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Hey everyone. So far, I sequence the NTO via the Wave Mults, and do so with Max for Live, and the free version of Rene. I might replace the CV Pal with a Mutant Brains, since only Gate 1 works on my CV Pal: so it really ony does one thing! I'd like a polyphonic voice so thinking of getting the Rene II. I used the Doepfer QLFO until now, but I want a proper VCA, hence the Quad VCA here. This rack is not for everything: it's for melody and harmonics. I've left the two drum modules in there. I just hope that with Maths, Quad VCA and Pip Slope that I would get more modulation.

Anyway, if you would like to share opinions or suggested improvements I would like to read what you think, cheers.

I highly recommend checking out things on YouTube like Red Means Recording, Mylar Melodies, Cinematic Laboratories, Monotrail Tech Talk. They all have really good educational resources for learning some of those terms so you can make better use of the modules you have. For the clock divider, one thing you could try already is instead of sending the trigger or gate out from the 182 sequencer directly to the envelope or quantizer, send it to the divider first. Take any two of the outputs from the divider and send those to the Doepfer mixer and use that output to trigger the envelope and/or quantizer. That way you'll have a less regular but still predictable sequence for when the sounds happen, and you can still use the CV from the sequencer to determine the notes that are played. The added interest there is that based on the divisions of the clock that are being used, different notes will be heard depending on when the triggers actually happen. Combine this with something that's happening more regularly and you've got a patch goin'!

When I say direct control, I'm thinking mostly about rhythmic/trigger sequencing, where something like the Intelijel Steppy lets you activate or deactive steps in a 16 step sequence so you have direct manual control over when the triggers are happening, which you can use for activating your envelopes or grabbing CV with the quantizer.

I love having at least a couple sample and hold modules (Doepfer A-118-2 is great and economical) or designated random modules (like the Wogglebug or the Source of Uncertainty). One classic use for these is to control filter cutoff in sync with your sequence, so your notes change in a predictable way but the brightness of the sounds changes every step as the filter cutoff moves randomly.

As for other sequencers I'd recommend, The Metropolis/Metropolix/RYK M185 are really interesting for getting rhythmic variation for both the triggers and the CV. The Rene is a classic too (either V1 or V2, but V2 is effectively like having 3 sequencers in one). Bang for buck I'd recommend the Arturia Beat Step Pro. That gives you multiple lanes of both pitch and gate/trigger information. I know it's an outboard piece of gear, but it's super powerful. A simpler/cheaper option is getting something like the Korg SQ-1 (or two of them!)
-- Progspiration

Thanks, will have a good look at the things in there you mention.

The clock divider I don't really have much of an idea how to use just at the moment. Triggers, random sources, direct control, you're losing me with all this stuff. I will keep scouring youtube and picking up what tips I can.

I would definitely suggest getting a good grasp of exactly what is a trigger, and how that relates to your current modules before getting additional hardware. Same for random sources, et al. Nothing will unlock your modules like understanding essential abc's. Agree that there are good online video resources, such as Monotrail Tech Talk or the like...

You definitely have enough to be able to sequence some Berlin style sounds now, so perhaps spend time on learning synthesis vs. on more modules that will only add to the complexity of a system.

Jumping in and patching relentlessly will teach you many things very quickly. When you get particulalrly stuck, go back to internet for ideas/solution, then keep pushing forward! Don't worry about making mistakes or "patching incorrectly"....that's most of the fun of modular, the exploratory aspect of it all.

Edit: Also, sitting down with the manual for each module goes a long way.

-- Jukeshoe

It's all a learning curve and true enough, it's all there to be learnt. There's endless demos, but little that has a method or explanation, I'll keep exploring though and see what I stumble across. I've got a grasp of the very basic basics, but still got it all to learn.

The Frap Tools Usta sequencer would work great with the voices you have.
And it's beautifully crafted hardware. Just a gem.

For me though, fixed step sequencers can get boring after a while.
NerdSeq can do everything, if you manage to figure it out. Don't know if I ever will.
If you want unique/musical/odd/depth, Eventide Misha does really fun things driving a three voice system.

