Im just generally interested in sound, music and anything thats related from sound design for movies to making different genres of music... as of now I got like 50 different music projects in different genres and styles (not that Im any good at any of them, its more exploration and trying out things rather than attempts to go big on them) and I love many instruments, my first instrument was drums (I played electronic drum kit on highschool bands and finally got my own kit shortly after, also my grandparents have acoustic kit I play there every now and then)and next came along guitar (I wanted guitar for myself some years ago because I wanted to make music but no one of my friends really wanted or could play the music I wanted to make so I thaught myself play what I needed) and last but not least, keyboards and synthesizers (I was introduced to genre called Dungeon Synthetics and I was in love, I got my parents old electric piano and made my first Dungeon Synth songs back in 2012 and since Ive been practising to play keyboard a bit along side other instruments I got... and I finally like 2 years ago I got to know what synthesizers actually were and I was mesmerized by the sonic capabilities) also Im very interested in more exotic instruments but I dont own anything but one flute right now... Im also music collector, I dont got much albums compared to like mad collectors but compared to average guy I think Im doing decent with my collection of CDs

Im pretty interested in making my own modules from scratch aswell but I dont have any experience other than very simple highschool stuff I hardly even remember anymore, and even back then I didnt understand half the stuff I was doing, I just followed the instructions word to word... Thats why I want to start with small DIY kits of modules and guitar effect pedals, so I could get my feet wet on that world and see if it is for me or not. I already have some simple ideas for Modules I want to make but no schemes or anything because I really dont understand them yet... I might even apply for some school or course for small electronics so I would have someone right there to teache me and gain understanding to that world, rather than try teache myself by watching youtube videos and reading some books, but we'll see what I decide on. Ive already watched some videos of ''basics of electronics'' and tutorials for DIY stuff but I really need to do it myself to get the hang of it.

In general Im really bad at saving money because Im very impatient, Im that ''I need everything right now'' kinda guy and I cant help it... : D I try my best tho.

Yes the effects processor, I designed it to have anything I would need as guitar player, and ofcourse its over done hahaha. For start I might get by with some decent multieffect (Like that Morpheus module, Ive seen some demos on it before and it sure as hell seems really capable and crazy! other module ive been looking at is the Ornament & Crime as it seems pretty cool aswell, but I dont think its as much effect processor than it is digital function generator) but on the effects box I got multiple modules of similar effect to have different flavors of the distortion and delay for example, and also so I could use multiple effects at same time, Im not sure how many effects certain digital multieffects allow at same time, also I generally prefer analog hardware over digital.. not that I think digital is bad or anything, Im sure theres always use for it, but now Ive been going by with some free VST plugin effects on my DAW and Im not happy with them... I always prefer hardware over software.

Thanks heaps for chatting, its been very enjoyable to talk about this stuff :)

my first go at putting a rack together my idea is to have beatstep seq drums but patch through the expande so can mix other trigger maybe might change it . Also wanted some synth deffinatly want clouds and love the soung erica offer aswell might control them from beatstep awell .

Hey,
first of all, thank you very much for the reply. That's some really good input!

My plans changed a bit and I have a slightly better overview. The SQ-1 Is definitely gonna be a part of the plan. Also you're idea of the Pamela is great and I was already thinking about it. So i might start with building the case and getting the power supply. Then get a Turing and Radio Fm module plus the SQ-1. From there I have to see what will fit the set up . I will check the suggestions you wrote down. I guess it's back to the drawing board, which is a good thing afterall :)

Gonna check muffwiggler aswell!

Thanks again!

It's the least I can do for now! Keep in mind that there are some parts of the uploading process that are still based on the module uploading M.O. Minor stuff though. Just checked, the snap grid is indeed off but it keeps on throwing some stuff out of the board when I refresh. Additionally, some of the background options are not Unicorn only, but they don't seem to work anyway.

Keep up the good work!

