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I think you're trying to do too much in too small a case here...

I'd reduce to at most 2 sound sources (and even that's pushing it imo) otherwise there won't be enough room for support modules... although you might be able to use something like the doepfer mini synth voice to a whole voice in less hp...

personally I'd go for something like a mantis instead of this - still very portable - I've carried one many times on planes, trains and buses... and not much bigger - maybe a couple of inches - but you'll fit a lot more in a 3u row than in a 1u row... and then you'll probably be able to cram in 3 voices and still have enough space to adequately support them

It was great talking to someone experienced, thank you again.
-- justine404

I've been putting a rack (actually, multiple small racks) together for a couple of years now with the intention of having a respectably-sized setup for when I finally retire many years from now. The problem with what I currently have is that I can't just toss it in the car and take to a friend's place or bring it to work to fiddle with during my lunch hour (and maybe when in a boring tele-meeting with the mute on). So, I was thinking of coming up with a small case that is portable that I can just play around with.

I'd like to keep it as self-contained as possible (other than speakers). I'm figuring I'll start with an Intellijel 4U 104HP palette. For sequencing, I was thinking steppy and a mimetic (and though it's counter to my self-contained rule, I do keep going back and forth considering a keystep pro).

I wanted three voices: some form of percussion, a bassline, and a melody voice. After that, I'd like a nice little collection of modules for sound shaping and modulation.

The rack I linked is a first draft of what I was thinking of putting together. I'm not really set on any of the modules, and since I'd only be getting one or two modules each month, it will probably change as I go.

I'd appreciate any advice or suggestions. Am I missing anything? Anything you consider a waste of space? Is anything overlapping functionally?

Ensamble oscillator into Tallin for distorsion and Stereo Dipole for filter animation.
The AB out from Dipole goes to Tapo with a delay preset active.
And the two separete "Pole" outputs goes into Rainmaker.
Rainmaker goes into Aurora.
Everything is summed using Jumble Henge.

The resonant tone mainly comes from filters with high Q inside Rainmaker. The tone control is sequenced by Voltage block that also sequence ensamble osc.

Thank you for listening! :-)

I don't have much DIY skills at all so it was all about seeing if I can save like 30€ by delegating the different jobs. Case closed then - no pun intended -, I'll go for the Mantis.
I'll keep a note with all your tips and advices.
It was great talking to someone experienced, thank you again.

Thanks for the tips !

NP

I've been looking at the Mantis also, it's true that I had in mind to quickly change to a bigger case after filling this one, you're right that's it may be a better idea to get a two row one now.

people complain about the price of cases... there's nothing to complain about with the Mantis... other than the usual occaissional lemon and trying to put too many high power modules in it - but this is the same with all cases!!!

I just learned hours ago that the Bialismus is a VCO not an effect centered module - I had heard several times before that it had great effects I just assumed it was mixing not generating - so you're right that it's too much sources for a start. I'll go with the Plaits, probably, even though the Iteritas one looked fun. The Plonk one is just added while messing with my config, it's a module I'll probably buy much later if it stills interests me.

yep -always helps to read the manual...

I was heavily leaning on an additional mixer already so that's confirmed.

you'll probably want more than 1 eventually...

As for Maths, I looked into the docs yesterday and it ticked several boxes for me. Just checked the link you shared, I will look heavily into it, seems like great infos on the module and on modular in general.

yes it's pretty much exactly that - a microcosm of modular - learning to patch program a single module then expands to patch programming a whole modular... and may steer you closer to modular synthesis than 'synthesis with modules' if you get what I mean!!! which will lead you to asking every time you see a cool 'new' module - can I patch that (r very close) with what I already have, and if so will it impact the other modules too much?

Didn't know about the Mutant Brain, looks like a great alternative !

there are many alternatives to almost every module!!! nb mutant brain is now made by erica synths - you may also be able to get the exact same functionality outside the rack - cv.ocd

Would you recommend trying my luck at a DIY case ? I've been thinking about it, could save me a few bucks.

I have 8 cases of which 2 were bought, 2 are 19" racks and I built 4 from scratch... if you want something aesthetically pleasing and 'perfect' and are good (and quick) at woodworking, then yes, building a case can save a few quid... but chances are that if this is the case it won't as you'll buy better wood and spend more time and money on finishing it than I did (I bought the cheapest wood I could find and spent nothing on finishing)

my experience as someone who hadn't done any woodworking for 30+ years before building my own cases is: I'm not great at woodworking, but don't really care they are functional and do the job - but that is all!!! did I save a lot? I guesstimate that I just about got 9u 104hp for the price of a mantis... not taking into account time and effort... saying that I did find somewhere that was reasonably priced for rails and insert (often these can be expensive) and I built my own psus/bus boards from kits (befaco excalibus) but mostly they only hold low power analogue modules and/or have a lot of passive modules/space in them - 1 or 2 cases need a 2nd power supply - I use an inexpensive one from frequency central for this - again DIYed - if I had to buy power supplies - I would have got a lot closer to there being no difference - at which point buying a case makes more sense - if it's in the price/size range of a mantis... if I'd had to buy any of the tools I'd also not have saved money - I borrowed a drill and cut the wood at the DIY store I bought it from

in other words you're not going to save a great deal, if anything, building a case - so if you're doing it to save money - and could be doing something better with your time - do that instead and buy the case... unless you like diy and have the saw/drill/soldering kit etc already

Thanks for the tips !

I've been looking at the Mantis also, it's true that I had in mind to quickly change to a bigger case after filling this one, you're right that's it may be a better idea to get a two row one now.

I just learned hours ago that the Bialismus is a VCO not an effect centered module - I had heard several times before that it had great effects I just assumed it was mixing not generating - so you're right that it's too much sources for a start. I'll go with the Plaits, probably, even though the Iteritas one looked fun. The Plonk one is just added while messing with my config, it's a module I'll probably buy much later if it stills interests me.

I was heavily leaning on an additional mixer already so that's confirmed.

