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Thanks for the quick reply Lugia! I have a Babyface RME audio interface and Keith McMillen K-mix that also have audio interface so will check into this for Ableton. Need to get a copy of the Ableton CV tools.

Regarding VCV Rack, is there a way to use that with modular via a MIDI CV interface? I will have to do some digging to see how that works. Love VCV Rack it helped me get into modular after the 0-coast.
-- sacguy71

There should be, if you're running Ableton. VCV has a VST module, and I would think it should be doable to route signals to and from it to Ableton's CV Tools and a suitable interface for direct modular control. Might need some sort of M4L widget, but it doesn't seem impossible. And older MOTU interfaces are cheap; I use a MOTU 828FW mkii for this, which cost me a whopping $120.

Heya, been accruing 1U utilities for my Intellijel 7U. Think I have most of the basics out of the way to start considering the more fun stuff, but I honestly haven't thought a ton about that yet, I'd like to just be flexible enough to tackle different sounds as I swap things in and out and just -experiment- eventually.

Wish I could get my hands on a MIDI to CV 1U but it seems hard to get right now. I'm still on the fence about the Multi FX 1U so consider that optional

Anyhow,

Top left are things at my disposal, bottom left are on order, bottom right are current desires. My two favourite things are futzing with sequencers, and filters. I very much so wish to build around the Morphagene, or possibly put a heavier focus on granular synth stuff in the future.

Besides that kinda thing I'm fairly diectionless on a particular sound (besides maybe avoiding very traditional hard synth layout) and am waiting for a local sale soon to pick up other less specific utilities and see what I can get. Thoughts on where to head in the future? On top of this I have the 0-coast and the KSP to fill in other gaps.

Thanks!

Thanks Lugia,

Indeed, I have watched the TD live shows online and they use impressive array of hardware, modular, live instruments and computer soft VSTs with division of labor. I agree- we can achieve a lot with less gear now. I will probably invest in a new computer this year to use for music production and use Ableton Live with modular and my synths. Now that I figured out how to integrate modular via the cursed Doepfer A190-4 USB/MIDI to CV module in my setup with the hardware synths and Ableton, I can do it moving forward.

Regarding VCV Rack, is there a way to use that with modular via a MIDI CV interface? I will have to do some digging to see how that works. Love VCV Rack it helped me get into modular after the 0-coast.

If you look back at the "classic" TD period between "Atem" and "Encore", it's worth noticing the division of labor going on. Check to see this in action. Froese would mainly stick to leads, while Franke and Baumann are working out the complex backdrop with sequencers and polys. Franke's rig was primarily Moog, while Baumann used a composite of Moog and PPG modules. Also, they almost certainly have a central clocking system for all of their synths, given that this was definitely in use by the time of "Encore" as it appears in that album's credits.

In the present day, this is actually a lot EASIER than one might think...but you gotta know your tech! Fact is, you can cobble up just as complex a sequencer system in VCV or with VSTs in a DAW, and by using some method of sending CV/gate/triggers to your synths, you can have this for far less than a pile of Moog 960s. Or make it happen in VCV, if your machine's up to the task.

Some VCAs do leak. But most decent-quality modern ones (like what Erica uses) don't...at least, not without a reason. Another thing worth checking is whether there's an accidental low-level offset voltage getting into the control side, as this will definitely cause audio leakage from the VCAs not being able to fully close down. It doesn't take MUCH...just a tiny fraction of a volt.

Another possibility could be voltage from an outside source. Case in point: many years back, I was working with our local community radio station in several capacities. One of these was maintenance. One evening after close-down, I and another engineer were trying to figure out why the station's Harrison AIR7 would suddenly switch channels off or on without warning. It was definitely a primo radio console in its day (hell, I've used Harrison desks as far back as my first year of undergrad), so the behavior was downright weird. But it's also worth noting that, when it was installed, they also put in the remote-start lines...but then never connected them to the turntables, cart decks, etc. So they were just hanging there...cables to nowhere, only a few feet long.

At the same time, we also had an FM station dead-smack in the center of town, pumping out 10 kW. I knew already that it had an annoying tendency to creep into audio lines both at our station and at other broadcast facilities in the area. So, how could that be an issue here?

