All Posts

Hey guys,

I've now been on here for a while but this is my first post!
I'm now planning my first rack and I was wondering if you guys could give me some feedback!

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_964276.jpg?1563917168

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/modules__racks/data_sheet/964276 (Just ignore the duplicates in the list)

My goals with this rack are pretty broad. Since I'm mainly producing Techno I wanted the hole thing to be really rhythmic and also percussive (DFAM). But since I am always most inspired by the gear I use I'm hoping that this will do the trick.

So did I miss anything obvious? Would you guys recommend getting an Oscillator or Voice (I was thinking about the Basimilus from noise engineering) instead of the Morphagene? Just so you guys know I am already owning the Moog DFAM and I also have a Moog Mother 32 and my budget is around 3000$. For a case I was thinking Tiptop Audio Mantis.
I am really excited to hear your suggestions and I am also really open for any drastic changes in the rack if you think I am going the in wrong direction.

Much love,
Marvin

EDITED Jul 23rd 2019, 21:42

Hi Quantum,

Marbles and Morphagene are two completely different modules. I don't really see much overlap there.

Instead of the Contour, have you considered a Zadar? The contour seems like a two stage envelope generator with just attack and decay with some looping.

The Batumi needs a Poti. Look it up and you'll probably want it if you get the Batumi.

As for filters... I like the Morgasmatron due to its versatility. I have one. As far as a general filter module... this...

If you're wanting to sample external signals into the Morphagene then I'd upgrade the Intellijel Outs to the unit with inputs as well.

Deeper question: how do you intend to control your rack? This is where a sequencer or MIDI to CV comes in.

The Maths has two channels dedicated to attenuverting (channels 2 and 3). If you need to control the levels of some CV, then you can do it with this... though a dedicated attenuverter set would be more practical.

Awesomeness! Thank you! I'll start checking out sample and hold modules and Euclidean rhythms. Also, I've checked out your rack. All I see is a bunch of stuff I want for some reason... but don't know why. I'm guessing that's not uncommon. Thus begins my journey into the world of modular synthesis -- and total broke-ness. Thanks again.

I went through and read what you like to hear from your electronic elements.

Research "sample & hold" modules. Bleeps and bloops often sound pretty good with random/semi-random pitches.

Quantizer. If you want generative pitches, forcing them into a scale is a bit more musical. That's what a quantizer does.

Research Euclidean rhythms. There are a few modules with this capability (I love the Temps Utile for this). Combining them, using a logic module, triggering one one set of Eucs with the output of another pattern... you can go on and on. It makes coming up with interesting patterns pretty easy without a lot of composition.

Effects. Reverb, delay, ring modulation... etc. The standard lot. External (non-Eurorack) effects are cost effective. But Eurorack modules with CV inputs offer more creative possibilities.

You have two semi-modular synths in your rack. All of your basics are covered.

As your Eurorack collection grows, you'll probably evict both of them from the rack to make space for more modules.

Bonus points for leaving open rack space for expansion. Feel free to look up my rack "The Machine That Goes Ping" for any of the stuff I use.

Ramirez: now I can see your case... awesome.

Macromicro has some sage advice that I can't disagree with. The Disting and most of ES's modules are a bit frustrating to work with live. The module is pretty powerful. But you'll have to commit your favorite functionality to memory if you're going to readily work with it. But for the price and HP... it offers a lot of value. I still hate the interface, though.

If you're willing to get into Intellijel cases, they offer a 104HP 4U case... one row of regular module space and one of Intellijel 1U. Intellijel makes a four channel module called a Quadratt. It's probably one of the best small mixers/attenuverters to have in your rack. If you're mixing a bunch of LFOs together, you'll want to attenuate and possibly invert the phase of some of your LFOs. The Quadratt will do you for that. Or you can use each channel individually.

Your other option is to use the built in mixing capabilities of your Maths module. Channel 1 and 4 have the slew rate limiters that you'll have to dial all the way down so they don't affect the inputs. Channels 2 and 3 are straight attenuverters. All four outputs will show up at the "sum" output. Just note that if you don't have anything plugged into a channel, it will add voltage to the sum based on where the gain knob is.

