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I only have one Maths...maybe soon two. While I don't have the money to shell out for a whole rack of Maths, man would I want to play with such a thing. Could probably have 2-4 at audio rates (I suppose 2 if you don't have a mixer), and the rest LFOs and LFOs modulating other LFOs. I dunno...give me the rack and I'll give you some patches

Hi Lugia & Garfield !

I hope life is treating you well and that you're having a good time, wherever you are :D

The case and modules arrived some days ago. As you probably guessed, the setup has evolved based on my investigations and further head scratching, here it is:

• the Doepfer mixer module is gone, replaced by 2 linked Intellijel Mixup modules, essentially a 8HP gain (12 vs 20 for the Doepfer solution) with more channels. Quite happy with those except the ones I received were delivered with channel 1 broken (I suspect ModularSquare sent me returns instead of new ones).

• I'm ok with Pico modules. I guess I have slim enough fingers to handle those, the limited size is not an issue for me at all.

• Erica EG was replaced with the more adaptive Stages, I figure that between that and the Maths, I have the envelopes I need right now, in case I need an extra one a Pico Mod might come back in, or maybe one of those 2hp modules if I need space.

• Black Dual Filter was replaced by a QPAS and a Doepfer Wasp filter. They're both amazing in their own style, no regrets here, Wasp's sound is right up my alley, any knob turn sounds good, almost feels like it's too easy lol. And the QPAS, well, I don't even know if I can call it "just" a filter, it's very very deep. I won't be able to comment on the Erica module though :)

• I took a different approach on effects. For now, I just use a Pico DSP instead of the bulkier Black Hole DSP, with a plan to get a Make Noise Mimeophon when stock is back, sounds like something that is right up my alley and is more inviting to sonic exploration.

• You were both right about the OctaSource, doubting its presence was a mistake, modulation fun for days, I just need to learn how to tame the beast, so to speak :)

• Got a Pamela's NW, and again I feel like this was the right choice, its wide range of options is great for both modulation exploration and sequencing, it's a keeper for sure and it was immediately obvious why it's one of the best rated modules out there.

• Introduced drums into the setup, using a couple of Pico DRUMS and a Steppy for this. It's basic but it works great, mainly thanks to the amazing Steppy, very fun sequencer really, with the very useful mutes to circumvent the absence of mutes and only 1 output for 2 drum sounds on the Pico's.

• Replaced the Fusion VCO with a Ts-L from Instruo, saving HP and getting a different sound. Haven't explored this one too much yet but from what I've heard so far, it sounds pretty good. I spent more time with the Black Wavetable as of now though.

• I love the Quad VCA, it's Boost is great for creating distorsion and it's super precise, if I had infinite space I'd get another !

• I was expecting the Mimetic Digitalis to be a bit easier to use, but I might just need more time with it.

• the A-134 was an unexpected gift so as long as I have space in my current setup, it's staying, I currently use it as a VCO mixer.

• Maths is soooo useful, it's the ultimate Eurorack toolbox, also obvious why everyone recommends getting one. Mainly using it as an envelope generator or LFO, but I have plans to spend a lot of time exploring just that module.

• Everyone should get a Disting. With that much functionality in so few HP, it's basically a must-have in my book. Already used it as reverb before the Pico DSP arrived, quantizer, filter, sample player, ... I'll probably spend a day or two exploring each of the functions, sounds like quite a lot of fun can be had doing just that.

This setup is great paired with an Octatrack, for now I have simply setup the OT as a looper using the XFader transition trick, this is ace :) I'm debating what will be done in the modular and what will be done in the OT, originally I was thinking of leaving the bass drum in the OT for example, I like using the OT's compressor on those but having introduced the Steppy and Pico DRUMS, I almost feel like I could do everything in the 7U case and just use the OT for transitions and effects.

