I designed this system to do a lot of stereo processing as well as reflect East coast-West coast styles.
First, a little history. My father created electronic music back in the day when it was done by cutting up magnetic tapes. He graduated to synthesizers, and built several modular systems. (He also salvaged keyboards, such as an Arp Odyssey which was bent to that only one key played. He took it out of the case, installed a bunch of patch points, added a divider, and sold it to a local college.) I spent a lot of time on my father's synths.
I built a PAiA Stringz'n'Thingz and mixer, but my first synth was a DX-7. Now I've got a Korg Kronos, but I'm getting that modular itch. Being relatively cheap, I don't want to recreate Keith Emerson's rig. I'm thinking more about sticking my foot in the water, but not in a way that limits me in the long run. As such, I looked at the EuroRack modules that included a MIDI interface (might as well use the Kronos keyboard, right?) and a Synth Voice.
It looks like the Pittsburgh SV-1, the Moog Mother-32, and SoundMachines Modulör114 will all work for me.
The Modulör114 doesn't have a traditional MIDI port, but the Kronos has both the traditional ports as well as USB ports. On the other hand, it's also larger and more expensive than the other two. The other two look remarkably similar. In terms of cheapness, not only is the Moog cheaper, I don't have to buy a case until I add a second module. But it's only got one audio oscillator.
So, I'm looking for a bit of advice. Which of these three would make a reasonable starting point, but also be usable in a more expanded system? Or do you have some other advice? (I do know which end of a soldering iron to hold, but haven't etched a circuit board in decades.)
Oh, I see. Thanks for the input! Will look into it.
Take the "Size" parameter. You can control it via the pot on Clouds. And you can also modulate it via patching something like an LFO into corresponding input on Clouds. But what you will also want to do is control the amount of modulation you send to that parameter, for which purpose you'll need to patch your modulation source (your LFO, say) into an attenuverter and then patch the output to the size input on Clouds. Now can can control the amount of modulation you send to Clouds using the attenuverter. On other units, the intermediate patching isn't necessary: the six little pots on Rings, e.g., allow you to attenuate the amount of modulation sent to the various parameters.
True, you can do this via the MIA or channels 2 or 3 of Maths, but utility modules, whilst boring, will really help you to make the most of the more exciting modules like Clouds. And since Disting now supports Sample playback ala Radio Music, I'd personally get something like ATATAT instead.
Thanks,
Wouldnt the gain pot on the clouds be enough to attenuate the incoming signal?
Or do you refer to something else?
? Peaks and Maths provide envelopes ?
Looks good to me, but since Clouds lacks attenuators on the inputs you might well need another attenuation module just for Clouds.
Ok so my mg modular looks like this... what do i miss ? what mixer do u suggest?
The Tiptop uZEUS is a good starter. I still have mine. Do monitor your modules' mA's though and set the jumper accordingly. RTFM. (Funny things will happen once you are coming close to the limit of your PSU. Modules will refuse to start intermittently and are seemingly dead. Others appear stuck or start acting funny after a couple of minutes... That's why it's a good idea to plan for 20-30% more power than your modules add up to. Some have a hefty inrush current.)
Modules I use all the time are multiples (A-180-2 and Mult), the Ladik M-120 Attenuverting Mixer and Uoki Toki 4LFO. All of these pack a lot of needed functionality in a small space which is important in a 6Ux84 case. I used to have 4 mults all patched up and still wanted more. This was much alleviated by a newly aquired A-138m Matrix Mixer. A Disting I don't have but I can see one in my future.
A note on Maths. It's a great module and gets best marks around here. Still I would recommend getting Function. It's a looping envelope with VC-able attack and decay/a slew limiter/LFO/oscillator/S&H/envelope follower /trigger source/whatever, all in 8HP. Which basically means you could build a synth with just a handful of these. Allow a few month to get bored by all of that , then blow twice as much on Maths. Or get a second Function. And, your rack space is precious. Just my 0,02 EUR of course.
Looking forward to the hands on, I've never seen or heard of anyone using modular in my area, so for now its all youtube and google. But a Tip Top HE kit and FH-1 are on their way and I'm excited to build.
@willger55550 Besides Disting, what are some of your "every patch" modules?
Intellijel Dixie II + - Will be used as a 2nd oscillator together with the mother 32.
Make noise Maths - Because maths.
Peaks - Seems like an awesome multi-module, if I like it I might get another one down the line.
Intellijel Uvca - Need some kind of VCA.
MI Clouds - The module that got me interested in eurorack. Will definately not exchange for something else.
Radio music - Cool little module, seems like fun.
Buff mult - Mainly for the mother 32 kb out to track properly to the dixie.
So what are your thoughts on this? :) The radiomusic seems like the "least vital" to me, so that can go first if you have ideas for other 4 hp modules that might make more sense.
