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I'm almost done with a starter rack, but fell in the starter trap of case too smol.

After exploring a bunch of different brands and playing with my current setup, I think I've settled on a case size and system that feels really good to me, but I'd love your thoughts to see if I'm missing anything.

I want the system to so primarily four things (in order of importance):
1. Be a performable, generative electronic kusic system with decent versatility.
2. An effects processor for external audio.
3. A midi instrument to be played with keyboard (I have an arturia keystep).
4. Bleepblooper earcandy maker for my more pop-leaning music.

I feel like I got all my bases covered, but may be short on VCAs. I could get rid of the Happy Nerding Attenuators and replace with more VCAs, but not sure if I'd need the attenuation as utility. Please let me know what you think! Criticism + feedback on every element is welcome. Thanks for taking the time to look over :)

updated rack:

EDITED Dec 10th 2022, 22:30

So when you do a firmware update do you have to re-calibrate?
-- wishbonebrewery

iirc you shouldn't need to - manual states calibration is only for correcting inaccuracies of modulation sources - but at least the calibration procedure is in the manual (if it is needed)

Just did a quick google and couldn't see any mention of re-calibrating

I'm probably going to to this update myself tomorrow or Monday, so I'll let you know if I have any issues!

Anyone got the Rectangular thing guys? I have a DIY unit and can't figure out how modulation works.
None of the MOD knobs do anything and nothing happens with external modulation through the dedicated MOD input.
-- orys

I'd contact Stijn above - you should be bale to private message him - however it seems like you probably have some defects in your build - so posting hi-res photos of the board to somewhere that's more oriented towards DIY might be a good idea - Modwiggler's Music Tech DIY subforum would be my choice!

good luck!

EDITED Dec 10th 2022, 17:24

and the link to the public rack - as jpgs are shite!!!

I agree with @GarfieldModular

blind panel and save the money towards a second case - that way you'll have space for some utilities - which appear to be sadly lacking from your case

An 9 LFO module from Jolin Lab.
Not much to the build, all the surface mount components are pre-installed so there are just 9 jacks and 9 switches to install, so the build was 10 minutes.
The test and demo, though, came out at 20 minutes. Took a bit to change rates, and messing about with chaining was interesting.
For me this is a good studio module, but not live or jamming, since the rate responses are slow to start and not intended to be precise.
But fun.
Build and demo

Dump the mult to add 2 more HP. Then there's 10hp... enough room for Zadar or one of the new Noise Engineering FX modules

:D

Have you looked into filters or VCAs? Unless you plan on running everything through the benjolin all the time, an extra filter with a big ol knoby knob would be great for sweeping the Black Wavetable. A VCA can help get get some really weird sounds going. Modulating your modulators and all that. If you downsized your clouds clone you should be able to squeeze both in comfortably.

For the midi/cv you could save rack space and get a keystep or some type of external midi/cv converter.

Those Caixa cases look great, lots of functionality, which would probably cover your € per Hp between the cases you mentioned. Caixa is €6.37 per hp, the rack brute is €2.15, and the mantis is €1.53. There's always trade offs, In this scenario it's rack space vs physical space vs built in functionality vs cost. Personally, I'd go for a mantis, put in the utility modules I need (and also choose, which is important to me) and then have room to add whatever later on when I start figuring out what's missing

Just some thoughts, have fun!

Hi FWGW,

If I haven't overlooked it and to my surprise, your rack doesn't contain any filter? So I would use the last 8 HP for a multimode filter. 8 HP isn't very much, by heart, Doepfer comes to mind but I am sure there are other interesting multi-mode filters that fit within 8 HP too. Another option might be the TipTop Audio - Forbidden Planet, nice little filter!

Otherwise stick with Farkas' advice to put a 8 HP blind panel first, till you damn sure where the last 8 HP will be spend for ;-)

Yet another option is to stick with the blind panel option but save the money you would have otherwise spend for an 8 HP module and keep saving money till you have enough money for a second case. Once you got that second case you can stop worrying about your last module because you have enough space left! :-)

Good luck with choosing a nice filter (or a fancy blind panel or saving money for another rack) and kind regards, Garfield.

Maybe a sequential switch of some sort? Doepfer makes a decent and inexpensive, but limited, one in 4hp, though there are many different ones that could offer some fun alternatives.

