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I recently got a Monome Crow (wow!) and the first script it comes with is quite chill and melodic, fun for listening. I tweaked it a bit to create a little more integration with my rack as well as some different chord vs melody interplay, and thought it turned out pretty nice, and a lot more pop-y than my usual stuff. Check it out:

https://stevehand.bandcamp.com/track/mainstreambient

It's a bit long (surprise!) and I'll probably try and edit it down to 4-5 minutes, but I might also try a crack at turning it into an old school minimalist piece, a la Terry Riley with some different movements and sections, something a lot easier using Crow than it might be otherwise. For those curious, I'd definitely suggest giving Crow a look.

Made with:

http://stgsoundlabs.com/products/boat_rocker_m32.htm

The STG Boat Rocker seems interesting for a power source in a 60hp Moog case

EDITED Oct 13th 2020, 20:05

Ah, Just was reading about that mscale. If I don't really care that much about accurate tuning or am fine tuning by ear, how important is it? One of the reasons I went with the voltage lab was the amount of randomness strewn about the module.

Re cases, I have a really small space and something I can move or stack stuff on would be best. My studio is like a weird little cave at this point, and it's pretty much dominated by drums! I've been looking at some of the little cases like Intelijel, Mantis, or Nifty just to have something to run the voltage lab in for a while. I want to spend a lot of time digging into it as I did with the SubH and Dfam.

Not sure what other things I even want at this point to tie it together. Maybe a weird little sequencer. And a mini 3 or 4 ch mixer with an effects loop or two, for my organelle and raspi effects.

Thx for your help!

Nice -- Ladik to the rescue again! How do they manage to make their stuff so cheap compared to pretty much everyone else?
-- the-erc

Because most of the Ladik modules are "primitives"...they consist of the submodule circuits that you'd find behind the panel of a much more complex device. Since they're making A circuit as opposed to a BUNCH OF circuits, the cost stays down. This is the same principle guiding the development of AE's modular, which is also quite cheap and quite powerful, but for the most part also sticks with primitives.

Nothing wrong with that approach, either. A lot of old-skool diehards (like myself, I suppose) are used to patching with simple modules to build up the subsystems, instead of buying the prebuilt subsystem off the rack. A little more tedious, a LOT more potent.

@troux Thanks for listening! I really appreciate it.
Almost all of the drums on every track are recorded live in one or two takes on the Behringer RD8 (the Roland TR808 clone). There's some WMD Crucible, Loquelic Iteritas Percido, Basimilus, and Rings scattered throughout, but that RD8 is just so fun to use and gives a convincing 80s/90s vibe. That's the Behringer TD3 doing the acid line on Squares. Can't believe I'm saying this, but I'll probably grab the RD9 when it's finally released. Regardless of how I feel about the classics-cloning, Behringer has redeemed themselves as far as sound and quality in my book.
Again, thanks for your time. It's always nice to have someone listen when you put something out in the world.
Take care!

Also meant to ask, are you using your new Roland on Squares? Great acid track 🕺

@farkas I've been listening to these on and off since last night, good work and happy birthday week!

Not necessarily. Ladik has their M-610, six channels, with pan and mono/stereo i/o, for $100,
-- Lugia

Nice -- Ladik to the rescue again! How do they manage to make their stuff so cheap compared to pretty much everyone else? You still get better value for money buying an external mixer, but at least Ladik give you a reasonable cost option.

Here's a link to the first track. I know that time is a valuable commodity, so thank you for letting me take a little of yours.

