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Check out Pamela's New Workout- that has tons of super features including clock multipliers, dividers, all types of sequencer rhythm type features. Pair it with a good sequential switch and should get you closer to your goal. For sequencers, the 512 Vector has ratcheting and host of features. As an IME/Harvestman fan, the Stillson Hammer looks incredible as well.


Hi Sacguy71,

Interesting sounds you got there! He, he, and in every video from you I see you are using the Anti-Oscillator and the Borg filter :-)

Nice work and hope to see more of your videos. Kind regards, Garfield.

For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads


yeah - looks better to me

use one channel of batumi as a clock I guess - which will work fine

I suspect that by the time the second case appears, you will have a better idea of what you need - ie what you feel is missing from this case - but that's also part of the fun - discovery

enjoy your journey!
-- JimHowell1970

The pulse output on the Noise Tools makes for a nice clock. I would use one channel of the Batumi as you'll only be able to use it in one mode if you're needing a clock.

You could also draw a clock pulse from Function's EOC or EOR... but you'd have to switch it to cycle and won't be able to adjust it without affecting your clock.

A clock is a bit moot in this set-up. The only thing that can use a clock signal as a clock signal is the QUBIT. But I don't think it'll need it in this set-up. You'd only need to feed it clock if it was slaving to another sequencer.


The Atlantis is a good starting point if you're building a small system first and then adding to it little by little.

But if you're going to dive in fully, then it starts to lose its luster. The plus side is that the patch points are pretty much all there to break the unit out into its individual components (oscillator, filter, etc). The downside is that it's all or nothing in terms of what you get. You may do better getting individual components that will offer you more flexibility and features.

Mixers. You have a Quadratt. It's functional as a small mixer, attenuverters, etc. But you really are going to need at least two small mixers of the Quadratt nature (not necessarily the Quadratt) and a main mixer if you plan on having more than one voice or sound coming from your rack.

There are better units out there, but for the PRICE and SIZE, I'm very happy with the Blue Lantern Stereo Sir Mix-A-Lot. Gain, panning, mutes, plus two aux sends on every channel... plus a pair of stereo returns. You can do better on features... but I don't think so on price.

Also, you should have empty space in your rack. No one learns modular without getting their hands dirty. The more you learn, the more your experiences CHANGE your end goals and desires from your system. If you buy everything all at once and you have no space left over, you're committed unless you start selling stuff off... while you're still trying to learn to use what you've got. Always plan for a "whoops, I should add a..." and have the space for a couple of reasonably sized modules at least.


Exactly, Ronin...the Filter8, to me, has always seemed more of an asset to tinkering with modulation signals for that phase shift aspect. It IS a "filter", but like its forebear, the Mankato VCF, the other uses are WAY too compelling.


FPCD?

For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads


Been learning how to use my new Doepfer A100 Basic System 1 that came with a few modules including two weird ones that are not common: the delay LFO called VCDLFO and the VCS Serge type Slew Processor/Generation module. I read the Doepfer manuals but they were confusing at best and lack patch examples. Unable to find anything on how to use these. Any ideas?
-- sacguy71

Jim got the VCDLFO sorted. But one thing that's worth mentioning about the 171-2 is that it's basically 1/2 of a Maths. Same initial design, too: the Serge DUSG, in this case a variant of Ken Stone's version of the circuit. See https://www.modulargrid.net/e/elby-designs-es75-vcs


I own both the Intellijel Morgasmatron and the Joranalogue Filter 8.

If I had to pick one and give up the other, I'd keep the Morgasmatron. The Morg is actually TWO multi-mode filters that can be used independently, in series, or in parallel. The Filter 8 has just one set of controls/inputs that feeds 8 types of simultaneously available filters. The Filter 8 offers more precision, better modulation options, etc. But it's definitely not as flexible.

I don't regret either of them. But being able to call up a low-pass AND high-pass filter is much more common for me than need a 6,12,18, and 24 dB per octave filter all in the same module.


