improvements: possibly ditch the rainmaker (NO!!!) and replace with some other clockable delay (dld, strymon, maybe even just chronoblob). also kind of love the befaco crush delay, but it couldn't be my main delay. could get similar effects with just distorting and otherwise crushing (with sampling modulator, or plague bearer), the fx out of chronoblob. and still maintain longer, clockable delays.
This rack is made up of the two cases I have: a mantis and the bottom row is the tiptop happy endings case I have. obviously could upgrade, but I think I don't need it.
this synth serves two purposes. live performance of future techno-y kind of drum music, and crazy textural sound design.
the top row is basically all triggerable drum modules and sounds for live performance. (the terminal tedium is to trigger video samples in an openFrameworks project)
the middle row is modulation and filters etc.
the bottom row is kind of sound designy stuff, textural pads whatever.
this is my current plan.
I"m using only creating this thread to keep track of notes / ideas for improvements
I'm slowly moving into my FH-2. The module is pretty deep as far as features and the web interface is very nice to have. But once you're in the web interface, it hogs the FH-2 as a MIDI device. This means my DAW, Ableton can't communicate with it.
The only viable solution is to only have one open at a time... which takes me out of my creative flow. For example if I want to add another drum part, I have to shut down Ableton, open the web-interface, reconfigure the FH-2 outputs, close the web app, then open Ableton again.
Anyone have any ideas or suggestions? I know ES has tinkered with Max4Live before and it's possible now to use SYSEX (one track for in the other for out).
Erica Synths makes a delay that is on my radar. It's digital but has an analog tape mode (pitch shifting) as well as a host of other features like additive looping. SynthDIYGuy did a video on it. It might be an alternative. But it's only available as a DIY and the full kit is 180 Euros.
I approach Eurorack much like a regular hardware synth. Make some bass sounds, leads, modulated fx sounds. I use a DAW when I write or am working on ideas. I capture any melodic ideas in MIDI as they come, which I can then run thru synths and effects to experiment. However, I want to incorporate some randomisation and see where some generative melody experimentation can take me, even if I want to stay within key or the particular "mode", music theory wise.
I have looked at the following:
- 2HP Rdm, followed by a 2hp Tune (quantizer) seems like a bare bones way to do this.
- The Music Thing Modular Turing Machine seems to have a little more functionality, though it would still need a quantizer (I believe). I like that it can vary its randomness over time, and you can freeze or lock a pattern. Seems user friendly.
- The Ornament and Crime seems like it can do what the above do, plus a million other things (which is why it seems a bit daunting to just dive into). Trying to even read and understand what exactly the O&C actually DOES is intimidating.
Any other options I should consider? Size / cost / functionality all matter, but being intuitive to use seems pretty important too. I know it if it is super complex, I am just going to struggle with it versus get inspired.
Well, the point with modular, as far as I am concerned, is to be able to connect "characteristics" of your choice. One set of modules in a setup each have distinct characters, compared to modules in a different setup. This is sort of the point of modular. With two setups or more, or just a larger set of modules, you can combine the individual modules and generate unique timbres. So where does one draw the line then?
The crux of course, is to know whether a module directly compares with one you already have. Most modules likely try have something unique, but the difference can be very subtle, and not worth the expense. On the other hand, and unfortunately for any owner, there are also times when you find a module that is basically the same as what you already got, but with one or two features/capabilities that makes it difficult to justify not exchanging modules, which becomes expensive over time.
There is a recent video from Pittsburgh modular about their 'Primary Oscillator' in which the person states somewhere along the line of, there are so many modules that produce the typical analog waveforms that we wanted to do something not done before. This, to me, sort of reflects on the point of the above. Of course, people will argue until the end of time whether two modules are basically sound the same (or not). Nuances, oscilloscope readings and subjective variety. You have to do a bit of research yourself.
Personally, I would go for something that you do not already have. Meaning, if you already have something that will basically do for you, what the Dixie II+ will do, then why get another one? People will argue for and against this and that, but the bottom line is that it is your money, not theirs. If you are going to spend on something, go for what is going to expand your sound palette.
Or look at it this way, why BUY two shades of blue, when you can mix the one shade of blue with something else and make your own shade of blue? Perhaps if money is not an object, but then what is the fun in that. :) Why not get yellow, which enables you to make your own green, and so on.
Has anyone fitted either a Rossum Morpheus or a Pittsburgh Primary Oscillator on the right-most 15HP, which has a depth limit of 25mm? The reason I am asking is because with to some other modules I have researched the depth indicated could be with or without the power connector.
Thanks,
Rob
Thank you dennis123 & Lugia. I have manage to update the rack and watch the videos about Tiptop's Fold. Very very nice module. I've arrange it and feel free to take a look. Not 100% sure about the layout but feel free to comment on it. Thanks!
