I have been watching Modular Grid for several years now and it has been a huge help in getting me started in modulars. I am sure I would not even have been aware of modulars much less motivated to dive in were it not for this resource. Naturally there is great deal of jargon associated with a technical subject like this. It seems to me that a side bar glossary of terms would be a big help, especially for newbies. Probably have to be controlled by moderators. Short definitions of stuff like CV, bipolar, slew and so on.

If it was me:

Okay …. So next command Will be Math••• to the VCA/LFO for Numbers or examples and tutorials.

Maths yes

Mixer - Cosmix

I'd hold off on this for now - but do get a quad cascading vca - a veils clone if possible (Big T music) - it will act like a mono mixer for now and a midi interface or a sequencer is a better buy for now

ADSR - not decided (vca with multipl ?) lost ans no decided

Maths will provide envelopes!!! - not adsr - but adsrs are less common in modular than you'd think - often AD is fine and Maths will give you 2

Cv/midi : lost and not decided

either one of these - ie erica mutant brain (nb used to be hexinverter electronique) OR

Séquencer ‘ perhaps à Berhinger ? Or to wait and be patient for next month ;)

-- clem75Paris

a sequencer - would wait and buy one you actually want rather than a 'cheap' one just to have one - this applies to all modules

Hi,

Welcome.
For that type of sound you are going to need above all a good effects module. I'm not very into this type of modules, but here are some of the most popular
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/make-noise-morphagene
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/qu-bit-electronix-nautilus
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/endorphin-es-ghost-black
You will also need a pitch sequencer, this is a good option for generative patches
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/qu-bit-electronix-bloom
Also very important are the additional modules, vca's, additional mixers, sequential switch
VCA's
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/intellijel-quad-vca
CV Mixer
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/intellijel-triatt
Sequential Switch
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/doepfer-a-151
A random modulation source
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/nonlinearcircuits-triple-sloth-white-panel
And for the case, I join the general recommendation, TipTop Mantis

Hey, im new to synthesizers, ive read a book and have been trying to gather my own information as much as possible but now is the time to start putting together my own rack.

So far I've put together Make Noise Maths, STO, and 2HP Euclid (Euclid doesnt show up on the jpg so I wrote it through text) because I got some good deals on them locally. I want to go for something very explorative and crisp, but I don't know of what specific direction to take it in. For reference, I love autechre, Ben Frost and Tim Hecker, but I don't want to exactly commit to that ethereal type of sound because as I understand it, it takes a lot of investment to achieve. At the same time, I don't know exactly what questions to answer in this introduction, so yeah, hope that someone is willing to help me out a bit!

Also, what would be a good case to look for online? I know I want to continue with modular when I'm older so I should get a bigger case than I might otherwise, wouldn't have to be super portable or anything.

Okay …. So next command Will be Math••• to the VCA/LFO for Numbers or examples and tutorials.

Mixer - Cosmix

ADSR - not decided (vca with multipl ?) lost ans no decided

Cv/midi : lost and not decided

Séquencer ‘ perhaps à Berhinger ? Or to wait and be patient for next month ;)

Any reason you don’t go for an ES-9? I went through every expert sleepers interface trying my hardest to avoid aggregate devices but the ES-9 turned out to be the all in one solution I needed. So many inputs and outputs it’s great.

midi to cv you might want to look at the cv.ocd or if you want it in the rack erica synths are now making the mutant brain

Maths - best Maths substitute is Maths - simply because of the numerous videos on youtube and the fucking fantastic "maths illustrated supplement" - why is it so fantastic - because aside from giving you 32 patch examples for Maths - if you think hard about what, why and how maths and the patching is working it will serve as a jumping off point for all your future patching - what if I do this, how do I do this, why an I doing this?????

there are many other similar modules - designs based on the serge dual universal signal generator - but Maths is by far the most popular and in many ways the best - not least the ergonomics are good and the configuration - 2 function generators, 2 attenuverters with offsets, a bit of mixing (including a negative output) and a bit of logic are enough to kick start an entry level modular...

& don't let the name 'maths' put you off - you are after all designing/building yourself a customised, analog computer that specializes in generating sound - ie a modular synthesizer

Thank you for reminding me - I did intend to mention the current SD card is some no-name product. I will give Sandisk a go. Cheers.

I have not had that happen before (I have several Distings). You don't mention what kind of SD card you have, but if it's not the specific type that the manual recommends then I would get one - they're not expensive. If you still can't make any headway then I would contact OS at Expert Sleepers, he will be able to help you better than anyone on here.

I highly recommend the Delta-V as a great envelope generator / LFO / VCA. Basically a mini maths!
-- Praveen

Thanks for the recommendation, this wasn't on my radar before!

