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Added Livewire Chaos Computer to the rig! https://www.instagram.com/p/BIqeuAWDbuW/

EDITED Aug 4th 2016, 16:37

Been reading this thread, to many negative experiences in my view.. For that price at least. Seems like Intellijel is a bit more quality for the price.

https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=152341&highlight=

Sounds perfect to me! I think you'll have a lot of fun with that setup - the Atlantis is super popular and for good reason I think. I thought the Lifeforms looked good - has it had negative reviews?

Thank you for your reply Whunder :-) Been reading a lot of stuff online the last few days and currently I'm most drawn towards the Intellijel Atlantis as it has two VCO's and I've been reading a lot of negative things about the Lifeforms from Pittsburgh. I like the moog sound but as you said, the sequencer seems like a pain. I was thinking of getting a 2nd hand Atlantis with a 2nd hand Mutable Instruments Clouds and a Korg SQ1 as a starter set up. I work with a lot of different materials as a job so building my own case won't be a problem, will be fun actually! I think those modules will give me some fun play time for sure. Like you're saying, the moog feels more like a very cool stand alone unit, but I think the atlantis can stay within a bigger rack as a nice 101 resembling sound. Interested in your thoughts :-)

T

My first module was the Mother 32 and I now have a few others built around it in a small Doepfer (LC6) case. Personally, I did it this way because the M32 packs a lot of features into a single module at a really good price. If you worked out what it would cost to get the same functionality from separate modules, it would be a lot more. The one thing I don't use very often on the M32 is the sequencer, it's too slow to work with. If you like the Moog sound (it does sound Very good), I say start with the M32 and build up around it.

I've actually started to think I might take it out of the case and put it back in its original enclosure, it's really fun to have right in front of you to play and it works very well standalone. Something very 'pure' about it :)

Worth noting that the tank that comes with this is huge! Doesn't fit in my LC6 case, does produce a nice long decay though... this is a quality spring reverb. Befaco make great modules.

Very good transaction with @manolah - great comms and quick delivery with tracking. Cheers!

Hi, can this be used for static CV generation without inputs (in the same way that the U-110 does) too?

Hi everybody,

I'm looking on some advice about where to start. Would getting something like a Mother 32, a Lifeforms or Intellijel Atlantis set up be a nice segue in to a modular set up, or would you recommend saving up some extra money and start off with some separate modules? Something like a DPO + Optamix + Maths or a cheaper Doepfer set up and get that 99,- external korg sequencer for instance... My current way of working has been with ableton but I find it boring and uninspiring and want to be more hands on and playful. Wise words welcome! Thank you :-)

Best, R

Hi this is my first post in this wonderful world

This is what i have ordered so far after reading forums and watching videos for quite some time.
I plan on adding a sequencer in the future but for now am i on the right track?
Any advice/comments/suggestions very welcome and appreciated

Thank you for looking

Hhm, that's quite the list! Meaning you probably will want to be prepared for everything ;-)

As for syncing things up the pro way, look at the ACME4 ( http://www.schneidersladen.de/en/snd-acme4.html ).
You will want a MIDI interface in your modular, probably going both ways. If you plan on sending CV from the computer to the modular you will need a special interface like the ES-1 (http://www.expert-sleepers.co.uk/es1.html) .Question 3. Are you looking into processing outboard audio inside the modular? That would need interfaces for each chan to bring the outside line level up to modular voltage and another interface module for bringing it back down for the mixer.

Start by looking at the interfaces of your most important boxes and get modules to connect them to your modular. To have all the connecting options you will face about a complete row of interfacing. See http://www.expert-sleepers.co.uk/hardware.html for inspiration.

At a minimum, you need a module that accepts and syncs to audible clicks/triggers and outputs a trigger or gate to sync your modules. Stick your drum machine's rim shot in it and your modules will follow the drum tempo. Probably both Maths and Disting can do that, read the manuals.

