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Yes, I have noticed that doepfer generally has more affordable modules. On the other hand they tend to have 1 function per module. I mean, to put together the equivalent of a disting I would probably need 84hp.
-- Startics
more like 8 * 84hp - average size of doepfer module is about 8hp - and there are over 80 algos
what puts people off disting a lot, is if they try to test everything, constantly and have to refer back to the manual everytime to remember what every input and output is doing... if you set it up to use favourites - say a dozen algos, and then concentrate on those and replace the algo with a dedicated module, say you find 70% of the time you are using disting as a delay - buy a delay and replace the delay algo in favourites - it is much easier to work with - the menu is about as deep as a puddle!!
"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia
Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!
I realize it's a little odd to post primarily non-eurorack pieces here, but I do use a small rack - Mutable Instruments Ears, Busy Circuits S.B.G., DivKid Øchd, Batumi, among others. Anyhow, here's another Ciat-Lonbarde piece made with the Plumbutter 2, Cocoquantus 2, and Tetrax. Copious use of my pedal board as well.
Thanks for your contribution Luigia.
Here I see a few interesting diversions I will certainly explore.
the idea is to expand the setup over time.
Music is my (potentially bank-breaking) hobby, therefore even if it probably wise to think bigger from the beginning as you suggest, I am not in a rush and can consider the direction I want to take while I am on my way.
I will take some time to analyse the info I have so far and see what I come up with (When I was talking about equalising white noise I had in mind something with individual outputs which I could mix with an external mixer....you really hit the nail with that)
I would use Vector for melodies on a rhythmically quantized grid, whereas Hermod is very useful if you want to play/record more loosely timed melodies or notes.
Vector plays steps whereas Hermod plays midi events, which are not necessarily restricted to certain steps.
As for drums I prefer Vector. Together with a Launchpad it’s super easy to program and change drum hits. And with the upcoming 2.0 firmware adding random elements, muting drum voices, etc. will be super easy.
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.
Exactly right! Love my 0-coast pairing with 0-ctrl is great poor man's Easel. Same here- if I had 50k to burn, would love me a Buchla Skylab and Buchla Rhythm generator along with the essential classics like Buchla 259 and source of uncertainty along with a full on Serge modular system and Moog System 15. But fortunately for us, Eurorack provides less expensive alternatives that come close. Not cheap but equally fun and lots more choices. I've been digging into my Quadrax and Kermit modules as they have tons of modulation power. I can make a full track just with one oscillator now that I can modulate and mix the heck out of the single oscillator in so many ways. Once I get a sequential switch, matrix mixer and clock then watch out, even more chaos. Verbos makes nice stuff as well from what I hear.
Using this many modules would require an Arturia Rackbrute (Most of the flying cable power supplies only do 10)
-the rack brute is 88hp (83hp after power)
IIRC the newest Great Destroyer is 6hp, so this gives me 2 more hp than what's shown
-I don't believe the price is factored into what is seen. Add an extra $160
Took a whack at this, although I didn't bother with the 1 x 60 idea at all. Too small, really...you COULD probably jam all of that into 60 hp, but this 2 x 60 variation shows where a build like this could go...and it might be something you need to be thinking about right now, because if you have an indication that you might need to go bigger, you should DEFINITELY follow your gut and build THAT.
OK, let's look at this thing. First up, the layout is VERY different. Most of the audio (except the noise/EQ setup, more on that in a bit) is in the top cab. After the P/S (went with 4ms Row 25s here...ample current, plus easy daisychaining from just a single external "brick") you have a NLC input module with full envelope following. This then has a Warps next to it, primed to scramble the hell out of any external audio as needed. A Klavis Dual Waves gives you your two VCOs...albeit these also have some interesting extra features, one of which is internal quantizing (with several scales). Intellijel's new dual wavefolder is after this, offering dual inputs so that you could ALSO use the wavefolder as a wave-mangling 2-channel mixer. If not, then you can just as easily use the Optomix (your LPGs) for a "clean" mix via two LPG inputs and a third fixed-level AUX in. A Happy Nerding 3xVCA gives you breakout-able VCAs and/or mixing for your audio, then this outputs to the Purrverb digital spring, since spring reverb was a big part of the Buchla sound, especially in the 100 series. And since this can go mono-to-stereo, I put a Happy Nerding Isolator in as your stereo output level control, plus it offers transformer isolation, which can be a major asset if/when gigging...plus you can push the transformers a bit for a little more warmth via a bit of saturation.