Jim is correct. Bonus is that many VCAs have attuenuator/mixer built in so can get more bang for buck and space. My Intellijel Quad VCA and Befaco Hex VCA have these features which are nice. I feed mine from VCA to Doepfer Polarizing mixer and then to Intellijel Mixup then to external mixer. I still need a matrix mixer and another attenuator and switch. Can never have too many of these utility modules. If you look at prebuilt modular systems, most of the modules are utilities and support modules. Out of a 6U setup, only 1-2 modules are voices or oscillators with 1-2 filters! Take a look at the Make Noise Shared System, Erica Synths Black System and so forth. These only have a few sound modules. The rest are mixers and tools.

haha :)

Fun experiment using Korg SQ-1 and Make Noise 0-ctrl to sequence percussion and lead/pads

Woah Garfield so you have the ACLSinfonion Complex Harmonic CV Processor? Dude thats freaking awesome but expensive piece of kit. I am looking for a central master sequencer hub in the long run. I will wait until covid ends and synth shops open so I can try a bunch out. My preference is XOXO type programmable sequencers like that in the Elektron gear. Wonder what Eurorack complex sequencer would work for me?

Very cool droning action!

Came up with a real wacky off the wall jam tonite with varigate 4+/Quad EG and various tweaks.

It was fun way to better learn my gear and how various sequencer/EG parameters modulate various things. The Varigate 4+ is not precise but quite good for experimental stuff and create unique random weird patterns. For melodic leads and drums, I much prefer using my Korg SQ-1 and Make Noise 0-ctrl sequencers.

Spending some 1:1 time with Make Noise tELHARMONIC. I love just about everything about the design, implementation, and presentation of this strange and wonderful oscillator, but it often evades my grasp and leaves me fidgeting hopelessly to integrate it into my patching. So, I thought we'd hang out for a bit this evening.

This is tELHARMONIC pushed through QPAS, WORNG SoundStage, and Mimeophon while modulating and pinging both vco and filter with ochd and PNW. Just a fun, wandering drone session.

Thanks, I'm glad you dig it. Yeah, Telharmonic is a strange beast, for sure. I sometimes have a hard time reigning it in. I'll make my next evening jam a Telharmonic solo drone. Let's see what tones and textures we can get out of it...

Hi Farkas,

Wow! An entire album, well thank you very much for that! I can't wait to listen at your album, however it's just 3 am here and I need to catch some sleep, so I try to listen another time to it. I am sure it will be good so I can't wait till tomorrow and I hope I have time to listen at your entire album.

Thank you very much and kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Jingo,

Ha, ha, yes, I guess it doesn't help much me blaming you for everything that goes wrong after (in case I would) I buy the Five12 - Vector + Jack Expander ;-) Yes, indeed, preferable I would like to keep wife + house ;-)

I watched today the loopop entire video, yes it's indeed a very nice and interesting sequencer, argh.... so tempting :-)

One little concern left though... If I checked and understood the specifications correctly, in 64 steps mode (I heard that from loopop in his video) there are only 6 presets left, so only 6x64 = 384 steps length possible. I was hoping to be able to "compose" an entire track length with a sequencer but 384 steps might not be long enough. I understood there can be 8 parts, so maximum steps are 8x384 = 3072 steps. That's to be honest for modern standards, not really mind blowing much...

The ground control, if it ever will be released, has 64 steps x 24 patterns = 1536 steps, so two songs on the ground control is the entire capacity of one project on the Vector... But ground control can go till 24 songs, so it has 12 times the capacity of a Vector and costs less than half the money...

Or did I miss something on the Vector? And is it in practical terms no issue at all?

Thank you very much in advance and kind regards, Garfield.

Edit: Removed asterisks because Markdown Syntax is not that nice ;-)

EDITED Oct 13th 2020, 00:58

Hi Wishbonebrewery,

Well... since you are asking... ;-)

To a 10 or 12 minute version with a similar approach, I wouldn't have anything against that! :-D

Kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Mowse,

What a treat tonight here, 2 nice jams from you :-) I like your jams and since I am listening again to your music, I guess/hope you survived the thunderstorm?!

Thank you very much, the week couldn't have started better, kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Mowse,

Oh yes, this is some proper music! :-) How did you tame that Telharmonic so well? For me that's just one crazy monster ;-)

I hope your devices all survived the thunderstorm? Because I want more of your music :-)

Thanks a lot for sharing this and you gave me a good start into this new week! Kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Lugia,

I forgot: It's very DEEP, and as a result it's got a bit of learning curve...but man, the POWER... --> that sounds a bit like an Elektron, especially the learning curve part ;-)

Kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Lugia,

Thank you very much for your opinion and the provided information. So there are already two modules around (or beyond) the 1k line you approve of ;-) The Sinfonion and the Vector+Jack Expander ;-)

That most likely means that if Ground Control from Endorphin.es is not going to be released that I will seriously going to consider this sequencer (Vector+Jack Expander), just need a "bit" (to be read as: "tons") of time to save money for that bank-plunderer!