It's not a bad idea...as such, you don't have to have a complete voice in this, since it's just a "sidecar" for the Moogs. However, you're missing a KEY PART...an Erica MScale, which is a bidirectional I/O for the Moog CVs which can be somewhat different from standard Eurorack. Take the mult out (you should get some inline mults instead...this system is too small for dedicated panel mults) and put that in instead.
-- Lugia

100% open to suggestions; I put the mult in there as a catch all because I had the space. Definitely a sidecar to the three units below. You can't do everything with every system (and you'll get stuck trying to solve that puzzle) - so this is a sidecar (I like that) to the Moog Mother family and larger semi modulars sitting on the desk next to it.

I'll take a look at the MScale for sure and toss that mult out. I've got a few of the Hosa cables that split, and even that 5 way red star looking one that exists.

EDIT: Just took a look at the MScale, I wasn't even aware of that voltage difference, thanks much!

Thanks!

  • D


Hi,

I have a Rackbrute 6U filled as below.

Earlier this week, I turned the power on then everything came on and suddenly went off.

After this, the brick power supply no longer lit up, even when trying alternative kettle leads.

I received a new power supply from Arturia yesterday and have just turned on the Rackbrute again using that new power supply.

Exactly the same thing happened.

I'm now unable to use the rack at all, and have a seemingly dead power supply brick.

I'm relatively new to this - what could be going wrong?

According to my rack on Modular Grid, I'm well within the power consumption of the Arturia rack.

alt text

(By the way I've posted this on MuffWiggler too - desperate to sort!)

-- jmeager

Hey Jmeager, did you ever get this sorted? I'm also having some power issues with my Rackbrute 6U.
Mine also is well within the maximum power consumption for the case; max draw is 1005 mA on the 12V.
A few of my modules started malfunctioning - first Plaits, then Marbles, then Piques. After plugging them into different sockets on the board, they started working again, but then a different module would malfunction!
I thought it might be a problem with the module (even though they are only 6 weeks old) so contacted Emilie at MI. She very speedily replied, and based on the faults I described suggested that it's a power issue.

Was wondering if you'd solved your issue?


We need a sticky thread for N00Bs!!


^^ This. It's sort of amazing how many rack help threads come down to variations on this advice. Just about every new system needs Links + Kinks + Shades + Veils (or equivalent choices from other manufacturers). It's not 100% universal, but it's pretty close.


@JimHowell1970 what would you recommend instead?

Thank you guys again 😊
-- gorilla

combinations of basic utilities - multiples (can be stackcables/headphone splitters), mixers (matrix, panning, small utiltiy), modification (logic, sample and hold, rectification), a sequential switch, a quad cascading vca... either as individual modules, or as small combinations (links, kinks etc)

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


Thanks!

Inscrumental music for prickly pears.


Thread: S.P.O. - 1

OVERVIEW
The goal of this patch initially was to get acquainted with the 2 channels of WMD S.P.O., each with Scale/Polarize (Attenuversion) & Offset controls. For the "A" inputs of channels 1 and 2 on SPO I have multiplied the same envelope from the CH. 4 unity output of Maths. This is a bi-timbral patch, taking the undulating Square wave of M32 with its own quantized pitches, as well as the Morphed dual-wave output of Graphic VCO with a quantized sequence from Metropolis. Each channel of SPO then has another input:

SPO
1A: Maths CH. 4 Unity Out
1B: M32 Triangle LFO via Attenuverter on Sinc Defero
2A: Maths CH. 4 Unity Out
2B: Pique #2 ADSR Envelope (attenuated twice, in M32 and then in Sinc Defero)
Out 1: Graphic VCO Morph Input
Out 2: M32 VCF Cutoff via Data channel 3

METROPOLIS
Providing the clock and most of the initial gate and pitch information, Metropolis works as follows:
Scale: Minor Pent (PEnT-)
Octave: 1 octave range
BPM: 120
8-stage
Forward mode
AUX A: Ratchet
With an odd number of pulses in an 8-stage sequence, phrases start and stop offset from - but subtly related to - the rest of the patch

PIQUE
Pique #1 is using the Trigger Stream Randomizer algorithm, the "Expert" mode beneath "Tap". This stream of triggers, derived from the Clock output of Metropolis, sends triggers that have a probability of either not appearing or multiplying in the gap between 2 Metropolis clock pulses. Playing with Delay time (3rd knob) did not yield very helpful results, but adding some Jitter (4th knob) was interesting, as it did not upset the "big beats". Pique #1 goes to Pique #2 and Maths CH. 4 trig in.
Pique #2 is a simple ADSR envelope, receiving triggers from the same random trigger stream in Pique #1 as is being fed to Maths channel 4 trig in. The goal of this ADSR is to influence the M32 LFO, at depths that are controlled by the VC Mix on M32.

