Hello fellow wigglers. I currently have the ALM mmMIDI module and I am thinking about swapping it out for the Hexinverter Mutant Brain. What I would like to do is use my external gear (Novation BassStation and Erica DB-01) to create arpeggio patterns and then send those patterns to my modular system. Would the Mutant Brain accomplish this?
What Farkas said..
two recommendations if you want to add percussion in your setup
* the Percall by Befaco. Vca+envelop generator easy and nice.. but what makes it one of my fav is the choke option.
* the sound-force sample modules; three 4hp sample modules, preloaded with classic sounds 808, 909 y the lindrum (my fav)
The idea was to be able to play polyphonically and also have some slots leftover for random lfos etc. But I'm sure 1 expander would be good. If I drop one of those any suggestions for another 4hp module to fill the case?
I'm a big fan of Trent Reznor and his experimental scores so this will heavily be a sound design rack...however I want to be able to play live with my keystep pro. Bitbox for percussion, keystep pro sequencing that. Then I have many voices leftover in my rack.
-- echo7
For FH-2 polyphonic playing you could setup in the configuration tool:
Type: Poly, 2 Voices;
Per Voice Ouputs: CV, Gate or Trigger, Velocity(?) and Envelope(?). ( 4 x 4 )
Then you'd have a full 8 expander outputs for whatever—the filter and repeater, one of the Noise Engineering modules, bitbox?
You have two oscillators yes, so to play your rig polyphonically you'd have to patch both oscillators and mix them down to a single centred output so you can then bring them into your reverb, delay effects and make them stereo. Otherwise you'll have two voices, one in left side, one in right—probably not what you want. Of course you can record each voice separately and have as many layers as you want in your DAW. But you basically have two subtractive signal paths osc/bb>filter>fx and osc/bb>fx>filter, so this is not gonna be complicated.
The bitbox does multisample polyphony too with MIDI, so you have that option with your Keystep.
If you dropped an expander there is the Disting, I don't have it but it is VERY POPULAR—44128 racks.
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/expert-sleepers-disting-mk4
or since you're doing sound design you could look into the Happy Nerding FX—also well liked and popular, also something I don't have, haha. https://www.modulargrid.net/e/happy-nerding-fx-aid-black-gold
Ultimately it comes down to you. Personally I'd probably not devote so much hp in a small case to a reverb and two different delays... but your name is Echo so that's your thing. Do your thing.
Settings for Disting MK4
H-4 Dual Quantizer
P0 = 31
P1 = 31
P2 = +3 Minor
P3 = +3 Minor
P4 = 0
P5 = 0
P6 = 0 = C(?)
A lot of the reason to get into modular is the ability to turn anything into a percussive sound source. It's only limited by your imagination. An oscillator, wavefolder, low pass gate, etc... Even a self-oscillating filter, VCA, and envelopes... That's what makes modular fun.
There are plenty of drum oriented modules like Basimilus Iteritas Alter, Plonk, and the now discontinued WMD stuff, but drum machines are far cheaper. Just depends on what you are trying to do, and how deep you want to get into creating your own sounds.
Good luck and have fun.
Sorry I missed the part with the mixer. Sure, an external mixer would help.
I have an ES-3 and have used it for sound design and composition, but never for playing the case, mainly because I do not play a modular and use it solely for sound design and composition. Something like the ES-3 is good for communication between the DAW and the case. I also have a Mutant Brain MIDI-CV module that I had bought in 2019 for a specific project. I'll use that to send note/gate data to the case and use the ES-3 for sending envelopes, LFOs and also audio.
Personally I find most modular performances boring OR music that could easily be done using a laptop or other hardware boxes. Lots of reverb-drenched pointless ambient doodlings or never-ending arpeggios over 4/4 kicks. I think most people use a modular for the sake of using a modular - an extension of a pitfall in electronic music (academic or non-academic) - the tool or process is more important than the end result. I will, however, give myself a last chance at trying to play with a modular by focusing only on my Make Noise modules as a consistent, single-producer system.
If you want some more interesting, experimental uses of modulars in live performance and composition, I'd recommend checking names like Thomas Lehn, Richard Scott, Eliad Wagner, Thomas Ankersmit...