As for Maths, I looked into the docs yesterday and it ticked several boxes for me. Just checked the link you shared, I will look heavily into it, seems like great infos on the module and on modular in general.

Didn't know about the Mutant Brain, looks like a great alternative !

Would you recommend trying my luck at a DIY case ? I've been thinking about it, could save me a few bucks.

Thanks again!

EDITED Today, 16:56

(sorry in advance for the stupidly long post)

not to worry...

OK here’s the first rack this noob is planning out…
I know it’s WAY too big and expensive - but the idea was to pick out stuff that has caught my eye/ear and trim it down from there.

it's a dream rack.. so a plan in progress... and as we know no plan survives contact with the enemy - the enemy in this case is...you!

I’m hopefully looking to build a 6u 82hp case if I can afford it, ironically it is cheaper to get this Behringer 6u 140hp - I just won’t fill it.

yes but is cheaper better? do you really want to give uli the money? maybe take a look at some of the reasons why you wouldn't want to... google them - they're easy to find

a better case is a mantis - best bang for buck of hp/cost/decent power/manufacturer reputation...

the b-company 140 hp case is a 'clone'-ish of the mantis - with no thought put into upgrading the power to compensate for the extra hp - so with the b-company version you may have power issues...

But I will be breaking the cardinal rule of starting small - willing to spend maybe $5-7K AU in one go (big for me) because of tax stuff…

the concept of starting small is not in relation to the size of the case - it's to do with the number of modules you start with - a bigger case is better so that you have space to expand into once you realize that the modules that you originally bought need more modules to support them to get the most out of them!

best advice - get a bigger case than you think you need (as you will need it & probably more down the line) and then just a few modules that comprise a minimum viable synth - a sound source, a modulation source, a sound modifier, a way to listten (a quad cascading vca will do to start with as a mono output) and a way to play it... possibly add some simple utility modules... and then once you have learnt those modules thoroughly - add 1 or 2 more and repeat - adding modules slowly - at most 1 or 2 per month

and read and spend time thinking about the contents of my signature... if you have questions - ask!

Rack will be used to integrate with existing hardware I have and my Interface/Ableton, but obviously would like to be able to perform with it standalone. (not that I will be gigging - but that’s the benchmark I’d like to set for usability).
For example - I have a Roland TR8S and other drum machines, but still want some drums in the rack.

percussion in modular is very expensive - I would leave this at least for now - especially as you already have external drum machines etc - I would initially concentrate on integrating what you have with the modular

Other hardware I’d like to expand/integrate using this rack are - DFAM, Neutron, MiniFreak, SQ-1, MC202, CS-15 (Hz/v) and Korg X911(hz/v).

see above

Apart from expanding my hardware - my studio is very much lacking FX, both lush and harsh, so the other key use will be outboard effects from my DAW and of course sound design sessions to compose with in the DAW.

the only reason for FX in modular is that they are cv modulatable, pedals and/or used 19" rack effects are often better value!

I have a Motu 828x - planning to use the ES-3, 6 and 7 to get 8in, 8out via ADAT. Went with this instead of the new ES-9, as I’d like to minimise using an aggregate sound card.

I would work out exactly what you need for dc-coupled i/o before committing... isn't the 828 dc-coupled? what DAW/cv control software are you intending to use?

I’d LOVE to get your thoughts on where I might be overlapping (likelyFX) to help me trim down the rack (and price). And also anything missing/lacking - (likely utilities)

Modules I’m deadset 100% including are: Crush Delay and.… hmm that’s it actually 🙂
But I’m 95% keen on Pam, DistingEX, and Rings.
Other “Tasks” that need to be filled are - 1. A sample slicer (for easy chopped breaks not granular FX), 2. A tight beat synced delay, ideally where changing sub-divs doesn’t repitch, 3. Lush reverb/shimmer/grains, 4. Some creative seq like euclidain w probability and basic perc section.

1/3 could be handled by clouds (or a clone) with the kammerl bet repeat firmware installed - but not at the same time - also includes a delay which is quite good

4 can be handled by pams

Here’s some comments on my decision making in this rack:

Pam’s - seems she’s a great workhorse for trig seq and mod - I’m OK with some menu diving as long as it’s clearly labelled.
DistingEX - same as above - want the hz/v - v/oct converter and interested in multisample recorder and of course the many other use cases.

nb disting ex - only 1 or 2 algos at the same time!!!

Sebsongs Odds - ? seemed like a cheap useful Rnd Seq.
Wrong Acronym - I just saw this at Superbooth and loved the thick distorted sounds coming out of it.
HN 3x MIA - useful attenuverters.

not only attenuverters, but offsets - very useful!

Joranalog Contour 1 - want a slew limiter and Divkid’s demo of this sold me.

also covered by maths!

After Later Beehive (Plaits) - seems every case needs one, but do I need it if I have my MicroFreak?

microfreak will output line level, have you included anything for boosting this to modular levels? can you control it with v/oct? does it have the new modes? wouldn't you be better off with a full size clone (eurorack is small enough already - 1hp = 5.08mm or 1/5" - really small - a lot of people are shocked by how small at first - trimmers are tiny and not very precise

Rings - Want these nice tones to juxtapose all the subtractive synths I have.

brilliant module - also excellent as a processor, not just a sound source

Maths - Essential apparently, but it’s so big! Are there smaller alternatives - saw the Falistri, smaller - but bigger in price.

it's not that big - it's smaller than a lot of guitar pedals - ergonomics are really important in having a good experience with your synthesizer... did I mention how s,all eurorack actually is? & did you actually comprehend how small it is - 1hp = 1/5", 1u = 1.75" - modules are small - modules that are overly cramped are a nightmare - maths has reasonable ergonomics!!!

& not essential - but it is very, very useful - especially as it has the most documentation of any similar module - see the 'maths illustrated manual' - download it - once you actually have maths repeat working your way through it until you are sick - and then continue - concentrate on how, why, what maths is doing...

falistri - yes it's a possible replacement for maths - but imo, the ergonomics and user interface are worse by an order of magnitude!!

