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A few things to consider: Disting does a lot, but not all at once. To get anything out of the modular format, you're going to want a lot more modulation capabilities and utilities. Envelopes, LFOs, mixers, mults, quantizers, sample and hold, etc. All the stuff that Disting can do, but dedicated modules for those functions.
-- farkas

Yep. My thinking was having many functions in a small unit would help me figure out my next steps for expansion.

I have read and heard, um, "mixed" reviews on Cellz and Chipz. I haven't used them and don't plan to, so someone else here may be able to comment on their usefulness, durability, and sound quality in practice.
-- farkas

I've heard the same, but given the bundle itself is only $60 more than the case alone, I think it's worth trying out the modules.

I don't know what your total budget is, but I would REALLY recommend saving up a little more and investing in a system that is a bit larger if you really want to get into modular. What exactly do you want this system to contribute to your music that can't be accomplished with a different format? Tiny systems like the one you are proposing aren't all that useful unless it's targeted towards a very specific sound or process. What kind of music are you playing?
-- farkas

I see this advice a lot and it makes sense. I think it's important for me to start focused, though, and not overwhelm myself at the beginning. Also, it's frankly cheaper to just buy a second nifty case down the line than get a 6U case now it would take me years to fill. Please tell me this is misguided if you think so, though!

At the risk of sounding like IDK what I want to do, I'm genre agnostic. I like to make IDM, techno, hip hop...kind of depends on my mood. I want to start with modular because I like the idea of really shaping the sounds I'm getting out of my synth so I can get that much closer to producing the music I hear in my head. I'm also not tied down to keyboards since I can barely play one and I'm want to explore new ways to create melodies, surprise myself with new sounds, and find new inspiration.

Just wanted to throw some ideas and food for thought out there. Let us know if we can answer any further questions.
Have fun and good luck!
-- farkas
I appreciate it!

Ah, thanks, sacguy71. I had a close call with Our Pal Covid this week, but both my test and the one another person in my "line of contagion" had came back negative, so everything's golden for the time being. Can't play with that virus, though; I've got a pair of cardiac stents, which puts me in one of the riskier groups.

Still, not feeling so hot, so I'm not exactly back in overdrive just yet. Gimme a few...
-- Lugia

hope you are feeling better soon Lugia!!!

1 clouds is out of production - only knock offs and used available - but clouds2 is imminent (and smaller) I would await this
2 far too much sequencing - I would throw everything out and decide between midi or in rack - and then start again from scratch - huge amounts of redundancy and space wasting!!!
3 quantizer is completely redundant - all the sequencing methods are already quantized
4 replace the erica dual fx with 2 fx aids - possibly xl
5 replace intellijel quad vca with new veils - 2 hp smaller
6 mixing appears to be an after thought - once you have ripped out half the sequencing and have space this is where a lot of it should go - sub-mixing before effects and mixing cv to create more interesting modulation are powerful techniques that should be learnt as early as possible
7 do you need a buffered mult? - probably not - but if you do get links instead as it adds a couple of small mixers (which are always useful)

Hey Ronin, thanks for replying, sorry I missed it until just now! I have indeed mostly been using the Noise Tools pulse or the Function's EOC/R as clocks depending on my patch.

For what it's worth, here is the system I've ended up with so far:

I went with René mk1 since I found it used for a very nice price and the Bloom was less appealing to me after I found out about some of the bugs and limitations of the sequencer. I figured René mk1 is still a good module even after all these years.

I also went with Tides + the Doepfer A145-4 instead of Batumi. I just got Tides yesterday so we shall see how that works out.

I've also really been enjoying Function especially as a control center for some patches, so I've been thinking of getting Maths to get the full experience. No surprise there I suppose.

Other things on my list include another attenuverting/offset utility like the SPO, 3xMIA, Triplatt, or the O/A/x2 as well. Also thinking about a small mixer. If anyone has suggestions for further growth I'm all ears!