Electronic musician, improviser, composer, sound designer in Berlin
Solo, Böseblick, Ephemeral Fragments, Only With You, Pep Talk, Lettow Erel Duo
any advice for a module that can be a good percussive sound source?
don't need anything realistic
No worries.. :)
No it’s just a trigger sequencer, 8 outs
So a lot of possibilities to expand your drum/perc rhythms or trigger envelopes
Robaux ll8"?
-- T0MMI001
sorry, I'm a modular newbie: does this module have internal sounds?-- unguitar
Robaux ll8"?
-- T0MMI001
sorry, I'm a modular newbie: does this module have internal sounds?
It's discontinued now, but Warps from Mutable Instruments is a useful wave folder/ring mod/crossfader/TZFM thing (further expanded with the Parasites firmware.) I'm not always crazy about digital modules or remembering modes and that kind of thing, but I've found Warps to be pretty darn useful. You might find something like that valuable in 10hp.
Also, shout out to Sam Prekop! I'm a huge fan of all of his and John McEntire's projects.
Good luck and have fun.
If I have a Yamaha MG12XU mixer, why do I need a stereo mixer in the rack?
Perhaps I do not need one of the expanders for the FH2. The idea was to be able to play polyphonically and also have some slots leftover for random lfos etc. But I'm sure 1 expander would be good. If I drop one of those any suggestions for another 4hp module to fill the case?
I'm a big fan of Trent Reznor and his experimental scores so this will heavily be a sound design rack...however I want to be able to play live with my keystep pro. Bitbox for percussion, keystep pro sequencing that. Then I have many voices leftover in my rack.
A sequential switch is used, for example, to channel the modulation signal from a source to several destinations dynamically by means of a trigger. You can also send a sequenced trigger to different destinations.
-- ferranadsr
Interesting, that's something I use stages for. I guess I was conflating it with sequencing.
So, would ornament and crime or a pams be more utilitarian? I know that o_C has a lot of different algorithms, and can have two operating at the same time, but I also feel like pams has more direct programming.
How would you define a sequential switch as opposed to a sequencer?
I will often use stages as cv sequencers
-- fretless19
Hi,
A sequential switch is used, for example, to channel the modulation signal from a source to several destinations dynamically by means of a trigger. You can also send a sequenced trigger to different destinations.
It is a basic module, for example
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/doepfer-a-151
You can watch this video where they explain it very clearly with a lot of options.
BR
How would you define a sequential switch as opposed to a sequencer?
I will often use stages as cv sequencers
Hi,
If you plan to put Pamela I don't think you need any more clock modulator.
I agree with @JimHowell1970, a sequential switch and maybe a matrix mixer and an attenuator/attenuverter could be good options.
BR
I think you've got enough sound sources - light on utilities though - this is where I'd add - they will vastly increase versatility
logic, attenuators, mixers (sub and matrix), switches, more vcas etc etc etc
I would only add another sound source to this if I was adding more rows
see my signature for some hints
"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia
Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!
sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities
Thanks for checking it out, Fred. Much appreciated.
i would like to get some input/different look on my setup...i want to buy the metropolis seq. in the near future and would like to know if i miss something essential in my 2 boxes. . . .
(ps: i will replace the doepfer vco at some time. . . )
(music i like: jim o rourke, sam prekop, eliane radigue (literally everything from the grm circle).. . .
Definitely some unique sounds in your tracks and a lot of interesting listening in your albums. I particularly liked Récurrences. Thanks for sharing! Cheers!
what would you fill up the rest of this space with?
mults have been largely replaces by stack cables, so we can remove that 4 hp for this discussion.
for reference, I have 4 remaining bus slots,
with plenty of power remaining
for modulation, i've been looking at ochd, triple sloths, Pams (new or pro) or an O_C.
Going to do one more voice, debating between BIA or another plaits clone (given the new firmware)
maybe a clock divider like Fractio solum.
That doepfer-lfo is a nice basic module.. one of the first I bought and still in my case.
there are loads of 4hp attenuverters out there.
Instead of that 914 behringer; check the doepfer a128.. smaller footprint but different frequencies.
A deceptively simple sounding patch, and beautiful. A great listen. Thanks for sharing. And those Stoel modules look interesting too. You need to do more promo work. ;-) Cheers!
