All but 5 of the 39 modules here are Intellijel. It has all the components of a major analog and digital synthesis system. I've created this layout for something like a Goike 12U curved case, and tried to make it as comprehensive, ergonomic, and aesthetically pleasing as possible.
Really diggin ModularGrid! Hopefully more types of cases will be added as the site evolves.
Having to re-work module positions due to the shallow rack depth. Older Doepfer modules with the deeper boards especially. 4MS modules really don't fit correctly either but I am thinking of fitting them in. Some of the problems are with forgetting to space shallow modules over the bus board spaces as the bus stand-offs reduce effective depth that much further. Bus board to top of rail ~50mm. Case wall to top of rail ~61mm.
Also at issue with these Make Noise bus boards is that they were advertised as 24 connections per board, when in fact there are only 20. Reducing the total powered module capacity by 8 (two bus boards on this build) can be very significant when many small HP modules are installed.
This is being built in an Enclave Flight 12U rack. Beware and do your homework in regards to the desired modules to be installed and the limitations of this rack due to the shallow depth (especially under bus boards). Also beware of the power supply ports and cables coming into the rack. I've had to re-arrange modules again to accomodate for this. It seems that I am having to re-arrange modules due to space constraints several times on this rack. It's either my poor planning or perhaps a deficiency in the case design itself- mainly being too shallow. For newer SMT boards, it's not such an issue. For those of us with older modules or those that are just deep (i.e. Triple Slice), this case can be a challenge to layout an ergonomic module placement. I am at the point of just getting what I have to fit properly and hope that it feels right when creating patches. I guess I will be keeping my Doepfer suitcase rack to mount those modules that just won't fit in here (Triple Slice, older Plan B, etc.).
Sort of bummed.
Bottom 2 rows are external. (Or possibly kits I haven't finished building)
Sequencing/CV to MIDI with FR Mobius, CVPal, and/or Anushri. Occasional use of Little Phatty or Odyssey for envelopes/filter. External mixer for attenuation needs.
Just added my second rack (A-100 LC9). Next step: "Fill it up!"
What about all the ES1 Racks popping up the last hour?Did I missed a trend?
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More like $3,700 Total (with Goike 3U Hardwood Boat $170, Tiptop Audio Zeus Sudio Bus & PSU $175, added power switch $50, Kenton Pro Solo MkII $235, and patch cables $100.)
This is the Pulplogic Lunchbox version of 'Semi Sane 84 V2'. The CESYG DuaLFO was sacrificed because it wouldn't fit, both in height and width.Lunchbox 54 Theremin V3 has two goals in mind:
Voice for a theremin-like controller
Self-generating, evolving drone
This rack is centered around the Morphing Terrarium and the Dreamboat, which both have LFO/VCO capabilities. The Terrarium is the primary sound source, while The Dreamboat is the primary modulator.The nice thing about these modules in a 54hp context is that they have limited CV modulation inputs: the Terrarium has 3, and the Dreamboat, 2. The Optomix has 6: 4 CV and 2 gate, divided amongst its two sections. So, we have 9 CV and 2 get destinations, for a total of 11.Providing modulation support are 3 modules: the AnVilope, Wave Runner, and A-143-9 QLFO. These modules command 7 modulation outputs. Together with the Dreamboat's 5, that amounts to 12 modulation sources. The tile portion of the Lunchbox provides additional modulation capabilities.The input is handled by EO-310 and EO-311 modules, which connect to a ribbon controller for pitch, and an infrared distance sensor for volume. The volume connects to the EO-310 to set the proper response and generate the initial sync gate. Three sensor inputs remain open.Final sound processing is handled by the aformentioned Optomix. It offers damp and pluck parameters to further shape the sound, but these seem more aimed at percussive sounds. We will think more about this.Rounded out the rack is the Erthenvar tiles. You get 9, 6 of which can be powered. One is the obligatory Out. Next, Attenuverters are provided for the Terrarium CV ins, which is recommended. A DC source is provided to modulate the Doepfer LFO, because we want the option to take it really slow. The blank tiles are reserved for these functions:
A dual passive gate-to-trigger converter, since we are usually going to sync our oscillators or pluck the Optomix, rather than gate the envelope.
