pythagorean scales are not my favorite, and i prefer a good bit of melodic progression (see: scriabin) but im enjoying this anyway. has almost a 24/7 chill study music vibe. ...
passed this along to a fellow music dude etc.
peace
✌️✌️
hey, zacksname. i fixed the 3rd row just for you, etc.
.edit.
also, i wanted to point out, i came onto this forum with a 4x 12u 100hp concept, and got it down to 1x 3u 100hp (if you only count the 3u 100hp i have any intention of acquiring.)
thats a 16x reduction in complexity. i feel like modulargrid should give me a badge for this.
etcetera. peace.
✌️✌️✌️✌️✌️✌️
Really excited to announce my album, pianola, which came out today on the Expert Sleepers label on Bandcamp. It's a collection of minimalist (and quasi-minimalist) tracks I've been making on the modular in the past year or so. As so many minimalists composed for the piano, I decided to limit myself to piano multisample libraries, loaded onto the Disting EX.
https://smallchanges1.bandcamp.com/album/pianola
You can find a patch breakdown for each track, in the videos on my youtube playlist, "pianola: patches":
https://www.youtube.com/@electrummodularmusic
Don't be afraid to look at a complete synth voice to start with as well. Eurorack has lots of really interesting options for things that basically could run standalone in a limited fashion, and then you just add a module or two as you go along. A Moog Mavis or a Quadrantid Swarm (just two of many options) will work out of the box and even have their own case, though they can still be racked after.
There are also lots of sound-making modules with their own built in VCAs or filters. All sorts of varieties: Plaits, 4ms Spherical Wavetable Navigator, Befaco Oneroi, Gamechanger Plasma Voice. You could pretty easily start with these and 2-3 other things (the A-143-2 and Pam's or the Mimetic) and already have a fully functioning system as long as you have something to plug it into that can take the signal.
I also feel like the Niftycase is worth a mention. It gives you 3U, 84hp with power, MIDI for up to two tracks of CV/Gate (or 5 triggers/gates depending on what you need), and a quarter inch output with two inputs. The price is very reasonable. Those cases you looked at seem nice, but if you're worried about cost and value for money, Niftycase is a potential alternative and the whole package costs about as much as most MIDI to CV modules do on their own.
the concept is live improvised chordal progressions with a generative element on the strange-r controlling a demon core, and a set of sequences programmed into the clockwork where i can mute each part individually on the sir mix a lot, with full envelope, filter, modulation, and effects chain, with no extra gear needed in any way.
too abstract for you, zacksname? peace ✌️
.edit.
also, the concept for the 3rd row is experimenting with the ways the dreamboats can couple together, which is why i have the octasource and joysticks and funny noise module, so i have enough options to explore very deeply into the possible soundscapes i could unlock.
(but it was mostly just a joke. im not sure exactly what i will do with the 3rd row etc.)
peace
✌️
The main thing Eurorack will offer instead is unique experiences. AE Modular seems to have some great stuff, but it is ultimately fairly traditional synthesis without much variety in concept and interface. Not a bad thing at all (focused systems are productive systems) but different. You should probably start by looking at some unique sound sources/oscillators and a unique filter/VCA/low pass gate or other way of articulating the sound. I can't really be too specific here – this is a personal choice that will make your system yours. Maybe a unique sequencing system, as well. Something that feels malleable and musical like what you want, but operates in a more hands-on or abstract way to program a sequence (like the Mimetic). You can also use the Polyend Tracker in combination with a MIDI converter so that while the Mimetic or your other modular stuff (quantizers plus modulation are a great trick for this) actually does the sequencing and you can manipulate that with the modular interface, the modular is still being clocked and controlled by the Tracker in conjunction with whatever it's doing, and a combination of both can also be used.
-- Zacksname
I found that just having fun often can lead to learning new stuff without the feeling the pressure of having to be productive. Being productive has its place in certain situations. Just allowing yourself to get lost in your craft and not even thinking about time. I've often found myself to be more creative when l allow myself to just mess around until i end up on the edge of making something i really end up liking. i've done this alot with drawing and 3d modeling. I'll take the lessons i learn from books and mess around with it for a while until i get to a point where it really makes sense to me. And just keep messing with it.
Me wanting to show my 3d models done in CSG.
this is me messing around alot with a program until i got pretty proficient at it and made this. CSG modeling is a bit different from polygonal modeling. In some ways i felt it was more intuitive and a bit easier to learn. But the tools offered in the program lead me to make this. Something i probably wouldnt have made in a program like Blender. Because the tools in that program are fundimentally different.