Hi,
An attenuator/attenuverter module would be a good option.
For example https://www.modulargrid.net/e/addac-system-addac218
Regarding LFO, Doepfer 145-4, they are 4 simple lfos without VC, but suitable for modulating.
If you want to go one step further, ochd https://www.modulargrid.net/e/divkid-ochd
Best regards,
This would make my little effects box even more mediocre. But if anybody can give me an advice how I can fill up the 8HP from the 995 with flashy modules that suit my desire (at least 3 attenuators and a flexible LFO to modulate the Z5000) I might follow these suggestions. Thanks!
-- Jockl
don't doepfer do a 4hp quad attenuator and a 4hp quad lfo? I just checked, yes to both - more utilitarian than flashy though
"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia
Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!
sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities
Can we not forbid these kind of douchebags and send them off to Reverb? I am fine with selling rare modules with a markup but shouldn't there be limits?
@JimHowell1970
Thanks for your suggestions. I was aware that my tiny box loaded with uncool Behringer modules won't be regarded as the latest hip thing in this community. One thing I want to avoid is to expand to a full blown modular system so buying a bigger case is no option for me.
@adaris
I guess you are right. I'll swap the bulky 995 with a Doepfer A-138n and a Doepfer A-145-4.
This would make my little effects box even more mediocre. But if anybody can give me an advice how I can fill up the 8HP from the 995 with flashy modules that suit my desire (at least 3 attenuators and a flexible LFO to modulate the Z5000) I might follow these suggestions. Thanks!
You seem to be missing a stereo mixer. You have a Bitbox, QPAS, a Mimeophon, a Desmodus and a Nautilus... all of them are stereo. Unless you want to use them as one big stereo chain, you'll need a basic stereo mixer. Something like a Happy Nerding 2xSAM or Make Noise's own XOH would do. You might even want to go for a larger mixer if you want to be able to play all those sound sources and effects together.
What kind of music do you want to perform/compose with this case?
Electronic musician, improviser, composer, sound designer in Berlin
Solo, Böseblick, Ephemeral Fragments, Only With You, Pep Talk, Lettow Erel Duo
With the black STO, Maths, they're actually just cheap black faceplates you can buy and swap at any time.
Just fancy looking things, not necessary: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/other-unknown-materia-urania-maths-black-gold
Yes, with the FH-2 you have enough modulation sources: and if you incorporate it with your DAW you can assign CC numbers to the outputs and draw in your automation—any curve you can create. Including the expanders, no matter how you arrange them, 24 outputs is a lot for your case. I have no idea where you're planning on putting them all!
If you can describe the type of music you make or want to make or can compare it to musicians you're inspired by, other members with similar taste might have helpful advice on finishing your rack.
Thanks for the feedback! The layout you suggest does make sense. I plan on going line out from various modules into a desktop mixer so that I can multitrack stems...so not everything will be going out the x-pan or case outputs necessarily. I do like the black, but I already own a lot of these modules.
As I'm looking to finish my case, are there any obvious or helpful module/s that I could be missing? Or replacements to certain modules that may perform better/allow for more options? Do you think the FH2 plus expanders and Maths offer enough modulation options?
Do you think I need a dedicated mixer module or is Maths and X-Pan suitable if I'm going out into a desktop mixer?
Cheers,
Experimental sounds but I don’t even know what style I enjoy tbh. Still new to it. But I use my expert sleeper for vcv rack so I have a lot of little things like clocks delays and mixers that I can use to blend in . But I want to hear what people think would go well . Whatever it is il look into . Maybe a Intellijel shapeshifter? Or some befaco mixer? I don’t know which would he better or if there is something better than those 2.
What kind of music are you making? What functions do you feel are missing? Is there something you wish you could do, but can't?
We will probably need some more details so that we can help. Otherwise, people might just start listing random modules.
I’m looking for another 30hp module but I want to hear some opinions about my setup. What would be the best thing to include?
Whoooaaaaaa, where'd ya get the black maths? Happy it's working again!
Edit: second hand, I gotcha. I'm a bit toasted, myself, today.
Am curious to know how it turns out though, holler back when you get that sumbitch runnin again.