Well, it so happened that, after a bit of antenna length calculation on my part, the disconnected remote-start lines...which, of course, also connected to each channel's ON/OFF logic...were cut so that they were all around a quarter-wave's length at 92.5 MHz, which was the other station's operating frequency. After I cut all of those (as they weren't in use anyway), the "ghost" of the AIR7 was successfully exorcised.

So what the hell was going on? Simple. There was enough induced voltage on each wire that it would send voltage back to the board's ON/OFF logic for each strip. And when there was a particularly loud signal on the one station, it would "hi-state" the strip's logic...which in this case, was being interpreted as an OFF signal.

So you might check around for sources of RF in addition to the typical synth bugaboos. After all, it doesn't take very much voltage to open a VCA a tiny bit...even less than I had to chase down in the story above.

EDITED Sep 7th 2020, 02:03

Thanks Garfield, not yet.

I just realized that my Moog Sub 37 can get pretty close to TD sounds along with software VST plugins. So probably won't try to spend a fortune on modular gear to get there. Figure use modular for exploration and FX purposes. Polyphony is very expensive to achieve on modular systems. Anyways here some tracks similar to TD I made a while back on Moog and VSTs

https://soundcloud.com/modben

That said, I do want a few MI modules like Plaits and Rings as they are super fun and awesome for texture ambient stuff.

Well...it certainly seems expensive...and probably pointlessly so.

All of your Moogs are already in powered cabs. And the Moog 3-tier accessory will work just fine at assembling those into a single unit. So it makes no sense whatsoever to decase the Moogs and reload them into Arturia RackBrute cabs. It might SEEM "convenient", but the real truth here is that you're contemplating spending a lot of money with little return.

A far smarter move...and certainly CHEAPER...would be to keep the Moogs in their cabs, use the 3-tier bracket there, then add something like a Tiptop Mantis at the very base of the Moog rig so that you can have your additional modules there. Even though a Mantis costs $335 street, when you add up the cost of the additional Arturia cases, the cost of the unused Moog cabs, and the extra Arturia P/Ss, this definitely exceeds the cost of the Mantis by a sizable chunk.

One other point, also...what the Moogs need isn't so much additional expensive modules, but more akin to UNsexy stuff...attenuators, logic, a clock manipulation setup to really make their sequencers go nuts, additional utilities of that sort. Sure, some FX and the MScales are definitely called for here. But if you do this RIGHT, with a PROPER additional cab, you'll then have plenty of cheap room in which to build up a more comprehensive "sidecar" for the Moogs than you have currently. Plus, you could just as easily add a fourth "voice" in the additional cab.

Hi Sacguy71,

If you find the perfect sequencer then please do let me know. I am still struggling with finding the sequencer that matches me most or best. Not sure if I mention it to you but mentioned it already a few times here in the forum, I am currently putting all my hopes on the Endorphine.es - Ground Control sequencer, once that one will be released, that is...

Yeah, the VPME - Euclidian Circles might be nice. The Hermod is good as well if you look at the quite few positive posts here around. For myself I wonder if that one (Hermod) isn't a bit too much menu-diving?

Since you have already two Elektron sequencers... that should be quite good already, isn't it? Why not use them in combination with your modular system?

Good luck with TD and the sequencers and kind regards, Garfield.

Thanks a lot Steve! :-)

Good night and kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Wishbonebrewery,

This sounds really nice and very entertaining! A few more of this and you got an album full, when are going to release that new record and CD of yours, you said? :-) No seriously, nicely done and worth for publication if you would ask me.

Your voice samples are a stamp or marker on your music, they way you use it, it has a nice touch!

Thanks a lot for sharing and kind regards, Garfield.

Nice one @GarfieldModular 🐸🐸🐸

Hi Sacguy71,

Nice evening that was! :-) This demo and your previous demos make me reconsider to think about a Malekko module, I don't have any modules of this brand yet but the Anti-Oscillator and the Borg sounds good and look like they provide you with a lot of fun (which you wrote indeed already). Between 5 and 6 minutes the viewer has a good view on these both modules, I like that section particular.