What's the concept?
I think you should just buy it. The rack itself is so much easier to bounce ideas off of than any individual will be.
Your original post is actually a very good starting system except for a couple tiny things things that seem off:
What's going on with the 1010 Music MIDI splitter? Do you own or plan on owning multiple 1010 Music products or other TRS MIDI items? If so, then that's fine - just as long as you don't want it for anything converting MIDI to CV.
You can probably start with one mult like that. This space will help you with my next suggestion.
Whoops i was not aware of this. I was looking for something suitable for midi to cv control. And it had a decent amount of outputs.
The Octal Linear VCA is great, and I often consider buying a second one. However, that one is better for big systems with lots of different modulators. I think here you need something with knobs for controlling the level and/or CV amount going in. Intellijel Quad VCA, Omnitone Ampera, Happy Nerding 3xVCA...something like that.
The one i chose as the time seemed like a not so bad choice as i saw it had a lot of different types of filters to offer and quite a few outputs. I was kinda aiming for something that was very versitile. And not greatly aware something like that would be more suitable for larger systems.
I disagree about the Mimetic Digitalis not being useful in this context. Even when you're not using every part for pitch, it would be a good CV modulator. A Pam's New Workout might be a more versatile option to start with, though. Lots of clearly accessible modulation, gates, and triggers You can even take unused channels from it and send timed gates/triggers to effects or filters to ping them and create unique experimental percussion that will be good for complementing and thickening your exploratory sounds.
Interesting observation. I took the moment in looking into Pam's New Workout modual. And saw that it can serve a similar function as a CV modulator and then some. I guess im more used to more of the common sequencer since my AE system has one. Really shows how little i know what options are out there and it kinda makes me a bit more curious as to what kind of interesting things can be achieved with such things.
- For a small system like this I don't know if such a large output module is necessary. I have a passive stereo headphone out from Herzlich Labs and I find that way easier to just get the sound from one thing to another or listen to my system without needing a whole mixer or something - plus I only need one for all my stuff, rather than one per case. The 4MS Listen IO might also be a good idea, since it has the output functionality of this one (minus quarter inch jacks) but also has an input so you can run weird sounds through your filter and FM your synths with external sounds and stuff. If you have specific setup needs and really prefer the Pittsburgh output module (or already have it), however, ignore me on this.
Again...shows my lack of understanding of the eurorack world. I have some 1/4 jacks and a external mixer. It seemed at the moment it would be something that i may not have to think too much about.
In general, I think you had the right idea the first time. The second one was a bit weirder and might not really work since it no longer has an audio rate oscillator and that trigger sequencer is taking up a lot of space while doing less than the Mimetic or a Pam's. A 6U case (2 rows) is worth a look, though.
Whoops, Yeah...uh. I was trying to rework it in the moment to be more sensible in my frustration..I kinda forgot about the VCO...as for the sequencer i tried going for something that functioned similar to what i already had in my AE system since i'm already familiar with it.
The Mantis Case is cheap, durable, deep, wide, has good carrying case options, and will sell easy if you find it too big or need something else. Even if you choose not to expand much, it's better to have a case that's roomy and not quite full than be overly squeezed.
i was looking at the ALM-CS Eurorack Case as a potential option. I was also looking through ETSY for cases and came across a rather pretty looking case.
link to it if you're curious: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1768691134/portable-eurorack-case-6u-powered-62hp?ref=user_profile
There is generally never enough modulation or VCAs (though you want to make sure you have enough modulation to at least open as many VCAs as you have and intend to use, especially if you consider some without knobs later). Good work keeping a balanced and sensible amount of audio sources to modulation sources and utilities - that really is what makes this stuff come alive and be different from the results in a DAW or hardware workstation.
-- Zacksname
thanks, i tried to cover the basics of a synth[VCO, LFO, VCA, VCF, SEQUENCER, ADSR(kind of a fav function of mine), siginal splitter, signal mixer, and output] tried to look for stuff which could serve those functions but also have lots of outputs and inputs and lots of potential. But i kinda found that rather quickly my list was getting on the more costly side. I would like to try to aim for great versatility (more bang for the buck) but also trying not to go overboard(which i may have, i dunno). Also, i kinda want to take as much time and not rush with excitement.
the very first 100hp posted is the core idea.
the third row in the second post was just to "fill" the case i was looking at and was just to experiment and have fun with coupling chaos oscillators. i did not like your new modifications zachsname. i wanted the drum sounds to be just set it and forget it and the 2hp modules do that. also, you dont seem to get what the strange-r does and how it fits into my design + focus on production.
believe me, i know what that 1st 100hp does and i would be happy with it. the third row was kind of a joke. your new design looks like a mess, zacksname ! focus on design.
nobody gets the concept. oh well. peace ✌️.