Bottom row: after the other Row 25, you'll find an Expert Sleepers FH-2. Not only is this a user-configurable MIDI over USB interface, it can ALSO function in USB host mode, meaning that you can grab this, a USB-MIDI controller like a Keystep, and you've got your "go kit" since you can jack the Keystep (or any other USB controller) directly into the modular. Then, Maths. Of course. An After Later DVCA (1/2 of a Veils, basically) gives you curve-adjustable VCAs for either audio OR CV/mod level control. Then a dual ADSR for "normal" envelopes. After this is your "noise voice", which starts with Doepfer's A-118-2, and this also provides a random voltage source, an extra clock source, track and hold, or sample and hold...all of which will definitely be of use for the entire rig. The noise can feed on to the EMW Fixed Filter bank...which not only gives you graphic EQ-type timbral control, it ALSO has individual outputs for each band! And you can feed that to either the 3xVCA or the Optomix.
This is a much better look at where your build should be heading, according to some indications you gave about the 2-row upgrade. I simply opted to do that in THIS build, which hopefully gives you a much clearer idea of how to proceed so that the jump from one to two rows isn't such a hassle. Hope this helps!
Yes, I have noticed that doepfer generally has more affordable modules. On the other hand they tend to have 1 function per module. I mean, to put together the equivalent of a disting I would probably need 84hp.
They sound great for what I have heard, though.
The envelope follower is interesting, I think I will leave it aside at the moment, depending on how far I go with the idea of integrating other sounds/instruments in my setup.
At this stage I have only built the case out of a plywood sheet and a synthracks frame And today I purchased the power supply...soooo....1 module a month...I can’t wait for the next one. Hopefully with this approach I will have time to explore each module and get a better understanding of what it does before adding the next one
Yeah...when I saw the first take on combining the two 0s, my eyes got big as saucers. OK, there's the Sound Easel...but it's heinously expensive. And then, there's Tony's take on it, which comes in at roughly a grand and which can tear up in about the same way.
Buchla's nice...but I ain't got a Buchla bank account. An O-Easel is very much in mind here for 2021.
Oh wow! That's beautifully done, keeping the tension there, very subtle here and there an extra sound but keeping it nice and slowly, perfectly under control by not letting it getting out of hand.
This could just run away for me from a good A or excellent B class movie, nice work here! Thanks a lot for sharing this and kind regards, Garfield.
For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads
Now let us be honest here! Who needs Jean-Michel Jarre, Vangelis, Klaus Schulze and the whole lot if we got you?! :-D
I just can't wait for the virus to disappear and that open air concerts are allowed again. Break that record of J.M. Jarre with the most visitors at a live concert, you can do that! :-D
Great stuff again, I start recognising not only that typical Moog sound you are using here but your own style as well, the combination of these two is very likeable. Keep the good stuff coming!
Thank you very much for sharing this and I look forward in seeing your first concert! Kind regards, Garfield.
For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads
The main things come from the Make Noise STO, then some of it through a resonant filter then Happy Nerding HNVCF, then onto clouds for some Granular action. Some sample stuff from the Disting Mk4, filtering some swept noise from the MI Kinks via the ADDAC105 then some minimal percussion fro the ADDAC103, light hats from the Roland TR09.
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.
Input and output are interesting in a tiny rack like this. For output, I chose to lean on using one of the Maths attenuators as your output (you'd need a 3.5mm to 1/8" cable, I think this would work from prior comments by @lugia) or would suggest an external mixer. For input, I think you'd want to sneak in a dedicated module, for example the Mutable Instruments Ears. I don't process external sources though, so I'm not an expert on that one.
Glad this has been helpful, others may chime in too but either way keep us updated on your journey!
All very interesting! You are right, maths and disting are like Swiss Army knives and are probably worthy every penny spent to buy these.
I am probably in love with the complex modulations you can do with maths.
I am also wondering what happens if I feed the envelope follower with some environmental percussive noise lol..would I need some sort of signal booster for that, or the attenuverter in maths is enough?
External audio signal is low compared with oscillators, isn’t it?
I will definitely keep an eye on those 2 modules.
They seem pricy, but they are probably relatively cheap, compared with what I would spend to buy single modules for just their main functions...
Once again thanks, speaking with you is super useful!
No surprise that you grok'ed it, you seem to have a solid foundation!