EDITED May 29th 2017, 12:35

the pedal becomes quantized and it's very difficult as it forces you to place some pedals half-on and half-off the board.

Thanks for reporting. I have disabled that snap feature for now. Maybe it will come back with an option to turn on/off.
And thanks for helping to upload the pedals!

Hi,

it's great so far. Thanks for adding this! Unfortunately it seems adding one pedal creates a serious issue to all other pedals, as if you can't really place it wherever you want on the pedal board. If it's the first pedal there you have free movement, as soon as there is another pedal on the board the movement of the pedal becomes quantized and it's very difficult as it forces you to place some pedals half-on and half-off the board.

Still, it's a great idea and I'm hoping it will enhance your (paying) user base!

PP

I'm also a beginner, so take my suggestions for what they're worth. I'm not even sure why I'm responding. I guess when I start thinking about something it's hard for me to stop. I saw your post and started thinking about it, so you might as well see the results of my thought, so here are a few observations:

1. You have more than half the rack devoted to sequencing, with nothing to sequence except the Pico VCO, and maybe the Radio Music.
2. The Doepfer a161 is an expander for the a160, and doesn't do anything by itself. The a160 is a clock divider, and needs a clock signal to divide.
3. You have an a143-9 quadrature LFO. I'm not sure how important the quadrature outputs are to you, but I'd consider something with more LFOs per hp.
4. Bastl Skis gives you 2 VCAs, and 2 very limited envelopes, and doesn't give you a mix of the 2 inputs. You'll probably want more VCAs, as well as mixing, as well as better envelope generators.
5. There's no filter in there. Maybe not a total disaster, depending on what your oscillator(s) are capable of, but good to have.

Here's what I would do if it were me:
1. Get rid of Pressure Points, Brains, and the a161, and replace them with, for example, a Pamela's New Workout. That would get you a clock source, clock dividing, LFOs, and some other stuff. Maybe also get something like a Korg SQ1 or a Beat Step Pro outside the rack for sequencing.
2. Replace Skis with an Intellijel Quad VCA. Other options include Mutable Instruments Veils, Happy Nerding 3xVCA, Bubblesound VCA4p, Erica Black Quad VCA, etc. This gets you more VCAs plus mixing.
3. Replace the a143-9 with Mutable Instruments Peaks. This gets you 2 LFOs in the same amount of space, and it can also be envelope generators. As a bonus it can also do some drum sounds.
4. Replace the Pico VCO with a Klavis Twin Waves. This gives you 2 powerful digital VCOs.

If you followed that advice, it would leave you with 9 or more hp to spare. Maybe get a filter in the extra space?

My other advice would be to post this at muffwiggler if you haven't already. It seems to be a much more active forum, so you'll probably get advice from people far more experienced than I.

This is my modular, I'm still on the steepest of learning curves.
Inspired by Colin benders I've tried to lay it out logically.
I'm assuming readers will view via my user.
Opinions welcome.
My output modules are homebrew as is the double mult on the bottom row. The top eight sockets are bussed to the top left four and top right sockets to reduce long patch runs.

This is my modular, I'm still on the steepest of learning curves.
Inspired by Colin benders I've tried to lay it out logically.
I'm assuming readers will view via my user.
Opinions welcome.
My output modules are homebrew as is the double mult on the bottom row. The top eight sockets are bussed to the top left four and top right sockets to reduce long patch runs.

Hi all, I'm Phil from Kent, the garden of England.
I've been into electronic music for years but didn't really have the money to invest in anything other than software based systems.
I've been building my modular for around 2 years now and still don't know what direction to take it in. I'm very inspired by Colin benders and Berlin school.

Modular Beasts

I hear you. I was, likewise, intimidated. My biggest fear was putting voltage into an output and blowing my rig up. It turns out the biggest issue for me is finding the time to deeply learn each and every module and then figure out how to make ‘meta patches’ that do fun and interesting things. I also rushed too much and tried to do too much at first. I needed to learn and absorb knowledge over time.

