User Posts

So in short: A 258T, folder, noise, quadratt, input/output, along with the PNW, Maths, 1x Veil, and Beads. Midi module can wait, an it is out of stock around where I am, or even online; but I can use CV outs on a controller etc for now. Something like the following, including a Disting EX for Swiss army knife of stuff.

PNW can be used to generate quantized, looped pitch sequences as well as gates, triggers and modulation, so all that is covered - having the ability to program sequences should be secondary at the moment compared to learning how modular works, at least for a while... a disting might be a good idea as it will allow you to play with different things - however, I would learn to use the other modules first - maybe consider adding the disting in a few months

if & when you do get a disting, don't try to play with all the algos at one go - work out a few algos you want to learn about and make use of the favourites feature to concentrate on those - if you find you particularly like one algo, replace that with a dedicated module and then re-configure you favourites (and repeat!!!)

I'd also recommend downloading the 'maths illustrated supplement' and working through that a few times - try to work out the why and how of what you are doing - it's a great learning resource, if you do this instead of just blindly patching....

-- JimHowell1970

Okay, sounds like a good plan. I read similar suggestions, and think I could resist getting side tracked with the Disting is probably fool hardy. I tried to get the doc the other day, but it was through some download site I got blocked by, will try again later.

Thanks

EDITED Jun 7th 2022, 15:47

--- 1U Row---
The 1U - makes sense to me, and without QoP drum module, the midi controls in there should be more then enough to start. Saves 3U space.

personally I think 1u makes little, to no, sense whatsoever... the cost of the 1u row is the same as for a 3u row, or in some cases more, I'd much rather buy 2 tiptop mantis cases than 1 of the intellijel 7u cases... and you can get much much more functionality in a 3u row than in a 1u row...

Yeah total get that, and if was do it again, it would probably do differently. But with the fact that I have the case now, and no real way to return it, I think the modules suggested makes sense.

---Audio Row---
Also about tuning the oscillators, I guess I would need to tune with an external module or scope?

a free phone app or a guitar tuner pedal (plus appropriate cable) or your DAW (if you have one) will work for tuning!!!

Doh, yeah :P

--- Good starting build---
In the context of:
1) What I was willing to spend originally with endorpin.es setup
2) Assuming I minimally start with 1x single 258T, 1x Folder, and the 1U utilities
3) And I currently have PNW, Maths, 1x Veils, and Beads already

What other modules would you suggest to start with right away, and maybe a couple additional modules after? Also not to many modules, to get overwhelmed :0

none - just grab the vco and folder (& the utilities) and see where you are - learn these modules inside and out and then start working out what you are reaching for - and then slowly add modules that add those functions
-- JimHowell1970

So in short: A 258T, folder, noise, quadratt, input/output, along with the PNW, Maths, 1x Veil, and Beads. Midi module can wait, an it is out of stock around where I am, or even online; but I can use CV outs on a controller etc for now. Something like the following, including a Disting EX for Swiss army knife of stuff.

Cool, thanks for the help!

EDITED Jun 7th 2022, 14:27

@Lugia TYVM for putting this together, helps a lot. I started researching the forums more and worked on some variations this weekend. The Mod/Utility row looks "similar" to what I put together. In the context of starting with 1x 281T and a few other items first, see below, can you comment on the following?

--- 1U Row---
The 1U - makes sense to me, and without QoP drum module, the midi controls in there should be more then enough to start. Saves 3U space.

---Audio Row---
For the Audio Row, totally see what you are getting at with the HP/cost etc. I do have the Furthrrr now, but I can return pretty easily (15min walk to the shop with 14 day return). I put it in a pico case and on my scope to check it out last night. I see the similarities with the Sin/Square, Sin/Sawtooth, and the wave folding. It looks like the Furthrrr has the choice of Sin/Sawtooth/Square on both oscillators, I guess I could use 2x 258t to do dual square setup if I wanted, correct?

I am not sure how to match up the Furthrrr bus switch for balanced, amplitude, frequency, and "furthrrr" settings, with your suggested build. Looks like the 1U noise tools provides the the features of the noise in the Furthrrr, and more features. Also about tuning the oscillators, I guess I would need to tune with an external module or scope?

Still wrapping my head around the mixing, other aspects at the end.

--- Mods/Utils ---
For the Mod/Utils I worked up something similar with the PNW, Disting Ex, Batumi / Zadar with breakouts, and Maths; though mine was missing the MISO, and Doepher ADSRs.