I pulled the trigger on most of it. I got the Caixa 104, PPW, Alan+Enigma, QD, and the Veils clone. I'm holding off on the Manis Iteritas and any FX unit. I also wasn't able to find the ES-8 in stock anywhere (new or used), so I have an alert set up for that.

@JimHowell1970 I get what you're saying about utility modules. I'm hoping that once I play with what I've bought, I'll have a better feel for what I need. I like that the Caixa comes with balanced ins/outs, 2x buffered mults, a precision adder, 2x lfos, S&H, noise, and a stereo mixer. So I'm trying to figure out what other sorts of utility modules I'm really missing out on. Suggestions in that area?

Trank you for the Link this bible explains what thé LFO/VCA with multiples is very important .

So Math seems to be the référence : is there a same quality alternative ? And iahve you a Good réf• Midi to cv ?

Cheers

EDITED Mar 12th 2023, 19:17

I'm about to list some things as well... Was thinking startup and in action clips would be welcome as well. Certainly for more expensive kit. Be honest with when You can ship and most importantly... IMO... Communication.
That to me can make a difference between PayPal f&f or not.

Maybe this can help... Or... Maybe not...
https://modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=230155
-- Dub007

that's quite a good idea!

Maybe this can help... Or... Maybe not...
https://modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=230155

Hello, I hope I can get some advice here. I have a Disting Mk4 which seems to have developed an issue with the SD card reader.
I have 32Gb SD card that previously worked fine but now upon start up the Disting will show an empty screen after showing the firmware version (4.18). It does not react to any button pushes or turns.
The module starts up fine if the SD card is removed. The SD card reads fine on my mac but fresh format as per manual does not help with the Disting startup. Unfortunately, I do not have another card to hand to further check this. Has anyone else ever had this? Could the card reader in the Disting have failed?
Thanks in advance for any help or advice!

Maybe some reasoning for your selections would be in order...

why the battleship sequencer without enough voices for it to drive?

why the knobula? do you know how you could use it?

why no submixers?

and most importantly why no VCAS????????

I've only purchased through Modular Grid, never sold, but I have sold quite a few items elsewhere. My advice would be to list things at a fair price, accurately describe EVERYTHING, use PayPal goods and services for everyone's protection, and ship quickly with sturdy packaging. I know a lot of folks like PayPal friends and family, but I'm not sure I would be comfortable using that with someone who has minimal feedback.
Have fun and good luck.

EDITED Mar 12th 2023, 18:02

Hi, I’m considering listing modules on here but I don’t have any kind of reputation. Id also love to know what is the safest way to do the transaction (paypal?)

Thanks for reading.

Okay , I havé something now, Sounds better like that ?

or (Wait for update .m’a)

EDITED Mar 12th 2023, 15:46

and now the actual link!

ah good the thumbnail doesn't match - but not a problem...

the midi-cv module appears to be discontinued... may be impossible to source...

the sequencer is I believe very difficult to get hold of and probably not the easiest to get to grips with...

mixer ok...

no vcas... not enough channels of lfo/function generator!!! you will need these!!!!

EDITED Mar 12th 2023, 14:53

On this page you will find information that will surely help you: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/forum/posts/index/10775
-- Sweelinck

Thx !!

es8 or 9 - neither of which will require quantization as the output will already be quantized - possibly to talk to a computer/DAW

I have Several deeadbox (nyx HADES erebus v2)

possibly a sequencer - which may or may not include a quantizer - you may want more than one of these - possibly a trigger sequencer and a melodic sequencer for sequencing pitch (v/oct) and possibly gates

Excellent idea , is a drum séquencer like Drumbrute impact could to pilot ? Or minilog matrix were percer too

a quad cascading vca - I lik veils - clones are available - as it has enough gain to be also used as an input module if needed (most vcas do not have this)

Added on my rack

an lfo - probably multichannel
a multipl chan LFO black noise added but LOWER game ,

a function generator - ?'

a mixer (for combining the outputs of the oscillator)

a mixer for combining modulation sources (I like matrix mixers)

an end of chain mixer - to combine different sounds and output to ? headphones/mixer/monitors?

possibly an input module - so that you can amplify external gear to modular levels

some utility modules to help you copy signals (muult) and modify them
-- JimHowell1970

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_2193237.jpg?1678630225

EDITED Mar 12th 2023, 14:10

On this page you will find information that will surely help you: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/forum/posts/index/10775
-- Sweelinck

Thx !!

es8 or 9 - neither of which will require quantization as the output will already be quantized - possibly to talk to a computer/DAW