Wrong LRMSMSLR - Saw this at Superbooth and think it’s a great idea.
Monsoon (Clouds) - Another one that seems to be in every case…

again you may be better off with a full size clone... better ergonomics etc

QuBit Nautilus - Liked the demo from Qu-Bit, but I seem to have a lot of time-based effects going on…
QuBit Aurora - I really like this demo, could this replace Clouds? (is that blasphemy)

clouds can be a spectral processor - it's one of the additional modes and it can be used as a reverb, although it's not it's core functionality - no such thing as blasphemy!!

HN 6x Mix - this seemed to be the best solution for mixer channels vs hp I found. I may need to reduce to one unit, Was hoping I could somehow patch together a hacked Aux send.
WMD MSCL - this more moreso to fill a gap than me thinking I need a comp, but I guess a comp is a good idea?

not unless you need one - filling hp for no reason is not a good idea - unless you want case buying to be a hobby!

ES ES-3 - Definitely keeping this - but are there issues running a long ribbon cable to connect to the ES-6 on the other side on the case? It makes sense to me like this.

you could just put the es6 next to the es3...

Ornament and Crime - Honestly I don’t really know what this does :) seemed very interesting and useful, but a lot went over my head.

then don't buy it!!! at least until you have done more research and understand not only what it does but also why it's the right module for you... same goes for every other module too!!!

uGrids - added this because it seemed like a great way to instant get some beat going while exploring other parts of the rack.
3 drum modules - I do want some basic drums -and these seemed good.

if you already have a drum machine then these should be really low priority!

Mutes and Comp - these are pretty much just fillers.

blank panels are better fillers than random modules!!! they are cheaper and just as useful

Joranalog Step 8 - This seemed really interesting - for it’s seq and mod and the cool polyphony voice management I saw in a youtube vid, but a) do I need it considering there’s Maths and Pam, b) if it is a good idea, would Stages be better? (slightly smaller).

there is no module that you need... buying a module just because it is slightly smaller than something else is not a good idea - do more research!!!

Bitbox Micro - I want a sample slicer - originally had Erica Synths Sample Drum here, but then thought maybe I should get a stereo one.

if you go stereo you will also need to improve the end of chain mixing - so that it can accommodate both mono and stereo

Crush Delay - This crazy thing is staying.
Joranalog Filter 8 - figured I had to have at least one filter in my rack, probably lacking there, could use my existing hardware filters too. The Divkid demo of this was amazing.

I'd go with more filters than sound sources...

4MS Dual Looping Delay - I want a delay just like this, but it’s SOO big! I think I can get away with mono - but I don’t know of a similar mono version.

isn't the new 4ms delay 1/2 a DLD? so big is relative - it's 4" across or something!!! actually tiny!

QuBit Prism - Loved the demo of this, the filter and decimator makes it more versatile - could this and Aurora replace Clouds and Nautilus?
ES-6 & 7 - Want these.

I haven’t even begun to look at power usage and whether voltages ranges with all modules are compatible.
For now, Guess I’m just showing off my first rack creation :)

you are over power on the +12v - you need to leave at least 25% headroom or you will almost definitely have problems - particularly with so many digital modules - inrush power consumption is often much higher than stated and stated figures are not necessarily accurate

as for voltage ranges - they are all compatible with the addition of attenuversion and offset - utilities are essential modules and in general much better additions to the average case than another oscillator or lfo or effect (& often less expensive and power hungry)

additional - you will almost definitely want VCAs - lots of them - I've suggested a quad cascading one above, but really in this size case I'd want at least 2 of those 1 for audio and 1 for modulation (so at least one needs to be dc-coupled) which will probably mean you may want more envelope generators...

the cascading part of the "quad cascading vca" means that it can also double as a mixer - I would also want more mixing in a case this size - not only end of chain mixing - which appears to be poorly thought out, but also sub-mixing so that you can combine signals before further processing and as always a matrix mixer is a very good proposition - especially for combining modulation sources to create more complex ones...

Hello,

I'm planning on buying my first modules in the coming months to fill an Happy Ending case from TipTopAudio.

why such a small case to start??? you will have filled it before you know it and then end up buying another almost immediately... better to start with something bigger - tip top also make the mantis which is a much better proposition - more space and much better power supply!

you are trying to do too much in too small a space... this is a very common affliction for newbies, don't worry, you'll come to your senses at some point!

I'm not really looking for anything generative, just a simple rack that offers a wide range of sounds.

this size case is too small to hold 3 voices (plaits, plonk and bia) and the modules that are needed to support them... if you really want to stay with the smaller case then reduce the number of voices to 1 - even in the mantis that is 2.5* bigger than this I would only recommend 2 or 3 voices at most!!

I've picked up Maths because it's well rated and seems to offer LFOs, effects and more.

download the 'maths illustrated supplement' - work your way through it until you are bored senseless and then continue doing so - think deeply about the what, how and why of each patch - eventually you may learn something...

Also chose Plaits as a VCO and Pamela as a clock and function module - apparently it can also be used as a quantizer or LFO ?

yes

To fill some gaps I've added an Expert Sleeper at the end.

For the rest of the case I was thinking of something maybe like an Iteritas Alter, a mixer or another small VCA, a multiplier or maybe even a Mutable Instruments module like Beads.

a mixer woul be a really good idea - preferably one bigger than you think you need right now - so that you hae a bit of space to expand

I was also looking into the Polyend Poly 2, as I have a Squarp Pyramid and I thought it could be pretty great to convert MIDI sequencing into different CV outputs to control the rack from the Pyramid. I guess that would require multiple VCOs to birth different sounds, so maybe way later if I'm deeper into modular and want to expend my rack. Again I don't fully know, let me know if I'm completely wrong here.

this is another good reason why you should get a bigger case - if you have the pyramid - some way to utilise it would make a lot of sense - although maybe a mutant brain would be a better option

EDITED Today, 15:25

My goals:
- Small setup, both to save space and to enforce some limit on myself regarding complexity/spending => Intellijel 4U 62HP case

this is a common mistake - these cases are really too small for anything other than satellite cases for bigger systems or extremely focused single purpose synths...

if your end goal is a tiny case, then start with a bigger case, work out what you actually want in the case and what you need to support those modules and then get the case that you need to house the modules, not the case you think you want and then have to compromise yourself on the modules you use...

one of the main reasons for opting for modular synthesis, whether 'synthesis with modules' or actual 'modular synthesis' or somewhere in between, is to create a custom synthesizer to your needs - and constraining so much regarding the size of the case, is the opposite of this

btw you do know that 1hp = 5.08mm or 1/5" and that 1u = 1.75" or 44.45mm, don't you???