I'm already very happy with my setup. I mainly control my system with Marbles and Bloom and have a lot of fun with it. But I would like to get more into self-generated patching. Maybe a utility module?

With a blank panel until you figure out what you need! :)
Seriously though, what functions do you feel you are missing, or what would you like to be able to do that you can't right now?

Hello, how would you fill the last 8 hp of my case?

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_2109487.jpg

Help! I've gone modular blind!

Hi Friends,

After years of lusting after a modular, I've decided to pull the trigger and put together my first Rack which i aim to start buying early 2023.

Budget is about £2750 to start.

I'm a big fan of drone, especially mego records, Jim O'Rourke , Fennesz etc as well as krautrock such as Cluster, Harmonia etc , I don't require a drum mod at present as I can add any additional beats with Ableton for now.

I aim to record pretty much live then incorporate minimal edits / effects in my DAW. I do not have much room so a large case is out of the question, i certainly wouldn't be able to go bigger than a Arturia RackBrute 6U or a mantis.

I'm considering going for a Caixo 104 skiff as it seems decent value for money and includes a number of utility modules included although i still have an eye on a Arturia RackBrute 6U and i know there is a lot of love for the
Mantis also.

I also already own a Behringer Crave which i can use as a CV controller for now but may upgrade to something like a make noise Zero Control at a later date.

I want a system that can make interesting multi layered drones with moments of extreme noise and also twinkly generative granular beauty so have chosen an analogue Oscillator (Benjolin) and also a black wavetable VCO for more interesting granular sounds.

I'm hoping the remaining modules i've chosen cover most of the things i will require, especially incorporating the Caixa 104 modules. I would prefer more hands on mods and i'm not into menu diving too much.

Question 01 : Does anybody have a Caixo 104 and if so, would you recommend? the utilities and build quality look great although I'm aware of the space limitations.

Questions 02 : I welcome any feedback on this as a starter rack . Any suggestions for cheaper and smaller modules that will achieve the same kind of sound or any glaring omissions?

Question 03 : I know that i still need to incorporate a USB / CV module to sync with Ableton if required and would also welcome any glitchy effects that would help achieve that mego / autechre-esque sound. ( if my chosen mods don't already achieve this ) Does anybody have any suggestions?

I'm drowning in youtube videos and modular grid posts but it really is hard to choose anything! too much choice so i need help to zone in on exactly what i require to do the job in a budget /HP friendly way. Any links to vids / racks etc welcomed.

Any help for a complete newbie suffering for information overload would really be appreciated.

Many thanks for any help / advice you can offer.

Stoffaboy UK

Scammer MFR, right?

Reports of him ripping people off at random. Sucks. I got my module a few years ago

EDITED Dec 8th 2022, 19:41

Anyone got the Rectangular thing guys? I have a DIY unit and can't figure out how modulation works.
None of the MOD knobs do anything and nothing happens with external modulation through the dedicated MOD input.

I did a quick (1min) How to with the new FM engine, it's a no brainer :)

Hello,

Instead of the doepfer VCF, I would go for the Intellijel Polaris.
Instead of Ochd, I would go for the Abstract Data Octocontroler.
Personnaly I'm not fan of Pamela New Workout (I know I'm going of offence a lot of people), I prefer the Expert Sleepers FH-2, it does more.
Instead of Dual FX from Erica, I would go for the FX AID PRO from happy nerding
Instead of Triplatt, I would go for the Befaco STMIX and add the Befaco A*B+C for the logic part

Moi! Oisko mahdollista saada valmiiksi kyhätty ms-20 filtteri? Olen turhan onneton korvaaja.

Absolutely true to its name. The Star Wars episode 2 Sith Lord vibe is strong with this one

Robaux ll8"?

I'm looking for a drum sequencer like the circadian rythms but in a smaller size, I love the steppy but it only has 4 channels.
I like rythms and steppy cuz of the on hand controls without menu diving.
It also needs to have both mute and fill buttons on hand.
Anyone know about such a module?

So when you do a firmware update do you have to re-calibrate?

Cool, thanks for pointing this one out.

Although, frankly, it's just one more module in the huge list of modules that needs a firmware update.

... where did we go wrong?!

There's a new firmware v1.2 available for Plaits (works also with all Plaits clones like Beehive, etc...)!
It features 8 new additional modes, which are pure bliss and cover a lot of sounds and textures from ambient/drone, 80s synth FM galore, and up to noise/industrial/harshnoise bonanza.