.edit.
i know i dont need the pam, but its the most convenient way to keep the strange-r and clockwork in synch, plus, if i wanted one or the other in double time, pam could do it.
also, zacksname. i was thinking a lot about signal path and cable management that your new version ruined. with the 2hp i can cut out each part with the sir mix a lot mutes.
everything is a compromise and i think i wss making a lot of good ones. you dont have to use any modules. with your new design you were taking away some of the creativity. ...
(why is nobody getting my concepts, etc. ...)
peace ✌️😎✌️.
The main thing Eurorack will offer instead is unique experiences. AE Modular seems to have some great stuff, but it is ultimately fairly traditional synthesis without much variety in concept and interface. Not a bad thing at all (focused systems are productive systems) but different. You should probably start by looking at some unique sound sources/oscillators and a unique filter/VCA/low pass gate or other way of articulating the sound. I can't really be too specific here – this is a personal choice that will make your system yours. Maybe a unique sequencing system, as well. Something that feels malleable and musical like what you want, but operates in a more hands-on or abstract way to program a sequence (like the Mimetic). You can also use the Polyend Tracker in combination with a MIDI converter so that while the Mimetic or your other modular stuff (quantizers plus modulation are a great trick for this) actually does the sequencing and you can manipulate that with the modular interface, the modular is still being clocked and controlled by the Tracker in conjunction with whatever it's doing, and a combination of both can also be used.
No one else but YOU will be using your system. So if you're happy, then that's all that matters..... I can tell you are passionate about your choices, and that's the beauty of eurorack. However, I would reccomend starting with only a handful of modules (perhaps the core ones) and thrououghly learning them will show you what your system needs. From my experience, I've had "ideal" systems in mind, but they never truly stayed 100% true to tuition and changed as I purchased more.
I will agree you've covered nearly all of the bases for a groove box (my inspiration aswell), but there could definelty be better choices for the limited HP you're working with.
Also, having a pams and a clock module is a little confusing in such a small system. Maybe replace one for some more HP.... And for my last two cents, dont limit yourself on the modulation (LFOs, ADSRs, Logic, Ring Modulation, Attenuators etc.) Part of the beauty of modular is modular. Maybe look at the ochd expander.
It's about as close as I've seen you get. I still think this is a work, but I'll play along:
I've made some quality of life changes while still trying to keep what you have here. Rather than explain all my changes, I'll just say that if there are any you don't understand or appreciate, I am happy to answer any questions and provide alternative solutions. I can give you a rough overview, though. I will say is that I think you will be much happier avoiding those 2hp drum modules, espcially if you don't give them enough space. They are very difficult to use in a big system with lots of cables and options. You should be able to run lots of layers this way, as well as be able to sample and combine elements using the Bitbox so you can use the results of those patches while running other patches. "Band in a box" will always be better with a DAW, a more streamlined hardware workstation like an MPC, or at the very least as a large system built gradually by figuring out what you want from each "bandmate" using experience and going piece by piece. But you can totally do multiple things with this - bass, lead, chords, drums, and other samples all simultaneously. You'll want to throw a MIDI keyboard in there for the Demon Core, and you'll be a lot happier with an external mixer if you want multiple things going on like a full band, but it should kinda work then. Kinda.
Was your plan to replace the AE Modular or to add the Eurorack to it? Honestly, I think your AE Modular setup will cover most of the ground your proposed Eurorack system will cover. I would say that unless you just really want to try specific Eurorack modules that are different from what's in your current case, you're probably fine for now. I would recomend a couple more LFOs or whatever other modulation Tangible Waves offers and just looking up patch ideas. The quantizer and Ornament and Crime (if it comes back in stock) are also available in AE, and would probably help as well.
edit: I do have a Polyend Tracker as well and it is a great controller/sequencer for modular. If you get a MIDI module for your AE Modular, you can work that in easily and absolutely use that setup to do melodic bass and leads using your current modular, with other samples/sequencing/synth stuff being done on the Tracker or a DAW.