-- noodle_hut

The Usta looks good - I've definitely realised I'm pretty limited with those sequences. Was also looking at an Erica Black. NerdSeq doesn't really appeal, the Misha looks interesting though.

Not eurorack, but a digitakt, 404, boss looper or anything like that would really stretch that system out and make your techno/ambient goals way, way easier. That way you can record your different patches for different parts, drums, bass, padding then live sequence melodies and tweaking them. Some can sequence so you can just toss in a midi module. Also gives you effects. Also very cost effective, especially if you get mk1 versions second-hand

Generally, I would agree with the person above on a Keystep or Beatstep Pro for doing 2-3 voices plus drums/event triggering/etc.

If you like the Ground Control, it does have the advantage of being a standalone unit with its own power supply amd case, as well as the power supply for at least a single rack of modules for if you get another case (up to 1A of +12 and 700 mA of -12, though you'd want to avoid going over about 70-80% of that to avoid harm from voltage spikes or modules that need more power to load up and start) and take it out to be racked. It is very expensive, so definitely look around to see what else is out there and if it is worth it. There are also more elaborate programming-based options like the Hermod (the original is very cheap used nowadays) and the Hermod+, or my beloved Nerdseq, but you're not quite there yet based on what you have here.

EDITED Yesterday, 20:06

:)
sequencers- everyone is going to give you a different answer.
a beatstep (pro?) or keystep is an ol' reliable for out of rack sequencing.

What an awesome forum this is. Thanks for the suggestions and support everyone! I'm starting to dig into it all, looks like some very appealing options in there. One last noob question: what would be some alternative options to drive pitch for melodies and various gates besides the korg sq-1? I'm enjoying it for now but just thinking ahead a bit. I have a Yamaha Reface CS keyboard but sadly it has no CV/gate out. I was kind of hoping for some module that allowed easy shifting of melodic sequences, not necessarily an external keyboard I have to play. The Endorphin Ground Control looks so cool and fun, but way too big for my lil rack...

Peaks is a good idea, it packs a lot. just be sure you learn the dead mans catch firmware really well, i sometimes get lost not knowing what mode im in. i have a piques which is a 4hp clone. its very tight but saves space. Klavis Quadigy might be a consideration for envelopes if you like sliders. its quad, can loop as lfo's.

the effects suggestion above from zacksname is worth considering. ambient generally implies heaps of reverb which is an end of chain effect usually, it doesnt have to be in the rack. a used strymon bigsky or something might treat you.

my 2 effects suggestions for in rack are a mini clouds clone (called a uburst) or an fx aid or fx aid xl (not the pro, too big). a typhoon is a deluxe clouds with sliders if that sounds interesting, maybe too big though for now. clouds has traditionally been kind of a rite of passage for ambient modular, but dont let that sell you (who cares lol). the fx aid is open source, and you choose what effects go on it from a web app. the list is quite good. both modules are 6hp or less.

have fun!

EDITED Yesterday, 07:36

been thinking of this as my oscillator source. since it's shear versatility both sound and input and output sources.

You can make ambient with this if you add effects to it (this is true of basically anything). Personally, I think fitting effects into this rack would be a bit much, and it looks like you agree with me so far. There are lots of good standalone effects units with CV ins and outs, so unless you see a specific module that speaks to you and does something that can't be replicated with a standalone device like the Zoia Euroburo, Poly Hector, Alter X and Y, Gamechanger Audio AUTO series etc., I would be wary of giving your rack space to that.

You may want a more versatile oscillator like Plaits, or the new MCO from ALM, or even a sample-based sound source for that, but the STO will work fine as well for simple sounds. As you say, a second smaller oscillator for FM tones probably will help you more there than the second filter, but that is up to you. Intellijel's Dixie II+ oscillator is a good and popular choice because it is small, powerful, has lots of functions, and can switch between LFO and VCO comfortably.