Filters. VCAs. Envelopes. Line level inputs and outputs... especially if you're sampling externally.

The Batumi has an expander called the Poti. It gives you front panel access to features only natively available via jumpers on the back. It's worth the few dollars and rack space.

Speaking of rackspace. Yours is entirely full. As a first rack you probably want about 50% of your case empty. As your knowledge grows, you'll want to add more modules.

The 1010 Music Bitbox makes for a great sampler as you can record loops of your sounds. It syncs to clock which is extremely helpful.

I would think of all the non-sexy modules like attenuverters, VCAs, , envelope generators, sample & hold, logic, etc. They are what makes modular special. Get an understanding of what they do and you'll be in good shape.

Oh wow! I see @mt3 updated the panel. I hope this means this module is closer to production. Anyone have any info on it?

You are awesome! Thank you!

"Ambitious it is looking", Yoda would say.
Two rackbrutes to fill, lose some MI modules, get some modules that will combine what there already is; e.q. logic or sequencer stuff.
Sound design can be achieved relatively easy, but in Euro it is mostly about the instant joy.

Thanks Ronin1973, I don't understand the problem with the link, wait

I think this is ok, what do you think?

best

Hey Ramirez! I’ve got two thoughts for you:

• I have Batumi and think it’s great, but one thing I’d like to pair it with is a slim, 4 channel simple attenuator. You could do this with your Doepfer quad vca, but I think that will be a valuable piece in your rack you’ll want to use for other things. Having a 4x channel attenuator for Batumi will be great because I’m sure you’ll want to constrict those lfo ranges more often than not.

• I think the Disting could be a good choice for such a small system as a Swiss Army knife. However, since I have one, I want to warn you that it’s a really frustrating interface (like, REALLY frustrating). I don’t like menu diving, but can deal with it if there screen is easy enough to read and things laid out systematically. Sadly, the Disting does neither of these things. You’ll always need the manual handy as your working with it, or get the iOS app “Modes” (a little cheatsheet for different modules). I’d still recommend it in your situation if you want to have tons of flexibility and want to explore many options in relation to your small setup, but if you’re thinking of a small handful of critical things you want out of it and if you hate me I diving as much as me, I’d really considering getting a couple small utility modules instead.

Keep your Chords unless you really need the money for something else. Chances are you'll expand this rack in the future and the Chords module will be useful again. Don't sell anything unless you're sure you don't like it or won't need it in future.

The link that you just posted isn't valid.

thanks very much, Ronin1973, you have reason, need filters, I need to sell my Chord V1, thanks very much !

maybe you can access ?
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/racks/view

EDITED Jul 23rd 2019, 14:31

this script is not in the filter list and i do not know how to add it to the white list. there's still the option to pause addblock permanently for modulargrid, that is what i'll do.
thanks for your response anyway!

If possible, replace all of the Mutable and Mutable clones with smaller versions. This will open up some rack space and perhaps you can have BOTH options for both concerns.

-- Ronin1973

Thank you for the suggestion, but I don’t like micro mutable clones, I don’t feel confortable with tiny knobs, I like to have an easy acces on those modules’ controls

The blocker can block all the ads, just make sure it does not block that script:
/js/modulargrid.min.js

the addblocker i use is calles addblocker lol (that most popular one). for chrome and FF.

ok, then i need to check the settings next. if i don't manage it, i will deactivate the blocker from now on everytime when i visit MG.
i think i could live with that^^

We did not change a thing. I guess there was an update for your Adblocker that decided that MG is no trustable resource anymore :(
Other users report issues with adblockers too. Which adblocker are you using?

Howdy! I’ve preordered a VCL so I can give you a report once it comes in September (if you’ll be delaying your purchase that long).

I think the devil is always in the details and it’s hard to say how good an unreleased thing is compared to things people have experience with. It obviously looked interesting enough for me to get, but I’ve already got a decent eurorack collection. I’m curious to hear it’s “unique” wavefolding circuit in action, as well as its analog twist on vactral LPG. I like how they’ve sprinkled random and utility things around the module too. A lot of the demo videos they’ve been posting haven’t really grabbed my ear, but a few of them REALLY sounded good, and I’m basing my expectations with how I’m thinking to utilize it more than how it’s being pushed (aka more controlled random than going too Subotnik).

