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Error Instruments:
Indian Reasonator
SoundScaper

Both modules you could play an entired weird set with.

Error Instruments and Erd pretty much specialize in this. Nonlinearcircuits has a lot of cool weird stuff. Mannequins/Whimsical Raps as well – their aesthetic is pretty obscure, but even when you get through the marketing and understand the modules, they still have a very unique take on whatever function they do. There's also the Instruo Scion, if you happen to have any plants.

EDITED Yesterday, 10:35

wildfire laboratories whole catalog!

The 2hp gap is because of a tolerance issue with the case. I cannot fit a 2hp module in there.

A Benjolin is a fun and weird thingy :)

Also the Xaoc Drezno and friends are very interesting units!

Get 100 grit, it's an excellent module for sound destruction and check out sovage engineering stuff they have some wild modules.

Constraints: I don't want modules whose full potential can only be unlocked by carrying an SD card back and forth to a computer. Not saying that stuff isn't cool, it just doesn't reflect what I want out of hardware in general.
Example: my prospective system has an https://modulargrid.net/e/erica-synths-plasma-drive">Erica Synths Plasma Drive in it, because while it's absolutely not the most versatile distortion out there, the idea of physically (not simulatedly) turning sound into plasma arcs and then back into sound is so damn cool that the joy of the concept it self makes it worth the cost and the space.
The MGrid Module Finder doesn't have "Experimental" as an option for searching by Function, so I turn to the forums. Show me the wackiest, coolest-in-concept modules you know of, with no regard for how versatile they are. I've got 184 HP worth of balanced, versatile utilities in my rack already.
Love you guys!

Just bought @Shifted808 's Polygogo. Not only does it work perfectly, but it is as clean as new. Great seller.

You can always have a "best of all possible worlds situation" and get the super cheap, super fun, and mostly analog Korg SQ-1, which will allow you to keep the rack space for other stuff and still experiment with the kind of off-grid weirdness you can get with a flexible analog sequencer. It's less dense and capable than the Renee, but that may actually suit your plan more.

Thrill shrieking drone soundscape with Honda MK3.

EDITED Monday January 20, 02:49

Hi there. Just in case anyone randomly finds this rack and decides to comment, I felt I'd expound a bit on my vision. This is partially for myself; explaining one's thoughts out loud into the void can often help focus and refine them.

This rack is intended to be the the peak of my modular journey (which I haven't physically started yet). My plan is to start by acquiring just the Lifeforms SV-1b and using that on its own for a long time, because A) it just sounds so damn good, and B), if I don't actually enjoy exploring the depth and possibilities of a small semi-modular synth, there's just no reason to continue buying modules. If I decide I enjoy it that much, then I'll begin getting the rest of the modules, seeing what they add to my inspiration and workflow, one by one. I have furthermore sworn to never surpass this 208 hp; I refuse to have a wall of modules I rarely use unless by some insane miracle, my music is pulling in so much money that it no longer matters.

Now, I've done a lot of thinking t0 myself about what I want out of modular. Well, it seems to me that modular is an environment that accentuates the coolest parts about working with hardware. Okay, what do I like about hardware? It's tactile. It imposes limitations that push me in creative directions I wouldn't have taken before. It gets me away from staring at a screen. And some of the concepts that hardware explores are just way fucking cooler in real life than they would be being simulated in a computer. Is the Plasma Drive the most versatile distortion out there? Of course not. But physically turning sound into plasma arcs flowing through a tube and then back into sound is such a badass concept that it makes my chest warm with joy. Life is short, and that joy has value. If I want access to every possible distorted guitar tone with fine control over every single aspect, that's what software's for.

So that's the crux of it. This rack is a balenced (I think, this is where I'd like feedback) collection of modules that accentuate the unique and cool things I like about modular and hardware in general, while leaving out many of the functions where I just end up thinking to myself, "okay, but that's a lot of HP for something I could do better and faster in a computer." Mixing and triggering 8 tracks with indivual patterns to compose a piece with verses and choruses? That's what a DAW is for. Wavetable synthesis? That's what Vital is for. Lush reverbs that make you sound like you're in a cathedral? Convolution. Playing back pre-made kick, snare, and hi-hat samples off a little SD card you have to take back and forth to your computer anyway? Like, come on.