Thanks
Fabian
So this here is the plan for my first rack. I've already got a mother 32 (aswell as a korg minilogue and Roland tr-8 + a beatstep pro). The case is ordered so I won't be planning beyond the 104 hp at the moment, but suggestions and opinions for change would be appreciated :) Opting for making ambient/downtempo music so keep that in mind as well.
Will quickly go thru my plan for each module in this case:
Disting MK3 - Simply seems to be a good "do-anything" module that might also teach me what I like and don't for future independent modules.
Happy nerding x3 Mia - Attentuation and mixer in a small package, chose this over other attenuators because of the 2 inputs per channel at the same hp as "competitors" (Triatt and shades)
Sonic potions Penrose - Because I'm interested in selfgenerating melodies (as well as DIY) so getting a quantizer seems like a good idea.
Nano rand - Need a random module to feed the quantizer with, aswell as doing random things to other things.. Yes, Im not to sure what I will use it for but Im sure itll come in handy at a small size.
MI Rings - Sounds fucking sweet, so sweet
this is more i was looking for.. im not that impressed with surgeon set like I'm with this guy
The Disting is like a Swiss army knife, great for all the utility in just one piece. When you find yourself needing one of its many functions all of the time a dedicated module might serve you better. Just one of the many aspects to think about. You could go on forever pondering what might be better or worse. In the end the real, hands-on, experience will tell you what you need to know. I found myself using modules in every patch I had little regard for initially.
@richc90 Thanks again for your insight. I was impressed by what I had seen of the UHC, it seemed like there were enough ins and outs to created some interesting effects, I saw a video of it being self patched and liked its tinker-ability. Though in this rack maybe there's enough of that present in the Maths. I also have been fixated on an analog BBD for a long time and was trying to incorporate that somehow. But like you said it may be an even stronger configuration to use an external delay patched in through Rosie. I added the Dixie as you recommended but had also considered the use of Disting's oscillator capability as a second voice + STO's sub for a full sound. I was surprised to read that you considered Disting's delays comparable to an analog delay, but that's great news if it is. Do you think Disting's Oscillator is worthy of consideration for that function?
Honestly, I would have left the Rosie (mixing with an effect send for the delay, plus audio outs). Also, whilst the Optomix is great -- I rarely get tired of hearing the STO into an LPG --- the Opto is a combined VCF/VCA.
Unless you are absolutely sold on the UHC and that specific delay -- to return to the first comment, why have you selected these modules in particular? --- I would suggest swapping the delay for something like another disting (which has nice delays) + ModDemix. Also, you just have one voice here, so I'd add another VCO.
So, I'd suggest something like: FH-1, Disting, STO, Dixie, uFold 2, Maths, Optomix, ModDemix, Disting, Rosie.
Thanks for your replies
@wiggler55550 No hands on experience, these are what my online research has led me to. From what I understand, these particular modules are multifaceted in function and could be patched countless ways. Tried to find the modules that i thought would create the widest range of possibilities.
@richc90 Thanks for the input I swapped the Rosie for an Optomix!
Basimilus Iteritas Alter by Noise Engineering is an absolute must for this, plus the Mutant Drums. The main question will be: how will you sequence your drums? If you want to do it without external gear, Surgeon uses either Trigger Riot or Circadian Rhythms, which both demand alot of real estate (28HP and 36HP respectively). The alternative is something like BeatStep Pro.
If you google image search for "Surgeon Modular" you can see his 208HP racks.
If HP efficiency was your main concern you could do better than that. But maybe it isn't. What made you choose these modules? Do you have personal experience with them?
Bought an E340 Cloud Generator from @bachelard and everything works great!
No problem shipping from Canada to US. Would recommend to others.
Starting out by trying to squeeze the most functionality & versatility I can into a single 84 HP rack. These are modules I hope to slowly acquire. Any thoughts or input are appreciated.
Shameless self-promotion here, but Surgeon has been a fan of the Mutant Drums for techno percussion. Modular drums may or may not be what you are after, though :)
Had a smooth transaction as buyer from @hadj
Ultra fast dispatching and clear communication.
A Eurocrack Pusher: "The first time is for free" ;)
Hi everybody.. I'm looking build suggestions for my modular system. I'm looking forward to make techno percussive rhythm sounds and baselines. What would you suggest me to consider? I would like to have Roland system 1m for my core sound source because it gives me all basic modules that I need to make something and also saves the money.
Maximum 84 hp space for suggested modules. Thanks, M.
Quite the challenge to keep up with when in full use. As a matter of fact I'm struggling with the signal flow on my Doepfer 4x4 if not most of the signals are colour coded.
Had super smooth transactions buying from @nicdro and selling my MakeNoise STO to @kwantor.