Not sure why the rack is not updated when i previewed it here. Have to make another copy.
Thank you!
That is an excellent suggestion that is in line with some ways I would like to expand. I wouldn't have thought of it on my own.
EDIT: In looking through some highly rated modules with quantization and clock functions, it seems the new MI Marble module is highly regarded. The manual makes it look like Marbles covers a lot of ground. Looks like a winner.
i admit i am a bit confused here with this change of line up. Does the lifeform moniker mean that the new modules are different to the previous line in function or is it just the design?
And more specific, Is this replicator different to the analogue replicator?
I had nice experience buying from @leoschlienger. Nice to meeting you
CV-able waveshaping, perhaps? Tiptop's Fold is a nice choice, plus it gives you some suboctave dividers to add more low-end to the drone textures. And I have to agree about the multiple attenuverter...it'll come in handy for more than just the E350, too. Happy Nerding's 3X MIA might not be a bad choice, as it can also use its three attenuverter sections as separate 2-1 mixers, and each section can also do offsets, all in 6 hp.
Actually, this is way more on the right track than you think...add a dual quantizer, such as Doepfer's A-156, then feed that from the DFAM's two channels, and then the DFAM can control the base pitches for the M32's sequencers and do sequenced transpositions. A clock dividing/tinkering area might be a good idea for this, as well. That'll get you into something of a Berlin-school polysequencer-type zone, at least for starters.
Hey thank you for the feedback. As a total beginner i really appreciate it. Will definitely look at the other quad vca to replace it. And what would you suggest for the remaining spaces?
isn't the 4ms VCA matrix a little bit oversized for a ''smaller'' case? i would use the mutable veils or another HP saving quad VCA. Other than that an attenueverter for the E350 is essential. I am using a Z.lob attenumixer. works just right. Im planning on getting a Erbeverb myself, drooling over the demos :-D
drone on boi!
hi! wanted to ask opinions about my setup. any critique and suggestions are most welcome!
a lot of that system is over my head. i'm just learning modular, and would never build a stand alone system without at least a keyboard & i don't get into analogue sequencing or complicated patches, i HATE maths! LOL
the one thing i can say about this rack though is shapeshifter rocks! even if i had one, i doubt i'd ever fully understand it, but the things it can do... WOW!
-- bubblefunk
I would suggest a Mordax Data. I'm new too. So I'll often patch a lot of my modulation CVs into the Mordax so I can visualize what's being done with my envelopes, LFOs, Maths (hehe), etc. A lot of times my expectations aren't what's really going on in the signal chain or I've made a mistake or assumption that just isn't carrying water. The visuals give me instant feedback as to where I am versus where I want to be. It's a whole different ballgame than a traditional all-in-one synth. I'm much more efficient using one of those at the moment. I'm learning my particular modules, practicing, and learning their limits and more importantly my limits. I'm no DivKid yet :)
I'm new to eurorack, so I don't have much to offer on your rig other than amazement. Wanted to leave a message saying that your album is dope. "the fucking sweathearts" is a winner of a closing piece.
Hello!
I'm a recent lurker who decided to dive into Eurorack after attending Moogfest with a friend this year.
I've committed the Eurorack sin of buying too many modules too quickly without a plan for what I ultimately want to build. Did I need 2x Mother 32s and a DFAM? Probably not, but Moogfest worked its magic. Here's a view of my current case. I own all the modules except for the Doepfer Wasp filter which I'm strongly considering ordering.
The ES-8 will be used to connect to my iPad and PC. My plan is to use VCVRack and Audulus to play with more unusual modules that I may not want to own in hardware form. So if there is a plan for my hardware rack, it has been to have bread and butter basics of Eurorack covered: VCOs, VCFs, VCAs, LFOs etc, plus have the ability to create some rhythmic patches.
I'd greatly appreciate any more experienced individual's opinion on how to expand. Maybe another LFO? Another VCA beyond the Doepfer quad?
Thanks much.
EDIT: Weird. The page for this setup has the correct current modules, but the linked image in this thread shows something else.
Xaoc Devices Zadar makes all your eg's jealous! Also, dual Plaits is super rad for cross-patching fm.
I would also be interested if anyone has any information. I've been waiting to put in an order (I live in Brazil, so can order from them directly) since June, but sales are 'paused' until further notice, with no estimate at all for when they might return. For a while I thought that demand from abroad meant that they weren't bothering with small domestic orders anymore, but I'm not sure now. There was a recent post from their facebook account showing off a new case to be launched next year or something... who knows. I'll drop them another message and post here if I get a reply...