PS: Only saw your updated rack after posting.
Do you already have the Make Noise CV bus module?
AFAIK it is sold as part of their shared system only.

EDITED Aug 2nd 2016, 08:34

1. I am buying a 22 channel soundcraft signature mixer that has multitrack recording so I can run all of my gear into ableton and record into individual tracks at once (pretty awesome analog mixer). For $800 I think its a steal. I currently have a small 8 channel behringer mixer that I can swap gear out for whatever I want to use at the moment. What mixer do you use? What mixer do you suggest? Also, what kind of features are good for modular set ups.

2. Honestly, I would like to all of my gear to be one big happy family with my modular system(s). I currently have 4 volcas and a dreadbox hades, however, by the end of october I will have a roland tr8, dreadbox erebus, make noise 0coast, my 4 volcas, the dreadbox hades, korg minilogue, and one moog mother 32 (I'll start with one voice and buy more if it is worth it). so yeah, I want them all to work together with the modular system. The dreadbox units, mother 32, and the make noise all have patch points as you already probably know. Do you think that is possible?ysWhat do you think I need to interface with the gear? Any recommendations other than that? My plan is to have everything running at once on the 22 channel mixer. I know it seems like A LOT of equipment with the modular but I am taking this serious and want to go live. Obviously I wont take all the gear live but my show will always be different. So I think I understand what you are asking... I want for example one of the synths to run into the maths, right? What do you think?

3. I am not sure I undertand this question? can you please kind of elaborate.. sorry, I am an airhead:) its kind of late here too.

4. So this answers five as well... I currently have one beatstep pro - connected to the beatstep pro I have a midi solutions quadra through that has one midi in and four midi out. At the moment I have the volca beat, volca keys, and volca bass being sequenced by the beatstep pro. The volca sample is also connected to the midi through box which allows it to receive clock from the beat step pro. So even though I could sync the volcas through ttheir own inputs, I do all the clocking from this midi through box. I going to buy either one or two more midi through boxes or a bigger midi interface for all the gear to connect to my beatstep. Also, I am going to buy a second beatstep pro to control more gear as I absolutely love the machine. It is such a big powerhouse of sequencing - so motivating and insprining to use. I am sure you know this, but the beat step pro has usb connection that comes with a splitter that I use for the computer connection and to power the unit, it has clock in and out, midi in and out, 8 drum gate outputs, and two sequencer CV outs that have their own velocity, gate, and pitch outputs (I LOVE THIS MACHINE:). so the beatstep can control the eurorack system. What do you think of that setup? Any recommendations or ideas?

I know this was a long winded response to it all but I am super excited to get this going. I started djing electronic music 22 years ago, started producing in the box roughly 10 years ago and now I am taking the plunge and going to straight instruments trying to stay away from the computer. If I do use the computer I will temporarily use it to trigger samples with a novation launchpad. Also will use computer to record in ableton and post production. Needless to say this is going to be quite the journey for me as I want to release music and play it live as well.

I appreciate your help and feedback on thiis as you have taken the time to answer my questions. Thank you in advance for a response to my answers.

Last thing - I will list all of my gear so you have a better idea.. this is all of the gear that I am planning to have by the end of october

1. Volca Sample, Keys, Bass, and Beats - MAYBE the FM
2. Dreadbox Hades
3. Dreadbox Erebus
4. Soundcraft Signature 22 Multitrack Analog Mixer
5. Roland TR 8
6. Two Arturia Beatstep Pros
   7, Make Noise 0Coast, no coast whatever
7. Korg Minilogue
8. Moog Mother 32
9. Some kind of TB303 box (Possibly the Roland TB 3 becuase its inexpensive) - If i decide tto spend some money I will get the abstrakt instruments avalon bassline for like $1k USD. I played with it and it is hands down the closest to the real thing in my opinion.
10. Still need to buy speakers as I am borrowing my friends cheap $100 for the pair m audio speakers. Thinking about picking up a pair of yamaha hs5. I am in an apartment with thin walls so I want nice small speakers that I can use as reference with mixing and mastering. Most of my recording, jamming, etc will be done with headphones... I am going to get a couple pairs of headphones (Sennheiser HD series, Beyer Dynamics dt880 or 990, and possibly one other pair.
11. 2015 13 inch macbook pro 8gb ram
12. 3 tb g-tech thunder Hard drive
13. Headphone amp (need suggestions for this one) I will need one with multiple outs as I will be doing a solo act as well as a duo with one of my buddies. I know it will kill my ears but I want to be able to jam out loud with headphones. Maybe get a subpac to feel the bass:)
14. I may get an elektron octatrack for sampling as I love using samples. I hear they are the best. A bit pricey and difficult to master, but great piece of gear nonetheless.