• Flexible setup, since I don't have "one" preferred style - I just love to experiment. I just need some oscillators, filters, modulation and maybe sprinkle some delay on top.

see above... you will not achieve a 'flexible setup' in such a small case, even if you fill it with modules that are too small to use!!!

• Room for expansion, because I probably want to add a module or two later when I'm more familiar with my setup. For now there should be 8-10 HP left in my rack.

hahaha - thar's not room for expansion over a few weeks or months - that's room for expansion for tomorrow once you've realised you have left out something important...

My ideas:
- Steppy and Alan - CV sequencers would be helpful to get some nice loops. The "Steppy" provides the basics, while the "Alan" adds randomness when needed.

steppy is a trigger/gate sequencer... NOT a cv sequencer...

Alan is a turing machine - it will generate random loops of cv

which means no way to generate 'composed' sequences of pitch (there are ways to do this even with a steppy, but not without a dedicated mixer) plus if you want to make 'music' which fits in with other instruments you will almost definitely need a quantizer...

• Passive LPG - All my other synths use VCAs, so here I'm going with two LPGs instead.

I'd want vcas as well... at least a quad...

• Rainier - I was first looking at the NANO Quart or Intellijel Quadrax, but the former seems a bit low on control options and the latter is quite large. Then I found the "Rainier" - it's small, has lots of features, and 2 outputs.

a peaks clone is a great idea...

• Cascades and Brooks - I first considered the NANO ONA but now moved on to (part of) the After Later Audio COCO series, with the "Cascades" as the main oscillator and "Brooks" as secondary.

I think 2 oscillators in this size case is too many... and you probably need more modules to support them... a mixer for example

• Forbidden Planet - I heard some nice things about this filter and it should be sufficiently different from "typical" VCFs, opening some possibility for experiments. Also with all the COCO outputs, it would be interesting to use the multiple inputs that the "Planet" provides.
• Timber - I wanted more sound-shaping options than just the filter, and what would be a better match for the west-coast LPGs than a wave folder? This one seems nice, doesn't take much space, and has lots of options with not too much complexity (?)
• Basil - Finally, a stereo delay effect to add texture and rhythmic complexity to my patches. It seems to offer a lot in a small package.

hmm... I suggest some time spent thinking about the contents of my signature...

My current setup:
- Elektron Digitakt (main controller, drum machine, sometimes basslines)
- Novation Bass Station II (mostly basslines, sometimes glitchy stuff)
- Korg Minilogue xd (basslines, melodies, polyphonic stuff, sometimes microtones)
- Behringer Neutron (whatever I can think of, it's fun to experiment)

Note: The "user" oscillator on my Minilogue runs some Plaits/Tides oscillators with limited control capabilities. For details see my Github project where I added some features to the original code. I would probably consider these in my rack as well, but they're kinda covered already elsewhere in my setup.
-- zykure

I take it you have an external mixer for end of chain mixing?

how are you going to raise the levels of the external synths to modular level fir processing?

Hello,

I'm planning on buying my first modules in the coming months to fill an Happy Ending case from TipTopAudio.
I'm not really looking for anything generative, just a simple rack that offers a wide range of sounds.
I've been doing quite a lot of research and tried to put together some modules that are well known.
This is what I currently came up with :

I've picked up Maths because it's well rated and seems to offer LFOs, effects and more.
Also chose Plaits as a VCO and Pamela as a clock and function module - apparently it can also be used as a quantizer or LFO ?
To fill some gaps I've added an Expert Sleeper at the end.
For the rest of the case I was thinking of something maybe like an Iteritas Alter, a mixer or another small VCA, a multiplier or maybe even a Mutable Instruments module like Beads.

I was also looking into the Polyend Poly 2, as I have a Squarp Pyramid and I thought it could be pretty great to convert MIDI sequencing into different CV outputs to control the rack from the Pyramid. I guess that would require multiple VCOs to birth different sounds, so maybe way later if I'm deeper into modular and want to expend my rack. Again I don't fully know, let me know if I'm completely wrong here.

I know there are surely some mistakes here, maybe I've missed an important type of module, any advices really is welcome.

Thanks for reading !

*Beginner not begginer, sorry..

EDITED Today, 11:26

Hey all, first time posting here. This page is awesome btw =)

Note: For some reason the auto-generated preview picture is missing some modules, so here's a screenshot instead.

So I'm a beginner to Eurorack but the idea has been spinning around in my head for quite some time, basically ever since I got started with analog synthesizers a few years ago. Now I'm at the point where I seriously want to get started, but I would appreciate some help in finding the right modules.

My goals:
- Small setup, both to save space and to enforce some limit on myself regarding complexity/spending => Intellijel 4U 62HP case
- Flexible setup, since I don't have "one" preferred style - I just love to experiment. I just need some oscillators, filters, modulation and maybe sprinkle some delay on top.
- Room for expansion, because I probably want to add a module or two later when I'm more familiar with my setup. For now there should be 8-10 HP left in my rack.