I hope you have more interesting evening jams and thanks a lot for sharing with us. Kind regards, Garfield.

Thanks Garfield,

From what I found online TD used everything from Moog to Arp 2600 to Waldorf PPG and Moog modular gear plus tons of sequencers and computer soft VSTs. Now obviously with my far more limited budget and studio space, recreating TD perfectly would be impossible but getting into the ballpark would be nice. I have 2 Elektron sequencers, 1 Korg SQ-1 and 1 Make Noise 0-ctrl sequencers along with a Malekko Varigate 4+ sequencer on the way. I also read they use Moog ladder style filter, perhaps pick up the AJH Moog clone VCO and ladder VCP and the Waldorf Wave table module and Waldorf filters? For next build, looking at possibly Hermod as sequencer or something like VPME Euclidian Circles. No rush on this as just a thought.

Hi Exposure and Wishbonebrewery,

Ha, ha, yeah lots of space frogs there. He, he, nice one: male/female synth-frog-fight. Thank you both.

I just can't stop playing with this filter, it really invites you to play around with it. Cheers, Garfield.

Hi Sacguy71,

Ah yes, Tangerine Dream, one of my favourites too. I think to "copy" their music we need about a half million sequencers if I am not mistaken. I usually don't like to copy someone's style but a bit of TD style can't harm either ;-) So please let me know once you have figured it out!

Kind regards, Garfield.

Hi A_b_d,

Very interesting and good survey. I hope all manufacturers are reading all the posts here :-)

One big wish I have is that every module has either a switch to switch on/off the lights/LEDs that such module might have or even better: every module has a small potentiometer that can dim the lights/LEDs from full bright all the way till extremely dim or better to dim/switch it off completely.
I have two modules (Instruo - Tràigh and Erica Synths - Sequential Switch) that have so bright LEDs that these LEDs almost burn my eyes; just not pleasant to work with these two modules in a darker environment. Intellijel - µStep LEDs are too bright too.

Every Eurorack module should have at least a power cable that's 25 cm long or longer. When it's shorter, it becomes quite tight when mounting the module into the rack, this is especially valid for those modules (hello Mr. Doepfer, are you reading this? ;-) ) that have power cables less than 20 cm length; Doepfer modules are guilty of that. Funny or rather weird is that these Doepfer modules are difficult to mount in the lowest/flat row of those Doepfer cases A-100 LMB and A-100 LCB. Yes you read this correctly, Doepfer's own modules barely fit in those flat rows... (because the power cables are too short) bit strange to me. So for new modules, please make sure your power cable length is 25 cm or longer.

Just to satisfy the curiosity of module owners, please provide on the backside of the PCB (i.e. readable when you look at the back of the module) following data please:
- Copyright year, if possible including month (i.e. when was this module released first time, at least for this version?)
- Version number or revision number
- If the manufacturer has a testing "department" (or person who does QA testing) then please provide a test label at the back of the module when (date, year + month is good, full date is better of course) it was tested
- If the manufacturer provides serial numbers (all should do in my opinion but most don't) then please not only on the original box but also on the back of the module/PCB
- If manufacturers provide a date, please use the date format: yyyy-mm-dd and not mm-dd-yyyy (North American style) or dd-mm-yyyy (international style) because that always leads to discussions what the format exactly is, so instead use yyyy-mm-dd then all discussions are closed and not required ;-)

For each module, if not provided in the original box/packaging, at least as downloadable document (PDF) a clear and good readable user manual must be provided with clear information on where all the inputs & outputs are used for as well as clear information on the switches, buttons and potentiometers/encoders what they are used for. Some manufacturers barely provide any information... Hey I/O Instruments ;-) I hope you are reading this. I love your new modules but a good and "bit" more extensive manual would be nice! But there are other manufacturers with the same issue. If any of the manufacturers need advice or help with creating technical documentation please contact me offline, for my profession, one of my skills is technical document writer; so perhaps we can help each other here.