A home-made expansion module for the Terrarium, modelled after the 1U homeade Eurorack version.
this config assembled between march and mai 2014, first live set here:
small suitcase dimensions (internal):
approx 38.6 x 26.6 cm
internal dimensions 38cm = 74HP wide
The short version: Q962 = 'must have', Q963 = 'almost indispensable', Q128 = 'should have', Q961 = 'cool, but can live without'
Longer winded comments: The Q963 is an awesome addition. The Q960 has independent trigger outputs at each stage, but no summed trigger output, so using triggers directly from the Q960 can require a lot of patching. The Q963 uses an internal cable to bring all of the triggers to a single bus allowing each step to be routed to one of two outputs. The only downside to the Q963 is that a trigger can't be routed to both the A and B output channels on the same stage, but it does allow addition of rests without changing the setting on the Q960 itself, and gives you access to all the stage triggers without a spaghetti mess of cables. If you're thinking long term, and may expand your system later, then up to 5 Q963s can be daisy chained together (more behind pannel cables) and with multiple Q963s you have complete flexibility to use any combination of triggers.
The Q961 has a couple of uses, the primary being combining triggers from the Q960. Note that the Q963 accomplishes this as well. The Q961 also allows for timing adjustment of triggers connected to the column b inputs, this can produce really cool effects, but isn't something you're likely to use all the time, and the same effect can be had using a gate delay module (I use a pair of STG Soundlabs dual Yves Usson Gate Delays)
You might also consider the Q128 Switch, while not technically a Q960 accessory module, it can take inputs from the Q960 oscillator out and the Q963 or Q961. You then get distinct triggers out from the Q128 rather than full stage triggers, this might not seem significant at first, but consider that adacent triggers from the Q960 will result in a single longer trigger.
first of all thanks so much for taking the time to write all that! i'm ditching the midi interface as the q960 is one of the main reasons i want this machine. i've even been toying with the idea of starting out with just the sequencer. how would you rate the other accessory modules such as the q961 and q963?
the instrument interface is too cool to pass up as i'm also a guitar player. and i think i'll probably stick with the reverb too, as it seems like a more affordable option than most standalone spring reverbs i've seen. i have a danelectro "spring king" currently but it's not the most reliable thing, and cost only a little less than the q115.
It's also worth mentioning, that any 1/4" patchbay can be wired as multiples... giving more room for other modules. I use a couple of old Behringer Ultrapatch PX2000's in parallel mode for all my DotCom multiples needs.
This is all personal opinion, so grain of salt and all that…
You’ve got both a midi interface and a sequencer… If you plan to control the system via midi you might consider using a midi sequencer rather than the Q960 and freeing up a lot of space, or, if you plan on using a midi keyboard you might consider an old school CV keyboard and getting rid of the midi interface (synthesizers.com used to make one, but I don’t see it on their site anymore). Also, note that you won’t need the quantizer bank for CVs generated by the mid interface, though it’s still really useful when combined with an analogue sequencer.
I would try to make room for a Q962 Sequential Switch, not only can you use it to switch between output banks on the Q960 Sequential Controller (giving you up to 24 stage sequences), but can also function as a latch or signal selector!
Consider how much you might actually use the Instrument interface, signal processor, and reverb (okay, reverb IS a must-have, but can easily be handled with an external device to save room) if you can make enough space you are likely going to want either a third Q106 Oscillator, or an LFO to use as a modulation source.