Okay, thank you very much and for my bank account's sake I hope the Ground Control will be released ;-) Kind regards, Garfield.

This week is my birthday, so I finished up an album to give away to everyone. These songs are a bit different than the other stuff I've shared (though that doesn't mean they're any good). There's no artsy unifying concept other than it's an expression of my influences and love of electronic music over the years. There's the spirit of krautrock, psychedelic and shoegaze, some Prince, some bangin' 90s acid techno a la Josh Wink or Plastikman, some Brian Eno, some Oval, some drone, some Kraftwerk, William S. Burroughs, and a slow-burn blooming dark minimal techno track all rolled into 35 minutes.
It would mean a lot if you gave it a spin. Hey, it's free... (though you can send me money if you want😜).
Hope you find something you like. Thanks for being a cool group of folks!

https://ciernyvlk.bandcamp.com/album/ethos

That is very helpful. I was curious about the power supply!
I replaced the Roland mixer and that freed up room for your suggestions.

EDITED Oct 12th 2020, 22:04

If you're planning on putting the modules into a Moog 60 hp skiff, please note that those are unpowered. This configuration won't work; I suggest dropping the Ears and replacing this with a uZeus and a flying bus cable.

One drawback of learning modular via software emulations (miRack, VCV, Softube, etc) is that you DON'T learn about the power circuits. Convenient when using the software, but VERY apt to cause mistakes such as the one above.

Oh, and the Plaits won't track the Moog's VCOs as-is; there's some CV disrepancies, and something such as an Erica MScale is necessary to correct this.

EDITED Oct 12th 2020, 21:28

Everything in Eurorack costs a lot, but for mixers it's ridiculous.
-- the-erc

Not necessarily. Ladik has their M-610, six channels, with pan and mono/stereo i/o, for $100, and it's expandable several ways. Now, yes, this means you won't have VCAs on every single thing, but it's just as simple to put your level control VCAs upstream from the M-610's inputs and then you'll get the same result. Autopanning: same deal...put the panner upstream of one channel, patch its outs to both sides of an M-610 input and leave the pan pot in the center. About the only things you'd lose with this over a higher-end performance mixer would be mutes and AUX send/return...but yet again, these can all be worked around. Even with the workarounds, also, you still come out ahead, monetarily.

Hello, I’ve Been messing around with miRack simulator and I’m hooked. Ready to start playing with the physical modules. I’ve decided to start with the Mother-32 because I love the sound, and the sequencing and patching panel. I like the small table top size and I know in the future I would like to add another stack but keep it small. Any thoughts on this setup?
I know the black panel Maths is impossible to find, I just couldn’t resist keeping the all black theme as long as I’m dreaming. I like the thought of the contact mic for tactile purposes and plugging in other instruments. Mostly not sure about the mixer.
Thanks!

So, my I ask you a direct question and I am hoping for an honest (and not a diplomatic) answer ;-) ? Is the combination of Five12 - Vector + Jack Expander (bit over 1k bucks together) worth it? If yes, why, if not, why not?
-- GarfieldModular

No, I definitely think it's worth it. The Vector is a wildly complex and super-versatile sequencer, given all of the different algorhythmic/generative capabilities that're hiding inside of it. And the ability to get inside of it with a computer is really appealing, plus you can store complex instruction sets for it internally via its own microSD. The breakout module just ups the ante, too...allowing you to use the Vector to sequence more than just the Eurorack stuff. It's very DEEP, and as a result it's got a bit of learning curve...but man, the POWER...