Given all that, maybe you're now eyeing the Rene-2 sequencer taking up 34 HP right in the middle. Yeah, that's the module I'm by far the least sure about wanting. No matter how fancy your sequencer is, the piano roll in a DAW will always be more powerful. This one seems tactile and spontanious enough to be worth it for me, but I'd appreciate thoughts on that; I might just be falling for marketing. Maybe a better use for that space would be a bunch of other little utilities, like a burst generator, more touch points, a simpler and smaller sequencer, etc.

Regarding workflow, the plan is to always have this running into the DAW. I'll use the DAW Midi-out mostly for the master clock and then run the synth outs to the main Line-ins on my interface, OR I'll plug a guitar (or mic or whatever) into my interface and run that sound through the synth using an insert loop. I'll generate heaps of fresh material using this system, and do the detail work and structuring in the DAW.

Wow, that was a lot. But I wanted to do a lot of thinking before I started throwing money at stuff. Thanks for sticking with me.

EDITED Sunday January 19, 21:46

The sunday beat

Thanks Zach, Ochd & xpander look really great . was wondering about getting some Instro modules in the rack.

Hello,

My first instincts tell me that I'd want more envelope generators/function generators and a reverb. To accomodate that, I'd first consider removing either the Plasma Drive or the Rabbit Hole since they're both tube distortions and relatively large modules (perhaps some redundancy there, but I have used neither so I don't have the remotest idea of how they compare to one another - I would personally want to go for trying the Rabbit Hole). The Performance Mixer MKII is also very large and may be overkill for this size of case, but it could still be a good purchase in the long run if you plan to expand later. Perhaps you could start with a smaller mixer and still use it as a submixer later on if you do expand into a Performance Mixer MKII and more cases and/or a bigger case.

I don't know how much experience you have with eurorack, but if you're just starting out, I would recommend against buying everything shown all at once. I personally find it more satisfying to learn a small set of modules really well before expanding them with others, which can quickly become overwhelming and/or lead to more shallow uses of more modules rather than more interesting uses of fewer modules (kind of like a "quantity versus quality" argument but more focused on personal knowledge and experience of modules, if that makes any kind of sense). Starting with a smaller set of modules will also show you what really interests you and what you feel like you're lacking. If you buy everything all at once there is the chance that you may end up with redundancy or excess of some functionalities and lack of others that you wished you had more of. I started out into eurorack with a Make Noise Shared System Plus and realized soon after that it was lacking functionalities that I wanted and had several modules that I just didn't personally mesh with. Today there is only one module in that system I like using that hasn't been replaced by something else that works better for me. If I were to restart today, I would have started smaller and picked individual modules myself.

All just my opinions, of course, but hopefully you find some of that useful.
-Chace

EDITED Sunday January 19, 17:51

I would give serious consideration to an Ochd in this case (and maybe the expander if you're feeling fancy).

I am looking for some feedback on this setup, thanks.

Actually uses the newer Expander with USB-C for the F8R, purely so it can be configured on the computer, or on the rare occaision, be used to control the computer in some way.
Midi directly connected between F8R and ES-9, configured for standalone mode, channels 1-8 volume input gain.
Looking at modifying setup to use the KIWI so I can add "Pan" to the setup, bigger case required.....

I find the EDU kick drum to be pretty solid, especially for the price of the kit. The build itself is fairly straightforward and learning about the circuit really reveals how clever these early synth designers were in exploiting the properties of certain components and circuits.

Pros: the sound delivers a full round bass, with the design focused on two distinct tones, a sub-bass pulse with a downward-modulated secondary overtone, each with their own decay to help give variety and a semblance of realism to the timbre. The tone knob can dial in or out the initial "click" of the kick along with a pretty good distortion that doesn't really get too gnarly. The accent and pitch tuning CV can really help to add motion if used smartly and judiciously.

Cons: I have noticed that if the duty cycle isn't complete before the next trigger event, you can "re-initialize" the tone, which can cause unwanted modulation of the kick tone. I'm guessing this is just inherent to the design, and the work-around is just dialing in a decay length that suits the timing of the kick.

Overall, I'd give it a solid 4.5/5 when you account for features and control, ease of assembly, and price of the kit.

Thanks, I think that maybe covered by the Gamut.

Part A:
I stumbled upon this thing to use for digital and stereo i/o with a NiftyCase.
6hp, USB-C audio i/o, headphone volume, analog stereo in/out.
Wonderful. Had to order one from Amazon Japan (can't get 'em here) and it arrived today.
Opened the box. Huh, no ribbon cable. Just a USB C to USB A wire.