I think the dual ADSR is fine here if you like it and enjoy playing with it. Changing your envelope as you play is good for musical variations. You may also consider adding a Mutable Peaks clone (check out the original and Dead Man's Catch firmwares and you'll see how helpful this particular "envelope/LFO generator/percussion machine" can be in a small setup). If that's too digital for your tastes, an ALM Pip Slope or a couple well spread out Erica Synths Pico EGs could let you have both the big dual ADSR and a couple spare envelopes with less manual-reading. Modules that can be switched from envelope to LFO easily are great for unique modulation and making changes while jamming.

Of course, you should look into all of these and make sure I haven't missed anything or suggested something that will take you off course. You'll know better than me when it's right

Thanks for the feedback! I just ordered a used Doepfer Quad LFO and I'm definitely going to change out that Blue Lantern. The quadrax is a neat suggestion, point taken about the 2x ADSR being too big in there... though I do love the sliders. I might stick with it awhile longer.

Given the choice, I'd lean more towards a dreamy ambient setup right now.

Are there any must have pieces for that? I'm thinking specifically about adding randomness and melodic touches... and I do love me a little hiss of noise.

Sun sets in the west

Thanks @Sweelinck

Never had those mushrooms, I think you have to bake them to make them safe or feed your reindeer them and drink it's piss for full Berserker Mode!

EDITED Saturday March 15, 15:00

The clock divider I don't really have much of an idea how to use just at the moment. Triggers, random sources, direct control, you're losing me with all this stuff. I will keep scouring youtube and picking up what tips I can.

I would definitely suggest getting a good grasp of exactly what is a trigger, and how that relates to your current modules before getting additional hardware. Same for random sources, et al. Nothing will unlock your modules like understanding essential abc's. Agree that there are good online video resources, such as Monotrail Tech Talk or the like...

You definitely have enough to be able to sequence some Berlin style sounds now, so perhaps spend time on learning synthesis vs. on more modules that will only add to the complexity of a system.

Jumping in and patching relentlessly will teach you many things very quickly. When you get particulalrly stuck, go back to internet for ideas/solution, then keep pushing forward! Don't worry about making mistakes or "patching incorrectly"....that's most of the fun of modular, the exploratory aspect of it all.

Edit: Also, sitting down with the manual for each module goes a long way.

EDITED Saturday March 15, 13:50

As for the Beatstep Pro, it's like riding a bike, you soon get the reflexes back :) Otherwise, the combination of acid techno and fly amanita is a great idea!
Really nice track and video.

Another sketch

Maybe a doepfer quad LFO in 4hp, and an intellijel Quadrax (which does lfo’s and envelopes)
I mention the quadrax because that dual adsr is a space hog in a mini case. I’d also take out the joystick just only to make space, since the use case is limited for the hp it takes up.
I’d personally specialize the case to be either one or the other of your intended ideas. It’s totally possible to do both, but you’ll probably have to do some trial and error before arriving at what you know you want. It will be easier and more inspiring to nail one use case instead of half loving a dual purpose case that doesn’t do either side well. Maybe the restriction will be freeing for you.
Have fun!

The Frap Tools Usta sequencer would work great with the voices you have.
And it's beautifully crafted hardware. Just a gem.

For me though, fixed step sequencers can get boring after a while.
NerdSeq can do everything, if you manage to figure it out. Don't know if I ever will.
If you want unique/musical/odd/depth, Eventide Misha does really fun things driving a three voice system.

EDITED Saturday March 15, 03:46

Gamewaves

Another ride...

I Like That rack
-so much to think of - thank you for the Inspiration .
I also use ableton - but more for recording, instead of using it with Clips .
But i will also look into that and in the Future .

Thx

I highly recommend checking out things on YouTube like Red Means Recording, Mylar Melodies, Cinematic Laboratories, Monotrail Tech Talk. They all have really good educational resources for learning some of those terms so you can make better use of the modules you have. For the clock divider, one thing you could try already is instead of sending the trigger or gate out from the 182 sequencer directly to the envelope or quantizer, send it to the divider first. Take any two of the outputs from the divider and send those to the Doepfer mixer and use that output to trigger the envelope and/or quantizer. That way you'll have a less regular but still predictable sequence for when the sounds happen, and you can still use the CV from the sequencer to determine the notes that are played. The added interest there is that based on the divisions of the clock that are being used, different notes will be heard depending on when the triggers actually happen. Combine this with something that's happening more regularly and you've got a patch goin'!