My ideas:
- Steppy and Alan - CV sequencers would be helpful to get some nice loops. The "Steppy" provides the basics, while the "Alan" adds randomness when needed.
- Passive LPG - All my other synths use VCAs, so here I'm going with two LPGs instead.
- Rainier - I was first looking at the NANO Quart or Intellijel Quadrax, but the former seems a bit low on control options and the latter is quite large. Then I found the "Rainier" - it's small, has lots of features, and 2 outputs.
- Cascades and Brooks - I first considered the NANO ONA but now moved on to (part of) the After Later Audio COCO series, with the "Cascades" as the main oscillator and "Brooks" as secondary.
- Forbidden Planet - I heard some nice things about this filter and it should be sufficiently different from "typical" VCFs, opening some possibility for experiments. Also with all the COCO outputs, it would be interesting to use the multiple inputs that the "Planet" provides.
- Timber - I wanted more sound-shaping options than just the filter, and what would be a better match for the west-coast LPGs than a wave folder? This one seems nice, doesn't take much space, and has lots of options with not too much complexity (?)
- Basil - Finally, a stereo delay effect to add texture and rhythmic complexity to my patches. It seems to offer a lot in a small package.

My current setup:
- Elektron Digitakt (main controller, drum machine, sometimes basslines)
- Novation Bass Station II (mostly basslines, sometimes glitchy stuff)
- Korg Minilogue xd (basslines, melodies, polyphonic stuff, sometimes microtones)
- Behringer Neutron (whatever I can think of, it's fun to experiment)

Note: The "user" oscillator on my Minilogue runs some Plaits/Tides oscillators with limited control capabilities. For details see my Github project where I added some features to the original code. I would probably consider these in my rack as well, but they're kinda covered already elsewhere in my setup.

Hiya,
(sorry in advance for the stupidly long post)

OK here’s the first rack this noob is planning out…
I know it’s WAY too big and expensive - but the idea was to pick out stuff that has caught my eye/ear and trim it down from there.
I’m hopefully looking to build a 6u 82hp case if I can afford it, ironically it is cheaper to get this Behringer 6u 140hp - I just won’t fill it.
But I will be breaking the cardinal rule of starting small - willing to spend maybe $5-7K AU in one go (big for me) because of tax stuff…

Rack will be used to integrate with existing hardware I have and my Interface/Ableton, but obviously would like to be able to perform with it standalone. (not that I will be gigging - but that’s the benchmark I’d like to set for usability).
For example - I have a Roland TR8S and other drum machines, but still want some drums in the rack.
Other hardware I’d like to expand/integrate using this rack are - DFAM, Neutron, MiniFreak, SQ-1, MC202, CS-15 (Hz/v) and Korg X911(hz/v).

Apart from expanding my hardware - my studio is very much lacking FX, both lush and harsh, so the other key use will be outboard effects from my DAW and of course sound design sessions to compose with in the DAW.

I have a Motu 828x - planning to use the ES-3, 6 and 7 to get 8in, 8out via ADAT. Went with this instead of the new ES-9, as I’d like to minimise using an aggregate sound card.

I’d LOVE to get your thoughts on where I might be overlapping (likelyFX) to help me trim down the rack (and price). And also anything missing/lacking - (likely utilities)

Modules I’m deadset 100% including are: Crush Delay and.… hmm that’s it actually 🙂
But I’m 95% keen on Pam, DistingEX, and Rings.
Other “Tasks” that need to be filled are - 1. A sample slicer (for easy chopped breaks not granular FX), 2. A tight beat synced delay, ideally where changing sub-divs doesn’t repitch, 3. Lush reverb/shimmer/grains, 4. Some creative seq like euclidain w probability and basic perc section.

Here’s some comments on my decision making in this rack:

Pam’s - seems she’s a great workhorse for trig seq and mod - I’m OK with some menu diving as long as it’s clearly labelled.
DistingEX - same as above - want the hz/v - v/oct converter and interested in multisample recorder and of course the many other use cases.
Sebsongs Odds - ? seemed like a cheap useful Rnd Seq.
Wrong Acronym - I just saw this at Superbooth and loved the thick distorted sounds coming out of it.
HN 3x MIA - useful attenuverters.
Joranalog Contour 1 - want a slew limiter and Divkid’s demo of this sold me.
After Later Beehive (Plaits) - seems every case needs one, but do I need it if I have my MicroFreak?
Rings - Want these nice tones to juxtapose all the subtractive synths I have.
Maths - Essential apparently, but it’s so big! Are there smaller alternatives - saw the Falistri, smaller - but bigger in price.
Wrong LRMSMSLR - Saw this at Superbooth and think it’s a great idea.
Monsoon (Clouds) - Another one that seems to be in every case…
QuBit Nautilus - Liked the demo from Qu-Bit, but I seem to have a lot of time-based effects going on…
QuBit Aurora - I really like this demo, could this replace Clouds? (is that blasphemy)
HN 6x Mix - this seemed to be the best solution for mixer channels vs hp I found. I may need to reduce to one unit, Was hoping I could somehow patch together a hacked Aux send.
WMD MSCL - this more moreso to fill a gap than me thinking I need a comp, but I guess a comp is a good idea?
ES ES-3 - Definitely keeping this - but are there issues running a long ribbon cable to connect to the ES-6 on the other side on the case? It makes sense to me like this.
Ornament and Crime - Honestly I don’t really know what this does :) seemed very interesting and useful, but a lot went over my head.
uGrids - added this because it seemed like a great way to instant get some beat going while exploring other parts of the rack.
3 drum modules - I do want some basic drums -and these seemed good.
Mutes and Comp - these are pretty much just fillers.
Joranalog Step 8 - This seemed really interesting - for it’s seq and mod and the cool polyphony voice management I saw in a youtube vid, but a) do I need it considering there’s Maths and Pam, b) if it is a good idea, would Stages be better? (slightly smaller).
Bitbox Micro - I want a sample slicer - originally had Erica Synths Sample Drum here, but then thought maybe I should get a stereo one.
Crush Delay - This crazy thing is staying.
Joranalog Filter 8 - figured I had to have at least one filter in my rack, probably lacking there, could use my existing hardware filters too. The Divkid demo of this was amazing.
4MS Dual Looping Delay - I want a delay just like this, but it’s SOO big! I think I can get away with mono - but I don’t know of a similar mono version.
QuBit Prism - Loved the demo of this, the filter and decimator makes it more versatile - could this and Aurora replace Clouds and Nautilus?
ES-6 & 7 - Want these.