I think that's pretty much it... I know its a ton of spending on my part but i have allocated the money for this and am taking it seriously. It's been a good year with work so the funds are available fortunately. I don't plan to become famous doing this, but I want to share my 20+ years of electronic music experience with the world and just see what happens.

This little modular thing will just be the beginning after I put together all of the other gear. I am going to buy this one row then eventually start expanding it over the next few years, eventually building a big rack to integrate with my system. I am also planning to start a meet up group where I live for those that want to join and meet to jam out on their modulars.

Wow, I just wrote an essay. Hopefully you or someone else takes the time to read and give advice and feedback.

Thanks!!:)

Good call on the VCA's! Thanks captainbleep
Nice three tier morphlex, I'm loving the Templi demos online, I wish I had more room already. I like the Pico modules, I ended up choosing the Pico filter 1 to save space but still get a good strong filter, I think it'll do the trick. I like the Pico drums too. I think the Variegate is a killer unit, can't wait to try it. Here is the updated rack. I think it's going to be powerful!

thanks to @box78, excellent communication and very helpful seller. Higly Recommended!

Whoa. Is that skiff custom from Magpie?

I have the 3 tier with 2X M32 and Clouds currently. Thinking of adding some Pico (3hp) modules to spice things up. Here is the rack:

I like that you chose the Varigate 4. It's a nice module. The Ultrafold must be fun. Decisions decisions! :)

This is my first rig and I'm thinking this could be fun. Currently i have 2X M32 and Clouds. It's already fun but I want to add percussion and another voice. Since hp is limited I went with the Pico series. I've seen the 2hp stuff but wasn't impressed in the options and features. Would anyone have suggestions on this rig? Thank you in advance! :)

PS. I currently run either VCA out or Clouds to my Mackie 1202 so no output module is really needed, unless you have an argument to persuade me to think otherwise. Also, Pico A Mix (pre-sale) and Pico EG are on the way.

EDITED Jul 30th 2016, 02:04

disting in audio playback mode 1-a

bf22 channel 1 right on the edge of self-oscillation

uses birds .wavs

Looks slick. Great sonic compliment to the Mother. Don't forget some VCAs tho!

Hi Ronbo!

I've used my modular for drum processing a ton. While you don't NEED an envelope follower, they're really, really useful. The other thing that's useful in that situation is buffered mults. The ones in your rack are unbuffered, which could cause signal level drops. Depending on how you're getting signal from outside your modular into your modular, you might need an input module too (the Doepfer A-119 is both an envelope follower and an external input). The other comment I have is that you have two oscs and three LPFs. Unless you're just in love with the LPF sound, I'd encourage you to consider at least one multimode filter (like Intellijel's Polaris). Often times they have one out per mode, so you get more audio to do fun things with.

Have fun!

Options for last 8HP:
Cold Mac
Jones O'Tool+
Rosie

Would also recommend a Mutable Peaks or maybe a Disting or 2...

Hi all --

I'm planning my first Eurorack - it's going to take a while before I can afford it - and I'd love to get some feedback. I got hooked on synths in high school (the ARP 2600 was new then) and I've waited a long time to give in to the craving.