When I say direct control, I'm thinking mostly about rhythmic/trigger sequencing, where something like the Intelijel Steppy lets you activate or deactive steps in a 16 step sequence so you have direct manual control over when the triggers are happening, which you can use for activating your envelopes or grabbing CV with the quantizer.

I love having at least a couple sample and hold modules (Doepfer A-118-2 is great and economical) or designated random modules (like the Wogglebug or the Source of Uncertainty). One classic use for these is to control filter cutoff in sync with your sequence, so your notes change in a predictable way but the brightness of the sounds changes every step as the filter cutoff moves randomly.

As for other sequencers I'd recommend, The Metropolis/Metropolix/RYK M185 are really interesting for getting rhythmic variation for both the triggers and the CV. The Rene is a classic too (either V1 or V2, but V2 is effectively like having 3 sequencers in one). Bang for buck I'd recommend the Arturia Beat Step Pro. That gives you multiple lanes of both pitch and gate/trigger information. I know it's an outboard piece of gear, but it's super powerful. A simpler/cheaper option is getting something like the Korg SQ-1 (or two of them!)

Hey! Personally I lean toward going for the smaller case and limiting your options. I did an experiment in January where I scaled down to 100 hp with a Benjolin, a dual filter, some envelopes, S&Hs,VCAs, and attenuators, a mini Clouds clone and a micro Ornament and Crime and had an amazing time exploring all the different sounds I could get out of just that. I was also choosing to record it direct (with a little looping and reverb at times), but if you want to record into a DAW or sampler you could do a ton with a smaller case. I strongly support limiting your options and forcing yourself to get creative to arrive at sounds you like. If you think you want to have whole compositions with multiple voices running simultaneously, it would certainly be easier with the larger case. Follow your bliss friend!
-- Progspiration

Thanks for your reply. I'm oscillating between the two options at the moment. My quandry in a way is process. Do I have a single sound train and record that, or multiple voices recorded as a stereo pair or multiple voices stemmed out. All options could work but which will yield the best results. I guess the good thing about modular is so many options but that is also the difficult thing about modular...

Hey! Personally I lean toward going for the smaller case and limiting your options. I did an experiment in January where I scaled down to 100 hp with a Benjolin, a dual filter, some envelopes, S&Hs,VCAs, and attenuators, a mini Clouds clone and a micro Ornament and Crime and had an amazing time exploring all the different sounds I could get out of just that. I was also choosing to record it direct (with a little looping and reverb at times), but if you want to record into a DAW or sampler you could do a ton with a smaller case. I strongly support limiting your options and forcing yourself to get creative to arrive at sounds you like. If you think you want to have whole compositions with multiple voices running simultaneously, it would certainly be easier with the larger case. Follow your bliss friend!
-- Progspiration

Thanks for your reply. I'm oscillating between the two options at the moment. My quandry in a way is process. Do I have a single sound train and record that, or multiple voices recorded as a stereo pair or multiple voices stemmed out. All options could work but which will yield the best results. I guess the good thing about modular is so many options but that is also the difficult thing about modular...

Brand new to modular and picked up a 104 HP three-quarters full case off a local.

There's one sine VCO (Make Noise STO), two VCFs, the dual ADSR, the (honestly pretty confusing) Blue Lantern Phobos Lunar LFO, a quad VCA, the Erica Synths Joystick, a mult, a tiny mixer... and I just bought a ZeroScope on Reverb because I really want to enjoy looking at some waves while I learn...

Externally I'm driving CV/gate things with a Korg SQ-1 sequencer.

I'm interested in making things between dreamy melodic ambient, and spookier percussive techno-y stuff. What I really want at my early stage here is modules that are somewhat beginner friendly and intuitive.

I am already thinking of getting rid of the Blue Lantern Phobos Lunar LFO and replacing it with... maybe some kind of dual LFO and VCO, where the VCO has some other wave shapes? I kinda want saw and square waves.