I haven’t even begun to look at power usage and whether voltages ranges with all modules are compatible.
For now, Guess I’m just showing off my first rack creation :)

have you tried the marketplace?
-- JimHowell1970

Yea, used it for years, this is just a handy rack link for trades.
Forgot it would create a forum thread about the rack rather than just being a comment on the page.

Cheers

have you tried the marketplace?

Well, I am also consider a swap for Basimilus Iteritas Alter.

EDITED Yesterday, 15:55

Hi,

Reorganizing my modules in racks, and I was wondering if I missed an easy way to switch a module between racks? It's kinda bothersome at the moment, since one has to search for each module after switching to the new rack...
-- nodens

i seem to remember you can copy and paste (see keyboard shortcuts above) between racks, but I might be wrong...
-- JimHowell1970

No, you're right, it does. If one has a keyboard, and several windows open on different rack, one can copy/cut/paste from one rack to another. Thanks!

I'd still appreciate a way to do it without keyboard, though. since I mostly use my tablet.
Alternatively a way to filter modules that are already in one of my rack from the search could help too. Meanwhile I'll do large rack changes with a computer ;)

Cheers!

Top 6U I have for sale / trade

Bottom 6U I am looking to buy / trade for

John L Rice> > ...click on "My Modular" it takes me to the last Eurorack system I had looked at...

-- JohnLRice

my experience is that "My Modular" always shows the rack with the most recent changes. But maybe i am wrong...
-- modular01

OK, I did some testing and it's becoming more clear what is happening:

When ModularGrid loads, it defaults to Eurorack, with the upper left hand dropdown and main page blue buttons set to Eurorack and the information on the page about Eurorack. This setting seems to govern what MyModular will show when clicked, so even if my last session was editing an MU modular, by default a new session will load the last edited Eurorack modular. But if I set the format dropdown or click the blue button for the desired format and then click MyModular it takes me to the actual last edited modular.

What was confusing is that even within a particular session, if I was editing an MU modular and then went to the Command Center and just opened up a rack in a different format to look at it but didn't change anything and then clicked on MyModular to try to get back to the MU modular I was just working on, it would instead take me to the last rack I had edited in the format I had just looked at.

Now that I know what is going on it won't be so confusing but it would be nicer IMHO for those of us who work with multiple formats if the database or cookies or what ever is used to remember user actions would initially load ModularGrid in the format type that was last edited by the user, and/or if clicking MyModular would go to the actual last edited rack regardless of current page format settings?

It's not the end of the world and I can live with it if need be. ;-) At least maybe my post will help someone else that is as confused as I was?

a few minutes of yesterdays 8 hour synth jam session...

My build and demo of this unit. very nice little beast.

A wave folder and distortion unit (with a mixer) from Shakmat Modular.
Very simple build, most of the components are surface mount already installed, so a quick assembly of the rest.
Fun sounding, and lots of possibilities for wave manipulation and blending, a good sounding little fella. Recommended

@Trismus For your 1U modules, whatever the brand of rack, you can think of the 1U to 3U format changers from Xodes. Like this one for example: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/xodes-fc313-28hp

I'd also spend some time questioning if 1u is the right format - I've never seen a 1u module that can't be replicated in 3u (and in much less hp) and those xodes adapters, whilst a great idea, take up a lot of space for the functionality they offer, at least in my opinion!

@JimHowell1970 London and the few places I've mentioned are linked to so many of my memories of the 70s and 80s. Concerts, studio sessions, meeting all sorts of nice people, and even... camping (in the East London suburbs, because it was cheaper and above all a wonderful vestige of 60's philosophy, cool :)) Having said that, I agree, London, which is an extraordinary city, is not the whole of England. Like Paris, for France, London is 'the eye of the duck', as David Lynch would say: when you look at a duck, you look at its eye, even if it's not the whole duck. I played on stage for the first time in Margate in 1972 (piano, not modular). My heart belongs to Kent.
-- Sweelinck

yeah - it's all about memories, I tend to like smaller cities, with fewer people in them.. especially at rush hour... but that's possibly got nothing to do with the cities themselves!

@Trismus For your 1U modules, whatever the brand of rack, you can think of the 1U to 3U format changers from Xodes. Like this one for example: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/xodes-fc313-28hp

@JimHowell1970 London and the few places I've mentioned are linked to so many of my memories of the 70s and 80s. Concerts, studio sessions, meeting all sorts of nice people, and even... camping (in the East London suburbs, because it was cheaper and above all a wonderful vestige of 60's philosophy, cool :)) Having said that, I agree, London, which is an extraordinary city, is not the whole of England. Like Paris, for France, London is 'the eye of the duck', as David Lynch would say: when you look at a duck, you look at its eye, even if it's not the whole duck. I played on stage for the first time in Margate in 1972 (piano, not modular). My heart belongs to Kent.

Hi,
Do you have more information about this?
Website, demo...
Please

@JimHowell1970 is very kind in responding so often to requests for advice. Really. He's one of the mainstays here now.

Thanks...

However, I'm going to take the liberty of contradicting him on one point in particular: this case thing, that... Mantis.

discourse is good... but I'm not sure you're actually contradicting me! you just seem to be saying there are other cases out there... which is also good in itself!

Yes, there's the price of the case and the relationship with the number of HPs available. But a case isn't just that: there's also its overall size, its materials, its solidity, the power supply, whether or not it has 1U rows, whether or not it can be linked, the general style, etc. And it's the same as with the modules, with the way they're chosen. As with modules, there are the technical features, there's also the emotional connection with the whole object, or even a brand.

all this is correct... btw the power on the mantis is really very good - I use mine for gen2 lzx modules which are particularly susceptible to noise - you can literally see the noise in the output... and there is none - so these power supplies are clean up into the MHz, not just the KHz that audio uses...

also pretty solid - I've taken mine all over on buses, trains and planes - it's been dropped a couple of times and it's still in oone piece as are all the modules that it's housed...

all I'm saying about the mantis is that it's by far the best bang for buck case based on the combination of price/hp/decent power/manufacturer reputation

no it doesn't have 1u - but please someone show me something in 1u that can't be had in 3u...

and yes they can be linked and by the time you patch the it up you can barely see the case!!! which isn't that bad - and you can always get black these days!