Turns out the CU1A is only powered by it's USB.
You can't use it as a headphone amp or final output on it's own,
because you can't use it unless it's connected to USB power.

Audio tests to come, but an unexpected failure of design.
Grrr.

Part 2:
Well, that ends that. The Mac mini doesn't see it, no matter what I tried.
It's got no LEDs, so that's a big help. Back in the box it goes.
Don't feel like debugging it further. Maybe later. Bigger fish to fry.
Grrr. Argh.

Part III:
So, if I use a USB-C to USB-A cable, into a port extender, to USB-C, to Mac mini (??!?), it connects.
It acts like incomplete CU1A firmware. Maybe why you can't find them in the US yet.
So USB-C to USB-C on macOS isn't working and the Synthtribe app doesn't know about updating the CU1A yet.
I'm glad I got this far.

EDITED Saturday January 18, 19:33

Another go yo!

That's a weird request. Are we sure they didn't want their name to be Infinite Digits x Toadstool Tech?
-- ParanormalPatroler

Another sacrifice for the dark lord of copy and paste. Of course you're right and Infinite Digits x Toadstool Tech it is.

I guess your old PAiA has banana jacks (I've seen people swap them for other types). You could buy something like this, or make one yourself:
https://www.low-gain.com/shop/p/utl1e
(If you have a ground banana jack in your 4700 system (or on its PSU) this should be connected with ground in the eurorack system.)

As I don't know much about PAiA systems, I can't say if the audio signal levels or control voltages will match.
It is usually not a big problem, but you need to know if the PAiA can't handle negative voltages, like bottom halves of LFO signals. This can be solved of course.
Also, eurorack uses the 1 V/octave standard (filters, VCOs).
For a comparison with you 4700, this is the Doepfer signal standard: https://doepfer.de/a100_man/a100t_e.htm#:~:text=Signals%20in%20the%20A%2D100
This standard does not cover all eurorack manufacturers/modules unfortunately. Mainly, there are differences in envelope voltage levels: +5, +8, +10 V. This may not matter too much, but it will decide to what extent you can open a filter or a VCA.

EDITED Thursday January 16, 10:09

https://modulargrid.net/e/toadstool-tech-ectocore

this seems a little strange... module, timing... etc...
its open source... i know... but...

-- Dub007

On request of the collaborators the manufacturer name was now changed to Infinite Digits x Toadstool Tech Ectocore.

-- modulargrid

That's a weird request. Are we sure they didn't want their name to be Infinite Digits x Toadstool Tech? Ectocore is just the name of the module. I think you should verify and fix that, it's weird to have the name of the design on the brand.

For all interested parties, I spoke with Zach (aka Infinite Digits) and he said Maneco Labs reached out and promised they would give him part of the sales from this. So, here's hoping that's a move towards a collaborative effort.

EDITED Thursday January 16, 09:07

Check out Shikensa from ST Modular. I know you have the Pyramid, but those five (or 3 or 4) CV steps are so quick and easy to send somewhere.

Any one got any thoughts on this. The good thing is I have spent no money on modules this year, so far.

Dionisi V2.1 released with user interface improvements and soft clipping on mixers. Full features and release notes : https://alfadelta.be/dionisi.html

*dpo
-lfo 모드선택

*Maths
-Cycle 선택!(사각파 생성) :
rise: pwm(펄스폭) 조절
fall: spike파 사각파

*Plaits
-fm 조절하여 음색 조정(미세)
-frequency: 조절하여 음색조정(큰폭으로)

*Beads
-오렌지 바 선택

EDITED Wednesday January 15, 13:25

Thought about it and it would be available at https://19grid.net/ but there are no specific plans.

In his video he listed the modules he was using to get his sound: Qu-Bit's Bloom, Mutable's Peaks, Mutable's Rings clone, and Qu-Bit's Prism. ... So if any of you modular veterans have suggestions for modules that can produce similar effects as the afforementioned ones for a better price, I'm all ears.

Ok, I'm writing this from the perspective of trying to save you money instead of "hey look at this cool thing that will totally save your music":
-Qu-Bit Bloom: is just a semi-generative sequencer. Sure it has some fancy "fractal" morphing of sequences but you can get simmilar results using the Microfreak's sequencer and arpeggiator and the Spice and Dice parameters. In addition, your Pams can effectively function as a sequencer for secondary melodies and voices. I would still recommend getting a dedicated sequencer in the rack eventually but hold off on Bloom unless you're sure it's exactly what you need. Ditto on Squarp. I'd say it's too huge and power hungry for a rack this size, you don't have 8 voices to sequence and there are more efficient (smaller and chaper) MIDI to CV modules available if you decide to sequence externally.