1) ARP 1023 double VCO
2) ARP 1004T VCO
3) ARP 1023 double VCO
4) ARP 1047 multimode filter / resonator
5) ARP 1005 ModAmp
6) ARP 1046 Quad Exponential Envelope Generator
7) ARP 1016 Dual Noise/Random Voltaqe Generator
8) ARP 1006 FiltAmp
g) ARP 1005 ModAmp
10) ARP 1047 multimode filter / resonator
11) ARP 1050 mix sequencer
12) ARP 1027 Clocked Sequential Controller

EDITED Oct 18th 2020, 11:20

Hi and welcome.
What kind of music are you planning to create with this?
It looks like you have most of the bases covered. I wonder if Bloom and Scales might be redundant with the power and features of the Varigate 8 though. I'm not that familiar with the 1u modules you have chosen, but that looks like a Steppy at the top and if so, it's probably redundant too.
My only other recommendation is to rearrange your modules for a more logical signal flow (and cable management). Think of the panel design of a vintage synth and try to arrange your modules logically like a MiniMoog, or Lugia always mentions the Arp 2600 panel design: Oscillators - Filter - Mixer - VCA - Effects, (sequencing and modulation on bottom row, maybe?). In the long run, grouping modules in this way will make your life easier.
Have fun and good luck.

Out of all these modules so far I've only got the Intellijel Headphones 1U and the Pico VCO. Maths is next.

My setup after having checked, bought and sold tons of sequencers!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CGXeAcJBKI8/?igshid=1q1vnwf8w5ysj

Squarp Pyramid is my main sequencer and clock.

Blackbox 1010 for drum loops and sample trigger (I have a ton of samples collected over the years and little sound machines great for clouds textures).

One gated sample is fed to clouds.
BIA doing industrial distorted mayhem fed through LXd (love the low pass gate)
Modulation duties handled by Maths and Clep Diaz.
Should add intellijel quad vca providing some overdrive.

EDITED Oct 18th 2020, 19:26

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 and give time to learn, apply and make use of what I currently have. I did order more patch cables and 1/4 inch to 3.5 cables so I don't run out of cables and can also connect my two Elektrons to my two 6U setups. Probably will add a portable MIDI to CV box for connecting my Octatrack to modular and clock, trigger sequencer and more utility modules when black friday sales arrive. Want the Piston Honda MK3 and Hertz Donut MK3 but need bigger case for those and also they are sold out of most shops now.

Ah, thanks, sacguy71. I had a close call with Our Pal Covid this week, but both my test and the one another person in my "line of contagion" had came back negative, so everything's golden for the time being. Can't play with that virus, though; I've got a pair of cardiac stents, which puts me in one of the riskier groups.

Still, not feeling so hot, so I'm not exactly back in overdrive just yet. Gimme a few...

EDITED Oct 18th 2020, 02:13

Thanks Garfield!

I find that squeezing out the most from my current starter two setups key before buying any more gear. It helps me maximize the most of limits and figure out what I really need in my setups.

Hi Mog00,

I agree here with The-Erc, very nice track and it makes me curious too, in how did you made this?

Ha, ha, that "rough" sound near the end is cool, lots of distortion? :-)

Thanks a lot for sharing this with us and kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Sacguy71,

Nice jam and interesting video. I love that main sound you have in there!

Sounds like a good start of the weekend ;-) Kind regards, Garfield.

Ace. I am using Kinks/Links a lot now in my second rack. Probably add a matrix mixer, sequential switch, another attenuator/offset like MI Shades, logic module like Intellijel Plog as well as one more voice plus more modulation source and an FX module. Splitting and re-combining 1-2 oscillators and submixing is very powerful.