Some comments/questions:
* I'm assuming I'll get a Doepfer case despite the cost just so I don't have to worry about power issues. Any alternatives come to mind? I could build a case but I'm concerned about getting the power supply wrong.
* I'm not a performer and I don't need a MIDI interface. My primary interest is experimenting with sound design. One thing I would like to try is using external sounds as both audio and cv. However, I'm not sure how best to do that. Envelope follower?
* The STE 16 LFO is the only digital module in the system. It looks interesting for modulation but I'm not sure it makes sense as a clock source. I've included a basic Doepfer LFO just to be sure ... and I wonder if the STE 16 isn't overkill.
* Output will be recorded onto a Mac - probably just Garage Band although one of my kids is saving up for Logic Pro.

Thanks in advance for any insight.

I had great deals with the following sellers: @enn_n , @bark , A.S. and St john . (I was not able to correctly tag these last two…) Thanks all!

I am building my first rack around sampling beat engine (photogene and pressure points, brains....) and my moog m32
The mother sequencer wont really allow me to play a free bassline with for example different length in the tones wich is important for my music (melodic not technoid)

So is there sth that allows me a more free approach to play my sequences like drums from samples with the pressure points and bass from the moog and lets me set loop points, transpose etc without cutting my melodies in same length and same speed steps?

There must be!?

Had a great transaction with @Hinterlands313 - would certainly buy from again!

Thank you! :)

Yes since i am not making techno music i think i dont need more than the moog for now and maybe add some modulation in long term.
I mix synth music with electric piano, guitar and drums (often vinyl breaks chopped up) to make the use of the rack more specific.

I would like to use the erica mixer as preamp to amplify external sources aswell, like epiano. Possible?

How do i show the link?

Just paste the url.
E.g. https://www.m..ulargrid.net/e/racks/view/319038 will show

About your choices: the Moog covers a lot. Some additional modulation sources and VCA would be a benefit.

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_319038.jpg

How do i show the link?

Would love to hear opinions on this.
The moog is here, firat pressure points + braids and switch ordered aswell as case.

Did i forget anything? Photogene would serve as master clock?

How functional will the sequencer be?

These modules will (if at all!) come later: trigger man, bastl grandpa, 2nd pressure points, ring mod.

Is the tubiness of the erica mixer worth it? I really like a tube based mixer if it isnt just show

Yeah, the first batch were printed wrong so they were a bit cheaper :)

Need little help. If somebody who have this filter can mesure the exact depth of the module with the cable plugged, it will be great. I have one small skiff only 46 mm deep.
Thanks!

A few things to think about:
1. Got a mixer that can host 2 ch of modular?
2 .What piece/s of gear need to interface with the modular?
3. Will any of the outboard stuff's audio go in (level adjust line --> modular --> line) ?
4. What needs to sync and by which means (midi, tap tempo clock, ...) Which box should be the master clock ?
5. Are there any Eurorack controllers to help your live performance?

Looks like there are two "In A"s on the front panel, shouldnt the right one be "In B"?

Nice rack

July 2416 update to my modular:

• HexInverter 909 Bass Drum and 909 Snare Drum have been removed (partly for panel space; partly for power consumption)
• 3 x CGS / René Schmitz VCAs have been removed (un-removable 'thump' in at least 1 of them; output levels are too low from all 3. Replacing with VCAs from someone else / non-DIY)
• the 2 x Serge USG's up above ARE DIY CGS / Serge USGs
• the 2 x SSM2044 LPFs up above ARE, DIY
• the 3 x basic VCO's above are Music From Outer Space VCOs (R.I.P. Ray. :( Thanks for everything! )
• the Mutable Instruments Peaks and Branches modules will be here from my supplier tomorrow or Tuesday. I don't know exactly where in the cabinet, they'll be placed yet
• the triple bi-directional router is a CGS / Serge DIY one and is non-functioning. There is a 2nd one that IS working, in another cabinet, below the one above.)
• there is an 8 step CGS / Serge Programmer / Sequencer with the Moog 960 Sequencer Play / Stop / Skip switch for each step, for EACH direction, in the cabinet below
• there is a Music From Outer Space Echo Rockit in the cabinet below

I still haven't moved any other 4U / Serge panel modules into the New Europeans modular, from The Deathlehem Machine modular. I don't know if I will be, as I may be moving AWAY from DIY modules, completely.