I have a good intellect but it is a slow intellect. It takes me time to assimilate information, process, and procedure. My brain insists on constantly finding ways to do things better. In any case, as I do absorb information, and once it clicks as it is starting to, things start to take off nicely. I like to think deeply and broadly (more deeply). I’m not interested in quick solutions so much. (I say that now but I change as I get older. So, this is becoming a lie.)
Modular is just so darned exciting. I love sound, too. Rhythmic sounds, drumming, droning, sinusoidal patterns, interweaving melodies and intricate patterns. Sound mandalas. That is exactly what modular is: once a mandala (patch) has been created, it is then destroyed. On to the next one.

DIY Kits and Life

First, I think DIY kits are an excellent idea. Go for it. I have been looking at some DIY kits myself. I really like Erica Synths stuff because I like their quality and the way they think. In fact, I want to point out to you that they have a DIY kit for a complete system Polivoks DIY Module Bundle II. The complete kit including case and powersupply is about 1000 euro. You don’t have to get all the modules, however. You can listen to a sound example of this rig here.

I imagine I’m older than you are. I’ve made it to 50 years now! I can hardly believe it. The point is that I have some experiences to reflect on that have taught me. One of them was building Heath Kits when I was a teenager. Heath Company is no longer around. But there are things such as Arduino and DIY modular kits. Actually, building something like that teaches you so much, even if you get it wrong the first time. If you keep getting it wrong, perhaps you have answered another important question: electronics is not for you! If you do get it right, it just grows from there.

If you are looking for a path in life, have you considered the world of embedded system design? Embedded system programming? Designing and building modular components and modules? Look at Bob Moog, Don Buchla, Tony Rolando (Make Noise), Dave Rossum (Rossum-Electro Music), and more. Certainly, a musician/designer could be an interesting and rewarding life.

Build that custom case!

MIDI, Korg Volca, and How To Spend Money

Still curious how you will find midi works for you. I will keep you posted on what I get out of it down the road as I’m looking to integrate it so some extent. I’m not sure how yet. I’m waiting to see what Erica Synths comes out with as a replacement to their MIDI-CV module (announced). I have also been looking at Mutable-Instruments Yarns.

Regarding the Volca I would ring every bit of use out of it that you can. This leads me to what I want to say about money. I have been down the path quite a few times of spending my hard earned funds in small quantities while never really saving to reach for higher fruit. If you find yourself doing this, I encourage you to stop and save for what is truly worthwhile. Another thing about modular is that if you take good care of your modules, they appear to hold their value well. You can always sell and trade. Hey. Come to think of it: how many places are there near you that buy and sell modules? While you’re thinking about life, perhaps, this is something to do. There are so many paths. Some you will find lead to the same place in strange ways. There is no saying where life will take you and how.

Effects Processor

Yikes! Doc. You’re breaking the bank :-) That’s a nice piece of kit you put together though (with lots of redundancy :-) I think it's a little over done. But tell me more about it and what you are thinking...

I would like to point you at the Rossum Morpheus module as an effects processor. I might be all that you need. Or maybe you will want to add some reverb and delay. But that might be about it. Well, you could add bit crushing to the list. And some distortion. But that’s it! Wow. This is already out of hand and I’m sweating just thinking about it. I can feel my trigger finger.

Anyway, if you look at the Morpheus, tell me what you think of the possibilities as an effects module for guitar and keys and anything else to be thrown at it.

Well, I have lost my interest connection. And I still have more to say. Oh, well. I will have to send this later. I have been out of town the past few days, so I haven’t been able to respond. We had a storm come through last night and power was knocked out. As soon as I am able, I will get this online.

Later, Doc! (2017.05.28 @ 6:55 pm GMT)

EDITED May 28th 2017, 19:08

Sorry, owikeddal. I'm not following you. You lost me.