Here is how I used Kinks/Links recently:

Hi and welcome.
A few things to consider: Disting does a lot, but not all at once. To get anything out of the modular format, you're going to want a lot more modulation capabilities and utilities. Envelopes, LFOs, mixers, mults, quantizers, sample and hold, etc. All the stuff that Disting can do, but dedicated modules for those functions.
I have read and heard, um, "mixed" reviews on Cellz and Chipz. I haven't used them and don't plan to, so someone else here may be able to comment on their usefulness, durability, and sound quality in practice.
I don't know what your total budget is, but I would REALLY recommend saving up a little more and investing in a system that is a bit larger if you really want to get into modular. What exactly do you want this system to contribute to your music that can't be accomplished with a different format? Tiny systems like the one you are proposing aren't all that useful unless it's targeted towards a very specific sound or process. What kind of music are you playing?
Just wanted to throw some ideas and food for thought out there. Let us know if we can answer any further questions.
Have fun and good luck!

I've been tentatively trying get started in modular for awhile now, but I think it's time. I plan on using the rig with my Digitakt as controller/drums/samples, and eventually hope to incorporate the modular rig into my full setup where Digitakt controls several keyboard synths.

I'm planning on getting the nifty bundle (with cellz and chipz) and adding Dreadbox Eudemonia, Expert Sleeper Disting, and nanoRings. My thinking is I'll try to fill up about half the empty space now and leave about 30hp to expand when I get a better sense of where to go next. That means I have another 8hp left after those modules (maybe some reverb? another filter?).

My question: Am I overlooking some sort of utility (or simply useful) module I will regret not having from the start?

Thank you so much! I appreciate your time!!

Ah, @GarfieldModular you are too kind. Thank you.

I shall try maintain the quality and convert you into a techno fan :)

Very nice! How did you do it?

Too many modules I don't know here to give any useful suggestions I fear.

Since you haven't changed the voice architecture much I think the audio path from my previous suggestion still works. You just want to insert the Timber somewhere. The BI has a very sonically rich output anyway, so there's not much value in adding it there, but I guess you just have to experiment.

For modulation you have a lot of possibilities -- and still the main target is the Basimilus. So try some different patches and see what you get!

Heya,

nope, wasn't me, my nick across forums is usually jingo and also on muffs.

I once eyeballed the Deluge, but didn't pull the trigger. So I have no experience on that one.

Best,
jingo

This module seems to be out of production. Someone please prove me wrong.

Thanks yeah Kermit is a beast. I want the IME Hertz Donut MK3 and Piston Honda MK3 as well as MI Plaits and Rings but will need to wait on getting a much larger third case. Half of a case is for support modules otherwise you cannot get decent self generative patterns or functionality. I use the 1/3 support modules, 1/3 modulation modules, and 1/3 voice/oscillator rule of thumb. It is really easy to quickly run out of patch cables, attenuators, logic, mixer, and mults when doing complex patches! I think that is why if you look at prebuilt modular systems, most of the case is support module based. Take Erica Synths, most of that 6U case is that stuff with maybe 1-2 oscillators out of 10-12 modules!

Dear @the-erc Thank you I've been enjoying so much.

It helped a lot. I have added and changed things up a bit. This is my current set up.

how would you patch this? If you are able to provide any direction I greatly appreciate it.

Million Thanks!!!

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_1332663.jpg

Thank you. I really appreciate the feedback and the arrangement advice.

I had the same feeling about Maths, but this tutorial completely changed my mind:
-- TheMM

Yeah, I've watched the video several times, but honestly I don't sure I'd use a quarter of all functionalities, and that quarter I could cover with other modules. Maybe, I've said yet, it's just my inexperience... probably I'll test in future.

Anyway, glad you are liking the new modules, post some tunes soon!
-- troux

Well, maybe it isn't representative of all modules in my system, but I've made a video of some kind deep/ethnique techno and jamming around Eyesy from C&G for visuals

And yeah, I can't resist switch my old veils for the new ones:

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_1250896.jpg

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!

Hi Banjofox,

Thanks for your answer.
I just wandering if it was easy to tweak the wavetable as it seems and if the result is cool.
No need for video, I'll discover it myself.

Thanks for your help and kindness.
Wavetables are wonderful.