--- Good starting build---
In the context of:
1) What I was willing to spend originally with endorpin.es setup
2) Assuming I minimally start with 1x single 258T, 1x Folder, and the 1U utilities
3) And I currently have PNW, Maths, 1x Veils, and Beads already

What other modules would you suggest to start with right away, and maybe a couple additional modules after? Also not to many modules, to get overwhelmed :0

TYVM for your time

Different, hm? OK, here's what's in there and why...

Amusingly, that Buchla + Joranalogue combo costs $360...which is why I put TWO of 'em in there, and you STILL beat the Endorphin.es complex oscillator price! FYI, those Joranalogue waveshapers can take inputs from BOTH of the 258's two oscillators to "mash" the signals together as a waveshaped single signal with a bunch of FM or whatever else suits the occasion. Should be a fun rig!
-- Lugia

EDITED Jun 7th 2022, 07:12

Do you need the Milky Way to start? You have effects already in Grand Terminal, and reverb with Beads. If I were getting a separate effects module, I'd look at something that didn't duplicate the effects I already had. Not 1U, but FX Aid XL has a huge range of (updateable) effects.
-- mbl77

Yeah, I was thinking the same, but erred on another for flexibility, and missed the reverb in Beads. A different FX module is a much better idea, and I can wait to add it later. I will take a look at the FX Aid XL. Thanks!

EDITED Jun 5th 2022, 17:13

Just a note on QoP sample switching. The SD card is on the back of the unit, so you have to remove your module to get at it, so this is not the kind of module for regular sample switching. ...
-- mbl77

I wonder how badly things would go if one were to use a little ribbon cable extender to break out backside microsd slots to a 1-2hp module with a frontside slot or two (or three? however many fit i guess)

Something like https://www.amazon.com/Chenyang-Memory-Female-Extension-Extender/dp/B07QXPG8HG ought to be a decent test if somebody wants to do some science...

Edit: probably worth noting though, modules with backside slots likely don't expect card hotswaps!
-- justarandomgeek

I was thinking the same thing a few days ago, if I do end up getting the QoP later, I am willing to try. Not sure how dense the PCB was that they could not fit it on the front etc.

@JimHowell1970, Thanks for the help so far, can you take one last look?

If this can be case no1 then imo I'd drop the 1u - I think 1u is massively overrated - and get a couple of mantises (which will only cost about the same as 1 7u intellijel case)

Yeah, I hear you. Squeezing out an extra 1U if you have one portable case can work. Problem is I have it now, and will need to make the best use of it. Live and learn.

watch out for the endorphin.es use of trs cables - most modular uses ts...

Yes, one reason I went with the 1u control module, it has 1 stereo in, and the rest are 2x mono ins per channel versus the 3U version. I think I am limited to the one grand terminal stereo out now, and it comes with trs to ts splitter.

as for falistri over maths - urgh - again personal preference, but I think the frap tools aesthetic is awful, cramped and all over the place!!!

I took a look falistri, but will go with Maths. Plus if I dont like it - which i doubt it probably easier to unload then falistri.

I'd definitely only start with the single pams - 2 veils is good though... probably...

"Probably", as in I should get a different VCA for my second, or not enough VCAs? If the former, what would you suggest? If it is the later, I would get something when i hit the wall. I am lucky and live 15 min walk to a well stocked music/audio store that carries a good selections of quad VCAs etc; though not Veils that I am ordering online.

I'd try to do less in this case (1/2 the sound sources) and try to work out what support modules you need, get those and learn how to use them properly before expanding into a 2nd case

Honestly feeling a total newb, so need some help on this one. I been thinking it is the primary oscillators (Furthrrr in complex mode and Plaits), or do you also consider things like Beads or looping one of the Grand Centrals generators to audible range? I wasn't planning at first to use Beads and GC in that manner to start, but as you pointed out I need to figure out how to best use all the kit properly first before adding on more; totally agreement on this one.

have fun!!

-- JimHowell1970

I have cut down the initial starter below. I already have the mutable instruments, except veils; the endorphin.es Furthrrr and GC, and PNW. Not planning to purchase the QoP drum module for now, will think about the $$$ rack versus separate approach. In the mean time I can use Disting samples, Plaits, or from core oscillators if I am feeling crazy for percussion :P

Was looking to keep the 1u gateway module to mix and final output to interface, along with milkyway for effects. I have the Disting EX for or "crap i need another X", and to quantize for sure. Plan to drive the rack with CV outs keystep pro, and deal with getting something fancier (Midi to CV, or other later).