Hey, I'm Oscar from Berlin.
I'm still in highschool so I don't really earn Money yet, but I ve been fascinated by Synthesizers for quite a while now and already own some non-modular stuff . Currently I'm looking for a job I as a minor can do and earn some money to spend on modules, a lowcost case (probably 6U) and just start it. Of course I already did some research online how to get into modular, watched Molten Music, Tuesday Night Machines and similar channels to get myself educated a bit. I came here to get some more personal advice, this community is always called nice and cooperative. I really like many genres of electronic music (and can't decide where to go with the modular) . As an introduction I'm planning to invest into a Kastle by Bastl Instruments. Do you approve of that?
Hope to hear from some more experienced synth-lovers soon
Oscar

EDITED May 28th 2017, 17:45

So since I purchased the CV:OCD, I can now generate pretty wild CV signals.

So what modules could be fun for this?

I already purchase MI Clouds for this.

Actually, if one purchases this:

http://www.synthtopia.com/content/2016/10/20/the-cv-ocd-is-a-super-flexible-midi-to-cv-box/

Then it doesn't really matter, since that device has plenty of CV outs and costs only $95 plus shipping.

EDITED May 28th 2017, 13:27

So I've been looking MIDI/CV interfaces and there are plenty of them in eurorack format.

However, I've noticed that some MIDI keyboards also come with USB/MIDI to CV interfaces, so rather than buying just a converter I could buy a keyboard that also has the converter.

Actually keyboards such as Arturia Keystep are more affordable than many eurorack USB/MIDI to CV interfaces.

But the Arturia Keystep for example seems to have only one CV out and one Gate Out.
So this is just one channel of CV, right?

But how many does one need?

As many as there are controllable parameters?

Dam FAM, tha's on Deck, drop da LSD!!

This could also work:

http://pittsburghmodular.com/lifeforms-system-interface/

It would be useful if one could use some other module for either the input or the output.
Like some other effect such as compressor or distortion.

Then it would serve multiple purposes, rather than just input/output.

Wonder if something like this could be used for the I/O:

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/sputnik-modular-valve-multiplier

I've used Crusher, but I haven't used Clouds.

Crusher is rather difficult to use though.
-- soundmodel

I suggest trying your hand on a Clouds before you do anything else.

Well. If anything modular seems too much trouble, why bother at all.
Go for software.
-- wiggler55550

Do you think Crusher has similarities with Clouds?

I've used Crusher, but I haven't used Clouds.

Crusher is rather difficult to use though.

For better input they suggest:

http://www.circuitabbey.com/Gozinta.html

I still think it would be easiest to buy the Intellijel Audio Interface, but
it's rather expensive at 249€.

Well. If anything modular seems too much trouble, why bother at all.
Go for software.

Here are some suggestions:

https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=51415&highlight=output

They note that one can use some of the Doepfer modules such as the A-134 Pan for creating the output.

They also say that A119 is low-quality.

EDITED May 27th 2017, 18:06

I was wondering, do I really need to purchase some "boutique" eurorack module to do the 5v to line conversion.
And could I perhaps get some normal audio mixer and use some adapters on it?
-- soundmodel

Neither Ladik nor Doepfer are "boutique"; they are at the lower end as far as pricing.
I guess you could use a mixer with a -20 db pad on the input.

Know someone with some electronics knowledge?

-- wiggler55550

They are "boutique" in the sense that I don't see them as useful in other than eurorack modulars.
Using a general mixer would be more "generic". Allowing one to use "general purpose" hardware, rather than specialized.
I don't think the eurorack modules really do anything special, they just do the attenuating accurately, precisely to the needs of the hardware.

Forget about headphone amps. Your modular level is already way too high; it will clip the input on your sound card. There is no point in making it even louder, right?