In this setup, you can use both Maths and the Disting as FM modulators, each can do both audio rate oscillation and LFOs. For random, you'd want to use the Disting here as it has a couple random algorithms.
One final note, you also get a Precision Adder in Links, so thankfully you can use the Disting for other things.
See below for an overview of Maths, and another for Disting though they've added more algorithms since this one was made:
Thanks for replying.
There are tons of alternatives out there, sometimes you don’t know these exist (that’s why forums are great I suppose)
So, surprisingly I understand a bit of what you did.
I see the structure complex vco, lpg,wavefolder, mixer, dsp.
I was looking at disting as it seems very useful to have a precision adder when playing with FM (it does also things I don’t quite get, but that’s the pleasure of exploring). So I am happy to know that I was looking in the right place for that.
Just a couple of questions:
Do I need another vco to modulate the two59 and for FM?
What’s on duty as LFO/random generator Would it be the maths?
Thanks again
F
EDIT: the multiplier was meant to be used to send the clock to multiple modules, not sue now I need it(maybe it is still useful to have one)?
Well I managed to significantly increase the price, but from what you've said you want I'd start with the below:
Quick notes:
1) I personally wouldn't want a system, small or not, without a Maths or similar function generator. It does too much, mixing, modulation, attenuation, subharmonic generation, etc. There are a lot of days where it's my favorite module.
2) Disting is a great swiss army knife in a small rack and will help you understand what you want in that second rack while adding lots more range to this one.
3) FX Aid is one of the top FX modules with a bit of a community around it, for 1 HP more than the Pico FX which is a lot more limited.
4) Links can work here as your mult (not sure that's needed though?) and also as two different mixers for both audio and CV.
5) I'm not super familiar with Sinc Bucina but NE make good stuff and I think this fits your criteria in less HP than Doepfer.
@Lugia, actually I do have the 0-coast! I've had that for a couple years now and it was my first taste of patching synths before getting a full modular setup. I got the 0-ctrl to use with it and it is a beast now. Even more fun is patching the 0-coast to my two 6U modular setups as an extra voice and to use the contour for EG.
This here is to compliment my Moog Grandmother and Arturia MatrixBrute, I wanted other features that do not come with the afore mentioned. I am just building my 1st case and have no idea about what to start with. I am into Drones and soft Melodic Randomness. I started here with a synth of some sort but want stuff that will pulse, clock , trigger and modulate (generative). It does not matter how many videos I research because quite quickly it (patch lingo)becomes a foreign language.
Hi, I am new to modular synths and trying to build my first one.
Since my synths follow the “east coast” model (vco, filter, eg, vca), I’d like to attempt a different approach, adding 2 VCOs, one LPG, some wave shaping and modulations and an EQ to experiment with white noise (I have seen it on internet and sounds cool).
Clock and sequences are all handled via midi, so I can integrate the synth in my setup (Behringer crave, nord rack 2x, volca beats and bass).
Also I have only 60hp to start with, but I will build another 60hp case for future expansions, so maybe I should avoid large modules (just a thought)
Any suggestion? Does the rack I have put together make sense?
Thanks a lot for your help
Love
F
EDIT: added a complex vco (feedback two59) and removed the doepfer and the EQ. Not sure it works better? I also have 4hp free...any idea please, I am not sure I know what I am doing
I'm with you on menu diving and O_C. I try to shy away from menus as much as possible. I definitely lean towards knobs over screens. On the other hand, I do like screens over weird unmarked and hidden button combinations. There's always a trade-off.
O_C looks really useful but I haven't found the need to pick one up yet. It looks like it might be a little frustrating. Pam's, on the other hand, is the glue that holds everything together for me. The menu system is shallow and easy to use. I have several different things that I synchronize using Pam's and its expander mainly as a master clock (Eloquencer, Moffenzeef Mito, Voltage Block, Prophet, RD8, etc.). I don't think I could live without it now. I'd say it's the best value in Eurorack-land.
Disting is a weird one. I begrudgingly picked one up earlier in the process of putting my rack together and just used one or two of its algorithms for a while, but now I find myself using quite a few different functions. It's an imperfect but incredibly useful module. While the EX is probably a better buy at this point, I'm keeping my MK4. It just does so much, and every time I need something, it's there waiting and only requires a quick reference to the manual.
Take care and have fun.
