ModularGrid uses so-called cookies to ensure it's so-called functionality. We also use dubious tracking scripts. Find out more in the Privacy Policy. We use cookies and wanna let you know.
You are welcome and about panning. You might want to have a look into Make Noise modules (of course other brands have stereo modules too), they might have here and there an interesting module for you helping on stereo effects. The most obvious one is of course the X-Pan module (I don't have this module yet but I am considering it).
Or have a look into mixer modules with panning knob (I am using the Doepfer A-138o & p, the 138p comes with 4 channels and each channel has its own panning knob).
You stay healthy too and kind regards, Garfield.
For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads
Hi Asmodis. I'm not too familiar with the Cells module, but if I remember correctly it's a sequencer that comes with the Nifty Case, right? I don't know if you have any other external gear for sequencing, but you may want to look into something that gives you a little more precise control over pitch/triggers/gates/etc. I know random works pretty well in generative ambient and drone stuff, but at some point you will probably want to impose some order and structure.
And, as far as random goes, the Wogglebug and Marbles do some similar things. Do you need both, or could that space be better utilized with something else (maybe a filter)? Just a few things to consider.
Have fun and good luck!
I’ve had a similar experience with the Loquelic Iteritas Percido... Difficult to dial in sounds that really gel with the rest of a patch. It’s pretty wild in what it does though, and it is keeping me creative.
I’m going to take a look into Temps Utile. I’m not familiar with it. Thanks for the heads up.
-- farkas
You may also like Pam's New Workout as an alternative to Temps Utile. I would research both. I don not have PNW so I can't comment on which is better. But I do like my Temps Utile for Euclidean patterns, clock multiplying/dividing, and trigger/gate sequencing.
I’ve had a similar experience with the Loquelic Iteritas Percido... Difficult to dial in sounds that really gel with the rest of a patch. It’s pretty wild in what it does though, and it is keeping me creative.
I’m going to take a look into Temps Utile. I’m not familiar with it. Thanks for the heads up.
Multi-function modules are nice to have in the beginning because they allow you to get a "taste" of everything and alternative set-ups.
For me... I really love having the micro versions of Temps Utile and Ornaments & Crime. The Disting Mk4 isn't a module you want to try and adjust in real-time. But if you're patient, it's a great Swiss Army Knife module that will let you explore different functionality that you might want to bring into your rack as dedicated modules.
I have the BIA and Manis Iteritas. They are okay... but not the be-all end-all modules. You will find it impossible to get back to "that awesome sound" you had a moment ago unless you're very attentive to EXACTLY where the knobs were. The sweet spot between sonic goo and sonic glory is often a fraction of a millimeter. It's also hard to get them to a particular pitch with a tuner due to all of the crazy harmonics. You won't be layering them with much.
Welcome. It looks like you are off to a good start, and VCAs will always be useful. Will you be doing all of your gate and CV sequencing from your DAW or Rene? If not, you may want to look into something like Malekko's Voltage Block for CV or ALM's Pamela's New Workout. I was hesitant to get PNW because I don't enjoy menu diving very much, but the menu system is really shallow and easy to navigate. It was a really valuable addition to my beginner system. Check out DivKid's YouTube video to see everything it can do. You may also find a small multi-effect unit valuable for reverbs/delays/etc. I see a lot of folks recommending the Expert Sleepers Disting Mk4 as an important multi-use effect and modulation source for small systems, but the menu diving on that has kept me away for now.
I'm pretty impressed with the Noise Engineering oscillators for industrial stuff. A lot of people really like their Basimilus Iteritas Alter and Manis Iteritas for industrial drums. The Loquelic Iteritas and Cursus Iteritas are really cool too.
I'm new to this too, so I'm still wrapping my head around good utility modules. Maybe the other folks here can comment on that. Like you, I was initially fascinated by the Mutable and Make Noise approach but I'm learning a ton every day. What I do know is that modulating your modulation sources is pretty fun, so something like a XAOC Devices Batumi may come in handy alongside your Stages (though PNW can handle a lot of LFO duties if you want).
Have fun and good luck.
Building up my first Eurorack Synth so far and Iam just struggeling if something important, I havent think of yet, is missing. Want to do some Drone and Ambient Stuff with this Modular. Thanks for your help, tipps and suggestions :-)
Much appreciated for your detailed feedback!
I am so happy that my music helps someone to relax a bit these days.
Also, thanks a lot for your advice about stereo panning. Actually, I thought about this technique and in the future I plan to try it. The only problem for me about this is some technical points. My philosophy in making music is to record it in one take. No matter on a tape or digital recorder. So now I can't make panning variations on selected tracks in Logic afterwhile. But now I'm planning to buy a separate module for stereo panning to do it while recording. So, I hope in future I'll try this trick :)
Thank you once more for attentive listening! Be safe!
Igor
My rack is a TipTop Mantis, and this is what I have in it. I have been looking through the forums and researching a lot of modules, but am not 100% where to go next. I am considering adding something like a quad VCA, maybe Rene, and possibly Clouds. At some point I thing I want to get an Expert Sleeper ES-9 in there to sync to my DAW (though Yarns get that done for now). I know currently it is heavy on the Make Noise and Mutable Instruments side, so what should I be looking at?
My main goal with this rig is to experiment with sound, probably leaning more towards industrial, darkwave, and some synthwave, but the more I get into this, the more I also like the generative stuff as well.
I also have the 4MS Listen and ListenUP (on the way) so I can route external sounds (guitar, drum loops, bass lines, whatever sounds interesting) through it. Any help is appreciated.
Frankly, I'm of the school of thought where the POWER SUPPLY and BUILD reign supreme. Case ergonomics are one thing...but if you've bought a case that has a power capacity that's near or at the max current load for its P/S, you're utterly screwed.