GRAPHIC VCO
Taking the morphed mix of Wave 01 from "Acid" and Wave 07 from "Basic" (Tri-saw) out into Pico Mix for levelling each wave, pitched by Metropolis.

DATA
Monitors
CH. 1 - Summed Output of Graphic VCO via Quad VCA CH. 1
CH. 3 - S.P.O. CH. 2 output
CH. 4 - Pique #2 Out 1

DISTING MK4
A6 Quantizer: Quantizer is fed voltages from the Triangle LFO on M32 (itself influenced by the ADSR of Pique #2 triggered at semi-random intervals via Pique #1). At first this is kept at Scale: 5 (Fifths) but in performance can move to Scale: 4 (Minor triads). Also, start with Parameter 0 (Attenuation) at 6, then move up to 31. The Attenuator on Disting MK4 works like a "fine tune" attenuation of the 2nd attenuator on Sinc Defero, which works like "Coarse Tune" as to how much of the LFO is sent to the quantizer (Sinc Defero's 2nd channel also works to attenuate the influence of the LFO on the Morph CV of Graphic VCO)

MATHS
CH. 1 Triggers Quad VCA CH. 1 CV input taking its gate from Metropolis directly.
CH. 4 Attenuverted Out goes to the Resonance on M32, and negative voltages can create interesting inverse relationships with cutoff and resonance in the M32 filter
CH. 4 Unity Out was explained above as feeding both 'A' inputs on S.P.O.

M32
Quantized out from Disting controls the 1v/oct of M32 and thus half of the pitch information heard in the patch (amount between those pitches/M32 timbre and Metropolis pitches/Graphic VCO timbre selected via MIX knob). The Triangle LFO out influences both the SPO Channel 1 'B' input and is the sole information (other than attenuation values) used for the quantizer setting the pitch of M32. The waveshape of the Triangle LFO is a mix between Triangle and the attenuated ADSR from Pique #2 (attenuation of which is influenced by the M32 Filter output via VC Mix Control input)

Octavian


@JimHowell1970 what would you recommend instead?

@sacguy71 nice! I'm still hesitating between the dual borg and a borg II + a resonant low pass gate so I guess it'll depend on what's being sold in the coming weeks

@lugia, I think you're talking about the Three Sisters. The Just Friends in cycle/shape mode gives a lot of rhythmic variations, especially when self-patched.

Bought the Richter and the Resonant EQ so the second row is now complete!
Thank you guys again 😊


fpcd


Ola.. Yes.. these are ones that I have. I just don't have the case for another week or so. Ok.. great. I will look into a VCA then. Thanks for the advice.
Peace
dr space


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Messed around with modular today after work and came up with some fun tones:

The Cursus Iteritas is one wacky module can get flutes, trumpets, percussion and birds out of that module. Very different than the percussion focused BIA.


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Thanks Jim! Very helpful as always. I have the hang of this very useful module now in my Doepfer system as well as the handy A-148 Dual S&H module and A-118 Noise module. Combined are super great for patching generative melodies in concert with LFOs and VCOs.


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I have it in my setup and it is ok- it does the basic oscilloscope monitoring and has a tuner. I like the small size and easy to use functionality. I do wish that it had more tools like a voltage meter and quantizer.


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Thanks Garfield, the BIA is a superb module for percussion. To get the sound I feed it thru several LFOs at different rates to each of the BIA patch points for pitch, S/L/M, B/A/T and so forth. That adds wide variety and functions as well as layers to increase the wall of sound exponentially. I use a lot of stuff from the IME/Harvestman Kermit MK3 as well for S&H, noise and random LFO generator to add bite to the Noise Engineering BIA and Cursus Iteritas. This allows me to run a full set on only a few modules plus VCAs/mixers, attenuators and so forth. I am still learning the ins and outs of Intellijel Quadrax and the Kermit and Bionic Lester. Those are super deep modules and can do incredible stuff. I love Quadrax plus the expander for self patching happy accidents. Many modes of envelopes and filter cutoffs possible with that module plus it can function as LFO as well.


