Motherload 2

I'm just starting out building my rack, but this is what I want to get for now, any thoughts? Thanks!

are you buying a case with or without a pre built power supply?

I want to get the Moog one, and it doesn't seem to have a power supply

well you're gonne need a power supply!

power supply works like this: you have a power module (which plugs into a wall), and on the inside of the module there is a flying busboard, with little boxes. when you get a new module, you plug the ribbon cable into that busboard.

now, I am not sure if the Mother-32 has a built in power supply, but it probably doesn't. you're gonna wanna pick up a power supply. the most popular one is the uZeus https://www.modulargrid.net/e/tiptop-audio-uzeus. it has 10 slots for modules.

it is reccomended to be included into 84 HP rack, but if you have 2 rows of 60 HP you should be good.

thanks for the info. I knew i needed a power module but wasn't sure where to start, so it's awesome you picked up on that. as far as modules go, what do you think?

yeah man a couple months ago I was in the same position you were in. took me months to get my head around the powering part.

as for the module, I'd say its pretty good. you have everything you need since you would be able to patch a function from the Mother-32 to any of the other modules. for the roland effect module, if you run your synth through a DAW (like me), you can add digital VST effects (saves $). but if you dont than you can keep it.

only thing I would get differently is the case. get a bigger case than you need. this is because if you ever want to add something new, you won't have room. Meaning the only way to get that new module would to buy another case with another power supply and blah blah. i would get that 3 tier mother-32 rack, just to stay on the safe side.

FYI very important: i noticed you don't have a Output module. this is important because without it, you have no way to connect your synth to an amplifier (the thing that connects to your studio monitors/speakers). the output module I use (and think is fuckin rockin) is the Pittburg OUTS Mk II https://www.modulargrid.net/e/pittsburgh-modular-outs-mk-ii

P.S.: if you dont have an amplifier (like the Scarlett 2i2) connecting to speakers, your synth will basically be a box with knobs.

now, if you were like me, you might be completly lost into getting sound to actually come out of your synth. if you need a complete run down on setting it up, I can tell you. it isnt complicated.

im headin to bed, its 2 AM where im at. ill respond in the mornin.

also, if you need reference to anything, here's my current rack

EDITED Apr 30th 2016, 06:18

thanks for additional info haha, def noted and added to the rack. any recommendations for the case other than the Moog stuff? something decently priced...

this is where modular synths get good!

i highly reccomend getting that 3 tier moog rack, and just starting out with the stuff you have there, and i have a reason for that:

people describe getting a new module feeling like its a entirly new synth. if you bought the modules you have setup on your rack, youll have room left to order more in the future.

if you just order everything at once, you wont have any more room for more modules. and eventually, you'll grow bored of it.

so order modules over time, not all at once.

as for price, its tough to find a good quailty piece of equiptment at a decent price. but ive been researching for months for the best prices, and the 2 cheapest brands of modules (while still having great quality) is EMW and ladik.

EMW has about everything you need. They are cheaply priced and offer good sounds, which is good if you're on a budget.
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/modules/browser?SearchName=&SearchVendor=154&SearchFunction=&SearchSecondaryfunction=&SearchTe=&SearchTemethod=max&SearchBuildtype=a&SearchMarketplace=&SearchIsmodeled=&SearchShowothers=1&SearchShow1u=&order=popular

ladik is even cheaper than EMW, and also has good sound. I have the ladik VCO1 and it sounds pretty fantastic.
HOWEVER! Be note of this: the depth of ladik is huge, this isn't a good thing.

When I mean depth, I mean how far the module goes back. the ladik VCO1 and the filter bank I have are so close to touching the back of my rack, which is really annoying cause it blocks the patch for adding more modules. the only way to prevent that is to have a case that has more depth, which usually isnt too big a problem. heres a picture http://imgur.com/LMQme6z

You can usually check the depth of a module in the specs. In a module info page, it'll usually say "x mm depth"

basically, ladik is great because the most expensive module they have is $134. but they can take up some space, so make sure your case is big enough! https://www.modulargrid.net/e/modules/browser?SearchName=&SearchVendor=215&SearchFunction=&SearchSecondaryfunction=&SearchTe=&SearchTemethod=max&SearchBuildtype=a&SearchMarketplace=&SearchIsmodeled=&SearchShowothers=1&SearchShow1u=&order=popular

i know im giving you giant answers for small questions, but I know where your coming from and I want to help as much as possible.

thanks for additional info haha, def noted and added to the rack. any recommendations for the case other than the Moog stuff? something decently priced...
-- abesirevic

also, here are some cheap modules that do some cool stuff:
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/music-thing-modular-radio-music
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/music-thing-modular-turing-machine-mk-ii
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/expert-sleepers-disting
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/synthrotek-echo
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/ryo-optodist