I think for the money it’s a great package, but if you can wait until people get their hands on it and see what really shines (and what may fall a bit short of expectation), I think you’ll feel more confident either way.

ok i deactivated my Adblocker and it works again. but i don't like that at all. this must be new

all the modules are gone. why this issue has been not discussed here yet?
it's like modulargrid is currently broken. why is that?

Hey All,

I've been slowly building up to Eurorack, looking to get into the more kind of weird West Coast synthesis, and recently discovered the Pittsburgh Modular Voltage Research Laboratory. This looks like a pretty good entry into the type of music/compositions I'd like to make. Right now I'm coming from a mix of the Microbrute, Neutron,some time wit the 0-Coast and VCV Rack.

For $1500 though, I could probably build up a pretty solid starter rack and emulate some but probably not all of the functionality included in the VRL. If anyone could provide guidance on whether or not the Voltage Lab is a solid entry point (for the price) or recommend Eurorack modules that could approximate the functionality similarly. I think some of this could be replicated with a complex oscillator, Maths, Hermod, Pressure Points, Marbles, filters and LFOs, and some sort of midi or Euro controller but I imagine that's nearing $2500+. At the same time, VRL also compresses this functionality into two 48hp modules which would help if/when I expand further. Thanks in advance for any help.

Voltage Research Laboratory:
https://pittsburghmodular.com/voltage-research-laboratory

Agreed it may be overkill, however you could use the Morphagenes to provide 2 additional tracks that are directly accessible with all parameters, kinda like 2 tapedecks, where you could quickly switch the sounds as the Morphagene is faster and more intuitive in sampling and operation than the Er-301.

Hello amazing humans who are no doubt lightyears ahead of me in the world of modular synthesis. Here, I submit my first Eurorack for your consideration. I hope to learn if I've missed anything spectacularly necessary or overlooked something glaringly obvious in the setup. I'm also eager to learn which modules you might recommend as a natural next step. Your advice, suggestions, guidance (even disapproval) would be endlessly helpful and very welcome. Regarding the intended use... I've lived in the word of sampled orchestral libraries and fully loaded synths for years. I compose orchestral pieces with electronic flourishes. Stylistically, I trend toward overly romantic string passages mixed with somewhat dark electronic elements. For example, I love the deep space romanticism of a morse code S-O-S repeating off into a whirling expanse, thick electronic FWWWWAPs to anchor strings and regimented bleeps and beeps that sound as if they've come from the real-time operation of a spaceship. My interest in modular is both sculpting new less common, less familiar sounds, creating drones that I can use as a layer mixed into my current work, as well as feeding in some raw audio in order to twist it out of all recognition. Anyhoo. That's me. This is what I have so far and I'm excited to snatch up some of your wisdom!

If possible, replace all of the Mutable and Mutable clones with smaller versions. This will open up some rack space and perhaps you can have BOTH options for both concerns.

Hi GarfieldModular

Thanks for your input. But I'm a bit confused now. You compare Marbles with the Morphagene. Aren't these completely different Modules in their functionality? If not I must have totally misunderstood what Marbles does.

I know I need a filter. I couldn't decide yet. There are so many options. And maybe a second oscillator like the STO?

Do you have a recommendation for the mixer?

Another question. In the Muffwiggler Forums they told me that I should go Stereo since I have picked many Modules with Stereo functionality. But....is it really worth to go Stereo in Eurorack? Especially as a beginner?

EDITED Jul 22nd 2019, 17:19

I'm a beginner in Eurorack like you and I'm currently planning my first rack.

So there's not much advice I can give you. But I don't think that you need 2 Morphagene.

Thanks Ronin. I really wanted to like the Grandmother when it came out because of the price point and patchability. Some demos sounded pretty good, but when I got a chance to tinker with one here locally, I just didn't care for it. Some of it was very specific things, like the filter behaves very different than other ladder filters and it was harder to find the sweet spots in it, but mostly just didn't care for the rawer sound. I prefer the Sub Phatty / Sub 37 smoothness, even if darker and more subdued. The M32 is its own thing but closer to the Sub line than anything, to my ears. Presets are nice, polyphony not an expectation for me. If the CV equipped version of the Sub 37 is within my reach that might be the best bet.