Dreams for the future include
- a Basimilus Iteritas Alter to create weird percussions or basslines, demos sound amazing and more importantly, I think I can get sounds out of it that will be useable very fast... It's also a more complete voice using limited space which is nice
- an extra filter couldn't hurt if I get a BIA, I was thinking a MMF from SSF/WMD
- probably a Batumi for extra LFO's, not sure I need it, I'll decide in a few months when I have played more with what I have

That's where I am right now. I'd be happy to answer questions you may have on the setup !

Have a good one !

Diego, a happy Euroracker

Maybe I'd start with "One knob per function"-modules and nothing with a display. No menu diving, just explore modular with three basic modules like ST0, Optomix and Math. With clever patching this setup will drone your socks off. Future modules could be Varigate 4+, Rings or Morphagene.

bought a Hertz Donut mk3 from @ChristophRemmery

great seller, top communication and fairness!

thanks to @ChristophRemmery for great communication and fairness. buy with confidence from him!

Go on, show us an example patch. You can create rudimentary oscillators and filter type effects with a Maths unit. You can do more than decorate with them.

Fuck yeah

Pam's New Workout is capable of delivering clocks as well as some basic waveshapes instead of gates. Chords has modulation inputs but those inputs do not seem to have any attenuators/attenuverters built-in to it. So if the value can't be attenuated within PNW, then you're stuck. Also, PNW only generates voltages up to 5V. That may be problematic if you're looking to trigger an envelope... which may be up to 8V or even 10V. How are you going to modulate any of the values coming out of PNW?

The Disting Mk4 can do a lot. But in this case the OP described it as only being used as an effects processor.

The headphone module is just for monitoring.

Even if this is for some sort of drone machine, there's a lot missing. You're going to want a filter. I do not know what the oscillators in Chords sound like... but a filter will go a long way in shaping the sounds. You're going to want some VCAs, attenuverters, and an actual CV source for generating pitch... even if you're generating drones. With that, I'd also recommend some sort of slew rate limiter unless you want your drones to suddenly change pitch if you shift the voltage going to the 1V/OCT input.

I think you're really shooting yourself in the foot expecting anything usable from this built. It will make noises. But will they be useful?

You've picked modules that you like with very little consideration to how to actually get them to work as a system or as to how you will create any useful drones... that actually evolve over time.

I'm in agreement with Ronin here, actually. It might be a far better idea for you to get a copy of VCV Rack and start to explore these musical ideas in that environment, both to get some chops up as well as to get a clearer idea of what you'll actually need to accomplish this should you opt to work this out in hardware.

Fact is, there's a big "WARNING" sign in your initial post. Generative rigs that work really well tend to be larger setups, not the sort of thing you'd have in a Rackbrute 6U. While that initial module choice has nothing glaringly wrong with it, it's small enough that there's plenty of room for things to go that way as the design progresses. Since you have a clear musical direction in mind here, don't work it out in hardware, as you're apt to discover that you took a wrong turn a few purchases back and a $250 error in judgement will have turned into a $1250 one. Figure out how to get to where you want to go with ZERO expense first in order to avoid this.

Thanks for the reply. Yeah I get that about Nebulae being a granular unit. I had just brought up plaits because of the whole not only having chord as the primary oscillator and nothing else. I was thinking maybe that would solve that problem. Modulation, I get that too. I'm going to be building the system over time, I'm just trying to put together a grouping of modules that I can work with for basic stuff to start. Additional modules on down the line I'd add would be bautami (sp?), tides, more VCA's, a proper mixer etc, etc, etc...

Hi there -

Here is what I got for now:

PNW will supply gates and LFO's.
Chord V2 will be droning and will be modulated by PNW.
Disting MK4 will be used as effect-unit for now.
HPO will output to my headphones while patching.
Case is a Rackbrute 6U.

I actually think this looks like a great starting point if this is your first foray into Eurorack. What makes this work is that you've got a clear vision ("an ambient droning rack for chords"). This setup wouldn't work for everything, but I think it's perfect as a starting point.