Also, consider whether or not you really need the Oscillator Aid and Oscillator Mixer, the Q106 Oscillators already have outputs for each waveform, so the only new functionality you really get from the Oscillator aid is the soft sync. And the Oscillator Mixer can be replaced with a general purpose 4 channel mixer giving you more flexibility.
trying to plan out my rig. can anyone tell me if this is a viable system? will i need another amplifier, etc? any general advice? thanks.
I added the Moog VX-351 and CP-251 as modules because they are a core part of how I use my modular setup. As I start to use the patch editor, these will be essential.
Just about finished off the 2nd cabinet. I'm thinking of getting a Distributor and a Q125 Signal processor as the final two modules. But, am also debating another EG and VCA. Thoughts?
The SOU+RCD/SCM+Divider are amazing tools on the sequencer cab. As usual there's always a "missing" utility module somewhere. I could use another mixer as well for example.
Anyhow, it's been loads of fun to build this out.
If you like autonomous atmospheric drones then I can recommend the Titan Capsule Modules by Eowave (
). These seven modules constitute a complete, traditional (i.e. twin VCO, VCF, VCA, ADSR, dual LFO and Mixer) synthesizer voice specially designed to create atmospherics. These modules are very reasonably priced and take up only 40HU of rack space; I have a set in my own modular system.
would love to hear feedback on this desired lay out. I'm new to all of this and I am going off of some racks that others have suggested. Looking for something that can drone & create rich textures.
OK, so I just want 16 more modules in 2014! That should be doable!
A couple of thoughts-- how about having a passive Frac Tier - one with a bunch of mult/attens on it! DIY Ring Mods/Passive modules? Other? Another thought - I'm seriously thinking about getting the New FD, 2x DAD's, the Filthy Filter, and 2x of the New Mult/Attens, for my next Blacet Order. Those modules can fit in the 2x Tier Setup I have going, right now, and can be powered by the single Blacet PSU! Nice! Total cost is about $600 (with Shipping). Also, I'll be getting the last of the Blacet Filters that I need, to complete my collection of Blacet Filters! The 2x DAD's will come in very handy for modulating Blacet and Wiard modules! Also, the New FD is awesome, and I can compare that module to the old FD! The 2x Mult/Attens are cheap, and they are slightly "better" than the ones I have, currently residing in the modular (the old design--with only the one row for mult/atten). I still want to add the 10 Blacet Bar Graphs, all in one Frac Rack, with a PSU in the Rear! Nice! For the 2nd order of 2014? I'm thinking possibly the New Quad VCA, New FX, and maybe another module or two. Order 3-- probably 3x VCO's! Order 4 - the other modules - Mixer/Splitter/Buffer, 2x Dual Linear VCA's, LFO, and the MIDIverter. Order 5 - probably the Double Stacker powered tier thing and a bunch of cables!
On December 30, 2013, I added a couple of Frac Tiers to the setup! Finally, all of my modules are powered up! One Frac tier has the JS #3, 2U Blank, 2x Mult/Attens, KW #2, and TM #2! The other tier does not house any modules, but I'm finally ready for modular expansion of the Frac Setup! Next steps--Build several DIY modules, including the KLEE x2, MPS x4, and start the plan of ordering one or two Blacet modules, per month (probably going to start in February 2014--for adding the Blacet modules)!
The Time Machine eats up alot of current, so I'll have to power it from the rear-mounted, Blacet PSU! That PSU could probably power the KLEE and other modules that I might mount near the KLEE (I have 3x MOTM spaces). One problem is location of the MOTM tier! The above setup calls for the 3rd Blacet tier to house the TM! So, it's going to be quite a stretch to reach a power feed up to the MOTM tier (above the top tier of the above Blacet rig)! This is a serious issue! I guess I'll need to investigate how to power everything, another time! One solution would be to power the top tier from a rear mounted PSU, supplying power to the KLEE sequencer, mounted above the top tier! Then the lower two tiers fit in the Blacet Frac, Double Stacker Power Supply Rack! That might work!