You raise an interesting point about line level. Clouds has a gain input so you can adjust incoming audio; I suppose I can see how far that will get me first though.

About to compile an ambient rack and just wanted to see what people thought about the module choices I have made and whether I should swap some out for better / other modules. Any advice is gravely appreciated!

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_963362.jpg

Many thanks for the immediate replies to both of you!

• Why are you getting in to modular? Sound design? Getting away from the computer? Composing? You can have more than one reason, and they can change, but it's good to lay out a bit of a vision first, to help guide your decisions..

You're absolutely right. I should have mentioned that. Sorry.
To be totally honest, my idea to step into the modular world was triggered by softube's Modular, which I had been using for a few weeks. And after fiddling around on my bunch of hardware synths for quite a few years and collecting software more then getting the real fun out of both really for a longer time, the Modular software immediately gave me such a deeper look and understanding in Synthesis then anything before, I fell in love with the idea of a modular hardware system.
Also the idea of an ever changing open system quite got me.

• How big a rack to eventually want to head towards? If you want to have something small, then maybe the 2S and rackbrute would be all you ever need. If you want eventually build a huge rack, then a the Moog and and a 6U rack is probably a good starting point, because you can resell the rack and get a bigger one later.

Atm I could image of a double 6U system like Arturia offers them. Starting with one of course.

• Are you interested in playing the rack at all? Or just controlling it externally? .

Both of it.
I like the idea of getting hand on the system as well as keeping some advantages from working with the computer.
Besides I might benefit from some pieces of software like the wonderful Buchla stuff in Softube Modular e.g. and use that together with the new hardware. Cause assumingly I will never have the chance to get my hands on a piece of such gear in real life.

As for starter modules, you probably want modules that don't duplicate functionality of your semi-modular. Wasp is cool, but you will already have good filters. The Moog has a noise source. EG is a good idea. Passive mults are useful. An extra VCA or two would probably be useful. It's probably not a terrible idea to think about a Disting mk3/4, because those things are small, can do nearly everything, and you can use them to figure out if you really need that new module that you think you need..
-- naught101
Thanks again!

Your first step is going to be a semi-modular synth. Cool. They come in two basic flavors... even though they aren't technically the same. The first is a true semi-modular synth. It's stand-alone in its own case with its own power supply. The other notion is a "synth-voice" which is a Eurorack module that's a complete synthesizer. You'll find both out there so take a look around.

If you buy a true semi-modular that can be mounted in a Eurorack case... don't mount it in the case! At least if you're starting out. There's no reason to do so unless you're looking to be mobile often. Use the saved rack space to build your Eurorack module collection.

Many thanks for the advice.
I thought of integration for the start and maybe get the synth back to it's case some day when I am completely lost in a mountain of moduls later... ;) Am a big friend of some kind of a nice order on my desk btw.

The Moog Mother is a good choice. There's also the Behringer Neutron, Behringer Crave, Minibrute (no keyboard), and others. I'd consider your budget and your skill level. If you're new to synths or analog then I'd start out small and cheap and THEN start adding RackBrute or another case later. Don't try and buy everything all at once. You'll probably spend a lot on stuff you either won't use or won't care to use. The Moog's big advantage (other than that Moog-sound) is that it has a built in sequencer.

I never used a Moog before, only a couple of software clones, so for a synth lover from the early 80s on, which of course could never afford all these childhood dreams in those days, there might be kind of a nostalgic aspect in my decision as well.

For your rack... consider effects like reverb, delay, ring modulation etc. You may also want modules like logic (AND,OR, etc.), attenuverters, small DC coupled mixers, filters that are unlike what you have in your semi-modular, low pass gates, or even a complex oscillator.

-- Ronin1973

Many thanks again.

I guess one of the first modules will be an ES-3.
My soundcard got ADAT, but unfortunately is not DC-coupled, so that should be a good idea to get closer to my idea of building kind of a hybrid modular system. At least for the first time.
What I could not make out so far is, whether or not I will have to use ES' prog Silent Way for that. But I guess, that will not be to hard to find out.