Pamela's New Workout is a tremendously flexible & powerful source of clocks and clocked modulation, and its ability to internally attenuate the level of modulation coming out of it is super helpful in a compact system like you're describing.

I haven't used Chord v2, but the fact that you can get both chords or single voice(s) out of it makes it a good starting point. I might consider swapping it for Plaits myself, but they're both great.

Disting should be a nice utility player - can be effects, as you note, or lots of other things (a quantizer if you wanted to use random voltages out of PNW as a sequence, for example).

Good luck with this!

What if I ditched nebulae and added Plaits and another 4x vca? I had my eyes on Batumi but was going to add it later. I really like the concept of the chord module and would like to keep it. But, I don’t want to spend the $$ or the HP on a second one. Just looking for something basic to start that will get me going.
-- _RFJ

Ditching the Nebulae? It depends if you really want Granular Stuff in your Rack (i want it). There's also
the Make Noise Morphagene which is similar. You find Videos comparing the 2 on YouTube.

Plaits (VCO) is a completely different thing to a Nebulae and a Morphagene. If you keep the Chord V2
i would recommend add another VCO.

And you really need some Modulation.

But that's an advice from a beginner.

You have about 25% of a functional system laid out. I'm being generous.

I would learn a lot more about synthesis and modular synthesis before planning a system.

Hi everyone,

I'm thinking about starting my modular journey and I would greatly appreciate your advice!

The rack I'm trying to build will start off as an ambient droning rack but will eventually get voices on top of that.
I'm looking for a rack that will "play itself", so no midi controlling or DAW.
I'm not into total chaos, just the right amount! ;)
I'm not looking to start with a semi-modular.

Here is what I got for now:

PNW will supply gates and LFO's.
Chord V2 will be droning and will be modulated by PNW.
Disting MK4 will be used as effect-unit for now.
HPO will output to my headphones while patching.
Case is a Rackbrute 6U.

Am I missing something right now? Recommendations for the future?

Thanks in advance!

This is not a module, and therefore it shouldn't be listed here...

Hi Lugia,

Sorry no, maximum is Euro 20 or 25, forget which one but somehwere in that region, that's why I am saying it's stupid, if it would be Euro 500 or something like that, I wouldn't have complained ;-)

Kind regards, Garfield.

Stupid exists, yep. But one other thing that's perhaps not so stupid are duty limits. I know that from Germany to the USA, anything electronic music-wise entering US Customs with a value of less than $800 is duty-free. You might check and see if a similar duty-free limit exists from the USA to your own locale.

And if that works, then I'd suggest also looking at G-Storm's VCFs. Not only are they spot-on (I have a Jupe-6 at present, and the 2600 is something I know all too well across about 40 years), they also have the smart addition of a 2-in mixer for audio. And they do a kickin' ARP 4012 clone-job...

The question that's most relevant here would be "how much experience do you have with synthesizer programming?" If the answer is "not much" or something along those lines, I'd strongly suggest getting experience with either VCV Rack (a virtual Eurorack environment, free to DL at vcvrack.com ) or a more basic patchable (there's quite a few of these, ranging from the inexpensive Behringer Neutron up thru pricier options such as the Pittsburgh Modular Voltage Lab) and figuring out how to get the sounds you want in those before hurling a large sum of money into the void. Fact is, if you don't have fairly strong programming chops before moving to a full modular, you might as well be buying a pricey wall decoration, because it's extremely easy to get poor results under those circumstances.

Equipment doesn't fix things that you need to work on your chops on. Keep that in mind.

Hi Lugia,

Okay thanks a lot for the background information on G-Storm, so that, indeed, sounds very good. Just a little "but" here ;-) I live in Europe and yes I can order from USA or anywhere else I want but as soon as I order from outside the EU, I have to pay import tax on it (starting from a value of Euro 20 or 25 somewhere around that), depending on the items, it's at least the VAT level (which is 19% in Germany) and if you have bad luck yet another kind of tax. I am not sure but on synthesizers it might be just that 19%. So having a dealer here in Europe takes that headache for you away so to speak.