Hermod, aside from being a powerful sequencer on its own, can be an extension of Vector, adding more pitch and gate outputs. You can apply Hermod‘s effects to Vector‘s parts and add interesting variations this way.
Hermod has a nice arpeggiator that I like to use with an external keyboard or simply with a chord part from Vector. Soon Vector will have its own arpeggiator function, though.
Hermod is also great to bring external sequencers such as iPad apps into the rack.
The aluminium board is a Grid from Monome, which is basically a controller whose function changes depending on the program/app/sequencer it is connected to.
I use it with the Monome Ansible (the module between Hermod and Sinfonion) which has several immensely inspiring sequencers built in and can also be used as a simple midi to CV interface.
Do check out Monome! They are also the makers of Norns.
Hi and welcome @BreadTruck28.
The first few things I notice are that you have too much sequencing power for a rack this size, the "workflow" of the rack is jumbled up, and you have multiple modules that do similar functions. I would recommend just starting out with the Eloquencer for sequencing. It has probability and quantization, so you can get some randomization. If that's not enough, maybe add the Ornament and Crime for its more esoteric functions, but Eloquencer will probably be plenty starting out (8 channels of gate/CV). You can get rid of the Rene and Scales. I would get rid of Pressure Points and Brains too. I thought I was going to love PP, but mine ended up collecting dust, so I sold it.
I would bypass the mini-Mutables. The ergonomics of the original MI versions are excellent, and you can find them at fair prices. Those little mini-knobs aren't very fun to work with. Same goes for the 2hp modules, and I think you can cover the territory of the Pluck module with Rings. You don't really need two output modules, so I would get rid of XOH and keep the 4ms mixer/output if you don't already have an external mixer.
I added a Zadar, Happy Nerding 3xMIA for attenuverters/mixing duties (so you can free up Maths for other stuff), an FX Aid XL (because it's awesome), and Links and Kinks (because they're handy). As far as oscillator and filter choices, that's kind of a personal choice so I'll let others chime in on that. I'm not sure exactly what sound you are going for. You probably have too many "feature modules," and will change your approach and oscillator/filter preferences after getting a few modules in your case.
I would recommend that you consider the TipTop Mantis cases instead of the RackBrutes. They are 2x104hp each with excellent internal power supplies, so you don't take up valuable rack space with the 5hp Arturia psu.
Finally, I organized the rack by function to make the workflow/signal flow easier to follow. Everyone is different, so you can take or leave my suggestions, but this would offer a good starting point in my opinion. Others in this forum will probably have different ideas for you to consider.
Have fun and good luck!
-- farkas
Time for a proper reply. All of the stuff in the first case are modules and the two cases I own now. I've upgraded some items along the way and left the replaced module in the case also, thus some of the duplication.
My goal is to have a case, easily transported (thus the handle on two RackBrutes), that contains all (mixing and even recording if desired). I want to be able to set up for 30 minutes or so and play noisy rhythmic melodic sounds with a lot of electric guitar type sounds that service as a standout voice.
I've pulled the Rene, XOH, and most of the clones. I like or think I like the PP. I like to feel like I'm still mechanically involved, perhaps there is another model or way that does this better? I think I'll get a Clouds 2 to replace the Typhoon once available and pick up a DATA when they are available again.
I like the Scales because it seems like the easiest to use / modify Quantizer.
I guess it's hypocrisy, but I'm not sure I need PNW anymore since getting the Eloquencer (love it by the way). I'm not a big fan of O_C also, think I might like something like a Turing machine module. Feels like I only use references right now. Also, not sure the Disting Mk4 is a keeper for me. I think maybe it's the menu diving of all 3 of these modules. I'm trying to separate from the computer and that might be tainting my view.
Thanks for your feedback and look forward to someone telling me I'm crazy about the 3 modules I'm thinking of losing above :)
I bought the pyramid prior to diving into modular for all my external gear, really love how easy it is to program, but wouldn’t get a hermod as primary for modular. All the modular options are interesting and I may pick up a metron or nerdseq to compliment.
Thanks a lot for the detailed explanation! How are you getting along with the Squarp - Pyramid? Now with just releasing the Pyramid Mk 3, would you say that's worth the investment and better than Hermod?
Thank you very much and kind regards, Garfield.
For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads
+1 on Jim's notes, plus...there's really not a lot of modulation sources here, nor modules with which to manipulate them. Lots of noisemakers, sure...but without adequate modulation, all your sounds are going to be really boring. Also, that tile row is a mess...there are far better ways to implement that.