-- Zacksname
I was more curious as to what more traditional(?) euro rack modular had to offer from what AE currently offers. I'm aware this stuff can get expensive very quickly and want to take as much time as possible maybe getting something i could learn and grow for years. Something i can go back to and see what i can do with it in the moment.
it just feels like, maybe, i have unlocked the "secret sauce" and... i just want someone to acknowledge this congratulate me or calmly explain why i am actually crazy, etcetera. ...
i feel like maybe nobody has ever crammed that much into 3u 100hp in terms of total standalone functionality in the history of eurorack, and i want some credit. etcetera.
also, see how im just having fun with the third row? why cant i get a single comment like "im sure youll have fun playing with those 4 dreambots if you complete the case."
it feels like nobody here is at all focused on production at all. i cant get a single person to comment on my designs as total conceptual instruments. bandinabox should be the aim.
im done ranting.
peace. ✌️🤨✌️...
If it makes you feel better, you're not the only one haha
I only comment if I feel I have experience of the modules, and in this case its Ochd and Pams so I'm no use to you.
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.
i feel like im getting ignored. im finally considering spending real money and i cannot get a single comment of feedback.
✌️😢✌️.
Was your plan to replace the AE Modular or to add the Eurorack to it? Honestly, I think your AE Modular setup will cover most of the ground your proposed Eurorack system will cover. I would say that unless you just really want to try specific Eurorack modules that are different from what's in your current case, you're probably fine for now. I would recomend a couple more LFOs or whatever other modulation Tangible Waves offers and just looking up patch ideas. The quantizer and Ornament and Crime (if it comes back in stock) are also available in AE, and would probably help as well.
edit: I do have a Polyend Tracker as well and it is a great controller/sequencer for modular. If you get a MIDI module for your AE Modular, you can work that in easily and absolutely use that setup to do melodic bass and leads using your current modular, with other samples/sequencing/synth stuff being done on the Tracker or a DAW.
i kinda want to explore more standard modular synth stuff and see what I can do with it. I do want to do something more musical and maybe more rythymic. but I wouldn't mind trying to mix ambient with rythym. I do have some devices that can potentially control the modular. such as the polyend tracker and the launchpad pro. 
I probably should have mentioned I kinda do have a modular from Tangible Waves. I've been messing around with it on and off exploring it's capabilities. I've often go for the ADSR and fm synth. And have figured out how to utilize the lfo trigger sequencer and 16 step sequencer. I have connected the trigger sequencer to the 16 step sequencer for rythym. I'm still trying to figure out how to utilize other parts of the synthesizer in musical ways. I kinda just go for whatever I feel I want to do at the moment. Whether it be ambient or rythym.
The Seventh Summoner gets a thoughtful review from Molten Modular
ok, so i found a 7u 104hp case on sweetwater and im only planning on filling 104hp of 3u... but i just maxed out the configuration just to see what it would look lile completely full. ...
please, please, please, comments.
peace ✌️
I clicked the picture and saw you already started making it bigger, and that's good. 84hp at least will go a long way towards making this a very good system to start with. What you need mainly is modulation. A Pip Slope does some good stuff, but also having some LFOs (Batumi, Ochd+expander, etc) and maybe a sample and hold (Toppobrillo Sport Modulator, Divkid RND Step), small CV sequencer, and/or quantizer will give you a ton of variety even from just the Ensemble oscillator and a filter. Effects are probably better left outside the rack for now, but that's something you can figure out as you go.
Your original post is actually a very good starting system except for a couple tiny things things that seem off:
In general, I think you had the right idea the first time. The second one was a bit weirder and might not really work since it no longer has an audio rate oscillator and that trigger sequencer is taking up a lot of space while doing less than the Mimetic or a Pam's. A 6U case (2 rows) is worth a look, though. The Mantis Case is cheap, durable, deep, wide, has good carrying case options, and will sell easy if you find it too big or need something else. Even if you choose not to expand much, it's better to have a case that's roomy and not quite full than be overly squeezed. There is generally never enough modulation or VCAs (though you want to make sure you have enough modulation to at least open as many VCAs as you have and intend to use, especially if you consider some without knobs later). Good work keeping a balanced and sensible amount of audio sources to modulation sources and utilities - that really is what makes this stuff come alive and be different from the results in a DAW or hardware workstation.
at around $3,000 this configuration might actually fit into my budget, and it still meets my total production capability aspirations. how do i go about getting a 1x3u 100hp case and what would that cost? can someone please critique this design? im looking for genuine feedback. i think i covered all my bases, but it would be nice to hear some genuine comments from the community...
please take a look and tell me what yathink
peace ✌️👾✌️.
and, if you really value minimalism, here is the same basic idea but in 40% of the size....
You don’t need a fancy sequencer to do minimalist-style additive sequencing. Here’s a trick that involves a module that’s in a lot of people’s racks: Pamela’s New Workout.