In the manual it would be nice for the reader if the manufacturer can provide some basic information on the used technology, for example which type of IC has been used or the type of vacuum tubes, or frequency ranges, voltage ranges or whatever is interesting to know about their module. Naturally the power consumptions for +12 V, +5 V & -12 V should be provided (i.e. those values in mA) even if one (or more) of them are not in use (just mention n/a or zero in such case), at least the user knows. It's unbelievable but there are still manufacturers around that don't provide this basic information. It goes to such extension that sometimes the values on the websites are different from those on their hardcopy manuals...

Additionally it would be nice to know who designed that particular module, i.e. providing the designer's name. Also interesting to know if the module is: pure analogue, digital or perhaps a hybrid of both? Most of the times it can be guessed but it would be just good to have it confirmed by the manufacturer and not always it can be guessed, so why let the user guess?

It's not a must but makes life easier when patching, it would be nice that if manufacturers don't agree with each other to come to a standard, which I can understand by the way, there are far too many manufacturers, that at least for the modules of one manufacturer, the manufacturer makes for their own modules at least a standard for the patch cables. Either all on top (not recommended because of gravity the cables will hang down) or all on the bottom (my preference) or all on the right or left side. Or perhaps a combination of maximum two. So the user has at least a bit of a chance to reach the knobs & switches while everything is fully patched :-)

Try to make modules chain-able there where it makes sense. I am thinking of at least chain-able mixers, sequencers, perhaps even VCAs, multiples, switches and filters.

Perhaps a good idea to start using the bus board again for some basic "information" along the casing, like: 1V/oct, gate, trigger and whatever that could be useful and more "channels" of each so not just one 1V/oct, one gate, one trigger, but more per type (at least for the digital modules this must be possible). Doepfer does this a little bit (without my "channel" suggestion as far as I know) but I don't see it much mentioned in other user manuals, a bit pity because it can reduce in some cases the amount of cables. A control LED in such case would be good: so the user can see if the signal comes from (green) or to (red) the bus board. Just some ideas ;-)

Well that's it for the moment that just pops to my mind. If there is anything more I will let you know.

May I ask the meaning behind this, are you developing new modules? Or representing a manufacturer, or...? Would be nice to know your purpose. Anyway, it's interesting material, hopefully manufacturers are not only reading this but trying to take as much as possible on board for the design of their future modules! :-)

Thank you very much and kind regards, Garfield Modular.

EDITED Feb 27th 2023, 07:01

Hi Rookie,

That ambient piece you are working on sounds interesting. I hope once it is finished that you will share that here with us? :-)

Good luck with your ambient piece and kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Pricto,

You are welcome and please let us know once you received the Befaco - Out v3 if you still have any leaking issues, and if yes, how serious they are.

Good luck and kind regards, Garfield.

^^Edited, didn't read what you wrote properly!!^^

Hi folks,

I really want an ambient build for Tangerine Dream soundscapes. Any ideas on what modules to get and so forth? I did read that they use a lot of sequencers from the Patch & Tweak book. I already have industrial techno covered so really digging a Tangerine Dream setup.

Nice! Yeah I want the new Disting EX since it does so many useful things in small space plus screens way better so figure save me from using at 40HP in a small 6U case. Have to maximize space. Probably will save for monster Doepfer case with 500HP as future studio modular.

Go Shopping! You'll quickly find that the build is not realistic.
It's a good idea to know what's on the market in planning your build.

Start at the beginning. Ocillators, LFO's, Envelopes, VCA's, Filters, Sequencer/Logic, Ouput.

Thanks.
The Disting is just looping a sample in this case.

btw, i hated the Disting to start with and i still hate the menu diving, I have to get the manual out just about every time I use it, I also feel like the manual is incomprehensible for someone as dumb as me ;-)
I do like the Stereo Tape Delay, Sample playing stuff is good, and the latest firmware just added that Chaotic thing so thats cool.

EDITED Sep 6th 2020, 21:49

Sounds cool, how do you like the Disting? I am thinking of picking up the Disting EX for my new rack soon as well as the core utilities to go with it.

Well I have already taken the important steps ... now I would like to fix something hoping to stay in these 3 lines for a while!!!
Thanks for the advices guys..