Exchanging that Blue Lantern for another voice / LFO might not free up any space (12 HP out, maybe 12 HP back in), so I'd still have that 26HP availabe on the right side.. my current ideas are:

• S+H / noise module
• Some drum sounds? I'm pretty unsure here though. Maybe the Eric Synths Pico Drums or Drum2
• Maybe a module that I could play samples from? I think that would be so cool to throw in field recordings or whatever into the chain.
• Some effects? I would love to have some reverb and delay in the chain.

What are your suggestions??

Thanks!

Hi, thanks for replying. This is all owned, this is where I'm at. Did have a Model D in there to start me off, but been picking up a few modules as I go. I get the whole Behringer debates and arguments, but they are a cheap starting point for me to have a bit of fun with. The System 100 ones I've grabbed recently as they cover a lot of ground in this situation.

I am finding the sequencers a bit limited, and they will be amongst the first things I replace probably when I start upgrading things. I do have more VCO's that I think I want at the moment, that's fine, I will find my faves and remove the others.

The clock divider I don't really have much of an idea how to use just at the moment. Triggers, random sources, direct control, you're losing me with all this stuff. I will keep scouring youtube and picking up what tips I can. Is there a sequencer you would suggest? I think the Doepfer mixer I have is for CV's, or can be made that way by adjusting a jumper.

Cheers!

Howdy! One question: How much of this do you own already vs how much of it is your plan going forward? I'll give the obligatory "Behringer has questionable business practices" post, and you can do with it what you will. I personally own their 2600 clone and I love it, but a lot of their more recent copies of Mutable, Make Noise, and Xaoc modules are pretty ethically dubious. It's really hard to resist how cheap those modules are though, so I get the appeal!

On first glance, it looks like you have four complete voices included, and for a case this size I'd say that might be more than you want initially. I'd stick to two voices and really get to know your sequencing workflow. For Berlin style sequencing, I'd also recommend getting some sort of designated trigger sequencer. You can certainly do some interesting things with the clock out of the sequencers and the divider/multiplier, but something with direct control might be worth adding. Also some way to combine triggers can do a lot to mix up your pre-determined sequences, either by changing the timing and speed of advancing the sequencer, or divorcing the pitch sequence from the trigger sequence with the quantizer (Red Means Recording did a really good video on this technique a while back). A random source of some kind can do a lot to liven up a patch, as well a designated mixing utility for CV. I'm partial to matrix mixers or something like the TipTop MISO to get interesting combinations of your sequencers/LFOs/other CV before going into the quantizers. Cheers!

Yep! Quite the right time to ask about it!

Hey! Personally I lean toward going for the smaller case and limiting your options. I did an experiment in January where I scaled down to 100 hp with a Benjolin, a dual filter, some envelopes, S&Hs,VCAs, and attenuators, a mini Clouds clone and a micro Ornament and Crime and had an amazing time exploring all the different sounds I could get out of just that. I was also choosing to record it direct (with a little looping and reverb at times), but if you want to record into a DAW or sampler you could do a ton with a smaller case. I strongly support limiting your options and forcing yourself to get creative to arrive at sounds you like. If you think you want to have whole compositions with multiple voices running simultaneously, it would certainly be easier with the larger case. Follow your bliss friend!

Nice that you managed to make a choice! Sure, would love to see what you eventually end up with and how you like it.

I just put my own rack to public. Maybe there's some inspiration for you to be found there. The goal of my rack is to make a big noisy ruckus, with fat analog bass and lots of knobs (hands-on control) to turn. I have it connected to an Arturia Minifreak and Ableton on the computer to get in additional sounds and sequencing.

I like all of the modules I bought. The Cellz is the only one that is not amazing but it's still fine because it's very cheap secondhand.

I Really like your advice- will Research later
And decide on that - i Kick the sto and try to go for a Filter and eventually a LPG - sequencing i will do with the keystep or OP1 Field, but Iam not a great sequencer guy- i Play a lot like a Keyboarder or pianist and want to go away from the keys- or at least do more without it. I Like Both . Thats what makes it hard - but also more fun. And what always Keeps me motivated is - if it Would be easy- Everybody Would do it .

