ModularGrid Rack

Rack showing the first Eurorack module released by each manufacturer between 1995 and 2009:

1995, Doepfer, A-100 System
1998, Analogue Systems, RS Integrator
2004, Voxglitch, CV Pattern Generator
2005, Plan B, Model 15 VCO
2005, Livewire, Frequensteiner
2006, Cwejman, VM-1
2007, The Harvestman, Malgorithm
2008, Make Noise, Moddemod
2008, Tiptop Audio, Z5000
2008, Toppobrillo, Triple Wave Folder
2008, Bubblesound, SEM20 VSF
2009, Metasonix, R-52
2009, WMD, Geiger Counter
2009, Hinton Instruments, Switchmix (42hp, not shown)
2009, Synthesis Technology, E-340
2009, Synthwerks, FSR-1

Source: Modwiggler thread "Timeline History of Eurorack?" by bouzoukijoe1
https://modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=68605

Other noteworthy dates:

2001 First Superbooth at Musikmesse
2006 First post on Muffwiggler
2012 Modulargrid announced
2012 First Knobcon
2013 First DivKid video
2014 I dream of wires
2015 Mother 32
2016 First standalone Superbooth in Berlin
2021 10,000 3U modules on Modulargrid

For corrections, please leave a comment!


Howdy!

This is a pretty open ended request, so we might need a bit more detail to be able to give you adequate advice. I know it's not specifically Eurorack, but I would really recommend the Behringer 2500 clone as a very reasonably priced all-in-one extremely versatile option. You can also mount that in a standard rack and add a row or two of 84hp rails to expand with things you think you're missing. For drone/ambient I'd recommend some more sources of modulation and maybe some interesting delays/reverbs (if you're not already running it through pedals). Maths is a great addition to the 2600 for envelopes and more complex modulation (also highly recommend the illustrated supplement for Maths, you'll learn A TON about voltage and how to push it around). Updated clones of Clouds (like the Monsoon) are pretty "classic" eurorack nowadays too. Sort of an instant ambient playhouse.

This might just be my personal opinion, but I don't think synthwave type sounds are really where modular shines. When I think of synthwave I think of more typical polysynth options, but the beauty of modular is you can always run a keyboard synth alongside it! (or even INTO it!)

Any more detail on things that are drawing you into modular or sounds that have been inspiring you would be greatly helpful to give you more specific direction.



Hi.
I'm trying to compile my first rack and after a month of research I think I'm back to square one.
First I was looking into Behringer system 100 and 2500 but realizing system 100 is very basic and 2500 ocupies too much space for what it offers I've tried some different configurations and still can't figure out a good set.
I have external sequencer and keyboard with CV/gate out so I don't need any sequencers.
What I'm after is something that I can use for drone/ambient and 80's electronic/synthwave.
Also my budget is 2000€.
Any help would be appreciated.


hello is this able to route a gate and 1v/oct signal in dual mono mode precisely?


update:
figured that with 4ms interface I can replace anything that would be in it's rackspace. So I went overboard, removed the sampler (as I can build that in VCV) and put in the interface. Also changed MIDI interface to USB based with more sockets to be able to control more than just 2x trigger/CV. Also replaced the DJ filter with TTA's forbidden planet as I heard good things about it and the sound is nice.

As a bonus it's somewhat cheaper and less power hungry than what I had in those places.


As long as the total power draw of all the modules is within the capacity of the palette you should be fine. I did the same thing in my niftycase's back when i had them without any problems.


Thanks @sweelinck
Its a bit chaocic with the modes changing on Plaits but Sloths makes for a nice long cycle of changes as part of the mixed modulation.

Enjoy your spare HP, don't rush to fill every last space, this is not like filling sticker books. Resist the urge to 'complete' your rack, its never complete so just relax.

https://youtube.com/@wishbonebrewery


Vast surreal musical landscape (I don't refer to the illustrations next to it). Experimental sound associations that make you want to rush and turn on our own modular :) I really like this introductory comment: 'Marbles is vaguely in control!’ :)) So true and modest... Bravo for this exploration!

'On ne devrait jamais quitter Montauban' (Fernand Naudin).
https://soundcloud.com/petrus-major/tracks



Do you already have any of these?


Plaits split into Mimeophon, Clouds and Veno-Echo

Lots of mixed modulation, Marbles is vaguely in control!

Enjoy your spare HP, don't rush to fill every last space, this is not like filling sticker books. Resist the urge to 'complete' your rack, its never complete so just relax.

https://youtube.com/@wishbonebrewery


what should i get first: Some drums and constellation for sequencing or a Delay like the sealegs?