Thread: Live Set #2

@GarfieldModular, the shows I've played have been using twitch which works pretty well for one performer or group at a time. Might be a growing modular audience there too.


Thread: Live Set #2

Hi Steve,

Yes, that might be an idea, bundle all our modular synths together into one large cacophony :-) Might be quite interesting! Shall we use Soundjack for it, or what are you using? Problem with Soundjack is that you can't give a clock signal to each other, not at least that I know of. Another problem I have with Soundjack is that I can't get the sound from my computer to my monitors for some weird reason.

Kind regards, Garfield.

For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads


Thread: Live Set #2

Thanks @GarfieldModular! Now that I think of it, maybe we should all do a ModularGrid forum stream one day 🤔🤔🤔


Thread: Live Set #2

Hi Steve,

Cool stuff again. Amazing how much live/streaming activities you are involved in lately. Nice performance :-)

Keep up the good work, thanks a lot for sharing this and kind regards, Garfield.

For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads


Hi Mowse,

Oh yes! If your entire album is going to be like that then it's going to be an hyper-spaced album, fantastic!

I look forward in hearing your album and kind regards, Garfield.

For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads


Hi Sacguy71,

Oh this is way cool man! :-) How do you do that kind of hammering percussion sound?

Sounds interesting and thanks a lot for sharing this. Kind regards, Garfield.

For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads


Do you already have this selection of modules? Or are you planning to get them?

The biggest immediate need I see is for some modulation sources, and VCAs. I'd suggest something like Pamela's New Workout (8 linked clocks, LFOs, etc.) or Quadrax (4 modulation sources which can be anything from envelopes to LFOs, with lots of CV possibilities, along with something like an Intellijel dual VCA, or Veils, Tangle Quartet, or any other multi-VCA module. There are a million options out there, but these are crucial parts of any modular system.


Ahh - now I understand. I’m away from my rack at the moment, so have had to think through the patching in my head.
I could use my Disting EX as a pair of filters (or choruses), and the miniBrute’s filter as a 3rd. However, I suspect I need some better in-rack mixing to tie it together. Maybe a Doepfer a 138-s, or an Intellijel mixup perhaps? It would also be interesting to see what happens when panning the off-phase filters left and right.


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Thread: kermit mk3

Mine came as well and still learning to use it as it has sooo much to it in one module. Here is a quick demo of mine:

I love turning it into a single voice with the dirty oscillator, S&H, random, and LFO. It breathes life to boring Doepfer basic VCOs.


ModularGrid Rack

Would love to get some comments on what modules might compliment what I have in this case? I think it is going to generate some very interesting sounds.... I don't know why the picture does not show up. Sorry..
peace
Dr Space


I have had similar issues plus a lot of vanishing messages from my inbox. Any idea why this is? In the beggining I thought the senders changed their mind and deleted their messages, however It does happen these days often that once I read a message, it disappears.


Thread: kermit mk3

Heyas,

just got the kermit mk3 and its one really remarkable modulator. In this small technoish patch it modulates an acl variable sync vco fm, hihats decay and crash tone both from erica synths...

Best,
jingo


Great.. Just duplicated and that worked. Thanks for the advice..
peace
dr space


Hello,

Thank you ! Yes it seems to be too much mixer but in fact I need all the mixer of the techno system for the drums..
You think I need to remove the Unify mixer ? If I keep the Quad VCA and take the double andore I have to put out the Vermona Melodicer..I would love to have it !

Other possibilities ?

I try my best to listen all of your advices !
And the result is ? Can you confirm its better now and usuable like this ?

ModularGrid Rack


A sneak peak at another track in the works for my first album, Reticulating Splines.