Make a demo video and put in on YouTube ;)

Bonne journée .

Yep, GAS for sure but it's been a nice / needed distraction.

For rhythmic noises, melodies, and samples. On the darker side

I have Mordax DATA and a 4MS Wav Recorder module only my wish list.

So, what did I do wrong? what should be removed or added? I'm having a lot of fun with it, but always enjoyed hearing the thoughts of others. Thanks for your time.

Nice, I have contemplated IME modules perhaps in the next case, this one is filling up, leaving room for MI latest, or rings.

Thanks @troux,

It is fun working with a limited setup and pushing the envelope of creativity and exploration as part of the learning process. Half of my modules are analog and the rest are digital. I am realizing the need for more logic modules, a sequential switch, clock, and another small trigger sequencer and also more attenuators/offset/attenuverter support modules. As for sound sources, one complex oscillator would do the trick for the second rack and then can use the rest of the space for a matrix mixer, switch, logic, support modules.

Kinda funky @sacguy71, I like it and the breakdown at the end is good too.

klodifokan,

I (finally) got around to reading more, and managed to get some cool noises out of my VCO with it :)
Modifying the parameters of the built-in tables starts to feel like a natural workflow once you've started playing with the knobs. If you have something particular you want me to try out I can give it a whirl. Might even borrow a webcam to film stuff.

Full disclosure I am super new to synthesis, but have been enjoying the lessons learned so far

Had fun experimenting with my new setup after work. Here is my jam sesh:

Nice, yeah I have O&C and Disting EX on my list since they both do a ton of things in one module. Disting has ability to be a switch, quantizer, sample player, FX like delay and way more. I like how O&C has tons of tools as well. Which version of the O&C do you guys recommend as they are made by various modular companies? Rings is cool and I've been messing around with it and Plaits on VCVRack to get a feel for how it works before I buy it. Also Qu-bit Surface is similar I think. Really digging what I see thus far on the Hexinverter Mutant Machine which is analog based and like complex oscillator and can do percussion and drones. So perhaps Rings plus Mutant Machine and utilities would be great way for me to round out my second case for techno, house, drones, generative and rhythm based stuff perhaps add PNW for clocking and small trigger sequencer like VPME Euclidian Circles? My setup would greatly benefit from a bass and drum percussion module as I find that BIA is great but needs another one and Cursus not great for bass or percussion. Zeroscope is great module and small in case. I am not using the SBG much so may remove that and add FX module like Happy Nerding FX Aid.

Agree and reading books and watching videos the pros have larger case at home and portable rig where they swap out for shows. Which is why I love gnarlies the convenient screw thingies that make swapping modules out way easier than regular screws and avoid modular rash. I hate when you buy an expensive module and the module ships with no screws! Ugh that bugs the heck out of me.

From the manual
The upper part of the front panel offers con-trols for the signal analysis blocks. The enve-lope follower input jack (9) labeled follow is internally normalled to the output of the import block, but it allows for directly patch-ing other signals.

there is no level in cv for the export block so the module on it's own will not do what you ask

however you could just use a vca

having just re read your original post:
the sewastopol does not do wet/dry mixing - a simple way to implement this is to use a cascading vca and an inverted copy of whatever you want to use to modulate your wet/dry mix - mult of original signal into ch1, sewastopol out into ch2 - modulation and inverted modulation into cv inputs of vcas - which channels will depend on how you want to modulate them

EDITED Oct 17th 2020, 01:42

I think having a performance kit and a studio/experiment kit makes great sense. Last thing you want to do is mess with a dialed in performance kit, but messing around is exactly what drives the next performance. Always one module short for that next killer sound. I will likely just get another mantis easy enough to port around with great value for the price. I like the bigger cases but would likely try a go at building my own studio kit rather than pay the premium to have a custom builder do it.

🔥🔥🔥 @mog00, you're doing really nice work here already.