Still will keep it in mind though and if I can't find anything via European dealers available, I still might go that road, its because of the stupid EU import tax (for private persons too), an unpleasant road to go though. Paper work, tax payments, long queues at the custom's office, etcetera.

Ridiculous right? It's 2019 and still this stupidity matters... but hey that's how it currently is (and I don't see this changing soon).

Kind regards, Garfield.

Dear
I am in the process of building a system from scratch. I am new to modular.
I play old school hard tekno to hard core.
Main reference is Spiral Tribe.
As a start, I was thinking of purchasing the complete Tekno System from Erica Synths.
Any advice? Right machine? What shall be added?
Intention is to play live...and why not pressing vinyl!

^Thabks for the reply!
I really love the chord module and will definitely check that video out. What would you think if I added a plaits to the current build up top and another vca? Do you think that would be enough to at least get going and build from?

EDITED Oct 4th 2019, 17:01

Also, if you're insisting on using the Chord as a VCO (I wouldn't do that, frankly), you need to consider a second on so that you can detune them against each other, do sync, etc for a "bigger" sound. That'll be spendy, though, at about $600 for a pair of poly VCOs...which is why I said I wouldn't do that.
-- Lugia

You can do some very pretty things with the Chord

But if you just have just 1 VCO in your Rack I wouldn't recommend the Chord.

But would you really need 2 Chord?

Thanks for the reply.

What if I ditched nebulae and added Plaits and another 4x vca? I had my eyes on Batumi but was going to add it later. I really like the concept of the chord module and would like to keep it. But, I don’t want to spend the $$ or the HP on a second one. Just looking for something basic to start that will get me going.

Hi Buzz_R and Catwavez,

Catwavez: Thanks a lot for that module link. The module looks just what we need here! :-) Pity I don't know this brand and I can't find a closeby (European) dealer that sells this brand.

You might be better off ordering directly from G-Storm; they're located in Oklahoma (if I remember right) and are a relatively small operation. Their recreations of classic ARP and Roland filters, though...those are quite accurate and nicely-implemented. No reason to think their MS-20 converter wouldn't be of the same calibre.

Lots missing here...you're going to need VCAs (both for audio as well as CVs/modulation), for starters, otherwise this will turn into a pointless exercise pretty quickly. Maths is also a useful thing, and you might also look into a Batumi for straight LFOs. Also, if you're insisting on using the Chord as a VCO (I wouldn't do that, frankly), you need to consider a second on so that you can detune them against each other, do sync, etc for a "bigger" sound. That'll be spendy, though, at about $600 for a pair of poly VCOs...which is why I said I wouldn't do that.

Hey guys...
Been researching and talking to a seller on line about a set of modules. I told them a few modules I liked and they helped me get to this. I know my way around synths pretty well, never dipped into eurorack. Going to get a tiptop mantis case and start with the modules below. With the rack I think I would have enough to get me started - sequencing, synthesis, sampling, basic modulation and filtering.

The 2u 104hp would definitely leave room to grow. Not sure where I’ll go with it next. I’ll know more once I start playing with a few modules what exactly my needs are. I know you guys say every rack needs a maths. Depending on what I find with this setup maybe maths and a erebverb would be next.

Let me know what you guys think. Oh, and I’ll need an output module as well, just haven’t added it yet.

Hi Lugia,

Oh yes! That sounds and looks good :-) I didn't had a chance yet to look at the prices but from the look of it, how professional it looks like, it must cost a fortune I am afraid.

At page 72 is a nice 12 V DC power supply unit, just what we need for our Eurorack cases :-) You just take a "battery" of those units in one large row supplying your entire factory-hall kind of space with Eurorack cases... even winning a serious lotery might not be enough for that kind of nice stuff and space you need for that too...