-- yeahivandalizm
Kinda forgot to update, but thankfully both the module and the case are in good working order! Thank you again for the proper advice. There are a couple of buttons on the module (oh, btw it's a 2nd-hand Maths with a black faceplate) that are a little bit sticky, but also work alright. At some point I'll have to do some triaging to clean 'em out, but I'm thinking I might leave that to the pros.
Happy holidays!
well there's absolutely nothing in there that I'd put in - including the case
start with a bigger case - you'll probably want to expand from this once you've got it and having the space already available will save you buying another case... bigger cases are often better value per hp and have better power solutions - tiptop mantis is near perfect starter case - buy (or make from cardboard) blank panels to cover the unused space
as a multi-effect unit I'd want one with a screen so it's easy to work out what algo you have loaded - fx aid pro would be my choice... because if you decide that you want another multi-effect you can then buy another one - either the standard of the xl and if you set it up right you can use the pro as a reference for the algos on the others - 1st 32 algos on the pro match the 32 algos on the other modules...
I wouldn't buy b-company modules without comparing modules from other companies - ie don't just buy something because it's cheap... find the one that you actually want - spend a lot more time researching before you buy...
you'll probably want to amplify the sub37 so it's actually at modular levels for processing
you will want more modulation and utilities than you think - these will exponentially increase the flexibility of the rack - they take up space - back to get a bigger case!!!
something to consider is that in order for a modular designed as an effects processor to be worthwhile - it is a full blown modular synthesizer, with an external sound source replacing the vcos - everything else is identical...
"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia
Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!
sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities
There's no need to use 8 HP for a triple passive attenuator module. You could replace that with a similar module or even one with more functionality from another manufacturer that takes up less space and you'll have room for an LFO module.
You're welcome! I should also mention that certain wavefolders can be used as both a clean VCA and a VCA with overdrive/wavefolding, at least I know this is true of the Bastl Timber. So that's something else to consider.
I build this to add a few basic effects to a Subsequent 37. Now is this pure genius or plain boring? I would love to expand on a LFO module but have no space left in the Doepfer LC.
Wow just listened to the TG4 and RK2 and they both sound incredible. Guess this is yet another rabbit hole to lose myself in.
Settings for Disting MK4
H-4 Dual Quantizer
P0 = 31
P1 = 31
P2 = +3 Minor
P3 = +3 Minor
P4 = 0
P5 = 0
P6 = 0 = C(?)
0-Coast (also quantized) playing a slow, droning bassline.
Small request for a longer period of time before logout. Modular synth builds don't seem mission critical, but I feel like I get logged out faster than my bank. I "sketched a patch" today and lost it because I was auto logged out. I would love it if I was never logged out, ever.
There are quite a few VCAs that can amplify but are basically clean until the amplified signal hits a ceiling of 10V or thereabouts, so I don't think the overdrive in the Tallin is a natural function of it being an amplifier, rather it's something they specifically built into the module. I see people make the claim that "most VCAs just attenuate" sometimes, but that hasn't been my experience in Eurorack. I think almost any VCA that isn't strictly linear is going to be capable of amplification, and even some of the linear ones can amplify to a degree if the control voltage is high enough.
As far as other VCAs that do some type of overdrive or distortion, my first thought is tube VCAs like the Metasonix RK2 for example. Abyss Devices Saevitus and Synthetic Sound Labs Tube VCA/Timbral Gate are a couple others that come to mind. But if you search MG for "Tube VCA" you'll find quite a few. Aside from Tube VCAs I know Expert Sleepers makes a JFET-based VCA, "Persephone" that can be used to overdrive the input signal as well.
I recently heard the XAOC Tallin and found the built-in overdrive very intriguing. I'm guessing that this is the product of the module actually being an amplifier and not just an attenuator like other VCAs.
It still got me thinking if you guys know of other VCAs that, instead of transparently modulating the amplitude, either react uniquely with the incoming CV/audio or modify the output interestingly?
Bonus points for modules with unique features directly linked to the VCA format. What I mean is: I'm expecting a drive + VCA module to be able to produce a similar effect to the Tallin, but I can imagine that there are some funky modules whose combinations are more dependent on the VCA circuit