4 years ago, I hesitated between several models of cases and the Mantis quickly became my first choice, but in the end I opted for Arturia's RackBrutes.

yup - I think they're fugly... and they waste space with the rack wart...

This is a personal choice. The most important thing is to feel good about it.

Absolutely... my opinion is mine alone and other people have theirs - obviously at least some of them are wrong - but that's beside the point!!! hehehe

And there's nothing chauvinistic, I'm French and I prefer London to Paris. Ah... Wardour Street, Leicester Square, Baker Street, Hyde park, Speakers' Corner, and the best hot dogs in the world (there should be a thread about this)!

I'm British and I dislike both... Paris kind of wins as at least there's ModularSquare... But then I'm a Northener and intensely dislike the capital-centric attitude of visitors ("I've been to London, so I've been to Britain" ), as I'm sure most people do, who live outside their respective capitals - which is usually the majority of the population

not sure why this has been added? It's already here... https://www.modulargrid.net/e/behringer-305

@JimHowell1970 is very kind in responding so often to requests for advice. Really. He's one of the mainstays here now. However, I'm going to take the liberty of contradicting him on one point in particular: this case thing, that... Mantis.

Yes, there's the price of the case and the relationship with the number of HPs available. But a case isn't just that: there's also its overall size, its materials, its solidity, the power supply, whether or not it has 1U rows, whether or not it can be linked, the general style, etc. And it's the same as with the modules, with the way they're choosen. As with modules, there are the technical features, there's also the emotional connection with the whole object, or even a brand.

4 years ago, I hesitated between several models of cases and the Mantis quickly became my first choice, but in the end I opted for Arturia's RackBrutes. This is a personal choice. The most important thing is to feel good about it. And there's nothing chauvinistic, I'm French and I prefer London to Paris. Ah... Wardour Street, Leicester Square, Baker Street, Hyde park, Speakers' Corner, and the best hot dogs in the world (there should be a thread about this)!

...What are some things that I can do to troubleshoot this.
-- isolatediguana

without having proper knowledge i had been messing around with hissing noise in audio equipment every now and then.
in some cases the direction of the AC power plug solved my issue.
in other cases i figured out that a totally different device (e.g. some light) had been the cause
sometimes an additional wire (ground to ground) solved my problem.

further you can try to narrow down the cause by unplugging all modules in both cases and replug+check them one by one.
good luck!

EDITED Friday June 02, 05:06

Maybe a ground loop. Are your two cases plugged into the same electrical outlet? (Or to same power bar?)
-- bopodoq

They are plugged into the same power strip. I have an uninterrupted power supply on order for another project. Would that help to correct this? Or is it possible that I am just drawing too much power?

Maybe a ground loop. Are your two cases plugged into the same electrical outlet? (Or to same power bar?)

I just bought a Make Noise 104hp skiff and I am getting a hiss anytime I patch a cable from anywhere in the new skiff to the mixer (Doepfer A-138p) in my other case. I've tried multiple cables in multiple locations. I have restarted it. What are some things that I can do to troubleshoot this.

Hi, thanks for the advices.

I feel like even without an intellijel case, some 1U module a really cheaper and take less space in this format. That's why I'd put it in the case anyway, to have 1U utilities, very basic stuff. It's really much about saving place for me, having another 3U row would mean a bigger, heavier case.

as i said for the money I'd rather have 2 mantises... I've never seen anything compelling in 1u or that really takes less space in 3u...

both doepfer and ladik make inexpensive utilities...

About the DFAM, I would put it in for a while but if I ever needed space, it would be the first to go back to his own shell.

seems like a plan...

What kind of module you would have in mind about modulation?

I don't think you have too many modulation sources... get a matrix mixer to create more interesting ones from those in there...

For an extra filter, I think I would need one after a while (I'll first only get the LIP or the Generate), but I have nothing in mind atm. If you have any suggestion, let me know!

find one you like the sound and features of...

Hi,

Reorganizing my modules in racks, and I was wondering if I missed an easy way to switch a module between racks? It's kinda bothersome at the moment, since one has to search for each module after switching to the new rack...
-- nodens

i seem to remember you can copy and paste (see keyboard shortcuts above) between racks, but I might be wrong...

EDITED Thursday June 01, 21:15

Hi, thanks for the advices.

I feel like even without an intellijel case, some 1U module a really cheaper and take less space in this format. That's why I'd put it in the case anyway, to have 1U utilities, very basic stuff. It's really much about saving place for me, having another 3U row would mean a bigger, heavier case.

About the DFAM, I would put it in for a while but if I ever needed space, it would be the first to go back to his own shell.

What kind of module you would have in mind about modulation? For an extra filter, I think I would need one after a while (I'll first only get the LIP or the Generate), but I have nothing in mind atm. If you have any suggestion, let me know!

Hi,

Reorganizing my modules in racks, and I was wondering if I missed an easy way to switch a module between racks? It's kinda bothersome at the moment, since one has to search for each module after switching to the new rack...

Hi fam, while Grainity of Klavis is still in prototype phase, I've received one unit to give it a running test. I've captured 4 sweet spots where I stopped by, most of all in a tiny 60HP system.. Really cool! happy viewing.

Hi

You should read this:
https://www.synthtopia.com/content/2022/09/28/behringer-intros-victor-eurorack-module-inspired-by-the-sequential-prophet-vs-and-airplane/

Is this module a clone or something original?

hmm...

case seems a decent size (ie not tiny) and you seem to have chosen the intellijel case - due to the 1u modules which take advantage of the built in functions of that case... not a bad choice - although I'd always rather have 2 mantises for a similar amount of money - I've never seen the benefit of 1u - I'd always prefer an extra row of 3u (or better 2 of them - ie the extra mantis for the money)

the big thing I see is that the dfam takes up a lot of space (and power) in the rack, when it already has it's own case and power...

this means that there's not a lot of room left in the case for: an extra filter (1 per voice is a good idea), a decent end of chain mixing solution, more vcas (they are really useful for cv as well as audio), sub mixing (or even better matrix mixing of modulation sources to derive more interesting ones - possibly with voltage control), some switches - so you can redirect signals etc

it might be a good idea for you to take a look at my signature and spend some time thinking about it... especially the equation... which tends towards more versatility for less cash...