Thanks again for Talking the Time - i keep you Updated how things end up - if you are Interested - don’t want to bother you or steal your precious Time .

Thx P

I Really like your advice- will Research later
And decide on that - i Kick the sto and try to go for a Filter and eventually a LPG - sequencing i will do with the keystep or OP1 Field, but Iam not a great sequencer guy- i Play a lot like a Keyboarder or pianist and want to go away from the keys- or at least do more without it. I Like Both . Thats what makes it hard - but also more fun. And what always Keeps me motivated is - if it Would be easy- Everybody Would do it .

Thanks again for Talking the Time - i keep you Updated how things end up - if you are Interested - don’t want to bother you or steal your precious Time .

Thx P

this module was indeed redesigned, a new version is available, in 4hp :)

Hmm, it's difficult to make an oscillator choice for you. It's really personal. I think you should listen to as much material as is available for the Dixie, Sto and Buchla and choose based on that. I feel like the Sto is the 'weakest' choice here, it has the least amount of options and the least amount of knobs to turn, for the same price as the other two. But if you really like the sound of the Sto, then go for it.

The Wasp is cool and has a unique sound. It's a good choice. If stereo image is important to you, a stereo filter is a good choice. The modules you have selected now are not very focused on stereo. But if that's the way you want to move in the future it can help to go stereo on the filter. Even with a mono filter you can stack the oscillators in the mixer or the Quad VCA to filter more than one sound source at the same time.

For me, the module (it's a filter) that made me go 'wow, now I want a modular system' is the Schlappi Engineering Angle Grinder. In default settings it's a sweet sounding filter with low pass, high pass, band pass and notch, but once you start turning knobs, it will rip your ears off. For me, that is the sound I am looking for. I'm not sure if it's the module for you, but give it a listen on YouTube.

Seems like a random collection of modules in a random placement.
It'll make noises, but as an instrument, it's unclear what you're after, beyond a display of stuff you want.

There are potential voices there, but mixing the mess together is unclear.
You need more active mults. You have all of that signal creation but it can't be shared easily amoung modules.
Put the Pam's all the way to the left as your master clock/reset, then mult it out to the rest.
I'm unsure why you chose the Frap Tools module in the 2nd build. Not really what it's for.
Dump the modules from 2hp and keep looking. Save the frustration.
I wish that the Disting wasn't the interface nightmare it is. Such a good idea, but sadly, never stays long.

Are you going stereo or mono or hybrid? Are you sharing clocks with something else? Will you need midi?
You going to play actual notes? It's hard to tell, is there a quantizer in there someplace? Do you need one?
Both racks look chaotic to patch and play without some sort of signal flow plan.
It's no fun weeding thru a drape of patch cables all of the time.
Avoid using stackable and LED cables.
Don't know what to say about those two joysticks...

Simplify. I suspect that y0u'll never get to even a quarter of what those higer level modules do, just on their own.
I'd start with less than half of those higher level modules and put more time into building out
your clock/reset, the CV/gate/trigger distribution, and your mixing, and then focus on learning the modules.

p.s. Modular Grid has become essential to my work. It's a terrific and unmatched resource. They're great.

hi and thank you for the fast reply.
no you arent rude at all - Thank you for the great input - for sequencing i would use my keystep pro. you are probably right to dump the dixie and sto and oscilloscope and the pico mixer and get an Lfo or to dump the buchla and the oscilloscope and mixer and get an lfo and maybe filter . i kinda like both worlds . so maybe the best way to start is with the sto, dixie and lfo and a filter (and of course the other modules in the case) maybe that would be more musical. you are absolutley right . i can get experimental with just the o coast, even for noise music and droning in my opinion, but iam a noob. what do you think, cause i already think it is a good choice. your post got me thinking. Thanks a lot man, i really appreciate it. any recommendations on a filter - like wasp from doepfer or should i go more like a stereofilter ? hope i dont bother you too much with my questions. thank you

Hi,

I think a lot of it boils down to: help us to help you.

Maybe this rack is perfect for what you want to do, maybe it needs tweaking or even a full redesign, but without any context around what you want to achieve / music you want to make, it is difficult to offer advice or opinion.