Basically, in 2014, I'm trying to add the 11 modules I don't yet have--the VCO (3), Filthy Filter, New FX, New Quad VCA, New Frequency Divider, DAD (2), Dual Linear VCA (2), New Mult/Atten (2), Splitter/Buffer/Mixer, MIDIverter, and the Micro LFO! I'm adding 3x of the VCO's and doubling up on the following modules--DAD, Dual Linear VCA, and the New Mult/Atten. All those modules come together to form a pretty serious synth voice, similar to the Minimoog. My goals for this setup, in 3x tiers--to have a serious synth voice, in one location in the modular (3 tiers), to collect all the Blacet modules, to double up on strategic modules, and to bring balance to The Force! This is quite a journey--to build a modular synthesizer! A major goal is to collect all the Blacet modules, without going crazy (buying way more modules than I really need--like 10 Bargraphs, or 8 VCO's, or 4 Binary Zones . . . you get the picture! So, I guess, I need to limit my module selection, because of finances! My overall plan is to roughly purchase one or two modules a month, until I arrive at the above setup! That is a really good goal, for 2014! I'm going to need to buy the Blacet Double Stacker rack with PSU, to make this a reality! I already have 2x extra Frac Racks and a spare Blacet PSU!
Thank you for your answer,Togodumnus, I would listen to your good advice, especially as I have the modules which you quote.
Good music, Philippe
A BPM Clock module such as ALM Pamela's Workout or ProModular Cloq can be used to keep all your sequencers in sync.
You may also benefit from a syncable LFO (i.e. A-145 or A-147) instead of the A-146 module (which is NOT syncable); this will allow you to (e.g.) reset filter sweeps at the beginning of each bar.
I would also invest in a clock divider and a clock sequencer (i.e. A-160 & A-161), both of which my be used to generate timing/sync events.
I would like to make autonomous it modular, to synchronizer both sequencers, but I do not know how can it be done?
Who would have a simple idea?
Thank you in advance
Just added the Fonitronik MH11 ADC Sequencer - Absolutely BRILL piece of kit !
Now I can make atmospheric drones (a la Eowave Titan modules) AND super-funky sequenced rhythms (with all the rest) !
077 Eardrill Pendulum/Ratchet
247v Sequential Voltage Source
262v Verbos Harmonic Oscillator
230r Triple Envelope Follower
292r Quad Voltage-Controlled Lowpass Gate
Hi Fitz!
I think a lot of people here on MGN would be glad to offer thier opinions and advice, however, any advice would be premature without knowing the intended purpose of your modular system;
Will it be used as part of an existing home/studio setup ?
Will it be primarily monophonic / duophonic / polyphonic ?
What type of external controllers will you use ? (MIDI Keyboard, USB link to a Computer, CV+Gate Sequencer, Ribbon Controller. etc.)
Will it comprise classic synth modules (VCO - VCF - VCA, ADSR, etc.) or more experimental / combination modules, or a mix of both ?
The more info you give the MGN community the more it can collectively help you.
So I am interested in building a euro rack, but don't really know where to start. Any advice for a beginner would be appreciated.
I'm just getting started with the whole modular thing. I've been using this little system along side an MFB Tanzbär and an Arturia Microbrute. I just moved out of a cozy little Pittsburgh Modular Cell [48] into the Doepfer case. From Claustrophobia to Agorophobia. I'm a little overwhelmed by the possibilities of what to purchase next. I'm kind of thinking about a Pittsburgh Oscillator, a Manhattan analog mix, and a Manhattan 4x4x4. Basic stuff. Later, I want a ridiculous sequencer like a Z8000 or a René.
I'm desperate to know what strangers on the internet think about my setup, and hope they will guide me in some way.
Current configuration of our demosystem that can be checked and repatched in our store in munich! Blind plates will be changed next week for incoming Intellijel modules and we really hope that the furthrrr coming soon....!!!