Hi! I just got the semi-modular Moog system (DFAM, SubHarmonicon, Mother32), and I am planning right away to expand it.
I know synthesizers, but I am new to modular. I am planning to use the system for both live and studio, and I will use an external mixer to start.
Current set-up:
SYNTHS & DRUMS: mentioned Moog system (in transit, not delivered yet), Minitaur, Minilogue, MB33(with "personal" sequencer), Model: Samples.
FX PEDALS: H9 Max, MF Ring, Arena Verb.
EURORACK CASE: 2 rows Rackbrute.
The eurorack would be mainly an "expander" for the current set-up, but in the future, I am planning to create both a mono synth out of it, as well as drum parts.
Here is what I've thought of starting with, but my knowledge is limited.
Erica Pico MScale: CV converter specifically for Moog semi-modular;
Intellijel Quad Invert: seems like a functional utility;
Intellijel Buff Mult: same as above;
Intellijel Quad VCA: Powerful VCA & Cascade Mixer;
MN Maths: No brainer. Master utility. Attenuator, Envelope fol/gen, LFO, etc.;
PM LFO2: the Moog boxes have almost no LFO's (Mother32 only), so I've thought to add another LFO (along with Maths) to keep things moving;
Strymon AA1: for FX pedals (and external synths/guitars?);
Mannequins 3 Sisters: unbelievable filter, I cannot even imagine what happens if paired with Moog ones;
Erica LINK: simple unpowered converter to send straight into the external mixer.
I feel like I miss an attenuverter and a substantial envelope follower (don't want to have Maths doing EVERYTHING).
I'd like to have an oscilloscope as well; which are the ones that can do multiple tasks?
For VCO's, I will abuse the Moog ones for starters. I don't feel like I NEED a sequencer to start.
Is there any fundamental module missing in the system? What are your recommendations? What would you do if you had my set-up and wanted to expand? All tips and ideas are welcome. I am so excited about getting into modular; I literally cannot wait to hear the voice of the community.
Thank you all!

Great lesson and tutorial here. I also recommend the free VCV Rack software as that lets you experiment for FREE with different modular configurations and types. Before I buy modules, I try to experiment with that and see what works. Now I need to save for that Doepfer Monster case to fit the bigger modules that are cool.

I'm totally with you re: Malekko! The Envelator has all this hidden stuff I'm still grappling with

Happy Labor day folks,

I had a drink and messed about with my modular setup yesterday. Here is what I came up:

Superb!

Built in VCA, attenuator, clock, and envelope generator would be my choice then save space on these modules.

Documentation would be a plus. Malekko comes to mind for lack of it. I have had to learn trial and error to figure out how my Malekko Richter Anti-Oscillator and Dual Borg filter operate. Fortunately, it has been a fun journey.

EDITED Sep 6th 2020, 18:11

Is there something you wish every Eurorack module had? Think reverse power protection, comprehensive documentation, or user-updatable firmware. Vote on 18 community-driven features and I’ll share the results here and on other Eurorack forums:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd7ORQ9NkKcqdwYdEoW24UH8LcS_AC1E6FhOFeQe0OIY5zg-w/viewform

Some notes:
- The survey closes on Sunday, September 27th at 11:59pm Eastern time (ET).
- Results will be shared publicly and raw data is available on request (eurorack.survey@gmail.com).
- I am a Eurorack user doing this survey for fun, and am not affiliated with any business or other private entity.

Thats lovely :)

Funky :)

Its an entire Pond full of Frogs, the Male synth-frogs are probably fighting over the Female Synth-frogs and its really good :)

I set out to make a Pad sound from the STO playing a fast arp into Clouds to create a wash, then used an envelope to open and close the VCA so as to use a snippet of the Pad sound as a synth stab that i could turn from Stab to wash with the Envelope.
Twinkly bits come from the 2Hp Pluck going through the Erica Pico DSP.
There is some Divkid Ochd controlling 2 channels of the DNiPro DOT, via MI Kinks half and full rectifier which is bashing out the toms on the ADDAC103 T-Networks, the Kick comes from the ADDAC too.
There is a little bit of filter action from the Happy Nerding HNVCF with modulation from the 2hp RND.
Disting MK4 on sample playing duty through 2hp Verb.