Looks pretty cool to me, I'm looking into a 32 as well!

Yeah, you are right as far as the funds are concerned but compared to the other systems I have put together on here this rack is more inexpensive. The other racks are $4k-$6k,

As far as what I expect - I really just want a rack that I can integrate into my live setup. My live setup has a Roland TR8, moog mother 32, make noise 0coast, korg minilogue, and the entire volca series. I want the rack to have many sound sculpting capabilities allowing me to add flavor to my live set that I wouldn't have otherwise been able to with my current gear. I play techno, electronic, and house music.

Hopefully that is a good explanation, if not, please let me know and I will try to elaborate.

Thank you for your input!

@HDvice and @manolah both good sellers. Would buy from them again!

Hi and welcome yebanat!
I would say if you can start out with a rack like that your funds cannot be all that limited ;-))
Looking good to me. Knowing what you expect it to do would help though.

Hello all,

Looking to build my first modular rack. Starting off small as funds are rather limited. Going with a one row, 84 hp case. Everything to the right of and including the MU Braids was in place of an atlantis module. Please let me know what you think as far as additional modules required to get started, whether I should omit the braids and everything to the right of it and pop the atlantis into there, should I omit certain modules as they are redundant, etc.?

I have a beatstep pro as my sequencer so I am covered on that front.

Any help or advice anyone could provide would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

EDITED Jul 21st 2016, 18:09

I've started to try and record some of my beginning noodlings. Mainly trying to figure things out, I'm hoping to pull some more song like structure into things once I've sussed my new modular out and use with my volca sample and Op1.

Perhaps mad, but I thought I'd start my buying a selection of things to help me find my sound and play around, I'm likely to trade or swaps things out, so please feel free to suggest stuff.

My core sound is to use granular synths and process live guitalele and melodica which I have been doing so far with a superege guitar pedal and delays. I'd like to try and tighten things up and modulate more stuff by using clouds and DLD in this fashion.
I have a mother 32 I'm mainly using for bass sounds, and I have a rings too for dulcima type tones.

Then for modulation I've got tempi (which I'm struggling to get the best from at the moment, though I've just ordered a grandpa which could now maybe create some more interesting rhythms). Maths, (which seems overkill for what I'm mainly using as two LFOs) and Frames (which I'm mainly using as an audio mixer, because I'm finding the keyframing just a little too nuts to control neatly).

Anyhow here's a few vids.

Thanks for sharing! It's definitely interesting to see multiples of maths in a system. I sure know I would like another!

I'm I the only one freaking out about this firmware? Seriously so awesome, I grabbed a second peaks. The betabyte function is crazy!

Quadra over Peaks/Disting? Less multifunctional == more focused.
Basimilus Iteritas may be a more appropriate choice for focus.

Actually, I really like the idea of swapping Peaks/Disting for Batumi/Samara based on mood/day of week.
Or swapping Erbe Verb with Batumi/Samara in either case. Still not sure what I'm doing with Ultra Random Analog. :-/

Buy: Samara, Teletype.
Sell Trigger Man (160), Cold Mac (160) and uVCA II (130)? Can't on muffwiggler, try modulargrid itself!

EDITED Aug 3rd 2016, 03:23

Peaks/Veils currently. Samara to be added. Could swap Peaks with O'Tool+ or Cold Mac.
Using Tangle Quartet in lieu of Veils frees up 4HP doesn't solve problems like: No Drums, not enough VCAs, or not enough Offset/Attenuation/Polarizing.

Could presumably sell O/A/x2, uVCA II, and Dual ADSR from current case to support this.