Hi Jingo,

Thank you for that link on Muffwiggler. Also there, there is no real good answer to the "perfect" sequencer, though the Five12 has been recommended there too, was that you? :-)

Another sequencer, non-modular, to consider is the Deluge from Synthstrom Audible, pity though that one can't try that out at a dealer because it's direct sales from New Zealand only... Do you have perhaps experience with this one?

Kind regards, Garfield.

@garfieldmodular, I am humbled by your comments, inspiration enough for more sonic twiddling. Great album by the way, so many sonic layers.

Hi Jingo,

Weird, I thought I replied you yesterday regarding this but I can't find my own reply back...

Thanks a lot for your reply. Yes, I did download the Metron manual (of course) and read it a few times but I don't think it mentions anything about running backwards or randomly, very weird, in my opinion every sequencer should have that. I miss that on the Elektron sequencers too, it only can go forwards...

Since it's so difficult to find the "perfect" sequencer, meaning for me a sequencer that has at least 3 channels and 8 (or more) triggers in one sequencer, I consider now to split this requirement in two sequencers, one for at least 3 channels then and one for at least 8 triggers. Makes it more expensive and it requires most likely more HP space... I don't see any other way of solving the problem. Unless Ground Control will be released of course, I give it till end of October.

So for the 3 channels I might consider the Five12 - Vector then again, since that one can go up to 6 channels if I am not mistaken.

For the triggers I am not sure yet, hesitating between a few modules, some of those I consider are: Squarp - Hermod, Winter Modular - Eloquencer, and perhaps one or two more.

Thank you very much and kind regards, Garfield.

Edit: Oh my goodness, only now I realised this post reached page 2, that's why I didn't found back my reply... :-(

EDITED Oct 16th 2020, 23:16

Thanks Garfield,

Yeah for home studio, the Doepfer Monster base and 12U Monster case is a no brainer. For a larger mobile rig, the 12u-14U performer MDLR case looks like a winner for a large but portable rig. I am waiting to see if I use modular live after COVID ends before getting one. That or I may treat myself before then to the Make Noise Shared System and ALM Busy Circuits Super Coupe prebuilt modular systems as they come with tons of useful and powerful modules as well as cases/power that can be shuffled over time between other larger cases. I've been reading on how a lot of modular artists will have a massive home studio case and smaller mobile rig that they move modules on a regular base depending on show and venue such as ambience vs hip hop vs techno as modules are different for that like you may want a drum bass heavy rig or more ambient Mutable Instrument type stuff for a house or chill trance show.

Hi Mog00,

Ha, ha, this was funny (for me to experience I mean). I was listening at the album "Tank" of Kreidler when I stopped listening at this Tank album and wanted to listen at your music, while doing so, for some weird reason I totally forgot I was listening at your music and in my mind I was just listening at Tank music from Kreidler, but it was your music! Very weird, your track here can fit just very well into that Tank album of Kreidler.

So in other words, fantastic track! Thanks a lot for sharing this and kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Sacguy71,

Here check this website from Doepfer:

http://www.doepfer.de/home_e.htm

That shows you all the available cases, of course the monster cases are less suitable for your weekly weekend to the beach or something like that but they offer a good affordable space. Well "affordable"... more affordable than other brands, let's put it like that ;-)

If you are going to buy an MDLR case then please let us know your experience with it, once you got one.

Kind regards, Garfield.

Edit: This above link doesn't go there where I want it to go ;-) So once clicked on that link then on top on "Products" and then on "Housings overview".

EDITED Oct 16th 2020, 22:49

Yeah I want it as well as the ALM Busy Circuits Super Coupe and Erica Synths Techno system. Saving up for each one.

Hi Garfield,

Ah I see so there are two cases in one for a full Doepfer Monster case I was unaware of that! Still we are talking 3k for the full monster and base Doepfer case and half that for the smaller but more portable 12-14U MDLR case. Plus you can patch the MDLR case and fold it up for travel purposes then open and connect to PA system and ready to perform.