Objective

Portable weekend/travel palette.

Context

Pushing the limits of the 62hp palette beyond the 12 native power slots w/ flying bus cable, with modules that didn't make the final cut on my main rack

Music

Techno-dub-ish delirium

Random patch notes

  • Total recall will handle decay of Brooks and Pico Drum high hat through Pons Asinorum; decay of pluck
  • Remaining Pons tracks will be for modulation
  • Tymp legio will hanlde BD with low bass and ducking
  • Brooks for mid bass
  • Pluck for lead
  • Peaks not sure yet, but probably snares or modulation
  • Pico Drums 2nd track for bell or snares (if Peaks is on modulation duty)
  • Arp...well...arp cv distributed to both Brooks, Tymp and Pluck cv/oct (they'll all have different triggers)
  • Running order and Steppy - sequencing duties w/ one track of Steppy for reset variations
  • Pico dsp for drum fx
  • Electus (or I'll flash it for Desmodus) for fx on the pluck
  • Brooks will be handled with LPG 1U and Pons Asinorum

I'd put the 2 sequencers, total recall and Arp on the same flying bus cable

Will it work ?
Any suggestions for changes ?

Thx a lot !

ModularGrid Rack


Thanks for your insights Khimbo!

I was indeed aiming at a live performance case with an emphasis on rythm. I love dnb to death and wanted options to go there if I can so that's the style I was going for. It's the reason why I've put the bitbox in (chopped breaks). I have been drumming for a long time and in any music I listen to I get drawn to the rythm section therefore that idea. I also like the idea of a self sustaining system, "band in a box", to not need anything else besides maybe a MIDI controller to pull off a full set. No idea if I ever get the opportunity to play it live at a venue somewhere but I like to build VCV synths in the same way.

I know the Cs-L from VCV Rack and it's a beast indeed. I was actually considering it when setting up the first take on this, also because I love the aesthetic of Instruo stuff, but got drawn to the grittiness of the LIP. I'm not the kind of person to doubt an expert though, so I swapped the two. I'll take your word for it hehe. I removed the Lorelei as well as the Cs-L can function as two analog voices on its own.

Can you maybe elaborate more on the unpredictability you speak of?


Yesterday, after giving a Masterclass on Modular Synthesizers at the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), my dear friend and musical partner, estroe had all her Modular Synth gear stolen from her car. This is absolutely devastating. A Modular Synth is a deeply personal and valuable instrument, something built over years, and not easily replaced.

I’m reaching out to the Synth Community and asking everyone to keep their eyes and ears open. If you see someone trying to sell multiple modules from this list, please send me or Estroe a message. The list of stolen modules is attached, and you can find a link to her Modular Grid Case in my bio, also shown in one of the photos.

Let’s come together and show Estroe some support. Anyone who has a love of modular synths will understand that this is heartbreaking. Thank you.

Her case here on Modulargrid:

ModularGrid Rack

Gear list:

• Mutable Instruments - Plaits
• Happy Nerding - FX Aid Pro
• ALM Busy Circuits - Pamela’s PRO Workout
• Klavis - Logica XT
• Klavis - Quadigy
• MoMo - Cara
• Magerit - Lanākaea
• Qu-Bit - Nebulae v2
• Shakmat Modular - Dual Dagger
• Plum Audio - ADVA
• Happy Nerding - DVCA
• Intellijel - Quadrat 1U
• Intellijel - Mix Up 1U
• Doepfer - LFO
• WMD - Fracture
• Neuzeit Instruments - Warp
• Neuzeit Instruments - Warp

Raaf


I'm happy to help. Certainly had my fair share of head scratchers when I was getting going.

Seems like that ALM headphone module will be perfect for your needs. Personally I use a Befaco Outs V3 because I need the balanced 1/4" jacks, but if all you need is the headphone out then something like that would be overkill.

Another thing to consider, if you wanted a bit more from the ES-8 but didn't feel like going the ES-9 route there are some expanders for more ins/outs. I've got the ES-6/ ES-3 combo for 6 extra ins and 8 outs respectively. They work very well and have kept me satisfied enough with the ES-8 that I haven't really thought about upgrading to the ES-9.

Happy patching!


much appreciated ! ive had AUM for years and never really used it but ill definitely be firing it up and having a look . ordered the headphone module from ALM today . would love to upgrade to the es-9 but i literally just got the es-8 so ill see how it goes for now !