....It seems like a more traditional 4 element synth rather than someting built for IDM or more abstract sounding set up. Am I right?
-- skizum
Don't get caught up too much in what others have and use. Unless your thinking and approach is traditional it will not sound traditional. --
What about CV conditioning, routing, mixing? Much muscle but you also need bones.
First chapter, first attempt, first anything in so called GAS of modulars... This little 60hp will go right under the Mother32's big black ass... I'm open to suggestions if you have something in mind of what to add or change. Thank you.
I got the curtis filter and I also went ahead and got tides. The nano rand or something like it is a definite sometime soon. The waldorf wavetable seems interesting so when its available I might get it. I'll have to look into something to control modulation. From what I see on this site this doesn't look like a lot of the setups I see. Am I right? It seems like a more traditional 4 element synth rather than someting built for IDM or more abstract sounding set up. Am I right?
Sounds boring, but something like Mutable's Shades or Intellijel's TriAtt or ALM's O/A/x2 so you can control the amount of modulation you send to your other modules. Also, a random source would be a great addition: something like the Qu-Bit NanoRand or SSF Analog Ultra Random or MN Wogglebug. You also only have one filter, so another one with a different character to the Moog's would be a natural choice, or maybe an LPG like Optomix or LxD.
I'm sorry if I'm not posting correctly. I'm not use this. This is what I have so far. I'm using a Roland JD XI along with a new Electribe 2 for sequencing and drums. I actually have five tiers since its a DIY case. As you can see its pretty much the basics. Any direction on what to buy next or look at for the future would be very appreciated.
Totally agree with Fastus, especially that you should do some background research on how elements of a modular system fit together. The kind of sound you describe as aiming for isn't exactly easy to achieve, and you'll in any case need to get to grips with the basics first. You wouldn't go far wrong with something like the Make Noise System Cartesian as a starting point, getting to grips with that (and there is plenty to keep you going) and building from there. You'll then see that whilst the selection of modules you've listed are all great, you really need a host of utilities to unlock their power.
Would definitely suggest visiting the Muffwiggler site if you haven't already, and individually search for information on each unit before making any purchasing decisions. If possible, there's no replacement for visiting a store that sells modular and getting a feel for each piece. Buying blind just means spending a lot unnecessarily, getting frustrated and having to resell stuff you don't really want.
https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/
https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=106396 // modular synth basics
You might also want to look up some Raul Pena videos on youTube (Raul's World of Synths) to get started:
Good luck on your journey.
NEW EP: https://fastus.bandcamp.com/album/terra-incognito
Latest works: https://soundcloud.com/fastus
Modular studies & sketches: https://soundcloud.com/problivion
My set from Modular on the Spot PDX is up for listening:
Huge thanks to AstroWarrior for organizing, Control Voltage for providing the mobile power, and Holtech for the PA !
Heres a shot:
www.instagram.com/p/BJdlnHFjmG2/
credits
released September 2, 2016
Recorded live by Kevin Meyer aka AstroWarrior
www.instagram.com/astro.warrior/
Maybe you go to the details page and pm the person who submitted the module?
Planned duophonic synthesizer
Intended configuration (classic subtractive synth architecture):
MIDI-to-CV/gate
2 LFOs
2 VCOs
Noise source
2 mixers
2 ring modulators
2 VCFs
2 VCAs
Dual-channel delay
Output mixer/stereo pan
TBD:
I have no idea what i am doing, but i am trying to achieve an Kangding Ray/Ryoji Ikeda/Alva noto -ish! sound.
If you have 2 mins to give it a look, please tell me what you think.
Thank you.
PS: Noob at Modular stuff but im here to learn.
where does one find the FDP for this scope interface? i'm definitely interested!!
I have updated this synth to be a sort of guitar input unit/fully functional modular synth. Is it able to do a lot of things with this configuration?
We have always supplied all of our cases(Move, Cell & Structure lines) with 4-40 thread pattern nuts. And, therefore 4-40 x 1/4" screws. If there are different thread pattern nuts in the Cell 90's, then the nuts have been switched by the previous owner.
Here is link to the slinging nuts we use. They are made by Vector Electronics- the same manufacturer of the aluminum rail extrusions. No other sliding nut performs better in than the one designed to do so by Vector.
very grateful to Pittsburgh for this info, handy to know where to buy these.
cheers,
Luke.
greetings!
i just purchased a Pittsburgh Cell 90 x2 used and the mounting screws i was using from my other Pitts 'Move' case do not seem to fit the little thread nuts.
anyone know if there's different sizes? has anyone else has this problem?
thanks!
Luke.
They don't specify it on their website, it's just "up to more than an hour"
If you need it more specifically, measure it yourself. But you'll need a lot of time for that... ;-)
Does anyone know what the LFO periodicity is when set to 'ultra low' mode using the internal jumper?