I was wondering, do I really need to purchase some "boutique" eurorack module to do the 5v to line conversion.
And could I perhaps get some normal audio mixer and use some adapters on it?
-- soundmodel

Neither Ladik nor Doepfer are "boutique"; they are at the lower end as far as pricing.
I guess you could use a mixer with a -20 db pad on the input.

Know someone with some electronics knowledge?

Of course one could get something else for the output module:

e.g.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1198520-REG/pittsburgh_pms2017_outs_stereo_headphone.html

EDITED May 27th 2017, 17:43

A-119 is mono: "The pre-amp has two inputs: an unbalanced input for line level signals, with a gain factor of from 0 to 20, and a balanced input with a gain factor of from 0 to 500, for insertion of low level signals, for instance from a microphone or electric guitar"

On p. 4 in the manual it says that:

Symm. In
The 6.3 mm stereo full-size jack socket " is the
A-119’s balanced input, for low level signals such as
from a microphone, electric guitar, and so on.

A-139-2 is a headphone amplifier. You need to bring down the level going into the computer.
-- wiggler55550

I thought one needed to amplify the output signal. I wonder if there's some other Doepfer module that can handle the output.

A-119 is mono: "The pre-amp has two inputs: an unbalanced input for line level signals, with a gain factor of from 0 to 20, and a balanced input with a gain factor of from 0 to 500, for insertion of low level signals, for instance from a microphone or electric guitar"

A-139-2 is a headphone amplifier. You need to bring down the level going into the computer.

There's also pretty affordable solution from Doepfer:

The A-119 Ext. In. as input (note the input there is stereo):

https://images.musicstore.de/images/1600/doepfer-a-119-ext-input-envelope-follower_1_SYN0003615-000.jpg

and A-139-2 as the output (this is also stereo):

http://www.schneidersladen.de/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/a/-/a-139-2_front.jpg

I was wondering, do I really need to purchase some "boutique" eurorack module to do the 5v to line conversion.
And could I perhaps get some normal audio mixer and use some adapters on it?

Right, Ladik has excellent value for the money. Rather than investing in a specialized interface module (ALM S.B.G for example) you could get away with getting a pre-amp (A-510, A-520 , A-525 ) for input from computer to modular and a mixer (M-110, M-120, A-530) for attenuating from modular to computer level. BTW, no affiliation with Ladik here, I'm just a satisfied user. There are many alternatives. Note that this will be useful for most any external input, hi-fi, walkman, phone, whatever. And you will need a set of matching cables.

By know you are suspecting that just making Clouds work costs as much as the module itself. And oc you're right. On the other hand nothing of that is lost once you decide to expand ;-)

Who is using that Strymon Big Sky or EHX Small Stone pedal with the modular?

Exactly, everyone!

Guitar Pedals are natural companions for modulars and even many modular manufacturers are coming from the stompbox DIY scene.
So we thought ModularGrid should support pedals, too.
Here you go, click around and tell us what you want to see improved.

If you want to help to make it better:

• upload one or two pedals because the database seriously lacks content
• report any technical hiccups

We will see how many of you gals and guys will use the pedalgrid and then decide to go further or leave it as it is in beta status forever :)

The default format on ModularGrid will always be Eurorack. But we have a shortcut URL for the pedals, too:
It's http://pedalgrid.net

It seems that Intellijel has Audio Interface II, but ladik has even more affordable modules:

http://ladik.ladik.eu/?page_id=1148

and

http://ladik.ladik.eu/?page_id=1157

EDITED May 27th 2017, 14:26

I found:

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/xaoc-devices-sewastopol

But I wonder if there are other modules that would do what I need.

How will you handle the difference of voltage levels between your soundcard and your modular?

-- wiggler55550

I don't know.

Perhaps I need to buy some module to do this.

You may be familiar with the sound effect produced by a sample & hold module, plugged into a VCO, for example.
But, are there other ways S&H can be used? For instance, controlling a VCA, or VCF.
What prompted me to ask was hearing a Jean Michel Jarre track on his Oxygene 3 album... Oxygene 15, I think.
It has a S&H quality to it, whilst still keeping to a melody.