That picture on page 51, that does it, doesn't it? :-)

Now at least we know where Mr. Doepfer got his ideas from ;-)

I googled here with the German Google version and end up with the same website technical-furniture.com but then everything in German. Looks like they are a German company but not really sure. I don't think you can find a "shop" that sells their products. From their website and my understanding of reading their information is that they do come up with whatever solution you need and they will install it for you on location, worldwide... so this must come at unbelievable prices...

Kind regards, Garfield.

Edit: removed a typo

EDITED Oct 4th 2019, 02:35

Hi Buzz_R and Catwavez,

Catwavez: Thanks a lot for that module link. The module looks just what we need here! :-) Pity I don't know this brand and I can't find a closeby (European) dealer that sells this brand.

Buzz_R: Hmm yeah Roland System 1m, I had a look at it then I liked it. I actually own a Roland synth (before I started with and went into Eurorack) and I really like it, so I have from that point of view nothing against Roland. I am just saying this, so you don't get me wrong here :-)

I love the specifications of that System 1m, and I had several looks on the Internet about this one and I was kind of ready to buy this thing because indeed it looks very interesting. So I went to my dealer and had it tested and somehow (and I don't mind to put the blame here full at myself) I just couldn't get nice sounds out of that thing. That made me feel a bit disappointing because whatever I read about it was positive but I just couldn't get nice sounds out of it and I admit that might be just my non-skills of just not knowing how to use it but it made me a bit careful about this item and decided not to buy it for the moment.

However now reading your comments makes me feel that I should perhaps give it a second chance and try to test it again at my dealer; so I will reconsider that System 1m again then :-)

By the way, I also tested the Roland Eurorack modules but they were even worse than that System 1m, their modules can't give me any appetite at all to buy and use them. I don't know exactly why just that I don't feel they are very "exciting" to use. The sound I felt was a bit boring. For me a module must invite me to start patching it, to feel happy, to feel exciting to use it, but no sir, not with the Roland Eurorack modules... pity because I love their synthesizers...

Kind regards, Garfield.

Thanks to @nemox for the quick shipping and good packing of an excellent Kickall module!

G-Storm Electro just announced and released this $125 "KVP" voltage processor. Convert cv/gate from eurorack (v/o) to Korg (hz/v) and vice versa. https://www.modulargrid.net/e/g-storm-electro-kvp

...and so begins the journey down the rabbit hole of EuroRack... ROTFLMAO!

You might want to explore getting a Roland System-1m. I love my System-1 Keyboard, and got a few of the rack mount versions the System-1m to mix with my EuroRack stuff.

Actually, I started with the System-1m with the intent to build my EuroRack system as it is perfect as a stand alone MIDI synth, but also provides jacks for most of the synth functions to connect to all sorts of EuroRack modules.

Also the System-1/1m synths allow you to get a software plug-in of several other vintage Roland synths (SH-101, SH-02, ProMars and System-100, along with the System-1 plugin). I like the System-100 plugin sound. I think it has a bit warmer, or heavier bass sound to it. Each plugin sounds as close as you will get to the sound and tone of the original synths they emulate.

When you buy a Roland plugin for the System 1/1m synths you install it on your Mac or PC and can load it into the synth, but also use these plugins with a software sequencer like Logic and most others.

FYI, I found some Roland System-1m modules on eBay for around $300-$400 each. Great deal for the price when you consider just a EuroRack synth oscillator can easily cost $100-$300 or more. With the input and output jacks on the System-1m you can use the parts you want, or the whole synth with tons of other EuroRack modules. Great way to get a synth, with MIDI to CV built-in, and add more stuff later. :).

Such a deal!

Lugia: Interesting and indeed a pity that's so difficult to get to that kind of industrial Eurorack stuff, could be interesting to have such indeed.