Everything about this is good. So impressed. Thanks for making it.

Hi there!

I'm considering for quite some time to get into modular and this is the year.

I've been making music on hardware for years, playing live on +/- the same setup, with also some semi modular synth (MS20mini and a DFAM), that i'm now use to control via CV (from an analog four sequencer). I've mangled a bit in VCVrack but can't really get my head wrapped around it (specially because I'm more used to explore with hands on than mouse). I think I got pretty well the basic concepts of a patch.

I make techno, most of the time, with touch of ambiant and IDM, and perform live (when I have gigs so maybe 3 time a year lol). Actually my set up is : TR8 for the classics drums, analogfour, a DFAM, and the octatrack (acting as my mixer, and main sampler). Everything goes down in an OTO boom for that final glue touch.

I already now exactly what I want to do with my future rack:
- I need something to create synth line and texture, no drums at all. Something like you could ear on release on Warm Up or Illegal Alien, or my "dream synth line"
- I want it to be small, portable (as I will add it to my current setup and don't want to carry a truckload)
- I need it to be an improvisation instrument. Something I could set up before a gig and play kind of the same way during a set (no big changes, making it a common story thru the tracks)
- I can integrate the DFAM in it, but it's not necessary

First question that comes in my mind is what size to start, and does the 1U range worth it?
I've oriented myself on something between 86-104Hp/6-7u so here are a few case option:
- Intellijel 7U 104hp stealth case: expensive but apparently well made, really light and portable. If someone has it I would be curious to know what module they put and use in the 1U row? And does the extra bag mandatory to travel?
- This one: https://www.synthesizer.gr/modular-systems-en/eurorack-cases-en/Synthesizer-GR-Hard-Case-98hp-7u%20-en
cheaper, but would I need something like a On/off switch module?
- A custom made, with a Konstant lab PSU and a busboard (around 665€). Around 4-5kg with lid, and I can attach a strap to it to travel. Does that seems heavy, and does the price seems fair?
- The same custom made case with a meanwell but apparently those are cheap, and very limited?

I need advice, because I understand that this is a important choice, and I don't want to have to buy another case in 1 year. If you have any other good, affordable and findable option, let me know!

And last but not least, this is the rack I'm currently planning (of course I expect it to change), if you have any suggestion, let me know:

That's all, thanks for reading!

Encore une vidéo intéressante et pédagogique.
Je rejoins volontiers les compliments de @toodee. Précédemment, vos descriptions du Klavis Twin Waves Mk2 m’ont permis de mieux appréhender ce super module ; et finalement de l’accueillir dans mon setup en complément d’un autre macro-oscillateur plus renommé, Plaits.
(...’Il faut rendre à César’).

Another interesting and educational video.
I'm happy to add my voice to @toodee's compliments. Previously, your descriptions of the Klavis Twin Waves Mk2 gave me a better understanding of this great module; and finally I decided to include it in my setup as a complement to another more renowned macro-oscillator, Plaits.
(...’Il faut rendre à César’: wink in Gallic language of the famous biblical quote ‘Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's’. Underlying meaning: to give credit where credit is due... ;)

Hi my new video is online. Recently I bought Rings by mutable instruments so I felt obliged to create a “Rings into clouds” jam with it. Well I don’t have Clouds but I do have Beads and since Beads is the Clouds I thought this would do! Please enjoy and if you like what you hear and see you could consider to like this video, comment and subscribe to my channel. That would greatly help to get my music heard and seen. Thank you so much and have a great time!

Top row is what i have, bottom row (minus strega) is what i'm either debating on or waiting to pull trigger on.

hooo that's nice, my goal is reached :)

Very happy with my purchase of Branches from @Blackblacky
Great communication, quick shipment, great packaging, and the module itself is in perfect condition. Recommended!

I love it so much. He has some pretty amazing live abilities. But I was looking for a generative sequencer for this rack that only eurorack makes possible. But the more I advance in my reflections the more I tell myself that I will keep it :)

-- timtoum93

Definitely keep it if you mesh well with it. Besides, you'll end up getting more rack space eventually; it's inevitable. If you want to do generative music, however, you may want to consider a few other types of modules that can pair with your random voltage generator. Utilities like a comparator which can allow you to pick gates out of signals like random voltages or lfos (my favorite is the Compare 2, which has a bunch of hidden functionality). Sample and hold/track and hold (I know tagh has one on it, but maybe consider having a dedicated one) also allow you to collect cv from random voltages, enabling you to build changing sequences and melodies. Also, a quantizer so that the cv you sample actually sounds musical.

None of the above are necessities, of course. But they can go a long way to helping you realize a generative system.

Pam not enough for clock multipliers/dividers? For the moment I have a metropolix but it takes up a lot of space. I'm going to have a hard time parting with it. I haven't made my choice between Metropolix and Bloom yet. I think you're right about the extra LFOs and VCAs. Thank you so much :)

-- timtoum93

Since Pam's is capable of a lot of different things aside from clocking (e.g., euclidean patterns, logic, random voltages/smooth
random, etc...), I prefer to use a dedicated divider/multiplier (along with a switched multiple for better routing) for the boring clocking signals and leave Pam's outputs open for more interesting tasks.

How is the Metropolix? I've never had the chance to use one but they look fun and pretty easy to perform with.

-- HGsynth

I love it so much. He has some pretty amazing live abilities. But I was looking for a generative sequencer for this rack that only eurorack makes possible. But the more I advance in my reflections the more I tell myself that I will keep it :)

re clock dividers: I find a basic clock divider is useful as a sub-octave generator: using an audio input -> /2 = -1ve, /4 = -2ve - output is a square wave