I'm in full agreement with Jim on this point: tear it down, start over. See if you can implement the same functions with smaller footprints, which will give you SOME room for the modulation and utilities you need here. There are definitely far better ways to do this. Look for third-party stuff for the Clouds unless you're willing to wait for Mutable's revision of it. Also...ah...you don't actually HAVE eight sequencer destinations here, so why have a Varigate 8+? And take the Erica Drums out...for one thing, unless you're willing to do a PURELY rhythmic build, Eurorack isn't the best environment for drums. Plus, these days, there's ample drum machine options (or even software) that will achieve better results, and all you'll need is a single clock out from the Pam's.
Also, if you've not messed with it, do so: https://vcvrack.com/ There's a LOT about these instruments that don't necessarily translate into words, so if there's classes of modules you're unfamiliar with, VCV Rack is a primo and FREE way to learn what they do and how to use them. That way, you can avoid a lot of mistakes and pitfalls, and when you get back to hardware, you'll have a clearer idea of what you need and what you need to SPEND.
Wow, nice setup! I recognise a few things I consider or have already: the ALC - Sinfonion, nice one :-) (the only one I got so far). The Five12, which I reconsider again and the Hermod. Where do you mainly use the Hermod for, if I may ask?
By the way, what's that aluminium... "control board" with those 16*8 buttons or pads? Looks kind of interesting, self-made sequencer or a DAW controller?
Thanks a lot for sharing this and kind regards, Garfield.
For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads
Sorry to hear that Lugia, hope you have a swift recovery and glad that you are ok. You've been so encouraging as I started my journey into modular recently and after I dipped my toes into it with a small Make Noise 0-ctrl semi-modular unit. I am trying not to buy too much at one time...
-- sacguy71
Really? You oughta pick up the 0-Coast as well. Several people have, and the combo has been dubbed the "0-Easel" (as in the Buchla Sound Easel) for VERY good reasons! Just put 'em in the same stand and treat the pair just like you would the venerable old original.
Not...quite. Remember, the ARP 2500 used matrix switches for patching, and Mme. Radigue frequently would take advantage of the multipling this offers to send control signals to different places simultaneously. It's quasi-admirable that Uli (a very "quasi" guy) opted to put these out, but unless you have a basket of inline mults, you can't get there from here.
Also, Uli's still got some key modules missing from this lineup, as you've probably noticed. Given the source for these, it's also quite possible that he'll never put those out because B. seems to have the attention span of a gnat these days.
Looks (or more accurate: it heard) like you had a great jam day today ;-) You got a lot of funny and interesting sounds in your both jams; I like that, gives me that kind of happy and feel good feeling. The topper for me is the first jam!
Thanks a lot for sharing this and kind regards, Garfield.
For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads
There's going to be a problem right off with this build, and it's a very typical one: Sexy Module Syndrome.
There's plenty of extra modules, to be sure...but you've not put anything in to manipulate THEIR signals. No attenuverters, submixers, extra VCAs dedicated to modulation use, ring mod (no ring mod!?), etc. Part of this is directly attributable to the case scheme, too...you WILL have to sacrifice some of what's there because you've painted yourself into a corner by using these little 60 hp things. There are ways to make good use of them...but this isn't quite it.
Now, as for those Endorphin.es power supplies...first up, they're listed as in "prototype" stage, and as of late, they've been missing production date marks. They're also a BAD IDEA...because a lot of your heat dissipation is done by the front panel, and the larger that can be, the more effectively the module can cool itself. And this is no joke; heat issues are the single worst, most self-damaging things in electronics. My suggestion would be to change the order, and instead go with a pair of 4ms Row Power 25s...same general specs, but with a larger panel for improved heat dissipation AND barrel-jack daisychaining between supplies so that only one suitable external P/S is needed. And they're $31 less.
One other thing, too...there's two sequencers here, but nothing with which to manipulate their timing. No Boolean logic, divider/multipliers, comparators, and the like.
What I would suggest is to stop purchasing IMMEDIATELY. This isn't headed in an optimal direction. Then you might consider rethinking this cab idea; sure, a 4 x 60 Moog tier set might LOOK cool...but in the end, "cool" isn't what you want or need. You need FUNCTION. And the only way to ensure that is to have room to spread out. Sure, leave the Moogs in their cabs, get a 2-tier (or, I would suggest, a 3-tier + one more Subharmonicon. They're useful things.) for the Moogs, and pick up a more sensible Eurorack case such as a Mantis, et al. It won't be quite as unitized as you're envisioning, but it will WORK. And if you're spending $$ on this stuff, "work" is what you want.