"Interesting" doesn't even begin to describe it. See here: https://www.technical-furniture.com/images/joomlart/knuerr/pdf/en/knurr-technical-furniture-workstation-for-electronic-engineers-product-catalogue.pdf ...and when you get to Page 52, things will start to look really familiar.

Sort of infuriating, really...I was really hyped over the possibilities this sort of thing would open up, but dealing with whoever's dealing with Knurr in the USA (that's yet another issue with this) now was immediately frustrating. Definitely a "no habla individual users"-type of situation. Maybe some users in Europe might have better success, since the actual firm is based in (I think) Switzerland.

Hi Ronin and Buzz_R,

Ronin: No problem and thanks a lot for the clarification and those video-links. Looks like I don't need to worry and the Model D can be used within the Eurorack "environment" :-)

Buzz_R: Thanks a lot for the background information! Yeah... I also feel interested in the Model D, then again, I feel interested in a lot of (Eurorack) modules too, so I need to make choices but one day I hope to get the Model D too :-)

Kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Exposure and Lugia,

Exposure: Thanks a lot for sharing that link, nice article to read!

Lugia: Interesting and indeed a pity that's so difficult to get to that kind of industrial Eurorack stuff, could be interesting to have such indeed.

Kind regards, Garfield.

I have the Behringer Model D and the Neutron, but only got them recently, so I have not done any interfacing with anything else at the moment. The Model D was hard to not grab for $300-$329 being a clone of a Moog, and the same price for the Neutron after I found out I could get and use alternate faceplates. Which I got the Wave 2.3 faceplate. The Neutron’s red faceplate is just not my thing. The blue 2.3 is, and it’s retro looking like a PPG Wave 2.3. :)

Here is the original faceplate shipped with a Neutron:
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/behringer-neutron

And here is the blue 2.3 faceplate I got:
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/behringer-neutron-2-3-panel

EDITED Oct 3rd 2019, 00:29

In the “early days”, or back when synthesizers where first being manufactured, different companies used different standards for controlling the synths.

As Lucia mentioned above in an earlier reply, how different companies early on used different system interfaces...

These incompatibilities lead Dave Smith Of Sequential to basically draft the specifications for MIDI (Musical Instument Digital Interface), that was eventually adopted by all the synth manufacturers.

Back to the old days...

Different manufacturers (typically in the USA) used the 1 volt/octave interfaces and trigger signals, usually Moog, ARP, Sequential, and Oberheim, as well as others like PAIA and Antares. However, some used “S” or Switch triggers, while others used “V” or Voltage triggers.

Most of the Japanese companies like Yamaha and Korg where using hertz/octave for tuning, but at this point (it has been a few decades), I do not remember for certain, but I suspect they used the the opposite of what Moog were using. At one point I had a tiny interface a friend made that allowed me to tack trigger signals from my Moog Source and Moog Multimoog synths and interface with my original Korg MS-20.

The best thing to do for a bit of history is to read through this article on Wikipedia - https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Analog_synthesizer

Hi Ronin,

Hmm, to be honest I am a slightly bit confused. One on hand you mention you haven't noticed any issues when you plugged your Model D into your Eurorack on the other hand at the end you are stating that they went with the original specs and that would be 1V/Hertz, isn't it? But wouldn't that cause some issues within the Eurorack?

-- GarfieldModular

In the very last paragraph I referred to the "ARP." Sorry about that. I meant the MS20 and was referring back to the Behringer K2 and its design. Sorry about that. The last paragraph was exclusively about the Behringer K2.

I don't think you should worry about the Model D being Eurorack compatible. Here's a little video of a Korg SQ1, driving a Model D via CV. (it's not my video)

Oh and DivKid, doing his thing with the Model D via CV... I think he'd mention an issue.