Do you have any examples of the kind of music / sound you want to make?

What do you have in the way of equipment currently?

Enrico

Hi, I'm quite new to this myself, but I think I can help you along a bit.

I see four oscillators (counting the Buchla as two), but not a single filter. Filters are very important for shaping your sound. Some say that filters are more important to your sound then an oscillator. There's some truth in this.

You mention you also have the Dark Energy and the O coast. That's six oscillators I guess. You don't have the amount of envelopes to have all of this stuff running at the same time.

A lot of power of modular synths comes from the ... modulations. I think you would benefit from a LFO. I was also thinking you need an attenuator, but I think Quad VCA with Maths has you covered there.

The Quad VCA will already mix four signals to the OUT 4. Will you need that Pico mixer in addition to this?

How will you sequence all of these oscillators? Maybe you have some outside device for this. If not, a sequencer or a midi to CV input will help you, depending on your outside setup.

Maybe you really want it, but I would think the ZeroScope is not that important in this small setup. You can hear the sound with your ears right? Do you need to see the waves? I see you can use it to tune, but you can tune on the computer or on your mobile phone with a free app. A scope is more of a luxury thing, for when you have so many modules that you can't remember how they work.

One last thing to think about, maybe it's even the most important thing. You mention you want West Coast and Experimental. Do you think you will achieve it with this setup? Is it maybe not too 'normal'? If you want something very specific, you should lean into this specific thing. If you're crazy about Buchla, get the Buchla oscillator and drop the Sto and Dixie (for now). Any full, non-modular, synth can go beep beep boop. You don't need an expensive modular system just to go beep beep boop.

I hope this helps you. Maybe you think I'm being too rude, but I'm just inviting you to do some critical thinking.

A “spectral playground” from Befaco. Multi-band equalizer with returns and sends and VCAs for each band. Allows you to pull each frequency range out to its own jack, as well as a mix out. CV control for the filter range as well as sliders, which is fun.
A good unit. 1/2 surface mount pre-installed, but still plenty to though-hole solder, a satisfying kit.
Build

Found.

i dont think this place is being run great. ...
-- singular_sound

Discovering any Bugs? Post here!
-- modulargrid

there a quite a few 500 series modules missing in the database.
no blank panels and no burl b1d anymore

I guess I would choose the bigger one, then. If I decided later that I didn't need all the modules, I could just not use the ones I don't need.

Hi folks, as per the subject, been chipping away for a while, but I'm still at an early stage in my modular explorations. I'm not absolutely green, but I couldn't really describe myself as anything other than a beginner with this sort of setup.

It's a money sink of course, so mostly inexpensive modules for the moment, just to get me going and fluent. Looking for Berlin style sequencing as much as anything, drones etc.

So my question really is what do I have in there that I don't want or need, and what am I missing, or what should I buy next.

Thanks in advance

https://www.ericasynths.lv/shop/discontinued/black-lp-vcfhp-vcfvcf-coupler-set/

(with VAT & UPS-shipping to France : 248 €)

Note : I don't work for Erica Synths; I like their modules.

EDITED Tuesday March 11, 16:52

Hi Zacksname. Totally take your point. I guess my question, though, is do people find they are more productive, have more fun, by limiting their options? I’m not planning on taking this out live, so portability isn’t an issue. If you were given a month to write an album, which of these above would you choose?

I am at an early stage and don't yet know what genre of music I'll be making or what the recording process will be.
-- ModLifeCrisis

I think you have to figure this out first. What kind of music/sounds normally come out of your modular experiments?

Hi folks,
I would like to record an album (or something) using my modular. I am at an early stage and don't yet know what genre of music I'll be making or what the recording process will be. At present, I am torn between using ALL my modules or scaling it back for a more limited palette. It's not like I have loads of gear - compared to some people :) - but I'm wondering whether to treat the modular like a sonic playground (all my modules) or limit my palette and work within the limitations to create something that is perhaps more focussed. I have come up with two alternative case layouts - both of which I could have without buying any new modules. Which would you prefer if you were presented with each case and invited to record an album using only that?

Small case
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Large case
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