-Peaks: can be many things including a drum, but at its core it's a dual envelope/lfo. You already have the Erica EG, the ADSR, the Doepfer DLFO and Pams for modulation. You don't need Peaks. It can do other things but unless you've identified those specific functions as necessary it's superfluous to your system (and even then there are other modules that can probably do drums etc. better than Peaks). That said, you have two ADSR envelopes which are more typically used with keyboards, Function Generators or (loopable) AD and ASR envelopes are more common in Euro and if you find yourself lacking space down the line I'd consider swapping one of those out for a more versatile envelope/modulation source (not gonna name modules because the goal isn't to make you buy more stuff).

-Mutable Rings: Plaits has the Karplus algo which covers one of the three modes of Rings. You microfreak also has both a Karplus and a Modal algorithm. One thing that's missing is using Rings as a resonator for external audio inputs but that's not necessarily what you need. Still, if you decide to go down that route, there are many clones of Rings available out there, but experiment more with the Peaks and Microfreak algos first.

-Prism is an interesting module but at the end of the day it's a filter, delay and bit-crusher rolled into one. You have the filter and delay covered in Wasp and Nostalgia. You might either invest in a smaller bitcrusher or another effect, or maybe trade the Nostalgia (unless you're attached to it) for a Prism. Of all the modules listed that would probably add the most to your system right now.

tl;dr: You don't really need any of the modules you listed.

In your intro you said:

My goal with this whole setup was and still is to create cinematic soundscapes with swelling waveforms, resonation, reverb, and basically create a droning enveloping sound that builds, waxes and wanes.

For that, I would say you need more VCAs (currently just one, though the Plaits has one built in, kinda). Don't think of VCAs just as "thing that makes sound go loud or quier", depending on which ones you use, they can also modulate CV, creating more complex modulations, be patched as crossfaders, waveshapers, automated attenuators for any kind of parameter etc. If you want your sound to move, swell, wax and wane, VCAs are your bread and butter.

The second thing here is reverb. You don't have one in your rack, nor is it on your list of modules above. Reverbs can easily smear and stuff and make it "cinematic" or glue a bunch of sounds together in a droning space.

Resonators you kinda have as your sound sources (Plaits, Microfreak), but you might look into them some more. Not sure about Nostalgia but many delays can also resonate at very fast speeds (which is the essence of the Karplus-Strong synthesis also found in Plaits and MF).

In conclusion, you don't really need more modules at this stage, although you're lacking a reverb (unless you're adding it externally) and more VCAs (and other utilities) would be beneficial to have. Work on your technique, experiment, take notes, study the music you want to make. Jameson Nathan Jones has a lot of composition-oriented videos on his youtube channel and works with modulars, Omri Cohen does modular ambient and also has a ton of visual tutorials, mostly in VCV rack, which is a good way to experiment and learn without necessarily buying more modules.

I'm not exactly an eurorack veteran (I've been at this for about two years) but happy to try and answer any more questions you might have.

Good luck!

Check out:
Befaco Oneiroi - synth voice, looper, filter, fxs, reverb, delay, resonator, internal modulation

https://modulargrid.net/e/befaco-oneiroi

or

-a Make Noise Strega? experimental synth voice, delay, lots of magic for soundscapes
-maybe just add something like a MI Beads? gives your granular, delay, reverb .... all in one.
-or a Mimeophon? Delay, Feedback, looper, Reverb. = Fun

but check out the Oneiroi. could be what you are looking for

Removing the BBD and the Sequencer, as you suggest, frees up 20 HP.

A few common ideas for 20 HP modules include, Maths, Doepfer Matrix Mixer A-138m, something spicy like Morphagene, Sealegs, etc. Not sure this would be best use of that space, but it's something to not overlook.

Breaking that 20 HP down into several modules will probably get you more mileage, but that'll be your decision....smaller module ideas that might add something include Pico DSP (erica), some sort of Euclidean Rhythm generator (2hp makes an okay one), noise and/or random voltage sources, and the various Doepfer switches/utilities.