No problem.

The mixing of modular signals and ipad audio will be taken care of via whatever ipad app you're using (there are plenty of options). I found AUM to be really useful, as it lets you route audio in and out of different apps to ultimately be sent back out of the ES-8. Sure, you could just stick with Logic, but AUM will give you a lot more options.

The purpose of the output module would be to combine two mono outputs of the ES-8, for example outs 1+2, into one trs out with suitable levels for headphones.

Important distinction between 'combining' and 'mixing' here. The output module in theory shouldn't be doing any mixing. rather it's providing you with the TRS jack your headphones need.


Hi,
check the manual at enveloppe section.
The enveloppe can be continuous or not.
Maybe ''continuous'' is selected.


I think you should decide if you want use the rack more for live performance or for sound design at home. In my opinion these compact synth voices (BIA, LIP, MIA) are good in a live show but when I make sounds in the studio, I usually prefer to patch up my basic Doepfer modules, because I can get more unique "modular sounding" stuff with more control over the sound. If I could go back in time, I'd only get the Bitbox, a few basic modules (vco, vca, lfo, env, etc), cool modulation sources and a matrix mixer. In you case, as others said, integrating VCV rack with Expert Sleepers, would be a huge plus.

Also, I own both the LIP and the Cs-L and the Cs-L is just way more fun for me and covers a wider acoustic palette. YouTube vids don't do justice imho. Complex analog oscillators can get gritty as hell with some distortion, more than the LIP. But they are also more unpredictible, so again, in a live show it may not be what you want.


update:
I noticed that the Vult Freak is hard to get so I searched for another option and found Intellijels Morgasmatron. It's not as expansive as the Freak but sounds very good in my opinion and has 2 circuits to use. The overdrive circuit looks useful as well, as that seems to fit my preferred sonic profile.
Added an analog sound source to offset all the digital stuff. Thought about cutting an Alia but to hell with that ;)
Replaced the mixer with smaller options to follow up on one of your tips. I mainly opted for the mixer at first because of the send/return options and integrated outputs. Toying around with some other options resulted in more stuff to use.
Added Pico DSP and Pico Out as I got those recently to add to my Cre8audio Nifty Bundle I also recently purchased (darn mono out on this otherwise awesome case sigh). Bought this case to be able to practice with purchased stuff until I have enough of them to warrant a bigger case. This also confronted me with the flexibility a MIDI controller offers so added a module for that.
Added double Disting MK4 as it can do such a heap of things I can safely assume they will add a lot of possibilities and complexity to a patch. And for the heap of things they can do they're relatively cheap as well.
Got rid of the Ghost although I like it to invest that space into more than one module instead.
Practising with PPW in VCV Rack made me cut the Euclidean Circles as I'm starting to get used to the equivalent options in PPW. I also think its 8 outs are enough to offer clocking options and use some for euclidean patterns. I don't see me using more than 3-4 patterns at once coming from PPW and 4-5 clocks seems plenty. I can also get clocks from the Data if need be.
I tried the wasp filter in VCV Rack too and I found it a bit underwhelming for my taste. Added a DJ style filter instead to add a nice performance option.
Also added some small other things derived from lessons I learned in VCV Rack.

Expert sleepers interface, well, I'm in doubt after watching some more vids on it. I'm worried that it adds "too many options". I'm still a novice at this and such a heap of options might overwhelm. I basically want as little modules as possible that need extensive interfacing with a computer. Moving into eurorack was partially motivated by wanting to move away from computers/DAW. The sampler already needs this interfacing to some extend, and I want to keep it at that if I can. When I'm comfortable with this synth, I might still buy it to expand at a later stage.


thanks for the speedy reply ! so if i add an output module im assuming it will put the combined audio from logic on my ipad through the headphones ? for example , the modular signal going into logic combined with any ipad based effects and instruments


It's a good combo, the ES-8 and ipad pro, but you'll only be able to use one interface at a time.
The solution is to put an output module next to the ES-8 with a headphone output, or sell the ES-8 and upgrade to the ES-9 which I believe has an onboard headphone amp.


hi guys , im looking to record my modular gear into my ipad whilst playing piano and other instruments as auv3 plugins over it to record compositions .
i just got the expert sleepers es-8 to use as an audio interface for my ipad pro running logic pro . i can receive audio into logic fine but i cant find a way to configure it so that the ipad doesnt use the es-8 as the audio output also .
i have a usb hub between the es-8 and ipad , and headphones plugged into the usb hub , but logic wont allow me to use the headphones as an output to listen to what im playing in logic and recording from the modular , only the es-8 .
does anyone have any experience with this setup ?


i love to hear you opinion on my module and - if someone has expirience suggestions for future functions ( i mean not things like "can you make a 1u version" or in need to make it coffee too" ;)
thanks


Howdy! I don't actually have a Victor so I'm not 100% sure, but in the manual it says this about the gate input:

"GATE IN – use this 3.5 mm TS jack socket to activate
the onboard mix envelope from an external
source. The GATE input expects a v-trig rising from
0 V to +5 V."