I have Several deeadbox (nyx HADES erebus v2)

possibly a sequencer - which may or may not include a quantizer - you may want more than one of these - possibly a trigger sequencer and a melodic sequencer for sequencing pitch (v/oct) and possibly gates

Excellent idea , is a drum séquencer like Drumbrute impact could to pilot ? Or minilog matrix were percer too

a quad cascading vca - I lik veils - clones are available - as it has enough gain to be also used as an input module if needed (most vcas do not have this)

Added on my rack

an lfo - probably multichannel
a multipl chan LFO black noise added but LOWER game ,

a function generator - ?'

a mixer (for combining the outputs of the oscillator)

a mixer for combining modulation sources (I like matrix mixers)

an end of chain mixer - to combine different sounds and output to ? headphones/mixer/monitors?

possibly an input module - so that you can amplify external gear to modular levels

some utility modules to help you copy signals (muult) and modify them
-- JimHowell1970

On this page you will find information that will surely help you: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/forum/posts/index/10775

ok so maybe you could add some of the things that you think you want and then we can critique that and add the things you actually need

here's a few hints - you may want and you will need some of the types of modules mentioned:

to connect to your other studio bits and pieces - a midi to cv module (and possibly a cv to midi module) or something like a expert sleepers es8 or 9 - neither of which will require quantization as the output will already be quantized - possibly to talk to a computer/DAW

possibly a sequencer - which may or may not include a quantizer - you may want more than one of these - possibly a trigger sequencer and a melodic sequencer for sequencing pitch (v/oct) and possibly gates

a quad cascading vca - I lik veils - clones are available - as it has enough gain to be also used as an input module if needed (most vcas do not have this)

an lfo - probably multichannel

a function generator - I like maths, as it has the best documentation, particularly the 'maths illustrated supplement'

a mixer (for combining the outputs of the oscillator)

a mixer for combining modulation sources (I like matrix mixers)

an end of chain mixer - to combine different sounds and output to ? headphones/mixer/monitors?

possibly an input module - so that you can amplify external gear to modular levels

some utility modules to help you copy signals (muult) and modify them

It should be start

make the rack public in edit rack and then copy the url and paste it into the post....

With pleasure i built my rack but I cant share it , just a jpg . Is sharing possible to suscribe Unicorn ? It could to be That ? https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_2193237.jpg

EDITED Mar 12th 2023, 12:34

Atlantis would be a pretty great option for a certain type of ambient I reckon. SH-101 was all over a lot of 90s downtempo stuff.

This guy def makes it work:

Yes, with more specific terms, the results are a bit better. It still gets confused at times, if you tell it to start with sound sources, it may add Maths, which is correct because it can be used as a sound source, so it is better to specify VCOs instead of sound sources.

I also find it interesting when asking for module alternatives. So if a module has been discontinued, it can suggest some replacements for it, which can be useful and save time browsing thousands of modules looking for alternatives.

I highly recommend the Delta-V as a great envelope generator / LFO / VCA. Basically a mini maths!

Thanks Jim! I wasn't familiar with "cascading" VCAs, and looked into it. Looks like I can treat a section of it as a simple unity mixer, so that helps to mix another voice in!

I took out the Plaits and 2HP Mix for now and added a Veils clone. I'm gonna leave 20hp blank for now until I get everything received and figure out whether I really need another voice, more utility modules, etc etc.

hmmm... it's quite a common newbie issue but you might be trying to do too much in too small a case... see my signature and spend some time thinking about the contents of it - a few days at least...

saying that, pam's can do both envelopes and lfos and will be more than enough for now and I wouldn't worry too much about having enough vcas - just buy a good quad cascading one for now and see how you get on... by good I mean a mutable veils (or more likely a clone) or an intellijel quad vca

Didn't realize the "loose modules" outside the rack wouldn't show. Not that it matters, I just don't know what I'm looking for when it comes to EGs, FGs, and VCAs. Also, here's a direct link to the rack.

EDITED Mar 11th 2023, 23:35

Really appreciate feedback anyone has.

TL;DR:

1. I have 26hp left for VCAs, other modulation (EGs), and some effects. What am I missing that you would recommend?
2. If I get rid of the Plaits (possibly redundant, as well as the 2HP Mix that lets me hear it), then I have 32hp to work with.