Any glaring holes below that will limit me starting, or is there 1-2 modules you would add?

EDITED Jun 6th 2022, 19:09

another idea just for fun
-- 33PO

Thanks for ideas. I think I will keep the sequencer out of the rack and use a Midi - CV interface and external CV-outs direct to modules if needed.

Added: Arbhar, Dual Disting for Flexibility - quantizing, etc. , 2x PNW so 16 outs for clock or LFOs with random/euclidean/etc, 2x veils for VCA, Maths for wackiness/flexibility, and 1U Ornament and Crime for more flexibility.

Couple Things
1) 2x veils because I got overloaded with options for 2nd Quad VCA. Wasnt 100% on the Malekko read bleeds noise
2) Is 2x Disting + O&C to much - flexibility
3) Is 2x PNW overkill? I can always start with 1x PNW & 1x Veils (or other Quad VCA)
4) Having PNW, Disting, and O&C feels like a bit to much menus. Can I get away with 1 level deep changes?
5) Still have Endorphin.es complex OCI, will still look at others (tiptop), thanks for pointing me to the Brenso. Still researching
6) Kept plaits for 2nd easy to select voice
7) Still have queen of pentacles in there, I like the idea of nob turning etc. over keypad interfaces. Had 3 analog drums, and 4 samples I can switch around.
8) Effects - resonator, data bender, etc. What module would you switch out to get one in, and which one?
9) Get rid of O&C 1U and get some buffered or un-buffered mults?

EDITED Jun 4th 2022, 12:03

Well, if money's a major issue here, I would suggest that your first move should be to replace all of that Endorphin.es stuff.

I guess the money statement was poorly worded. It’s not an issue. Also my response to JimHowell1970 this can be case #1. Looking to start with a couple voices, and drums if possible with one out of techno, industrial, or house; and some ambient to chill too. If I pick up a drum machine, really anything, it won’t be from uli. I rather support smaller manufacturers and stores, and pay the extra money ie. endorphin.es.

I’ll take a look at tiptop, but space is not as big of an issue as I am willing to get another case. Any additional suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

EDITED Jun 3rd 2022, 23:52

trying to do too much in too small a space imo

where is the modulation sources and utilities that are really needed to make the most of expensive shiny modules??? see my signature for some hints...

you'll almost definitely want more than a keystep pro to sequence the drum synth module (probably want 8 trigger/gate outputs just for that) and the melodic voices you have in there...
-- JimHowell1970

Okay. This can be rack case one, I can get a 2nd case once comfortable with the first one. I pretty set on the following Endorphin.es shuttle modules -> furthrrr, grand terminal, and drum module. Next is the gateway and golden master for mixing and final processing. The rest I am flexible, the DIY kits are just for relearning electronics , and the mutable instruments are sealed and can be returned. Do you have any specific suggestions for case number #1 and # of vca, lfos, and utilities?

Concerning the key step pro, was planning to connect it via usb to the shuttle controller that has 16 cv/gates out. Or will this not work? Works with the beatstep pro from what I understand.

Getting back into synths after many many years away from synths, Korg Polysix and a bit of Modular in the 80s/90s.

What I have now/ordered:
1) Intellijel 7U stealth case inflight
2) KMI/ES DIY Kits VCO, VCA, and EV; probably get the rest for learning purposes, may use long term if they work out
3) Mutable Instruments - Plaits, Beads - still in their boxes, waiting on case; can replace with others modules, can still return.

What I want:
1) Fully Modular, Racked, outside of controller (keystep pro or other)
2) Minimize the use of DAW
2) 2-3 additional voices for bass, pads, lead
3) Include West Coast / Complex Oscillator - heavily leaning towards Endorphin.es Shuttle but optimized as modules in intellijel case (leverage 1Us, mono inputs on cockpit, etc.)
4) Granular Module - Beads, Morphagene, or Arbhar
5) Drum Kit in Rack - mainly EDM - Queen of Pentacles, Black Noir, other?
6) Mordax Date or Other - oscilloscope, VC monitoring, and tuner; I have a bench oscilloscope but want something easy to use in the case.

Budget is flexible, just don't want to waste money (doesn't provide educational or enjoyment value).

Thanks for the help!