EDITED Oct 2nd 2019, 23:51

Hi Ronin,

Hmm, to be honest I am a slightly bit confused. One on hand you mention you haven't noticed any issues when you plugged your Model D into your Eurorack on the other hand at the end you are stating that they went with the original specs and that would be 1V/Hertz, isn't it? But wouldn't that cause some issues within the Eurorack?

I am asking so detailed because I consider for the (near) future a Model D too. I got, like you do, already a Neutron and that fits quite well in my Eurorack and does most of the times what it should do :-) So I was hoping the Model D could be similar like the Neutron (regarding being used with Eurorack).

Thanks a lot in advance and kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Schwuah,

You are very brave, I think, if you want to have a (modular) synth and then never add or change something to that system. I am not too sure if that's possible ;-) I am totally the opposite of that, I keep changing, keep adding modules and I couldn't imagine a modular synth that "is not allowed" ;-) to be changed for let's say two years or so. So I would admire you if you could stick with your initial modular synth and not adding anything, which is good for your wallet, certainly, however I doubt if you can make it :-)

No LFO guy? Ha, ha, I don't mean this to sound bad or something but there again, we are our total opposites :-) I love LFOs, got quite a few of them and still consider to get more. So other than envelopes, how are you going to do your modulation?

Good luck with your plan, I hope you can stick to it :-) Kind regards, Garfield.

That's a good question about the Behringer Model D. I own one. I haven't noticed the issue when plugging it in to Eurorack. I did a search on the internet and also cracked the manual.

The filter doesn't track exactly to 1v/Octave. In the manual, it states that the oscillators track to 1v/Octave (Eurorack standard).

The ARP's circuitry might have influenced Behringer's decision to go with 1V/Hertz versus 1v/Octave. I'd assume that converting it over to 1V/Octave probably changed the performance or the sound of the synth... so they went with the original specs.

Hi Ronin1973,

Thanks a lot for confirming that, I was just wondering about that (K-2). How about Model D (Behringer) then? Same issue since it's based on the MiniMoog?

Thanks a lot and kind regards, Garfield.

Thanks Lugia, thats what I thought but I needed to double check!

Dieter did one other smart thing: when he set up the Eurorack modular standard, he based it on an existing industrial standard for EE modules. That way, Eurorack could take advantage of a sizable installed base that already existed when speccing parts and specs for Eurorack. You actually can get Eurorack enclosures that are made by industrial equipment firms (Knurr's Elicon system comes to mind here) that have some different designs that make for very nice fixed-installation Eurorack cabs.

The sole downside of this supply avenue, however, is that these firms do not "speak music". They're used to dealing with large industrial/technical concerns and in institutional-sized orders, so trying to source some of these...or even get a price for components...is a royal PITA. I attempted some time back to contact the US distributor for Knurr, for example, and they couldn't wrap their heads around the application I intended. Similarly, workstation furniture manufacturers such as Winstead also have this same "issue" of user scale, where if you want just one or two things, you're not worth their time...or at least, you're made to feel that way. Thankfully, the subcomponents such as rails, etc are easily gotten from distributors such as Mouser or Allied in quantities that work for this user base...but it would be SO snazzy to be able to get a full-tilt Elicon rig if that were a suitable possibility.

Those voltages all seem quite safe in the Eurorack environment. Be very careful, however, not to patch these into outputs by mistake!

Hi Schwuah,

He, he, you got yourself quite some Intellijel stuff in that rack ;-) If this is what you want :-)

Some little feedback: You got yourself quite a few interesting and fancy modules, though I feel you could have one more oscillator and one more LFO and perhaps you should consider an ADSR module too. Quad AD is nice but sometimes it's good to have a ful ADSR too.

Or, and that would be my next piece of advice, keep it as it is, still add a bit more of oscillators, LFOs and envelopes and put that in a 7U * 104 HP unit (instead of 84 HP). Gives you just that extra space. Because with the 84 HP planning, you have no space left at all for any (near) future extension and you will be forced to buy an additional case, so why not going directly for the 104 HP case?