Hey Garfield,

put all blame on me if it helps ;)... But I hope you can keep your wife and your house! :)

There is no deep menu diving on the vector. Most buttons have double or triple function, like gate/step length/step repeat or pitch/glide or chance type/chance amount/chance bar. Also some configuration like globals has some menus not deep but scroll with left poti or prev/next button. There are also some button combos but these are very good labeled and the manual covers it all. Also patch notes describe very good what new combinations are possible. Jim has a also a good talent to keep the vector usable while maintaining and adding functions.

I am a very happy owner and I had a long journey and for me it's safe to say: I found it, I found "my" sequencer...

And you can sell it anyways if it does not suit you. It seems to be very stable in value. I saw some used with expander for like 100 bucks less than original price and they have been sold...

Hmmm, still not an easy decision, I know. But as I recommended, take your time to watch loopops video and there are also some more on yt...

Best,
jingo

Everything in Eurorack costs a lot, but for mixers it's ridiculous. Just to pick two things in stock at Thomann today :
* Befaco Hexmix + Hexpander = £730
* Soundcraft Signature 22MTK = £700
The difference in capability between the two is huge. By all accounts Hexmix is a good mixer, but you pay a gigantic premium to have it your rack. If you really need that for your live show or whatever I guess you just have to pay it, although there are lots of mixers in 19" format. In the studio it's nuts.

People often say modular is a bad choice for drums, but at least there are lots of interesting options (like BIA, the WMD modules, the SSF Entities... drool) that don't have obvious equivalents in other formats. Big multi-channel mixers -- nah.

Obvious this does not apply to small inline mixers that can do CV as well as audio. Those are essential.

Might want to check out happy nerdings 3xmia great value/hp.

AISynthesis
Doepfer
York Modular

all do inexpensive matrix mixers

I think it you want small go for the AISynthesis, if you want nice ergonomics go for the doepfer
-- JimHowell1970

think i will go for the AIsynthesis,also looking forward to testing the hermod sequencer with the E352 this coming weekend

you need mixers in the rack - both for modulation (ideally a matrix mixer) and for sub-mixing audio before feeding to filters/effects etc, and for panning of mono signals if your final output is stereo

the simple way to judge if you need attenuators or an output module before hitting an external mixer or audio interface is to try it:

1 straight from final module - does it clip (distort) or sound bad in any other way? - if no stop - if yes continue

2 use attenuators - try attenuators in between the final module and the mixer/interface - same question as above - same results!

3 use an output module - if you need balanced outputs then get them - if you don't need balanced outputs, then the chances are that atttenuators and converter cables are all that is really needed

If you need a headphone output then get a headphone output - 2hp and ALM Busy Circuits are places to look for dedicated modules

1/4"->1/8" cables and Passive attenuators - are really cheap - and you almost definitely need them anyway - 2hp trim or pushermanproductions do a DIY 8 channel trimmer - or any other attenuator you already have to try

Like I mentioned, it's all a matter of taste, but I find (and I think some folks here would agree) that the cost to effectiveness ratio of modular drums is not all that great. I've spent a fair amount of money on drum modules and rhythm sequencing options and ultimately enjoy the process and results of my $300 Behringer RD8 much more than most of the drums I come up with in my rack. Basimilus's sound and modulation versatility are excellent, and it's fun to stumble upon interesting or random rhythmic ideas with modules like Euclidean Circles (which I may end up buying one of these days), but overall I find modular drums as a good supplement to external drums. Elektron makes great drum machines, though I didn't click with their interface, so the immediacy, versatility, and value of the Roland x0x-style drum machines makes a LOT more sense to me. Drums and polyphony are where I find weaknesses in the modular approach, so those are the external sources I incorporate with my rack.
Edit Check out the WMD drum modules. The Crucible, Crater, Chimera, and Fracture are pretty awesome.
The Cs-L looks killer. I've got the Furthrrr Generator and you'd have to pry it from my cold dead hands. :)
After you start getting some modules in your rack, you will know what you need next. You will find yourself reaching for something that isn't there, and that's the next module you need to get. The Expert Sleepers Disting Mk4 or Disting EX is a good module to get early on because it covers so many of those functions that you don't realize you will need. Take a look through the manual for the huge list of functions it can serve. It's kind of menu-divey and not super fun to use, but I'm finding it more and more valuable every day. I'm still finding new things it can do.
Keep us updated and let us know what you decide. Have fun!