Goals of this jam: Keep working on how I can bring rhythms in and out while working with filters.
I feel it was better in some parts over my morning jam. 😊 But, I keep learning and it’s a great time.
it's because it's gonna be a near-constant drain (however small) for the rest of your life if you get into it
it has advantages over lots of other similar endeavours in that you may actually have something left to show for it and it probably won't kill you, but never the less it always ends up as - what's the next module (or modules) and where is the next case coming from, often at the same time - unless you have near unlimited funds
your maths is way out with buying a second case!!! I kinda knew EU prices - but I just checked sweetwater for US - they are about the same
with the left over you can buy a better midi->cv converter - everything else in the nifty case is superfluous and can easily be replaced for under $30 - a passive mult and a 1/4"->1/8" cable (and you may still have money left over)
so buy the bigger case - you will need it - imo 84hp is ok for 1 voice, once you add in the support modules you need to get it to do anything interesting, you may be able to fit 3-4 in to a mantis, if you choose wisely
as for the 'bundle' - why would you waste even $60 on modules you probably will not want in 2-3 months time
put the money towards something you do want - such as a better case or modules
once you have about $1000 to spend at once get the case and a couple of modules
as starter modules -
Rings - get an OG - pay some respect to Emilie for designing it and it has a massive advantage that you don't need a filter or vca after it
Maths - how to learn modular synthesis in a single module - well not quite, but as patch-programmable analog computers go - it's a great module!!
if you want midi sequencing get a midi->cv module (mutant brain if you can find one is a good buy) or maybe a korg sq-1 - I think it can do midi->cv too, but don't quote me on that - they are inexpensive and handy to have around
and that's it - work your way through the illustrated maths manual a few times, try all the easter egg modes of rings, next module should be a quad cascading vca - veils for example - then you might want to think about exploring disting (I'd try to get the EX if possible)
every week / month throw a bit in a kitty and when you have enough for the next module buy it - then patch it with everything else and work out what's missing and repeat!!!
I'm a sound designer working in Film and TV, as well as a music producer.
During the recent corona lockdown I bought a Mother 32 to play with, followed by a Subharmonicon and I've seen the attraction of modular. I'd love to build a 4 tier 60hp rack with the two Moog units in to have in my studio at work, so I can experiment with sound design on project - easily sending audio out of my DAW or from field recordings etc and creating interesting sounds to use.
I'd also love to be able to use the rack to write music with - more on the techy house side of things - but I love a wide range of sounds and I'd love to play some cello into the granular units.
This is what I've put together but I keep fiddling and thinking I've missed something so though I'd put this up here to see what people though & look for any advice. Not sure I need all three effects units on the top row but I recently ordered the Endorphin power and the Microcell unit, and was looking to the Maths next.
Thanks for your help!
(Some reason the rack above doesn't look complete like the one once you click through?)
I mean, there's a reason you see this advice a lot.
The truth is, you could probably get a more useful synth by starting with a $180 used Behringer Crave. It's a semi-modular monosynth with a decent filter, sequencer, envelopes, LFOs, I/O mixer, VCA, and patch points so you can expand into Eurorack later. You're going to need a lot of functions at the same time to get anything out of modular. If you stick to your original plan, you will need that extra Nifty Case before you can even blink. It's not a cheap hobby, unfortunately, and getting the sounds in your head out from this format likely isn't going to happen without a sizable investment (whether upfront or long term).
Your proposed plan has an oscillator, a resonator with tiny knobs, a filter/VCA combo, a sequencer, and a menu-divey multi-function module. How will you control pitch AND amplitude over time? How will you clock your sequencer if you want to use the Chips LFO for one of those other tasks? How will you introduce randomness? How will you modulate the frequency and resonance of your filter at the same time as opening and closing your VCAs? Will you need effects like reverb and delay? Simply put, there's a lot of functions in a good synthesizer, and until you have those functions (and usually more than one of each), you won't be able to synthesize a wide range of sounds.
I'd like you to see your ideas come to life, so I'm helping you set expectations about what you might be able to get out of a tiny rack. You will almost instantly see the limitations of something this size.
Have fun and good luck.