You don't necessarily need to fill all 20 HP right away.....you could pick up, e.g., an Euclidean rhythm generator, the pico dsp, and see what you feel is missing after patching for a bit, or until it becomes obvious.

Hope this helps stimulate some ideas! Good luck!

Looking for suggestions about this rig. On the left, control source interfaces, as I use external controllers or a DAW to compose. 5-drum section for rhythm parts, a voice in the top of the rack and a second voice in the Mavis.

I am likely to remove the BBD and Sequencer modules, freeing up some space. I'd like to have possibly add one more drum voice and something that can add some random spice.

So ive been watching tutorials and reading forums like ModWiggler and r/modular, but i still have unanswered questions. So, let me begin by stating that I did get a pretty bad case of shiny new module syndrome and purchased modules without giving a ton of thought about what type of sound i wanted to create. I realize now, that was my first problem. My goal with this whole setup was and still is to create cinematic soundscapes with swelling waveforms, resonation, reverb, and basically create a droning enveloping sound that builds, waxes and wanes. Also, something dark and verging on industrial. Very ambient with little rhythm. I basically want to emulate a lot of the scores that Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross have composed. Now that could change in the future, but thats where i want to start. I should add that I am trying to control my modular synth with the Arturia Microfreak and am considering the Squarp Hermod as my midi interface as it has a lot of functionality built in. Now, knowing all of this and seeing what i already have invested in (in terms of modules), what modules would you suggest I keep, which ones are superfluous or otherwise could be sold/traded out, which ones could be useful to achieving my goal, and finally, which ones are vital to overall sound production? My link that im including is what i currently have (or have on the way in the mail) and I have a budget of about $500 USD more to invest in more modules that will help me attain the sound im searching for. I did recently watch a youtube video where a musician created almost exactly the sound I am looking to create. In his video he listed the modules he was using to get his sound: Qu-Bit's Bloom, Mutable's Peaks, Mutable's Rings clone, and Qu-Bit's Prism. After searching those specific modules on Reverb, they are a tad more than i want to spend. So if any of you modular veterans have suggestions for modules that can produce similar effects as the afforementioned ones for a better price, I'm all ears. I'm also open to any of you building patches using my rack as I am a buge visual learner and that type of input would greatly help me in understanding how sound is routed in a modular system in general. Thank you all in advance for your constructive criticism and helpful suggestions. Those of you that came just to poke fun or leave disparaging comments, well, I cant stop you, but I mean, youre only wasting your own time and energy.

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_2725653.jpg

EDITED Jan 13th, 04:39

Are you feeding the A-192-2 already quantized voltages?
Are the bad notes off by just a half step higher or lower?
If so, you'll need something like an A-183-2 offset to tweeze your incoming notes.
Read the technical notes here: https://gael.doepfer.eu/en/item/a156

Love this module...
Just can't figure out what happened. Suddenly it converts incoming CV messages to some other notes that are not in the sequence. Tried out different sequencers, still the same problem.
Then, I tried to reset the A-192-2, but it didn't work.

Any experience on this problem??
Thank you!!!
Cheers, C

Admin, would you consider adding a rackmount section for outboard gear?

Just like modular: pick the case, set the unit height amount and number of columns.

Something like this:

And the presentation (similar to eurorack, 500, etc):

Any interest in this? Would you submit gear?

EDITED Jan 13th, 00:13

Rings and noise being the main sound sources, just a little bass from the STO, some Granular acton from Monsoon Clouds too.

EDITED Jan 12th, 12:33

The sun is shining!

*dpo:
-lfo 모드선택
-FM BUS +/- 조절.. ~~~ > !고래소리!

hehe thanks Tenidis ive never of that kind of music b4

EDITED Jan 12th, 08:45

Yeah, the mix is a little loose, but that meldoy, its got the Vibes of a Russian Village Boys happy hardcore track.

Clock driven by Sport Modulator "Triple Rhythm Generator" patch.

[

EDITED Thursday January 16, 16:19

I want to buy an arcaico Mosè 6 channel mixer used on here. Does anyone have one they might be able to part with in the near future? I have my custom 104 HP 3 row Modular Grid setup the way I want pretty much but the one piece that's missing is the arcaico Mosè. I want one in Good or better condition on Paypal with around $100 shipping at the most to California. Is the Mosè released yet? arcaico's homepage doesn't list it and it didn't turn up on Google or Reverb.com.

Thanks for letting me know, I'll try to turn it down next time