Whereas the Plaits has an actual built in LPG/envelope for amplitude, it looks like the purpose of the gate on Victor is to trigger an envelope that sweeps the onboard oscilator mix. Does that sound right? I also noticed the USB/Midi jack says specifically it does not respond to note on/off which makes me think it doesn't have internal VCA capabilities. I think you'll want to run it into an external VCA and use gate from the GM to trigger an envelope to control it. Cheers!


A 16 wave waveform generator. Has delay, repeats, speed internally, all of which can also be changed with CV. Trigger button or CV in.
Also allows you to “stir in” other signals to affect the wave, which produces some very interesting results.

Build


Thread: Change Log

Mini Updates

Median Price

The Used Price History history on the marketplace includes now the median price. The median price ignores the very low and very high offers and could therefore represent the more realistic price. Unicorn feature.

JSON Rack Import/Export

Unicorn users can export/import their racks as json data

Beep, Bopp, Bleep: info@modulargrid.net


Hello everyone,

This patch swings with a bouncy, organic feel, almost like an acoustic instrument. The video is a little bit messy because I couldn't sit still while filming — you'll catch glimpses of my shoulder in the frame from time to time. Sorry about that!

I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed making it.

If you like this video, please consider liking and subscribing. Your support really helps me keep creating these patches.

Raaf


I am trying to play my newly acquired Behringer Victor using my Moog Grandmother , keybord out into the Victors V/Oct
and the GM Gate out into the Victors Gate In.

The V/Oct works fine but the Gate is not working, i.e i get a continuous drone from the Victor.

i use the same patching from my GM into Plaits and it works fine.

Does anyone have any ideas why this is happening with Victor? Is it a duff Victor or am i missing something very obvious?


So I guess this is the common "Hey I'm new, looking for opinions on my rack" post. …
For cases, I picked three Intj 7u 104hp cases each outfitted with a pair of 1U Octalinks to route each case to the others. That way I can just pull the 3 CAT cables off to be able to put the case lids on without having to unpatch everything.
-- TheLooseNut

A few thoughts regarding your hopes for Octalink cross-case connections.

• With a system this size you'll often find yourself patching more connections between the cases than the eight supported by an Octalink. (That won't matter when your patches will be torn down before the cases are moved.)

• Octalink connections are great for subsonic CV signals. They might or might not suffice for audio signals. You'll need to patch directly, instead, if crosstalk interferes with quality.

Happy patching!


The show was great. There were so many chubby guys with bad haircuts it was difficult to say hello to everyone.


Thread: Oh’Man

Patchnotes in the youtube link


thank you so much for your input! will check those modules out. :)


Were I filling out this system I would next go for an Intellijel Quadrax (or perhaps Quadra) and then a QuadVCA. At that point you'd still have all Intellijel modules which is visually (and sonically) pretty.

Maths is a function generator. Quadrax is also a function generator. They're different but serve roughly the same roles. Things like signal level balance are likely to be better between modules by the same manufacturer.


Hello Everyone,

I just got a 7U 84HP Intellijel Case and a few modules: Atlantix, atlx, metropolix and sealegs.
what would be a good addition to this system?

I know ideally I should just learn how to use those modules inside out first but I'd appreciate any recs for future upgrades.

I was thinking of potentially getting maths but I'm not really sure if it'll be useful or if I really need it.

best,
Neluh.


Very beautiful piece, positive and sunny!
-- Sweelinck

Thank you very much! I'm really liking the Klee.


Thread: Bug Report

Discovering any Bugs? Post here!
-- modulargrid

The primary version of KOMA Dual Discrete VCA cannot be added to a rack. Choosing either version from the module page adds the alternative version picture. This started some months ago. Before that it worked fine.


Very beautiful piece, positive and sunny!