Your Shepard tone sounds good, both up and down.
Interesting that Telharmonic has that as an option. Have to put that module on my wish list.
I tried Lugias patch but I do not have enough EG/VCO combos and my Seq Switch could not (as I hoped) work as a trigger sequencer.
Then I tried a patch from a Youtube video that seemed to be easier. Only 2 VCO, 2 LFO and 3 VCA. But with limited success.

But I will continue to struggle with theese two patches.
A Shepard tone would be a perfect backdrop for an ambient piece I’m working with.

well there are no wrong paths, as such, just more expensive ones and a few dead ends!!
good luck and have fun!!

Hey GarfieldModular,

It sounds pretty cool, that frog must be from outer space!

Thanks for sharing.

Ok, It's what I thought. I suppose it's an impedance issue. The thing is that if it sounds, even pre-amplified, it should be leaking, at least at a very low amplitude, maybe not noticeable when the output signal level is attenuated. I made the comment because I've read that some Buchla VCA's in the seventies leaked and it was part of their charm, I thought that maybe Erica went for something similar. The thing that I would like to know is if all VCA's leak at a very low level, or are there completely silent devices, so as if I connect a very compressed distortion at the end of the VCA it wouldn't pull up the leaking. Anyway, I'm waiting for a Befaco line output module, hope it stops the leaking completely.

Many thanks,

Cheers!

EDITED Sep 6th 2020, 10:30

I highly recommend adding delay and reverb it really builds the ambience for a patch. I use the outboard FX for these with modular and that adds an extra dimension. Here is an example

The patch is basic but delay reverb brings it to life. I add compression as well and have fun.

Darn it too late, well at least Detroit Modular has a good 30 day return policy for refund or store credit :-)
Product shipped right away after I pushed order button. Ok I will probably exchange the Polivoks for the dual VCF filter.
I can try it out first and see if it works for me. I ended up keeping the Intellijel Mixup for my new case as audio output mixer and kept the Malekko Quad Envelope module and added a Malekko Varigate 4+ for sequencer in case that lets me create presets with the envelope. I will need it once it arrives next week as the Doepfer A100 basic system came with only one EG.

So far really love the weird Malekko Dual Borg Filter that thing is pure mayhem. I can get anything from aircraft to birds chirping to deep bass or horror soundscapes with the features of that filter and the Richter Anti-Oscillator. They pair nicely with Batumi LFO. I am glad that I bought and added the extra 4 channel buffered mult as well as many stackable cables. I ended up using all of them this evening in some patch experiments!

I also want the Erica Synths Black Wavetable VCO that thing is a work of art. It was my favorite next to MI Plaits from the VCV Rack software among oscillators. Initially wanted a Piston Honda MK3 but all sold out.

My next case will be much larger at least 4-500HP free. I love the larger modules but they require way more space. A Doepfer monster case or similar works for me. I think that I will need that larger space.

https://www.mdlrcase.com/eurorack-case-18u-126hp-performer-series-pro

So MDLR or dark modular monster case works for me! Anyways limits are good. I pushed myself today to create cool stuff with one VCO, once filter, one EG and one LFO. I was at jams few years ago with guys who introduced me to modular and they had massive rigs for the show in that size because of the number of required utility modules and larger sized modules.

Hello All,

For quite some time now, I keep playing around with the Erica Synths - Black Dual VCF. While playing around with this filter I was searching for the (sound of the) frog. Do you think I found the frog? :-)

Relatively simple setup, 1 voice only, stereo though. Sorry for the sometimes pretty harsh stereo effects, it's the module (Black Dual VCF) doing that and I haven't found a proper method yet of reducing that harshness of it a bit.

Sound source is the Erica Synths - Black VCO, modulation is done by Erica Synths - Black Octasource and a little bit of effects by the Erica Synths - Black Hole DSP2 and the output via Befaco - Out v3 module. A little bit of handclap, CV triggered by the Centrevillage.net - C Quencer DLX and generated by Vermona - DRM1 (with triggers).

