Sampling (admittedly still on the large side), Wogglebug and Sloths unless you have any other ideas? Can't deny RS looks pretty cool with the ASR feature.

Updated rack below

EDITED Dec 28th 2022, 22:12

How do I enable LFO mode? moosapotamus

hold left button, turn up harmonic(to reset its zero point), then turn harmonic all the way down.

NB I think Noise Reap closed
-- JimHowell1970
Yes, unfortunately. My idea was to get a second hand Paradox.

NB I think Noise Reap closed

attached the dark ambient rack from broken-form
-- zuggamasta

thank zuggamasta - in that case maybe not...

each channel of the tex-mix has a vca built in... as does plaits - so probably for audio there's no need for more vcas -

BUT it mightn't hurt to have some more for modulating modulation

For ambient music, as a second oscillator in addition to the versatile Plaits you can perhaps start with a double oscillator and a waveshaper
A serious cheap option
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/noise-reap-paradox-- (oscillator)
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/modulaire-maritime-tarot (waveshaper).
They are the ones I have in mind for my next case extension.
-- ferranadsr

The Noise Reap paradox is fantastic. And the latest version has some great additions (which make the module a little more crowded). I'm using the v1 in my rack and it's already very versatile.

attached the dark ambient rack from broken-form

I'd just say that you'd be surprised how far you can get with just one oscillator or sound source, split the audio off 2-3 ways into different effects or through a Wavefolder etc. I'd suggest any VCO with multiple outs or the MakeNoise STO with its S-Gate will practically let you do a melody line with a baseline all out of the same module.
Options for utilities would be MI's Links & Kinks, the latter has a noise source in the S&H section.

For ambient music, as a second oscillator in addition to the versatile Plaits you can perhaps start with a double oscillator and a waveshaper
A serious cheap option
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/noise-reap-paradox-- (oscillator)
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/modulaire-maritime-tarot (waveshaper).
They are the ones I have in mind for my next case extension.

Building on (and agreeing with) what others have said…
1) Get a MI Veils (V2) for a VCA. There is one left in stock at Signal Sounds at this very moment. Do not hesitate, buy it now! Do not think twice, don’t think about import fees if you do not live in the UK. This is a rare and disappearing opportunity, don’t pass it up!
It is 4 VCA’s in 10hp with offset, a huge amount of gain to bring line levels to Modular levels, is DC coupled so can handle both audio and CV. It can sum/ mix and runs 0v to 8v (rather than just 0v to 5v) which is important for some modules (Verbos for example). Again, all in 10hp. It will hold its value in the future.
2) Xaoc Zadar is great for envelopes. It can be dialed up quickly and the envelopes range from simple to more complex and can be attenuated within the module itself. The four separate envelopes match up with the four VCA’s in Veils. All in 10hp.

Good luck!

Yeah I meant there were already built DIY versions available.....

personally I would go with Mutable Veils (2020 version) ... and there are also DIY versions out there.
-- adaris

it's a bastard of a DIY module though not as difficult as some of the other mutable modules - unless you are very experienced at building smd electronics - I would stay away - hopefully ALA will get a full size clone out shortly

EDITED Dec 28th 2022, 02:33

Hey luinnar,

— Buy a Plaits before they are all gone and upgrade it to the latest firmware. You'll hear so many sweet spots in the Orange mode you'll be fine delaying the Cs-L until you have a bigger case (and you can still practice using it for free in your VCV rack anyways). And Plaits offers some noise, drum sources, to cover your concern.

— For ambient, look into Zadar. It is 4 envelopes in 10HP. But instead of ADSR it is 260 different shapes that can be warped, sized, shifted, and reshaped. The length of the shape can go from a tiny fraction of a second up to 30 minutes. And the shapes can be set to repeat infinitely so it's also 4 LFOs. What's really cool about it is that you can use one shape to modulate another. So you can set the first envelope to be warped by the second, being warped by the third and by the fourth. You can make really interesting unique shapes quickly; it's impossible to exhaust and you can save presets if you hit on some good ones. Perfect for ambient stretches that always evolve. https://www.modulargrid.net/e/xaoc-devices-zadar

— Try out the free ALM Tangle Quartet in VCV. It's 8HP and much less cramped than the Doepfer. Intellijel Quad is 12HP so it won't fit your constraints, you'll need to rearrange your rack.

— One recommendation I'd make is to buy Befaco Knurlies. They are little screws you can turn with your fingers. No rack rash. And you can swap modules so quickly and painlessly—I have a big fixed case but also a small portable 64HP, and for Christmas I boxed up some modules and I must have switched things five or six times in an hour playing for my family. I couldn't imagine using a screwdriver.