EDITED Jul 21st 2016, 03:25

just now realizing this thread is here. good deals with @yufo and @sceledra

A word of thanks to @dombles for a nice deal and a fully functional Expanded Turing Machine.

Forgot to post a bit ago, but @yufo was awesome to deal with when buying the Erika Black Dual EG/LFO. Module was exactly as described, shipped super quick and packed like a champ. Definitely recommended!

Nano Rand || O/A/x2 || Links

Sell (~2000 total)

Move 208 / 450
Erbe Verb (20) / 440
Dual ADSR (14) / 190
Tempi (10) / 230
Trigger Man (8) / 150
Nano Rand (4) / 150
Disting mk3 (4) / 160
uVCA II (6) / 130
O/A/x2 (4) / 80
Morphing Terrarium? (14)
Optomix? (8)
Ripples? (8)
Keep White Whale/Earthsea!

Buy

Structure 360 ($900, ouuuuch)
Praga (20)
Teletype (18)
Second Peaks? (8)
Poti? (3)
Samara? (10)
O'Tool+? (8)
Monome Ansible? (6)

Veils/Kinks or Samara/uVCA II or Tangle Quartet/O'Tool+? If anything, Veils/Kinks and then can swap O'Tool+ for Cold Mac if desired. No Poti, Samara, or second Peaks in this version but seems worth it for the improved utilities. Still would like more attenuation though. :-/

No uScale or Elements but I'm cool with that I think. No room for Terrarium. Biggest issue is that we need more VCAs (though it would be nice to have another filter). But it's close to just right... Worth thinking about some more. Everything in one rack, consolidates a bit. Less portable but could keep the structure 208 case if I ever want to take the modular out somewhere. Might be able to go sans mixer with Praga in place.

Old 208-gen notes

From Oubliette this drops (in decreasing order of HP):
* Mother-32 (60)
* Dual ADSR (14)
* Cold Mac (8)
* uVCA II (6)
* White Whale or Earthsea (6)
* O/A/x2 (4)

Freeing up 98 HP to be replaced with (in decreasing order of HP):
* Mutable Instruments Elements (34) - $400 used
* Xaoc Devices Praga (20) - ~$500 new
* Monome Teletype (18) - $400 used
* Mutable Peaks (8) - $200 new
* O'Tool+ (8) - $325 new
* uScale (6) - $220 new
* Xaoc Poti Expander (3) - $45 new
* Malekko Mix 4 (3) - $110 new

Flaws

Still needs more attenuation and another filter would be nice. If we could fit the Xaoc Samara that would be great. If not, Tangle Quartet could do in a pinch. Optomix Rev 2 might be nice as well, allows sidechaining or acts as a Low Pass Gate, and could let us get away with swapping a buffered mult in for Mix4. That winds up with a nice case though more attenuation would sure af help.

Possibilities

The only thing this case lacks compared to Straylight is a good verb/erbe. Frames/Brainseed esque stuff is handled by Earthsea, non-granular cloudy magic is done with DLD, drums with Peaks, physical modeling through Elements, crazy clocking and sequencing options from Meadowphysics and Teletype, modulation galore from Batumi, Just Friends, and URA, endless Timbre exploration with Mangrove and Morphing Terrarium.

Worth?

Lose 2 HP overall and costs ... well, another 2200 more dollars. T_T Praga, Teletype, Elements, and O'Tool+ are the big pieces.

Assuming I get Teletype everything else can be done with the current case as is. Would be nice to have a uScale for quantizing, peaks for Drums or O'Tool+ for visualization but the rest certainly isn't necessary. Hell, I could swap Rings for Morphing Terrarium whenever I tire of wavetables. Praga is nice to make the rig more portable (no mixer) and make the mixing/muting more "playable" but even that definitely isn't a necessity.

That said, I could sell the O/A/x2, uVCA, Cold Mac, and Dual ADSR for 500 or so. Could get another 500 for the Mother. That brings it down to just an additional 1200 bucks. :-(

EDITED Jul 20th 2016, 16:32