First one could indeed best be a complex OSC. I get that point.
I found MI's Braid quite useful as a software solution. Or maybe something like Erica Synth's Black Wavetable VCO.

I would really love to read to any further concrete suggestions.
For I had to learn, that I'm not the kind of guy, which will write dozens of good selling songs any more in his older days, that I am not a second Schneider, Hütter or Bartos unfortunately, for me it's all about making some wonderful strange "noise", the most extraordinary "blips", "zipps" an "zapps", surprisingly glittering rhythmic patterns evolving over and over to get lost in hopefully.

Hopefully. ;)

Hermod gives clock to DFAM and Maths. Telharmonic´s N-Out (Flux fully CW) into Ext.-Audio In from DFAM. DFAM Audio out via Quad VCA to Toppobrillo Multifilter. Control the gain for clear LP Filter Action. DFAM VCA EG out to Toppobrillo´s 1V/OCT.
Maths Channel 4 controls Telharmonic´s Degree and the OR out goes into Tonic in. Find it ;)

Good, now you got some spare space! If I would be you, I still would look into some classic components, otherwise extend with one more row :-)

Thanks for the advice Garfield!
I'm looking to create an ambient/generative system (e.g. r beny/lightbath)
But, I've been doing more research and I think I'm getting a better idea of what I need to achieve that.

Here's the update!
https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_229447.jpg

It's still pretty full, but I'm saving a tiny bit of room and money this way :)
I figure I can always swap out future modules, too.

Hi Northnan,

You got a full planned rack there :-) Not a bit too full? As you indicated already, you might want to go for a few more classic components like oscillators, LFOs, VCAs, filters, etcetera. Difficult to say though. What exactly do you want to do with this? Especially without really knowing what you want, how would someone know if you would really need Plaits & Rings? :-)

Instead of a microbrute I got a Neutron and though yes, you can use some functionality of it, while I am waiting for some more modules to arrive, I am missing some of the basic components even though that could be (partly) realised with the Neutron. So you might want to look a bit more into that as well.

Good luck with the planning and the realisation and kind regards, Garfield Modular.

Hi Quantum_Eraser,

You got yourself a nice rack planned, especially the 4ms - Spherical Wavetable Navigator and Make Noise - Morphagene modules I feel are very interesting, so once you got them, after a while please let me know your experiences with these modules, I might be tempted to get one or both of them myself :-)

Talking about the Morphagene, I know it's not the same as the Mutable Instruments - Marbles but do you really need both of them? I see some overlap there, why not trying the Morphagene on its own first, saves you some rack space and some money too? Or instead of the Marbles (perhaps in combination with the Clouds) get yourself an ACL - Sinfonion instead? I know bloody expensive but that Sinfonion might be giving you just a "bit" more at the end of the day.

I am missing at least one filter. You got yourself a lot of nice modules here but I am missing a few basic components, though most of it covered as far as I can see by the already planned modules, I would at least add one classic filter. Also a small/simple mixer might be come in handy to add.

Good luck with the planning and please let me know how it went, kind regards, Garfield Modular.

Eurorack is a bottomless pit when it comes to money. You're going to start itching. :)
-- Ronin1973

It started already ;)
So I made modifications with your suggestions.

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_959666.jpg

I still have space and I hesitate between:
- zadar and disting 4
Or
- ripples and ears

The two will expand my possibilities in different ways.
I also have a minibrute and a nyx for additionnal vcos and mudolators. I have a mixing table with 4 stereo outputs and 6 mono output for the audio outs from delay, clouds, nebulae, nyx and minibtrute.

Yes yes, I have to try first ... but yeah they are very tiny .

Check out/test the 2hp modules first before you buy them. I was previously also impressed by their modules however once I tested them, I am not so overly enthusiastic any more. The modules are only 2 HP (obviously) that is good when you have a lack on space in your rack (don't we all? :-) ) however because it's just 2 HP, personally I feel it becomes to congested, a few cables, somewhere a few small tiny knobs you need to turn. Try the turning of the 2hp knobs, I felt personally the "touch & feel" wasn't very good but that might be just me.