— I love multis because you can send one cv source to multiple destinations--like a macro control and to keep your modulations tight and musical. Also try the Instruo [1]f in VCV. It is a crossfader, but also attenuates / polarizes a single source, and can offset.

Remember in modular, you can solve every obstacle with a little more space and a little more money. :)

15-20 cables is a good start, but you may find yourself not using more than 10 often. Using your hands to play the knobs is more fun.

That's my advice'ishness.

Agree with Jim, the A-135-2 is not capable of amplification, whereas the Intellijel Quad VCA is, but personally I would go with Mutable Veils (2020 version) if your budget can handle it and you can get a hold of one - I see Signal Sounds still has one available as I type this, and there are also DIY versions out there.

EDITED Dec 28th 2022, 02:16

can't see the rack - so that answer is probably yes

EDITED Dec 28th 2022, 02:33

do you have the correct version of the firmware installed - I'd upgrade to the latest version that your module will allow - I think it's the one just released - but check 1st...

case is weird size if you are actually building it - 84hp or 104hp rails are easier to buy - and a better size - especially the 104...

if you're not building it and buying it just get a mantis ffs - best bang for buck - hp/cost/decent power/manufacturer reputation...

having space to grow into is a good idea - filling (or nearly filling) the case immediately is, well a decision that basically says I am prepared to get a new case almost immediately...

starting small is a great idea, but should be based on number of modules not size of case...

Pam's I don't really case as utility - more modulation source - even if it includes some utilities - but they're a biut of a pain in the arse to use compared to individual untilities - the new pro looks a bit better than the 'new' version, but not that much more

same with the adsr module - modulation source not utility

BUT that's kind of how I (and quite a few others) think about it - see my signature below for hints on how to get the most versatility from your modular for the least cash...

answers:
1 I'd rather have veils - but might be difficult to source unless After Later Audio have released a clone - or the happy nerding 3*vca - either of the ones you have mentioned will be fine, the intellijel one does have gain (ie is actually an amplifier as opposed to an attenuator) so that would be my choice - as amplification is always useful!

2 yes - you do have too many sound sources to start with and too many in the long run in this size case - buy 1 to start with and learn to use it - in your first rack you're probably best off sticking to 1 sound source per row - maybe cram a 3rd in if you go for 6u 104hp - otherwise you will not have space for the modules that you inevitably need to support them

3 again yes - I'd want more modulation sources (which you've lumped in with utils - imo erroneously!) - I'd go for maths if possible - this is a bit controversial though - some people see it as 'too complicated' for beginners - these are often people who do not read manuals or studeously watch youtube videos about their modules and do not want to spend a lot of time 'learning a module' - I say do these things - download the 'maths illustrated manual' and work your way through it many times - deeply thinking about what it is doing - the what, why & how

for utilities I always like to have a sequential switch, attenuators, a matrix mixer (useful for combining modulation sources to get more complex ones) and sub mixers - sub mixers are useful for combining waveshapes from the same vco (the c-sl has a lot of outputs - looks like at least 8 to me, but I don't have one, so idk for definite) - I'd want at least 2 4 channel sub-mixers just or that

I'd also take a look at your end of chain (eoc) mixer - not enough channels for what's in the case already... no send/return

plaits has 2 separate outputs (different versions) not necessarily stereo bit can be used as such (but it also has vca/filter ie an lpg) so you probably want 2 eoc mixer channels for that

BIA has a mono output - so could go into the wasp and then into the eoc

c-sl has 2 halves - again needing sub-mixing = 2 channels - and possibly a stereo filter (doepfer wasp is great & cheap, but mono - maybe 2 of these or add another mono filter or add a stereo filter) - again probably wants another 2 eoc channels

the multi-fx, which I'd replace with an fx aid pro, wants a stereo send/return...

4 I wouldn't worry about a noise source to start with - get one in the future if you need one

5 if you can find reasonably priced mutable modules used (and you can, if you look hard enough, at least some of them) then buy those - otherwise there are some full sized mutable which means they maintain the ergonimics - which is one of mutables strong points - Aftrer Later Audio for example

6 add up all the patch points and divide by 2... a 1/4 to a 3rd of them stackcables (or buy some passive mult module or headphone splitter type things - intellijel hubs for example) - this might seem like a lot - but you will be prepared - and you'll almost definitely forget to buy cables in the future when you buy modules at least a few times

Hi guys!

After almost 2 years of watching YT videos about modular synths, generating some bleep&bloops in VCV Rack I decided to build my own rack... As you know starting with modular is quite complex, so I'm asking you for help.

I'm not a professional music maker, just a hobbyist. I want to start "small" and then dive in. I really like ambient sounds with noisy electronic drums/effects like here or here.