EDITED Oct 12th 2020, 09:07

Haha.... do you need me to make a Longer verson.

Cheers

Thank you, Sacguy71

I see what you mean about the cost as I search around.

I will add all of your suggestions to my lost of mods to review.
Kinks and Links have been suggested twice now.

Thank you, again. I'm off to check these out.

EDITED Oct 12th 2020, 06:32

I too had this question. For my external mixer, I use a Keith McMillen K-mix which I love as it has bright lights and touch sensitive pads and provides 8 inputs/8 outputs plus on board reverb and compression effects. For modular mixers, I use my VCAs that have attenuators/inverters as well as a Doepfer A138c polarizer mixer and 3 channel Intellijel Mixup that has mutes and volume levels. The advantage of modular mixers from what I currently understand is the ability to mix CV and audio signals to create best submixes before send to a PA system or external mixer. Submixes are super useful! So if you have 4 voices and want to route these in creative ways then you can do so better than just send from VCA to an external audio mixer. I am saving for a larger case to get an all in one modular mixer that can let me route many voices and have CV control and mutes like the WMD Performance Mixer or the Befaco Hexmix.

Patching during a passing thunderstorm. The Pacific tree frogs are singing...

I use my Elektron Octatrack as my external drum machine as modular drums would easily cost me 5x. That said, the BIA is tons of fun and can do a lot more than just drums which is why I love mine especially paired with the NE Cursus Iteritas. I recommend Kinks and Links. I use these utility support modules all the time in patches so useful. Attentuators/mixers are key as well to create submixes and route options. I need to add more to my setup- MI Shades is perfect for this sort of thing. On my list for the holidays.

Wow thank you! Lot to digest but I will give my initial thought and follow through on the suggestions.

Side comment: It irks me when someone posts a question like mine asking for feedback on something they plan to do and then argues with every suggestion from more knowledgeable people. Yes, I have become emotionally attached to this rack that doesn't even exist yet but what does that matter if I build it and then find it is just a miserable experience due to poor choices? So I'm setting my feelings aside and opening my mind to take in all I can. And of course the beauty of modular is anything I kick from the rack now could always be added later to a well balanced system if I just can't let it go.

Great info. With 2020 being what it is, it's definitely a good time to get back into making some music. I love Amon Tobin and Fever Ray.

It's funny I hadn't really thought about making music for a long time and then I stumbled on to people doing fun things on YouTube and started to get the itch again.

Well, let's think about your proposed rack. You have a few different sequencers (Mimetic, Steppy, Euclidean), all with different strengths, weaknesses, and learning curves. Have you considered combining these into a single, more powerful, full-featured sequencer? I would recommend a master clock like Pamela's New Workout for sure (It can do gate sequencing, Euclidean rhythm stuff, LFOs, etc. with 8 outputs, 12 if you get the expander). The sequencer itself is a matter of taste, but I would try to whittle it down to one good one that can do multiple channels of gate and CV.

My thinking process that got me to 3 sequencers was I liked the Euclidean first, especially the interface for dialing in the various rhythms generated. But it's only going to drive a drum kit not the entire system and in general I don't want everything sequenced anyway. I then saw various people using mimetic and basimilus paired together to make interesting percussion and bass lines. Finally, I did realize that sometimes you just want to sequence something simple: a kick, a snare or some cv input and so I added the steppy which is out of the way in the 1U space until you need it.

But with that said, I will start a new rack from scratch and follow your recommendations. I hear Pamela's workout get talked about a lot. I know I watched some videos showing it's usage and didn't get excited about it from what I saw. I don't recall why off hand but I will set that aside and just add it to the rack as the master clock and look at other sequencers.