Here a play thru ALL new sounds available in the new Modes, just Plaits/Beehive as free runner oscillator!

Find the files to update your module here:
https://forum.mutable-instruments.net/t/plaits-firmware-update/20719

Thank you for that! That's incredibly helpful. I'll do some editing and see where I land.

For a first rack, that's a great mix of modules!

However, if you're going with a Rubicon, then I think you might want one more oscillator. The Rub's most notable feature is through-zero FM, which means you want something to FM it with! (Usually that means another VCO generating a sine wave, though you can use other waveforms, and if you have a filter that track 1/v over a good range, and which will self-oscillate, then that could work too).

I'd be tempted to lose the Disting, the 2Hp Compressor and the 2Hp Mix, and replacing them with a Dixie II+ to get that extra oscillator.

(The Disting is great, but it's a pain to use because it does so much with so little UI. The Mix is useful, but you have a Quadratt, and the Comp is a bit redundant when you have the Ghost).

Next up, the uMidi is also redundant - the Expert Sleepers does everything that can do and more. How about ditching the uMIDI and buffered mult (you can use stackable cables, and all your module choices are properly buffered, so you shouldn't need an active mult) and replacing it with a second Quadratt. (I have three of them in my current case, and I use them for just about everything).

I'd also consider swapping the Quad VCA for a Mutable Veils V2; it's another quad VCA, but would save you 2HP and it has a nicer interface (if you like sliders, which I do!). And you could use that spare 2HP to drop the 2hp adsr and replace it with a Frequency Central System X envelope. (The 2hp modules are actually really good, but they are a bit fiddly. IMHO they work better for things you don't tweak to much, like noise. For an ADSR, I'd rather take the System X in 4hp and have bigger knobs!)

Lastly, do you need the input and output 1u modules? Again, the ES can do all of that... Give you more room for something fun?

But yeah, this is already a damn nice selection

EDITED Dec 7th 2022, 10:26

Heyo I’m not planning to slice and sequence a breakbeat, I’m not planning on making standard drum and bass just music inspired by it, so around the same tempo with growly bases, which the waverazor should supply.

I will be using my micro freak for sequenced melodics, while the brains will probably act like some sort and of poly meter or drone. I might be replacing it with something else later but right now it seems to be my cheapest option, I’m not trying to cheap out but this rack is already more expensive than I was planning on ahaha. I’d probably later want to replace it with something else but I don’t know what yet, I could replace it with two simple doepfer oscillators but I don’t have enough sequencing power for another voice, I do have enough ADSR though.

Disclaimer: newbie myself as well. Also looking to build a rack so I have read a lot about many modules. So I also read about Brains and the Microfreak, both of which use Mutable Instruments' open sourced Plaits source code. So they'll share quite a few instruments (I don't know which exactly). Looks like you are well covered in the percussive area with other modules, which kind of implies you are planning to use the Brains for something your Freak can already take care of.

If you are planning to make Drum 'n Bass, which module will take care of slicing and sequencing breakbeat? Just curious.

Recently really got into hardware music, and I want to build a euro rack, I have this rack designed but I'm wondering if I'm forgetting anything. I Mainly wish to make drum and bass inspired music, but also make some forms of minimal house / minimal techno like music. Externally I also have a Arturia MicroFreak

Behringer has a big case that's pretty reasonable. "Behringer Eurorack Go Mobile 2x140 HP Eurorack Case" https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/EuroRackGo--behringer-eurorack-go-mobile-2x140-hp-eurorack-case
I just ordered one from Sweetwater.

-- robertusmaximus

Nice! Do you know how you're planning to build it out?

Did end up buying just a 62hp case for the time being -- since it's pretty small and I should be able to fill it up in a few months (while also keeping me busy learning the modules I'm getting for a good long while) it'll help in keeping me from just squandering money on a bunch of modules just to occupy the empty space (in my heart/soul/hypothetically larger eurorack case).

I ordered a OmsInSerial LINKEE 3U to @OmsInSerial and everything perfect.
Well packaged and a fast delivery.
Highly recommended seller.
Very useful module to reduce the number of cables that go from my Arturia BST pro to my case.

Already done for divkid 😊
Like ALM S.B.G ?
Thank you very much for your advices !!