'On ne devrait jamais quitter Montauban' (Fernand Naudin).
https://soundcloud.com/petrus-major/tracks


Thanks @Progspiration for getting us back on the right path, we should have known something was wrong :))
Thinking about this presence of an original MI Clouds, we could perhaps justify it by a desire to own a collector's item... it's not my thing, but I could understand.

'On ne devrait jamais quitter Montauban' (Fernand Naudin).
https://soundcloud.com/petrus-major/tracks


Hi you all !


The 2 clouds threw me off at first too, but reading the original description closer, the 1st row is what they have already and the 2nd row is proposed next steps. I also agree a smaller/more flexible clouds clone is a good step though


Howdy folks! I haven't posted here in a while, mostly because I haven't completed any recordings recently. I have been checking out/enjoying other posts here though. :-)

I have been busy recording, just not publishing stuff, and also enjoying a lot of DIY projects. I recently completed building the venerable Klee Sequencer and here's my first recording with it. Cheers!

https://m.


@VONDENFUNKEN is right.
Yes, not only will one Clouds be enough and I personaly even suggest replacing it with an excellent clone like Monsoon: smaller and more complete. And don't forget Beads (Emilie said Clouds was "a mistake", and at the end of MI, she created Beads).
https://en.clockfacemodular.com/blogs/waveguide/interview-with-designers-emilie-gillet-mutable-instruments

'On ne devrait jamais quitter Montauban' (Fernand Naudin).
https://soundcloud.com/petrus-major/tracks


Why 2 clouds?

I would drop the behringer envelope and get something else. (or use maths for envelopes)
+ drop the behringer vcas and mixer - and look for something like a Veils or Quad Vca with more Vcas in one module
I like Nano Modules ONA as standard vco (its small hp)
I would drop all the behringer - even the low pass filter, there are other cool filters in this hp.

Maybe think about it a bit more

Greetings

Chris


Don't buy anything from @freesolo337. I will summarise my experience with him:

1 - On the 17th of August I bought a Mutable Ripples V2 from him, I sent the money and he sent the module on the 22nd.

2 - The module should have arrived at my house on August 27th but it could not be delivered. Apparently because the address on the package was incorrect, so the Spanish postal system informed me that it would be returned to Ireland. I informed @freesolo337 of this situation and he opened an incident case with the Irish postal service.

3 - A few days passed without any update. I called both the Spanish and Irish services several times; the package was still in Spain but no one knew where it was. After calling persistently for weeks I managed to get it located and sent to Ireland.

4 - The package was lost again. After calling several times and sending dozens of emails, I found out that it was blocked in customs. I had to call again over and over again and managed to get it unblocked so that it could be returned to Ireland. Throughout this whole process, @freesolo337 did nothing about it.

5 - When the package finally arrives in Ireland (12th September), it can't be delivered to @freesolo337 because there is no return address. I was told by the Irish service that @freesolo337 had to fill in a form to get the parcel back. He decided not to do so because he had already filled out a form (step 2) and apparently filling out another one was too much work for him.

6 - Since 12 September I have asked him for the incident case number of the form he opened. He has not sent it to me. The last message from him is from 17 September telling me that he had already filled in a form and that he will let me know. Since then I have not heard anything more from him, he has ignored all my messages for weeks and I am without my money and without the module I bought. I have been ripped off :(
-- nin993

Just for you to know: after one month of ignoring every single message I sent to him and after almost two months of this situation, @freesolo337 decided to appear and give me negative feedback for...whatever reason. I never imagined there could be people like these in the modular community, it's so sad and disappointing.

UPDATE: He has deleted his account in case there were any doubts about how childish and scammer this guy is. And now, the guy created 3 fake accounts just for downvoting me. It's incredible having to see this after getting scammed by him. He already has my money and my module but apparently it's not enough for him. Be careful because you can find truly awful people here.


+1 for Marbles.
+1 for Rnd Step.
= +2 :))

'On ne devrait jamais quitter Montauban' (Fernand Naudin).
https://soundcloud.com/petrus-major/tracks


-1 on getting rid of Maths, it's a superb module and opens up so much modulation possibility (and also has some dang snappy envelopes). And rather than a Marbles I'd suggest getting something like Divkid's RND Step which gives you a bunch of sample and holds with internal random sources. Throw in a couple ring modulators, let's say Intellijel's Amps module, and you have many of the foundational pieces that make modulation possible and fun, which after all is the point of modular!

Just my 2 cents.


Is there a way to lock a module in position in a rack, so it will stay locked in position when aligning other modules around it using the keyboard shortcuts?