Again, a matter of taste but, I feel like there are better options for drums beside the Queen of Pentacles. It's getting very mixed reviews, and for that kind of money I think I would choose an outboard option like the Roland TR8s, TR6s, or something similar. You would have access to every great drum machine sound of the past, sample playback, fun and intuitive sequencing, and some effects. I think the TR8s also functions as a USB interface as well, but you may want to check on that. I have Endorphin.es prior drum machine (Blck Noir), and it's a love/hate thing. I rarely get exactly what I want out of it. I also have Endorphin.es Milky Way effects module, and I would HIGHLY suggest you consider replacing it with a Happy Nerding FX Aid XL. Similar cost and only 6hp, and it's a much more versatile multi-effects module. It may even diminish your Erbe Verb GAS.

Hmmm I really wanted to avoid external gear but I do see for the price the TR8 is probably a better value compared to the QoP. But like you said elsewhere in your reply part of the fun is modulating everything. so externalizing the drums seems to be counter to what I'd like to do. Also, I've owned a stand alone drum machine before and I found tapping in each part to not be my greatest strength. I do though have a good ear for what I like. Which is why I liked the Euclid Circles. Turning those knobs and listening to the different rhythms interact is really immediate and satisfying.

I liked the sound I heard demoing from the QoP that I would describe as dark and agressive. Do you have suggestions for another drum module that would do the job better with a better range of CV inputs?
I will do some follow up as well looking into the TR8. Maybe its usage is different than my limited experience.
I didn't mind the cost of the QoP if it delivered a enjoyable experience but do admit I wasn't crazy with the amount of space it took up. .

Basimilus is fun. Arbhar looks like a blast too. Maths, Ochd, and the stereo mixer are good ideas. I would recommend looking for modules that have CV inputs though, so you can modulate all of the parameters. That's the whole fun of modular. It doesn't look like you can control volume or panning via CV on the mixer you've chosen.

Good to hear positive about those modules.

Yes, as for the mixer I was just trying to find something to mix the various sound sources down for the stereo out and wasn't thinking as far as cv modulation and performance type control for this control. I will chuck it and keep looking for something better.

You have the Optomix low pass gate, which is great, but I would recommend adding a complex oscillator to have fun with that. Something like the DPO, Furthrrr Generator, Verbos, etc. will be so versatile for melodies, percussion, and general wacky bleeps and bloops.

I had the Instruo CS-L in the rack at one point to work with the Optomix in just that way but before I posted I pulled it out to free up some space for suggestions. I will spend some time comparing it with the other complex oscillators you suggested.

Finally, utilities like VCAs, mults, sample-and-hold, submixers, logic, and the like will be very important too, and you don't have a lot of that stuff. Mutable Instruments' Links and Kinks are small invaluable utility tools that should be in a smaller rack like this.

Part of me finally posting this was I knew I was lacking utility but lack the real world wisdom to know how best to fill that gap other than just buying a bunch of each with little idea of if I was under or over doing it. Also, some of the complex modules can satisfy multiple roles like Maths but does it replace one stand alone VCA, two, three? It's these little details that I have spent the most time on with the least amount of progress. I will check out links and kinks, thank you.

Those were my first thoughts as I looked over your rack idea. I'm sure others will have some good ideas too.
Have fun and good luck!
-- farkas

Thank you, I have a whole bunch more research to do now. Good thing I enjoy the process.

Jamming on DPO, a Moog Mother 32, and Telharmonic with support from DFAM. A bit of fun with Clouds. Interesting filter modulation and notes provided by DivKid ochd and RND STEP. Thunderstorm approaching and a nearby transformer just blew. Time to power down, but hope you enjoy! :-)

Also take a look at the Frap Tools USTA as you can capture CV and replay it:
https://frap.tools/products/usta/

It looks like a fun sequencer. I'd say for me and perhaps you, Garfield:

Frap Tools USTA
512 Vector
Winter Eloquencer
WMD Metron- cool drum sequencer
Endorphin.es Ground Control - if it ever arrives

Once COVID ends and synth shops open again then I will try these out before buying another sequencer.