I thought about it and I will follow your advice. I will add the matrix mixer and the Morph 4. Do you know if with the matrix mixer I can patch my eurorack system with external effects? With the Lyra 8 for example.
-- timtoum93

Nice! Definitely follow the patch examples of the Morph 4 on Divkids channel when you get it. I loved using it as a waveshaper.

You will be able to use the matrix mixer for external effects but you have to be gentle with the attenuators as modular level is way hotter than line level. I know many pedals are able to take modular level fine, like my neunaber, but some don't. A pedal interface wouldn't be a terrible idea.

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/patches/view/98971

I've got a brewery gig this week,
this is the rack and patch I have set up for the show

The 4MS is set as my bass voice,

Rings is in duophonic sympathetic strings mode for most tracks, mono modal for a couple

Plaits is set as a kick for most tracks, and as a snare for others

two trigger tracks are turned into additional percussion

Beads as ambient shimmer.

EDITED Dec 6th 2022, 16:42

I thought about it and I will follow your advice. I will add the matrix mixer and the Morph 4. Do you know if with the matrix mixer I can patch my eurorack system with external effects? With the Lyra 8 for example.

If it's possible, put the 1u row as the middle row - so much more useful for cable routing.

Thank you! That's helpful.

Hi,
2HP modules.
They are a good option for small spaces, but do not put them together, it becomes impossible to control the knobs.
BR

Thanks for the feedback everyone!

Hi,
At first I would add some VCA's and a mixer for the different voices. Maybe also an attenuverter to mix/manipulate the different CV's.
BR

Definitely. I intended to use veils as a mixer but as we know we never have too many vca's. I will update this.
Yes, Veils is a mixer, yes, but if you use it to control the sound output of the different voices, you lose its functionality as a VCA and modulation source. For Audio I recommend a mixer dedicated to it, with its mutes, pan controls, its main output and its headphone connection, your neighbors and family will thank you.
-- Oroboros
Yes, Veils is a mixer, yes, but if you use it to control the sound output for the different voices, you lose its functionality as a VCA and modulation source. For Audio I recommend a mixer dedicated to it, with its mutes, pan controls, its main output and its headphone connection, your neighbors and family will thank you.
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/tesseract-modular-tex-mix-4-mono-channels
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/tesseract-modular-tex-mix-master-section
I have it installed, but it's my personal choice, good price, but there are many more options.
BR

Hey everyone,

I'm new to modular and after some research this is what I've come up with. My goal is something well rounded with lots of different possibilities, but leaning towards ambient, generative soundscapes. I'm thinking about using it mostly by itself and recording stuff into a DAW. My idea for a case is a Intellijel 7u.

Your feedback would be really appreciated.

Thanks!

//Herman

EDITED Dec 7th 2022, 01:03

Stack cables -> plaits model = polyphonic

Yes you’re right ! Ultimate layout is not really defined yet. First I have to wait for some modules to be offered in the second-hand listings. I hope that in early January some users might sell some stuff after they purchased some new modules for christmas.

Once I have gathered everything I’ll try to organise three vertical « zones » corresponding to my three use-cases (guitar effects / ambiant / techno). Hopefully to keep cables as short as possible. I hope I’ll be able to avoid patching some stuff on the far-left to modules on the far-right.
I’ll start with trying to follow the sound path. Voices on the left, then enveloppe, filters in the middle and finally effects on the right. Mixer might be around the center, closer to the effects. I’ll see what is usable once I have defined how my favorite patches work. I enjoy reorganizing my rack so it is not a problem to go through a couple of organisation mayhem.

I really love the idea of having everything in a single case, being powered by a single cable. This makes storage very convenient as I will have to store it under a desk most of the time when I’m not using it.
I will not travel with the rack that much. Sometimes from my home to a studio, but I plan to get a massive backpack to be able to carry the rack from time to time. If I see that life evolves and that I am carrying it much more than expected, I do not think I’ll need to carry all these modules and I’ll eventually split the rack. I’ll get a smaller case in which only the modules I need to carry will fit.

I think I’ll start by finding the best spot for the modules that need to be used hands-on.
Black Sequencer will go in the low row, probably in the middle and I’ll try to fit a module too it’s right side that do not has not too much cables, allowing an easy access to the sequencers knobs. The Malekko Voltage Block might be a good neighbor to the Sequencer.
The Sewastopol II will go in the bottom right corner to avoid having a stiff guitar jack crossing the path with other modules.