Thanks for listening and if you are looking for a filter, I can recommend the Erica Synths - Black Dual VCF. Kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Sacguy71,

Ah... such a pity, I see I am too late with this message. In your title you mentioned you ordered already the Erica Synths - Black Polivoks VCF, if you can perhaps you try to exchange it for the Black Dual VCF. I got both filters, first I had the Black Polivoks VCF and I wasn't impressed, perhaps it's just me and I am using it wrong, that might be. So I gave up on Erica Synths regarding filters, though for some reason I gave it another chance and still ordered the Black Dual VCF. Oh what a beauty that is. It's very enjoyable using this dual VCF and can provide so much fun and pleasure, totally the opposite of the Polivoks VCF in my opinion.

If it's too late for you to change the order then I hope you can use that Polivoks filter better than I do. If you get some successful nice sounds out of that Polivoks then please let me know how you did that :-)

Have fun with the rest of it and kind regards, Garfield.

+1 on Garfield's comments here. People shouldn't be trying to feed synth-level signals to outboard devices. OF COURSE it'll sound like it's leaking...because you're taking about signals that can swing up to +/- 10V, and feeding these into something that either wants to see 1.4 or .775V. Since you're an audio tech, I shouldn't have to explain why this doesn't work, and also why an isolated, balanced output will improve matters as well.

My take on this...it's unusable. There's no mixers, attenuators, only ONE thing I could refer to as a VCA, and there's a mult in this tiny build where something FUNCTIONAL could have gone. Worse still, it's EXPENSIVE unusable.

The Cwejman and Schippmann modules on this site are really on here mainly as reference. No one in their right mind uses these unless they're capable of pooping Krugerrands.

Follow sacguy71's advice and get a copy of VCV Rack. With that, you can build up something very much like the above...and find out why you'll hate it literally in SECONDS if you made the capital mistake of actually building it. And conversely, you'll find out how to alter the above with the "boring" modules to actually arrive at a workable result...which you desperately need here, because all you've got at present is a boxful of expensiveness.

Not workable. There's too many utilities missing here, which is ironic since many of these expensive modules need those unsexy, cheap ones to do what they do.

Tear this down, and start over in a larger cab. MUCH larger. Build what you think SHOULD work...then start paring that down while continuing to make sure you've got the basic functionalities you need.

One other point: this actually DOES NOT have enough VCAs. The three present are fine for CV/mod work, given that they're linear, plus you can use the module for mixing these. However, this also needs VCAs for the audio path to control levels and impose envelopes. A proper performance mixer can fix this, plus potentially add CV over panning, FX, and so on. Also, if you feel like you need to compress the audio, do this externally. You don't have the requisite space in this build to sacrifice other functions for something that'll be done easier via an external processor on the synth's output.

I should note that it's far more difficult to create a successful small build than a larger one. You have to understand what you want the instrument to do in terms of your own music...preferably before building!...and know how to fit those functions into a small cab with suitably-sized modules. But there's also the point that it's actually pretty EASY to use a small cab to create something that simply won't work...or, at least, it's easy without a proper knowledge of what you're trying to accomplish.

Also, get a copy of VCV Rack. Spend some time (as in quite a bit) in there and make the information somewhat innate so that, when you transfer the ideas from VCV to hardware, you already will have a build that works and, also, which you might be able to fit into 2 x 84 hp. VCV Rack makes it MUCH easier to see what extra widgets are needed in a given build as well as offering different ideas on what you might want to do. https://vcvrack.com/

Hi Pricto,

Ah yes... if you don't use an Audio interface with output to your external mixer then your output signal is "too hot". Eurorack signals have a higher audio voltage than the usual audio lines, so that might be one reason. Try to use an audio output interface module to provide a good signal level to your external mixer.

I know there are lots of members here who do this directly without an audio interface module, like you do at the moment but since you are a sound technician, I do think you should do it the proper way :-) I.e. with an audio interface module. But up to you of course.

Your description of the Black Quad VCA that the signal starts to appear only at about 11 o'clock onwards, that's what I roughly recognise and experience with my Black VCA too, so perhaps that's just Erica Synths?

I don't think you are too picky, checking on certain things and make sure that everything is all right, is in my opinion, not being picky.

Let me know what Erica Synths tells you about that Black Quad VCA and good luck. Kind regards, Garfield.