Would love to read peoples opinions/ideas.

Peace... Simon.

How will you handle the difference of voltage levels between your soundcard and your modular?

Could e.g. this power the Clouds:

https://www.rawvoltage.wien/eurorack-gehause/doepfer-a-100mc-mini-case-schwarz
-- soundmodel

Yes it can and does.
What are you going to feed into it?

-- wiggler55550

I'm going to connect it to my sound card and run stuff from my computer through it.

Could e.g. this power the Clouds:

https://www.rawvoltage.wien/eurorack-gehause/doepfer-a-100mc-mini-case-schwarz
-- soundmodel

Yes it can and does.
What are you going to feed into it?

EDITED May 27th 2017, 11:08

Could e.g. this power the Clouds:

https://www.rawvoltage.wien/eurorack-gehause/doepfer-a-100mc-mini-case-schwarz

So I'm interested in the MI Clouds, but I don't have a modular system, nor do I really have interest in anything else.

So what's the minimum setup that I need to use just Clouds?

We could use the main point from this study.The EssayJedi is needed for the development this community.

EDITED May 26th 2017, 17:32

I had a great purchasing experience with @oneirictomb

Good guy, honest seller.

Here's what I have so far. Any suggestions on what I should drop or add is appreciated. I do have 9-12U of space in my rack right now and this will be a slow purchasing process starting out. What I'm hoping to get out of modular is making my own sounds, anything from bass, leads, pads, drums, etc. and processing sounds further through plugins in Ableton Live. Thanks.

Ah man I totally forgot to mention one huge reason Im interested in modular aswell, the effects and modulations I could use with something like guitar, I have planned a system that would work more as a effects box for guitar or any sound source for that matter, Ive researched this dimension a bit but havent found anything difinitive so it will just remain as a plan until I know more...

Thanks mate! Ill keep this around for reference!

EDITED May 24th 2017, 20:18

To be honest, when I fisrt became more interested in electronic music and synthesis little over year ago, and I saw these beast of modular synths, I was scared of them and the complexity, but more I watched videos (like demos, tutorials, 'getting started with modular' and anything I could find) of them little by little, the more I was interested in them and the infinite possibilities they offer... also I started to show some interest in making my own simple modules and such (Ive never before been interested in small electronics until now, planning to start with some simple DIY kits and a solder)... Im kinda still looking for the thing I really wanna do in life, one thing is music, that I love much to make and to listen... About the modular synthesis with MIDI, I wouldnt want the MIDI keyboard to be something I completely rely on, but more of a traditional approach maybe(?), Im planning to build up more and seek all the ways I can use the modular synths with, Im interested in the drum things and patches and sounds, self playing and generating soundscapes, and sound design is really close to my heart, like with my Korg Volca I couldnt get my hands off of it in first few days because I was having fun just turning the knobs and exploring everything I can make it sound like but soon I craved for more.... Sorry if Im kinda all over the place with my messages, I try my best to keep it bearable haha

There are many things that really interests me to build a modular system, one big thing is that its unique to me, I want to build my own custom case that I can fill up partly with my own DIY modules and many cool ones from all different companies (I built my first custom PC for myself last december, so if building custom modular synth is anything like that, then I dont want to miss out on it). Other thing is the expandability and customizability, there would never come a point when I could say ''now thats too many I need to stop'' other than in bad financial situation maybe haha. 3rd thing I think is the creativity it offers, I like to think Im creative guy with tons of ideas for different purposes and modular synth would really compliment that creativity, not to say one can not be creative on much more simpler things, like you said 'It is amazing what creativity necessity invokes in us' it is most definitely true! :)

I live in Finland, and Im not much of a traveller kinda dude but Ill try and remember to take pics if I happen to find myself at Erica :)