Price per HP, for me, is more of a way to avoid price 'traps'. For example, if there's two modules that have similar functionality, but one actually works out cheaper in price per HP when space isn't a primary concern, then that's a decider. But when space becomes a key criteria, then price per HP can slide a bit. For example, I know that two Doepfer A-171-2s come in at a higher price per HP each than does a MakeNoise Maths, which is essentially the same setup with a couple of extra bells and whistles. But if 16hp gets the priority over 20hp, then the Doepfers get the nod. Conversely, if I can fit 20hp, then the lower cost rules. It's not a hard/fast rule that gets followed when I do a build, but more of an indicator of potential directions and, often enough, a way to whittle down possible choices among similar modules.
A patchable wouldn't be a bad idea, either. Something like an Arturia Minibrute 2, which has both patchpoints and the ability to expand into Eurorack via their Rackbrute expanders, might not be a bad choice. A Moog M32/DFAM pair, which also seems like a popular starting choice, is another.
Yep, that sounds like the problem, then...but using the Ears to preamp the contact mic should work to send the signal on to a Time Bandit, which then outputs a trigger pulse that'll work most anywhere. I also remembered that Bastl makes a similar device (the KLIK), but it's solely a click-to-trig converter, whereas the Truetone Time Bandit can also function as a stand-alone clock source.
Oh no...you're the devil!
Perfect Circuit has the Rubicon II in stock. Let's feed the addiction. :)
https://www.perfectcircuitaudio.com/intellijel-rubicon-ii.html
-- Ronin1973
Perfect Circuit has the Rubicon II in stock. Let's feed the addiction. :)
https://www.perfectcircuitaudio.com/intellijel-rubicon-ii.html
I haven't been able to get the RUbicon II yet. Still searching.
Here is what I actually have (or will by Friday...):
https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_736836.jpg
I know I have way too big of a case and I still need a delay of some sort and a clock (though I do have a Beatstep Pro.)
I think I over bought, but I had an opportunity to get this stuff now, so I did...
Now, how to organize it all...
I went with a Rubicon II as well. What ultimately sold me on the Rubicon is that it can function as an LFO as well. I was thinking about all of the crazy waveshapes I could generate then push them into a quantizer or controlling a filter cut-off. I went with a Tip Top Z3000 mkII rather than the Dixie II. In retrospect I might have been happier with the Dixie since it has a switch for controlling the range rather than sweeping through the entire frequency spectrum for dropping/raising the oscillator an octave.
I didn't see the Dixie in your set-up, though.
If you're looking to nick $1000 out of the set-up, how integral are the MakeNoise modules for your initial set-up? You're going to get a wide range of sounds out of the Rubicon.
For sure. The way I took what Lugia said was in the way you actually chose the Erica over the 2HP: more value because of more functionality in the same space. It helped me choose to go with a Rubicon II, Dixie II+, and wave folder option rather than the Furthrrrr. I like the furthrrrr a lot, but with just a few more dollars and hp, the Intellijel cobo has more functionality.
I would look into buying a complete synth voice: Intellijel, Pittsburgh, and many other manufacturers offer them. Most of them are completely patchable between each individual component. They'll include one or two VCOs, a filter, a VCA... and maybe some other goodies. Once you have that, you might want to think about sequencing. How do you intend to trigger notes and modulation?
Price per HP doesn't seem to correlate to the value of the module for me. My first criteria is the performance. I'll often view multiple Youtube videos of the module in action to get a feel for the module: quality of sound, modulation, etc. The second would be features. If I have multiple ways to use a module that adds value to it.
I was shopping for a small quantizer due to limited HP space. I have 3 to spare. The toss-up was between a 2HP quantizer and the Erica Quants. The 2HP has more LEDs to indicate status. However, after diving in a little further, the Erica can generate a trigger each time it outputs a new pitch if there's nothing plugged into the clock input. The 2HP doesn't have that feature. With that, I can trigger an envelope based on the internal logic of the Erica... or some other event. That seals the deal for me. I get more value out of the Erica even if the price is a little more.
You'll spend thousands on modules. Each new module integrates with the others, so being frugal on one module might hamstring the value you get out the rest of the system.
I'm not knocking the price per HP system. But I'm thinking of the system as a whole rather than just a collection of individual modules. Cheers.
I have added a realtime search for modules on the upload form. That should help to prevent the upload of duplicates.
Beep, Bopp, Bleep: info@modulargrid.net
You might have something there Lugia. I had to fiddle a bit with the gain every time I tried this in order to get Ears to consistently fire a gate. I hadn't heard of Time Bandit. I could use Ears purely as a preamp going in to such a device. Many thanks for the feedback.