Goals, in order:

1. Single Eurorack case that lets me do drums and a bassline. Maybe one extra voice as a lead, drone, or fx if there's (mixing) room. I like DnB, Techno, Dubstep...
2. $2k budget. I am WAY over this at ~$2.9k (minus Vult Freak, owned already). I see no other way out. I am going to have to beg the wife for forgiveness.
3. Integrate with MacBook, for add'l modulation and/or recording multiple voices at once.
4. Room to expand. I'd love to get a new module every month, not a fan of having to get another case so soon... but I can sell the Caixa in the future, NBD. I'm also a big believer in "constraints breed creativity", so having only 104hp usable is more likely to keep me creative, not less.
5. Aesthetics. Least important requirement... but an all-black rig looks pretty cool, NGL.

Currently own:

1. MacBook w Ableton Live 11 Suite and VCV Rack.
2. Korg SQ-64, Dirtywave M8, and Novation Tracks for external sequencing options.
3. East Beast. Was originally planning on using this in my first Eurorack, didn't realize how much space it took up, almost no room for anything else already...
4. Vult Freak. God I love this filter.

Current Modules Line-up:

1. Caixa 104. Gorgeous case. I already use the built-in modules for most patches in VCV Rack (except balanced inputs), so this is a great deal.
2. PPW, Alan and Enigma are for “portable”/“exploration” modes. If I don’t have a laptop hooked up through ES-8, or the new SQ-64, I can still jam. I LOVE Turing Machine (Alan for less HP), that's the only non-negotiable module in this line-up.
3. I want powerful drums. vpme.de QD sounds amazing. It takes up a huge amount of space though.
4. Manis Iteritas. I like filthy basslines. The Osiris is an alternative; though it's 2hp wider, I love wavetables.
5. Plaits (Knit for 6hp). May remove, see Q's below.
6. Big empty space in the middle is for modulation, see Q's below.
7. Vult Freak. Can operate as two filters at once. Already own this one, so it's going in.
8. 2hp Mix. This is only for add'l voices like Plaits since the built-in mixer only has two (stereo) channels.
9. ES-8. Pricey, but I really want to integrate with VCV Rack and this seems to be the best way. (I have a MOTU M4, but it's in a semi-permanent place in my home studio for my monitors and not a portable option.)

Questions (repeat of above w/ add'l info):

• How many VCA's would you recommend for 104hp? I don't know what I need for modulation. Looked at a ton of options, see the loose modules below the rack. I currently have the 2 built-in Caixa LFOs, Pamela's, and Turing. Definitely need VCAs, how many would you recommend for 104hp? I need 1+ envelope generators too, and definitely want to duck the bass with a VCA. Maths is super popular, but it takes up a lot of room... but if it'll also let me mix in an additional voice, maybe it makes the most sense. It does too many things for me to remember what it's capable of, without ever having played with one in person.
• Should I get rid of plaits? I'd love to have one extra voice, but I already have Manis and QD (and QD is technically 4 voices?), plus the built-in Caixa stereo mixer only has two channels. I threw in the 2hp Mix for this reason but that's another $99 and that's probably too small for performing. Would you chuck it? Removing that and the 2hp Mix frees up 8hp for more modulation space. Or at least future expansion.
• Recommended FX unit that would fit too? There are zero effects. In standalone mode w/o MacBook some stereo spread or light reverb would be nice. Maybe a disting? Those are "menu-divey" but I don't see myself playing with that a lot when jammin'.

Hi Matteo

The 6m0d6 will only respond to MIDI notes D1, A1, D2, C#2, A#1, and F#1. Make sure your MIDI device is not transposing the notes. I’ve done this before without realizing it.

Also, please check that you have maximized the gain on each mixer channel, and also check that you are using the ‘MIX” output to your main mixer. I know this is obvious, but sometimes it’s easy to miss the simple things.

If none of that works, perhaps you could try another MIDI device. I hope you get it sorted out!

PS The 6equencer is a wonderful addition. Once you get to know it, it’s quick and easy to program and chain patterns together.

EDITED Mar 11th 2023, 21:57

My positive point goes to Squarp Instruments. I had a problem with Hermod and send them an email with not too much faith for a response and not only they answer me in a couple of hours with a solution, they told me that of the problem were not fixed, I would send them the module to check it and fixed by themself.
Thats something I love about eurorack and eurorack companys. I'm still waiting for a response from Akai since 10 months.

Wow never thought about asking that to ChatGPT. Great idea! Sometimes working with general terms with ChatGPT could be crazy. What did you exactly ask to ChatGPT to do? Maybe with more specific terms like first row for 1 voice, second row for effects and so on, the result could be more interesting.

Well maybe it's as simple as this. Black text on white (or silver) or white text on black, presents the most contrast and therefore the greatest readability. There is a lot of print in very small font on many panel fronts. The manufacturers are trying to make their products easy to use. Any manufacturer will weigh the relative commercial value of usability versus the attraction of an unusual color scheme. Which is undoubtedly why the trend is away from unusual color schemes.
But don't mind me. I'm just an old fuddydud engineer.