Others need to be figured out in the case I guess….! I really look forward to these moments.

Error : Double post

EDITED Dec 6th 2022, 01:32

I'm not a big rack kinda guy, like to move around too much, but it looks pretty heckin' fun to me. If I'm understanding you right, this is not how its going to look in the end, you just laid it out like this to group by function. What's the ultimate layout going to look like?

Thanks for the feedback everyone!

Hi,
At first I would add some VCA's and a mixer for the different voices. Maybe also an attenuverter to mix/manipulate the different CV's.
BR
-- ferranadsr

Definitely. I intended to use veils as a mixer but as we know we never have too many vca's. I will update this.

why scales when the output of the moskwa is already quantized?

2 large filters but a shrunken plaits?

are you intending to sequence the poly cinematic using midi from the mpc? if not, I would want a sequencer with many more channels - at least 2 for this (on top of at least 1 other - for the t-sl and beehive) - root note and chord type will want to be sequenced

Very good observations. I'm using a keystep pro as well for the sequencing. Also, Moskwha is also a sequencer so I believed that my bases were covered with the mpc added to that mix. The Large filters can also be used as oscillators and voices and I wanted at least 2 and wanted them to be fully cv controllable with Q parameters so I believed it justified the hp's.

As for scales, I wanted to be able to generate more than 1 melodic pattern using cv's from the different sources. That being said I agree that it might be overkill. Mokswa might be able to handle it all but I didn't want the sequencer aspect of Mokswa to be tied with scaling if I wanted to use it as a sequencer for something else but I might be wrong. It was definitely the module I might have gone without so removing it to make space for some attenuverters/vca's as everyone suggested would make sense.

Get ready for your mind to be blown.

Check out the ES9 (or another class compliant audio interface) to use with the MPC Live 2.

Excellent suggestion, I did consider the ES-9, It is amazing. The Morphagene is definitely one of the reasons I want a line in but its definitely way too costly for my needs at the moment. I might go that way in the future but for now being able to sent stuff in and out the rack line/rack levels is perfectly fine.

EDITED Dec 6th 2022, 04:28

Get ready for your mind to be blown.

Check out the ES9 (or another class compliant audio interface) to use with the MPC Live 2.

https://www.modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=263482

below is copy-paster from OP (Crevice) on the Modwiggler thread:

• The MPC one as a mixer for all ES9 inputs, with volume control, mute, pan, and effects. You can can control the volume with the qlinks, add effects, compression, etc. Similar to aum on the iPad, but with physical controls and knobs.

• Record your live jams, with individual tracks for each input. Then use the MPC export function to send stems to your daw for further mixing.

• Send 8 separate outputs of the MPC One to the ES9 outputs and then patch those to various modules, I love sending samples to morphagene, beads, Panharmonium, etc. Also, it's very fun to use the splice functionality and send splice samples into morphagene and create reals.

• The obvious one, but sample all of your various es-9 inputs, chop em up, mangle them, and then send them back to your modular world for effects. All over 1 single USB cable.

It really works amazing as a little brain to feed audio to your modular setup and accept audio from it, without needing a computer. Also they added some good piano and string plugins, so I've been recording loops with those and sending to my modular effects as well via the ES9.

EDITED Dec 5th 2022, 19:15

Big shout to @rossominerale for a good trade. Packaged a module with love and despatched pronto. He kept me informed and kept his word.

a filter will filter any audio signal

the only thing to watch out for is that most non-modular signals will be significantly quieter than modular level - so you will want to amplify the input signal - there are dedicated input modules available or you could use a vca that catually amplifies the input - such as veils (or a clone as it is discontinued) which has over 20dB gain available per channel...

nb most vcas don't increase gain - so make sure if you go the vca route that you find one that has ample gain available
-- JimHowell1970

Thank you very much! I have an input module ready to boost my signals thank you much appreciated!

a filter will filter any audio signal

the only thing to watch out for is that most non-modular signals will be significantly quieter than modular level - so you will want to amplify the input signal - there are dedicated input modules available or you could use a vca that catually amplifies the input - such as veils (or a clone as it is discontinued) which has over 20dB gain available per channel...

nb most vcas don't increase gain - so make sure if you go the vca route that you find one that has ample gain available

EDITED Dec 5th 2022, 12:44