@GarfieldModular Thanks! Much appreciated. Just having a little fun with my Boston crowd.


it's better to use a link - ModularGrid Rack

you appear to have a lot of mixing - but all appears for audio - also I'd split it up a bit

I'd keep the quad vca and add the double andore - 6 vcas is still not a lot for this size case

I'd want more utilities for multing/mixing/modifying modulation

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


I think you have to add a 1u row and then look for the 84hp 'tile' under 1u

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


@DrSpace I don't actually know the answer to this, but I do know you can duplicate other people's racks ("Duplicate Rack" above the rack name). You could then delete all their modules and add your own :)


Hello

I am getting the Nifty case soon and want to sketch out what I will put into it but I can't see how you can choose that in the racks when you create a new one?? Where is it hiding?? I can see many people have the picture of it in their racks?? Please help..
peace
dr space


Hello,

Thank you very much Lugia and sacguy71 for your reply and advices. Yes i understand, but i already own the Erica Synths techno system and i love it as a drum machine, I don’t want to remove modules from it...
Can we consider it is my drum machine (maybe with zularic and BIA if it is possible to use with it ?)
Yes too much distortion but i will use some of them with the drums modules if possible..

Lugia: Ok, i was wrong for the space economy, i will remove the ADSRVCA modules and maybe take Intellijel Quad VCA ? Or double Andore can play this role as sacguy71 recommend ?
I will check attenuverters, and remove maybe Plague bearer, thanks again !

Sacguy71: Thank you ! Yes i will try to work my rack again with Kermit and Double Andore (but it is big !)

Is it better like this ?
https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_1307378.jpg


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Agree well for my future larger system, I plan to build something with the WMD Performance Mixer and 512 vector with add on module and some other goodies.


Thread: Live Set #2

Was asked to play a small label fest for the autumn equinox and put this thing together:

https://stevehand.bandcamp.com/track/live-at-fire-is-free-autumnal-equinox-september-22nd

Using the same rack as last time, -MCO, +Pluck and +DTF to help explore some different textures.

ModularGrid Rack

Perhaps surprisingly, Clouds is really the star of this one. I read an interview with Emelie Gillet awhile back where she shared some of her disappointment around the lack of randomness and modulation that folks use with Clouds, so I picked up the Doepfer A-118-2. That plus Ochd can really take things in a texturally varied, almost 20th century classical direction at times. Eurorack... very interesting format.

Anyway, hope you enjoy if you give it a listen!


It's not a bad idea...as such, you don't have to have a complete voice in this, since it's just a "sidecar" for the Moogs. However, you're missing a KEY PART...an Erica MScale, which is a bidirectional I/O for the Moog CVs which can be somewhat different from standard Eurorack. Take the mult out (you should get some inline mults instead...this system is too small for dedicated panel mults) and put that in instead.


Agree if I was building a large setup like this Levit8, VC8, and Radar would be on my shopping list for key ingredients as well as a good performance mixer like the WMD Performance mixer.
-- sacguy71

Yeah, that little ecosystem that Erogenous Tones came up with for those three modules is super-potent! If it was smaller, it would be even better...but for larger systems, adding the entire subsystem above is a quick and easy way to drop power into things. As for WMD's mixer...it's definitely comprehensive, but a bit much. I like Toppobrillo's Stereomix II instead...smaller, but still quite powerful due to its many CV control points.


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For dark industrial techno, you need super modulation and the best all in one module: IME Kermit MK3!

That module can be LFOs, EGs, dirty oscillators, S&H, noise generator and combine them as you like. True modulation gem for your style. Here is what you can with it:

I also recommend looking at the IME/Harvestman Double Andore it has dual VCA plus lots of tricks for techno and envelopes in one. I may pick one up along with Piston Honda MK3 or Hertz Donut MK3 to go with Kermit and Bionic Lester. I would ditch the Erica Synths modules and use an external drum machine or perhaps just get the smaller Erica Synths sample drums and save rack space and cash. I use my Elektron Octatrack for samples and drums and it works great.


Thanks for the suggestions. I certainly wasn’t expecting that a another filter would be a good thing to pair up with a Filter8. Something to think about when I’ve got a decent delay installed.
-- SJ900

Yeah, but the Filter8's capability for phase-shifting waveforms has loads of abuse potential. For example, let's say you have three filters that you want phasing at the same rate, but not the same phasing position. With the Filter8, you can open it up so it's not filtering and then use that phase network to turn ONE single LFO into THREE that do exactly that. Take your outputs from the 0, 120, and 240 degree points, and there you are! For modulating things like effects (triple chorus, anyone?), this is a big asset.


Mmmm...the Just Friends is a formant-based VCF. Are you sure you don't mean the Cold Mac for clock manipulation?