LOL... Title corrected to 104. I moved the Tiptop Fold to the end because I don't use it that often. I wanted my VCAs a little closer. I can use long cables to get in and out of it when I want it. I had to take some consideration because the depth of the Intellijel case in the lowest row sits right above the power supply. So only really shallow modules work there. If the legs on the case were reversable, I'd flip the case upside down. Thanks for the comment! Appreciated.
10/10. Your experience definitely pays off here. The only thing I think I would do differently would be the placement on the Tiptop Fold, with my preference for that being between the Rubicon2 and Morgasmatron. Dual QuadrATTs is also a good touch on the tile row. You did build this as a 104 hp rig, though...right?
The envelope follower on the Ears probably isn't quite right for the sound level and/or transient behavior. It would probably work better if you had a fully-variable threshold control instead of the jumpered presets on that module. Another idea would be to try a Time Bandit, which is a stompbox-style click-to-trigger audio extractor, provided it can get enough volume from the contact mic alone or if you have some sort of preamp for it.
indeed, i'm super excited for Mordax granular module as well :) DLD is my fav delay. i could do with 2! cheers
I looked and all three devices have MIDI in. You can buy a MIDI splitter and drive all three from one MIDI source, just set each synth to a separate MIDI channel (1-16).
At this point, you may want to consider using a DAW. If you get a USB audio interface with four inputs and a MIDI jack and inexpensive software like Reaper, you can manage your sequences in your computer as well as record/mix/add effects as well.
Just an option.
I've been in the synth world since 1990. This is my first Eurorack.
With exception of the Erica Quantizer, all modules have been purchased and only four are still on order (O_C, Tempes, Noise Tools, Pittsburgh Sequencer).
Please beat this rack to a bloody pulp. All criticism are welcomed. I will probably expand into another 108 Intellijel case within a year... oh Eurocrack addiction. My logic is a high-low approach. For example, I have a "simple" oscillator and filter, and then a more complicated one. I have a few multi-use modules, but any function I plan on using a lot is duplicated by a dedicated module as well. I haven't made use of the FH2 yet. I want to stay inside the case as much as possible as I'm learning my way around and experimenting.
The modules I am willing to pull from the case and set-aside for the next case are the Fold Processor, and pretty much all of the 3U Intellijel stuff.
I have about 50 or so patch cables with a healthy amount of them being stackables.
The Batumi has an add-on module called the Poti. It allows you to instantly switch modes of operation such as the assignable waveshapes as well as sync modes. This can be done without the add-on by pulling the module and adjusting the jumpers. It looks like your rack is full. But if you can swap out something like the Intellijel ADSR for something slimmer and rearrange your modules, you can sneak the Poti in... maybe above the Batumi.
I own both.
Bought a TTA Z3000 from
@pppppppp,
nice contact an fast shipping, so a thumps up
Thanks for the tips! Will look at Toppobrillo stereomix and replacing the links with a nice output perhaps....thanks again.
A patch idea using a contact mic on a metronome to clock the entire rack, making use of a contact mic and the gate output on ears in to Pam's clock in. Had to run the metronome quite fast and it still drifts a bit....I think because the cheap metronome isn't very metronomic. The tick is slower than the tock, which I thought would give it some MPC-esque swing. It seems to just add some slight latency somewhere along the line though. Would be great to get some feedback and thoughts.
Moog's site lists the depth at 1.9", or (more or less) 48mm. Keep in mind that they list this as 'up to 1.9"' and that the case's inner dimensions are actually sort of irregular. Your best bet is to stay under 40mm, actually.
The Hyrlo probably has a hot left and right and cold common ground audio connection, yes. And sure, the Cockpit seems like it would be L+gnd and R+gnd...but what if it's not? Also, what if one module likes to see something like line-level at its expansion, but the other sends synth-level? Or if there's a big impedance mismatch? That'll sound quite awful.
Best thing you can do, unless you're working with either kit builds that you know the signal paths/levels on, or both companies say "yep, and this is how you do it...", just don't. Even if it doesn't result in catastrophic failure, it's still best left in the 'don't mess' category.
Even if you are not going to try anything potentially harmfull -- there is always the multi-meter to give some insight.
sound logic and advice— thank you.
my logic in considering/inquiring was that,with only 2 pins per master and 2 pins per slave on the Cockpit, given it’s a stereo module, that must then be L and R channels of audio— no power voltage to consider. i believe the Hyrlo has 3 pins, so just murkier logic— 2 ch, of audio plus ground?
anyway/still: thank you for your quick help.
thank you to @Groove_Addict for prompt, careful and flexible delivery of a Tiptop Audio Fold processor from Portugal to the UK in 7 days! Great work.