Ok. Thanks. Was not sure if this was a problem an my side :-)

It goes down from time to time. Give it at least 48 hours before terror sets in.

hmm what's up with muff wifggler? It says Site not found.

So for a long time I have been thinking about getting into Modular synthesis. I’ve read a bunch about it and watched YouTube videos and feel like I am beginning to put the pieces together.

I love the sounds of LCD Soundsystem but I also love the sounds that The Field creates with his tracks, which could be described as atmospheric, minimal techno.

I guess I wanted to ask everyone if I am on the right track in trying to captures these sounds with the modules I have started to put together? And what else is out there that I am missing (loads I am sure)?

I was planning to get the Intellijel 7U case with the Audio I/O is always a great choice so I can grow over the years, and the Atlantis and a reverb module first to get to know those before expanding. I have an Arturia keystep which I can sequence through.

I’m pretty excited to start my modular journey and having this great community along for the ride is awesome!
Any advice is appreciated!

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_960772.jpg

Ups.

This should work

You need to link to your specific rack URL. You've given a generic link that shows each user their own current rack.

I'm from Switzerland and new to Eurorack. Like many others I want to go the Ambient/Drone Road :-)

What are your thoughts about my first picks? I've already bought a used Clouds two weeks ago and got my TipTop Mantis Case today :-)

Is there something i'm missing which I absolutely need (besides the filter)? Or is there something I don't really need in my Rack?

Do i need a Mixer like the Intellijel Mixup? Should I buy a dedicated ADSR instead of the Contour which only does AR?

I really would appreciate your help and advice.

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/racks/view

So, I've been doing a lot of research, reading the forums, and I think I've got a good start on what I'm looking for in a modular setup.
I also have a Microbrute, so I have an additional LFO, Sequencer, etc.
I have all these modules in my cart ready to go (a lot of them are clones), but before I buy I just want to ask more experienced users some questions.
I think (or maybe hope) I can get a lot out of this in terms of ambient sounds, but I was wondering if there's anything I should change.
Is having 3 effect modules overkill? Should I be prioritizing more EGs, VCAs, LFOs, filters, or anything else? Are both Plaits and Rings REALLY needed?

I left room to grow, because modular :)
For future modules, I'm thinking another sequencer, such as Rene, another VCA or two, since you can't have too many, and uO_C and Maths seem like a great modules to have. Also, a powered mult would probably be a good thing to have. Let me know your thoughts and advice!
Thanks for being so helpful on the forums!

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_229447.jpg

EDITED Jul 20th 2019, 16:13

Hi Saramago,

How about Doepfer A-140 ADSR? Simple but good and inexpensive. Once you build up experience with that one you can decide for yourself what you like to have for your second, third, etc. ADSR.

There are hundreds of envelope modules so difficult to recommend you a right one, therefore I think the Doepfer A-140 is a good start or consider to check the major brands, most of them have at least one envelope.

Kind regards, Garfield Modular.
-- GarfieldModular

That’s what I will do :)

I was checking Doepfer new Slim line but no ADSR. Maybe a 2hp will b nice and doesnt take a lot of space

EDITED Jul 20th 2019, 20:52

thank you Lugia, it is for delaying either the pitch or velocity signals from a DFAM's sequencer before they are sent to a quantiser in an attempt to get a 16 step sequence, I shall look at analogue shift registers, thank you for your time

Hi Saramago,

How about Doepfer A-140 ADSR? Simple but good and inexpensive. Once you build up experience with that one you can decide for yourself what you like to have for your second, third, etc. ADSR.

There are hundreds of envelope modules so difficult to recommend you a right one, therefore I think the Doepfer A-140 is a good start or consider to check the major brands, most of them have at least one envelope.

Kind regards, Garfield Modular.

Continuous signals like modulation, or stepped, as in VCO CVs? If the latter, the device you want is an analog shift register. Basically, it's a set of seriesed sample and holds: the first register locks in a CV value on a timing pulse, then on the second pulse that CV gets passed to the second register and a new CV gets sampled into the first, and so on. And since this uses basic clock timing pulses, whatever time base you want to use to obtain your step times would allow for a lot of flexibility for delaying the pass-on process. This won't work for anything that's a continuous voltage curve, however.