Detailed patch notes in the video:
its just a strange-r bighat... and a clockwork controlling 1 synth voice and 5 drum voices with all the bells and whistles to make if feel like i could keep a whole performance going.
(if i dont get any positive feedback this time i am quitting the modulargrid forum for good)
seriously, any comments???? peace. ✌️🙄✌️..
trippy visuals, and i was getting some nice bladerunner vibes of the ambient composition, but i was left wanting like some high hat or something like that.
peace ✌️
-- singular_sound
Thank you for the feedback, appreciated. Next time will add some percussion
trippy visuals, and i was getting some nice bladerunner vibes of the ambient composition, but i was left wanting like some high hat or something like that.
peace ✌️
you might want to consider the strange-r bighat for your sequencing if youre aiming toward experimentation as your end goal:
https://modulargrid.net/e/stochastic-instruments-strange-r-bighat
just a suggestion.
peace ✌️
hehe, those long since dead mushrooms that i took photos of years ago.
Cheers
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.
oh, so youre trying to make 4 signal paths and envelopes for a square, saw, triangle, and sin waves and then recombine them using a super overkill filter? i see now. ...
but it still seems like the memetic digitalis might be more than you need. idk though.
not an expert. it all looked overkill to me.
peace ✌️
-- singular_sound
you have a point there. I think it's gonna need a whole lot of refinment...
oh, so youre trying to make 4 signal paths and envelopes for a square, saw, triangle, and sin waves and then recombine them using a super overkill filter? i see now. ...
but it still seems like the memetic digitalis might be more than you need. idk though.
not an expert. it all looked overkill to me.
peace ✌️
Sounds exciting! Atmospheric techno with improvised sequences and a strong bassline must create a unique vibe. I’ll give it a listen. Keep experimenting and pushing your sound forward!
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Ah, i see. Sorry about the misunderstanding. I was kind of going along the lines of more exploritory and experimental. And for some reason. modular grid defaults to 1u as the first case unless you make a new one?
unrelated, ive had alot of fun messing with ADSRs with my korg minilogue XD
still working out some ideas though. Not in a rush to buy anything yet. But, i'm feeling something which has a lot versitility. And then maybe eventually go more focused.
i dont know a lot about function generators.
it just seemed to me like the 60hp one i posted was more steamlined and focused.
it seems like you were choosing modules with extra functions that you didnt need.
peace ✌️
pretty meat and potatoes acid, but i think it would be even more trippy if you added a galvanic element from real mushrooms, etc.
peace ✌️
How about the function though?
cant say i love the look of it, to be honest.
i would have chosen something that looks more like 'this' as a starter, for my style. ...
peace ✌️
it seems to me ridiculous that i could post something relevant for feedback and see no replies on an active form over 24h later, etc.
i dont think this place is being run great. ...
troll post:
lol, guiz. new modular rack design. is it 'modular' enough, do you think? "feedback".
seriously? no comments?
people were saying my other rack configuration designs had way too much going on, so, now i have stripped it back essentially as much as i know how, and not even a single regular user has anything to say?
weird.
peace ✌️
.edit.
(also, can anyone comment on if the kitty eyes / penrose would actually generate a randomish arpeggiation effect like i think?)
{✌️✌️}.
what was that advice again?
"too many modules to keep track of. be more conformist. gooble gobble." ?
im a rockstar.
peace ✌️
.edit.
(like, i get it if you think one brainstep controlling 4 voices, plus one scrooge, plus 100 other knobs and things, plus a mixing console, isnt the right stuff to really just compose almost anything on the fly and really generate a compelling performance, but thats not the feedback i have been getting, so if thats it, just say so. etc. ... .)
seems to me like you already have ideas about the kind of signal chain you want. not sure if i can help you refine that at all, but nothing looks totally out of place, to me.
one thing i can think to mention is that i just came across the 'cyclonix cyclebox', now discontinued, and i think an area to explore might be finding ways to replicate a similar functionality in a more ambient production context, to share, if thats helpful. peace ✌️
Hello! I want to get into modular. I know nothing. I want to create a synth for pads/ambiences/pretty sounds. Please let me know how I can improve! I would also love for my pfp to not be sideways.
I think all the advice you got in your previous posts still applies.
|one more comment|
nobody seems to like my 4x3u 100hp designs, so here is a 2x3u one. better?
peace ✌️
great, mean comments. definitely the reason i use modular grid.
:|
.edit.
(i wont take any more of this 'snark'. im a freaking "rockstar".)
peace ✌️