Last one, do you really need two pieces of those 1U - Quad Annuators modules? Personally, I would be happy with one of them and have some space left for one or two other interesting 1U modules.

First I had to get used to your rack (because of all the Intellijel stuff) but I actually like it, just do yourself a favour and get the 104 HP case then you are ready for the future too!

Kind regards, Garfield Modular.
-- GarfieldModular

Hi Garfield,
Thanks for the lenghty review! This is my reasoning for getting all-intellijel 84hp/7u:

I'm not gearing up for the future, I want to build a dream synth with a final state and form. Intellijel also provides cheap repairs post-warranty (2 years) for their modules, meaning I'd have these modules around for a good while. They also happen to look good, and the case is absolutely killer.

You're right about all that was missing, and I've probably rearranged some of accordingly.

The reason I previously had x2 quad attenuators was due to the large amounts of waveshapes from Rubicon/Dixies that I want to mix, while being able to subdue modulation. I don't have a larger mixing unit.

I'm not a big LFO guy...

Very good then. Just don't paint yourself into a corner. Plans and ideas change once you get your hands dirty. Having the Moogs is very helpful. My experience led to a lot of rethinking after putting together my initial system and the workflow I ultimately wanted versus the one I had planned for.

You stated that the rack is for sequencing. Steppy only does gates/triggers... no CV/note values. How do you intend to actually sequence with it? I wouldn't depend on the MOTU for CV as you'll find it's a bit clunky going back and forth from your DAW to Eurorack just to get it to play a note. If you insist on using your DAW a MIDI to CV converter might be much more intuitive or a dedicated module like an Expert Sleeper FH2 might be a little more along your lines.

Sequencers are really a matter of use/preference... so you can go for something like an Beatstep, Eloquencer, Squarp, Toolbox, Westlicht Performer, etc. But I would definitely have some sort of hardware sequencer around... they are also great modulation tools for filters, etc.

-- Ronin1973

Scales is a pretty nifty sequencer; Plog will be interesting for controlling both Scales and Steppy. I know Steppy doesn't do CV. I also have a Beatstep Pro, but I'm more interested in using Steppy for sequencing modulation and timbres.

Sequencing hardware with VCV Rack works flawlessly in many cases, although it is not very tactile/satisfying. I have three Mother 32s that can do the MIDI/CV, as well.

A couple of days ago TechCrunch published an article about Eurorack, I thought it was worth sharing it here.

https://techcrunch.com/2019/09/28/meet-the-makers-of-modular/

When Dieter Döpfer, the founder of music instrument manufacturer Doepfer, decided to launch a brand new modular synthesiser system in 1995, no one could have predicted what would follow.

Hey Davidaellis,

I own a MiniBrute 2s and you can patch it to external modules easily using the patchbay indeed. Both VCO1 and VCO2 have outputs you could send to your reverb module. You can return it back using the master or ext inputs, master will mix your input to the final audio signal from the MiniBrute, the ext input will send your signal through the MiniBrute's filter, envelopes, brute factor and everything else, this can be controlled with the ext fader in the VCO1 section.

The MiniBrute's manual is pretty easy to follow and there's a full section on the patchbay, you may want to check it out.

Have fun.

You stated that the rack is for sequencing. Steppy only does gates/triggers... no CV/note values. How do you intend to actually sequence with it? I wouldn't depend on the MOTU for CV as you'll find it's a bit clunky going back and forth from your DAW to Eurorack just to get it to play a note. If you insist on using your DAW a MIDI to CV converter might be much more intuitive or a dedicated module like an Expert Sleeper FH2 might be a little more along your lines.

Sequencers are really a matter of use/preference... so you can go for something like an Beatstep, Eloquencer, Squarp, Toolbox, Westlicht Performer, etc. But I would definitely have some sort of hardware sequencer around... they are also great modulation tools for filters, etc.