EDITED May 16th 2023, 12:35

there are quite a few quantizers that have 4 channels - Bard Quartet, ADDAC, O&C but not many that will handle 8 - sinfonion, perhaps, but that'll only actually quantize 3-4 channels and generate v/oct for the others...

to be clear this is for pitch (v/oct) quantization only...

time quantization is not really done in modular - usually we use clock dividers and multipliers fed by a steady clock to trigger events at precise points - dividing a fast clock will always be more stable than multiplying, as a divider just counts the clock, whilst a multiplier has to measure the time between 2 clock ticks and then divide that time by the multiplication factor (and if the clock is not so stable it will be off at some point

it's more common that people want to add swing or go slightly off clock to humanise the rhythm - using a vc trigger/gate delay, perhaps

I think it might be a good idea if you created a rack on here and shared it (and also the other studio parts you want to interface with)

Hello,

Anyone using the 6m0d6 via midi?

I am having not luck it. Manual says it should be on channel 10 but no luck, i have also tried with all the other channels. No luck.
Also, manual says it accepts trs standard a and b. I've tried with both, no luck.

Any ideas?
Thanks,
Matteo

I could to take between 4 and 8 Chanel to be large , ideally I want to sync my desktop studio with the modular patch

My main dislike of black panel designs: I can’t see the knobs as well.
-- Kaleidic

It's true. As a pianist, I actually prefer a traditional white (ivory) keyboard with black (ebony) keys than the other way round. It's more 'readable'.

To complete the original topic, black or brown wooden piano cases were often multicoloured in the past on... harpsichords. And they were magnificently painted.

However, with the psychedelic movement, some pianos were repainted in the 60s. One of the most famous is Lennon's (painted by Dutch design collective artists The Fool).

Today, these different trends can be found in synthesizers and modules.

Hello community,

I got the chance to have an early release of Banshee Reach, so I did a complete user manual on video, as usual, in French with captions

My main dislike of black panel designs: (1) I can’t see the knobs as well, and (2) I can’t read the text as well. Tiny knobs and text make Eurorack hard enough as it is. So I’m supposed to use it in a nightclub while it’s styled like a ninja in camouflage? That’s like playing a practical joke on myself. Nevertheless I do buy some dark models. It can’t be the deciding factor for me.

Very interesting. Overwhelming also. Don't have enough time for all that stuff.

I found an interesting book about generative music: ” A Systematic Introduction To Making Generative Music With Modular Synths”.
It is an e-book that can be downloaded for $24.50 here:
https://www.dev.rofilm-media.net/node/331

There is even a volume 2:
https://www.dev.rofilm-media.net/node/467

given the use case - I'm not convinced of the need for the extra vcos
-- JimHowell1970

I think of the Orbit 3 as more of an LFO. It will probably be useful as an extra VCO, but I honestly haven't thought of it that way very much.

The Virt Iter Legio was definitely intended as my third oscillator, and the options for phase modulation and built-in chorus factored into that.

Since the Malevolent's oscillators have four outs a peace, the noise engineering module sets up some great options for layered drones.

I have been thinking of using my Digitakt for reverb, because one of the recent firmwares allows for using that box as an effects processor for other gear. We'll see how that goes, but you are probably right in your suggestion for finding a good reverb module.

Hello,
I’m a big fan of synths and musical equipment, and I’ve always been fascinated by eurorack and modular world in general. Unfortunately I have an ICD (implanted cardioverter defibrillator) since three years, and I’m a little afraid to handle patch cables carrying electricity, even with low voltage and amperage.

My physician say that the risk of interferences with my device handling modular gear should be very low in presence of DC current compared to AC, so the main risk is due to AC leakage current.

So the questions are: there is a way to eliminate this risk of AC leakage currents? There are some recommendations to make an adequate power grounding to avoid any current on external case or panel of modules? It would be better to use a wooden case or an external power supply in example?

It would be nice if someone with my same situation (ICD or Pacemakers), who uses modulars, could share his experience.
Thanks
P.

EDITED Mar 10th 2023, 20:28

a quantizer is a quantizer - intended genre is irrelevant - just like most modules - genre is what you make of it...

how many channels do you want?

an output module may or may not be needed - what are you intending to use for monitoring? an outboard mixer, headphones, powered monitors?

Hey ! I’m waiting my command ! So I have a ghost , a sofia and an ADSR. If you have a piece of advice about appoint Out , or rythm and frequencie quantizer for techno progressive , I m really interested

EDITED Mar 10th 2023, 17:31