Hi Lugia,

Ha, ha, yeah, funny spelling that Sinfonion ;-) I agree with you on the complexity of the Sinfonion, it might be one of those very few modules that one never stops learning about...

So, my I ask you a direct question and I am hoping for an honest (and not a diplomatic) answer ;-) ? Is the combination of Five12 - Vector + Jack Expander (bit over 1k bucks together) worth it? If yes, why, if not, why not?

Thanks a lot in advance for your opinion and kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Gabor,

I fully agree here with Wishbonebrewery, this is some serious good stuff!

The beginning of your track is superb, building up a serious tense towards the listener. My heart felt like it was bonking out of my chest, so tense, so great! You really have some good and beautiful sounds in here, it keeps me pressing again, and again the play button. While I am writing this post, I am listening for the 8th time this track, no kidding! Pressing now for the 9th time the play button because I forgot to wrote a paragraph... (and I am waiting till it's finished, which is now, pressing for the 10th time after submitting this post)

Nice view on your setup too! He, he, I always love to see your OP-1 in your setup :-) That red "thingy" there in the right upper corner, is that a North synthesizer? What is that exactly? Don't tell me it's the rack version of the G2, is it?

I was worried about my average/dull weekend, this weekend, but you just made my weekend closing down perfectly! Thank you very much! Beautifully done and kind regards, Garfield.

The EP-270 is sort of a tried-n-true thing, because that angled panel setup is pretty much one of main features of the ARP 2600's UI. It allows the system to be at a comfortable playing level while still keeping the controls face-on for easy reading. I wish you saw more of this sort of cab in the Eurorack environment instead of flat skiffs/cases or purely vertical ones.

As for the Moog cab idea, actually, that's not a bad one. Assuming 4 hp for a uZeus in an empty Moog skiff, that would still allow 56 hp for a "sidecar" cab of Euro stuff, and it + the Moogs could then fit nicely in one of the Moog 3-tier frames. I'd suggest the sidecar go in the middle slot, also...easy routing of those signals to either the DFAM or Subby. DO note, however, that you'll want to locate an Erica MScale in there as well to deal with some CV oddities that the Moogs have that aren't 100% Eurorack "kosher".

EDITED Oct 11th 2020, 23:57

TBH, the Sinfonion (GAH! That spelling is throwing me for a loop! I'm far more used to "SinfoniAn") is one of the very few $1k-area modules that I would ever recommend. Most super-expensive modules are sort of...uh...not really supposed to be super-expensive, but the Sinfoniaaaaaaagh...on is more akin to a scalar "computer". I'm not surprised that it sucks up loads of other signal sources; it's incredibly complex, and has more uses than I can even sort out. For generative work, it would be pretty close to a "core module"...just send it piles of voltage curves and set the scalar/sequential elements, then STAND BACK.

Avoid the buffered mult. You won't need it; there's not enough here, so CV/mod signal regeneration isn't necessary. Only if you have to split out a CV or mod signal to four or more sources that require exact voltage scaling for things like tuning, mod rate, etc will you wind up needing a buffered multiple. And, given that, you could just as well add a second DVCA into that space you'd save. Or, if possible, chuck the DVCA and stuff one of the new, updated Veils in for four VCAs. The new 2020 version fits into 10 hp, also...2 smaller, plus at $199 it's cheaper than a pair of DVCAs ($238). And in the process, you get a mixer too!

This, btw, is the key to making these little crackerbox builds. 1-function-per-module ain't gonna cut it in those situations; you MUST have modules that have multiple functions, otherwise you'll wind up with a very underpowered system simply due to the scale of the build. But, that being said, I don't advocate these sorts of builds at all. When it's just as easy to get a powered portable 2 x 104 case (like a Mantis), trying to jam everything into this small a space is a real brain-buster of a task. If you've not built this physically yet, you might want to consider that point.

You'll dig it...VCV really should be "standard knowledge" for anyone approaching modular. It is literally the only FREE method for figuring out how modular happens and what it's good for. A few months with it, and THEN go back to hardware ideas...and you'll find that your build efforts are a lot more on the money.