My ideas how to use this:

• Clocking, sequencing, random melodies
  • Pam's - this is very versatile module, it's probably a little too menu diving but having 8 programmable outputs looks great.
  • Marbles - build in bernoulli gate and random sequencer is great for generative patches.
• Sound sources
  • Plaits - almost all newbie racks propositions have it and its sound possibilities are huge.
  • Basimilus Iteritas Alter - this module is crazy, I love this heavy, deep, noisy drums.
  • Cs-L - this is like lessons from oscillation theory I want to take: FM modulation, wave folding, cross-modulation...
• Sound modifiers
  • Wasp filter - it sounds just great
  • Dual FX - for wider sounds
• Utils
  • Pam's - so many nice things in one module: quantizer, S&H, LFO, envelope generator
  • ADSR
  • Quad VCA
  • Mixer & headphones out

Questions/problems:

• I'm thinking about Intellijel Quad VCA instead A-135-2 Quad VCA but deopfer is a cheaper. Is module from Intellijel better than A-135-2?
• Too many sound sources? Should I throw away great Cs-L (too big and to complex for newbie?) and get simpler oscillator (Befaco's Even VCO?) + effect (Dual Drive from Erica Synths)? Or just remove this complex oscillator?
• Am I missing some important utils/sound modifiers?
• No noise source... Should I add something?
• Sadly Mutable Instruments is closed, its better to look for secondhand offers (this modules are beautiful) or for clones?
• How many cables should I buy? ;)

Thank you for all advice!

EDIT: preview of rack looks like "old one", probably some cache.

EDITED Dec 27th 2022, 23:37

How do I enable LFO mode? I have an ALA Beehive. I can put it in color blind mode. But I don't see the "chasing lights" pattern mentioned on the Mutable Firmware page (https://mutable-instruments.net/modules/plaits/firmware/). Also, all settings of the Frequency control still sound like audio range. No LFO. Do I have to do something else after going into color blind mode in order to enable LFO mode?

We really can't have enough VCAs, right? For example for modulating your modulation, but yeah with veils and LPGs you should come a long way.

And a larger Case can also be nice to work with, even if it's more than half empty. I found myself enjoying 6U system with the top populated and the bottom only for input (on the very left) as well as output (on the very right) modules. And a heavier case will really help as soon as your plugging in two, four or even six instrument cables via the bored brain module ;)
Good luck and have fun!

Procrastinating and writing up a small report for the end of the year, feel free to take a look, too and chime in!

What Did I add in the last year?

• The Tesseract Texmix grew four stereo inputs. While I have little Stereo Soruces it has been great to experiment with Mono-to-Stereo Effects I might have been better off with two monos but limitations are good for creative choices
• I added a sampler voice inside the rack, for purists this might be a bit harsh or space waste. But the Squarp Rample (currently still with it's stock sounds) works like a charm, has some live performance perks and is sitting better and better in the mix. I'll also need to consider getting a good pair of midi TRS adaptors for it to be fed with midi signals, too
• Missed Opportunities. Fantastic module, I had to mount it upside down for space reasons inside the skiff but due to the color coded Bananuts I put on it, there is litte opportunity to plug something in the wrong way

Issues I solved:

• Good Repeatable Randomness, which results in more Procedural Drumgroves
• Analog Kicks are cool, but I'm adding a lot more Interest on the Percussions with Rample
• Using FXAid in the A effects loop and Disting in B gives a lot of opportunity to mess with effects and some stereo width

Issues I created:

• I might have too much audio sources and little modulation now
• I REALLY need to check and write down which modules generate and expect what voltages. I'm still doing this blind right now
• Even without knowing all voltages I will need to add an attenuvertion in the rack. Befaco ABC can do that, but ist often used in other places
• Second Filter would be great to play around with the drums, or some light EQing

What is next?

• Due to some weird combinations I'm left with a 5HP gap and one last Power Connector in the top row. I'll probably fill this with a 5HP Befaco Attenuverter
• Keep Making Music and experimenting more with the two Midi controllable devices, hoping they will play well in the future.
• Listening to as well as making more music out of my comfort zone
• Any suggestions?

Yes.

No.

Yes & No.

Personally I think you might be OK with Veils and those 2 LPG's.

This is my rack mainly for dark ambient will sequence with beatstep pro and a sq-1

Do I need more vcas

I ordered a TipTop Audio SD808 to @Ashel1985 and everything fine.
Well packaged and a fast delivery.
Highly recommended seller.

I wish this was real, instead it just sits here teasing me, along with all the other lightstrip prototypes!
-- benirose

Ah I was wondering why I couldn't find any record of it or second hand module! Such a shame