I have had a Mother 32 and DFAM for a few months now and am beginning to build a rack(s) that would compliment them both as much as possible. I've already gotten a Makenoise 104hp skiff and have picked up Maths and 4MS Qcd. I definitely plan to get most everything in the top row, the second row are being considered. Based on what I have currently projected to go in my rack(s), where am I falling short? Please comment, I appreciate it!


https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_906257.jpg?1559482639

Some minor updates that for some reason were not captured in the first image. I have that 10ph hole that I would like to fill with something that would help round out my setup and maybe I don't realize I could use. Looking for suggestions. Thanks!


First of all, a second VCO would probably be useful. One alone can sound a bit thin, but put two together and detune one slightly, and the sound gets real huge, real fast.

Consider replacing things that are large with the same things, but smaller. Such as: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/g-storm-electro-jp6-vcf or https://www.modulargrid.net/e/codex-modulex-%C2%B5motion . Keep in mind that in a restricted space such as this, you need to cram function in as best as you can, and the more functionality your build can have, the better. For instance, by doing those two replacements above, you then have room for the QCD's expander module, which really ups your clock modulation capabilities.

And speaking of clocking, given that you're dealing with two prebuilts that contain sequencing capabilities, you might want to look at modules that let you screw around with that aspect to a greater degree. In this case, I'm talking about Boolean logic, devices such as comparators and derivators, and gate/trigger delays. One example of this sort of function would be to use a comparator to fire off a gate when the Wogglebug's output crosses a certain voltage threshold, then feed that + a clock into an AND gate. That gate will then output a gate only when the comparator's and the clock's gates are both on; this is the sort of thing that can allow you to create a load of complex cross-rhythms between all of the parts of your patch setup...and potentially beyond, if you have other synths that can use those gate pulses.

One other thing that's lacking here is extra envelopes. Sure, the Maths can do those, but that's sort of like buying a Maserati then only using it to drive to the grocery store. Consider some sort of complex AR module, like Doepfer's A-143-1 or Sputnik's Quad Function & Trigger Source; with those, you can use the module as a bank of EGs, a complex function generator, or (in the case of the Doepfer) both at once. And this also dovetails with the clocking strategy above.


Thank you Lugia for taking the time to comment! I probably wasn't clear, but I do plan on getting a second 104hp skiff, that's why my grid shows 2 rows. I agree with you on economy of space, but I'm not quite as limited as it appears.

Regarding the VCO, my train of thought was that the DFAM has two and the Mother32 has one with a couple other options. I think the Dixie ii+ is pretty solid, would value your opinion on this choice. Additional voices will be something I'm definitely adding as I fill out the second skiff. I'm totally with you on the QCD expander, something I am keeping in mind. I love rhythm so expanding clocking possibilities is attractive to me. Also with you on the EG. I really wanted to work the Jove into my first row, but will be there for sure in the second phase. I really like your point about a function generator, did a little digging on that already and liked what I was learning. I'm going to explore that more and see what I might add. I really wanted an excuse to add a Doepfer module, this may be the perfect avenue.

Thanks a ton!