Let's compare two VERY different 2 x 104s...the Mantis, which we're dealing with here, and Pittsburgh's EP-208.
On first glance, the choice seems totally obvious: the Mantis retails at USD 335, the EP-208 at 699. Buy the Mantis and YAAAAAAYYYYcheepnizz...
Except...
Let's lift the hood on these. The Mantis offers a power supply with a whopping 3A on the +12V rail. But...look more closely, and this is a distributed 3A; each section for the +12V rail has a max capacity of 1A. The remaining rails are pretty pedestrian: 1.1A on the -12V rail, and only 300 mA on the 5V. You get 36 bus connectors, threaded rails, plastic housing with stacking brackets. Max depth is claimed at 61mm, but really is more like 55mm so that you have room for power ribbons.
Now, the more expensive EP-208. In this case, you get 4A on the +12V, 3A on the -12V and 2A on the 5V rails. No "zones", either; if you need all 4A on one header, you got it. 40 connectors here, sliding nuts, a beefy WOOD housing with carry handle and lid, and a maximum depth potential of 107 mm, but really most are around 90mm. Either way, the depth capabilities trash the Mantis, as do the power capacities.
Now...let's have some fun! Let's load BOTH cases with about $4k worth of modules, hand them to you, and say "You need to take ONE of these and smack it against the wall REALLY EFFIN' HARD, and whatever's left, YOU GET!" I don't think you'll want to try this with the Mantis, frankly...but from my experience with wood-cased synths, whatever's in the Pitt should be relatively OK.
Basically, it's NOT JUST about the power. That's important, sure, but once you've found your suitable current over-spec (and you should ALWAYS majorly over-spec power...more amperage is always better than almost not enough!), take what's in the case into account and go for durability. Ample INNER space is good for heat dissipation, and that's good for all of your build's components. Rugged housings protect against ANY impact...and it doesn't matter to your synth if that impact comes during a load-in at a gig or if your cab slips off your worktable.
Sure, I think it's great that these cheaper cases ARE bringing down Eurorack cab prices at the lower end, as those prices were approaching total psychosis just 2-3 years ago. But there's a big difference between a cheaper case and a compromised case, and while some users would be fine with a plastic case like the Mantis, the minute it's out of your studio, it's in a certain degree of danger...along with its contents. Keep that in mind...
You certainly know how to impress people when listening at your music! After the first few seconds when I started your "Lullaby Of Spring" I sprinted to my "listening chair" and enjoyed listening. If it comes to relaxing, calming down, indeed exactly what we need now in these weird and uncertain times of the Covid-19 virus, this music of yours is just that what one could wish for and enjoying it.
It usually takes me a while before I get my mind adopted to the music and start to get in relax mode but your music somehow managed to do that almost straight away!
One little hint/feedback, I am not 100% sure but I had the feeling that most of your music and sounds where exactly in the stereo middle positioned, so nice in the stereo sweet-spot so to speak. It wouldn't harm though to have one or two sounds a bit out of the stereo centre for some "stereo variations" other than that this track is perfect!
Well done, I will listen more than once to this track and of course I would have nothing against more music of yours :-)
You take care too and kind regards, Garfield.
For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads
OK...there's a pretty critical mistake in this build. And to examine it, let's look at the ACTUAL costs for the Neutron and Pico III in this particular configuration...figures in USD, but the point should be obvious...
To house the Neutron at 70 hp in a case where each 1 hp space retails at about $2.25 will cost you around $156 ADDED to the price of the Neutron. And the Pico III, while it does come in a Eurorack version, probably makes more sense as its standalone version given the tight panel space and the Buchla Easel-type cardslot...but if this was that version, it would cost an extra $98 to rehouse and repower it. And all of this is because these synths (unless the Erica is the Euro module version) already have cases and power, ergo you're doing this TWICE...and paying for it twice, too! It might be convenient, it might be space-efficient...but there IS that hidden cost in there if you decide on that course of action.
Hey Ronin, i get the point. For me i have to try out in the real world to learn all the shit. The Varigate 4+ may an option in the future. Do you have another module-suggestion for the current set up? Sorry, as i said i am new to the game. Thanks
Well, with the set-up I saw yesterday. There's not a way to adjust pitch in a controlled manner. I know you're not looking for something "musical". But if you can't modulate a sustained pitch, you're still going to be limited from a sonic standpoint. You could modulate pitch with envelopes... but then your pitch will change in accordance with the envelope.
The varigate 4+ offers pitch from what I understand. So that might be a good option if you're interested.
I've had over-heating problems with my Rackbrute 6U, its getting sent back after a lengthy trouble shooting session with Arturia Support, it smelt like melting plastic, when i put the exact same module + more into my Tiptop Happy Ending Kit they all run cool. Real shame to be honest as it was about the prefect size / setup for the money and for my plans.
Bought it from Bax-shop in the UK, having real trouble getting them to send a return shipping label for it, they keep saying they have emailed it but nothing ever arrives.
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.
Unit Two - Doepfer A-100 LC6 6U Case which contains ALL the modules in the BOTTOM TWO Rows.
A few items from Gear4Music but mostly from Matttech Modular (Many thanks to Matt for taking a LOT of time to assist me and answer my many pointless questions!)
I am a total "noob" and this is my first real foray into the world of Modular...I have a stack of Hardware synths (Korg Oasys-88, Korg Kronos, Korg Triton, Waldorf Quantum, Moog One) in my studio but decided that if I am going to practice "Social Distancing" because of the Covid-19 virus, then I may as well learn something new, interesting and useful!
Still a few spaces to fill...suggestions are always welcome!!!
One more simple calm composition to help all of us relax a bit during these hard times.
All sounds based primarily on Mutable Instruments and Happy Nerding modules. Recorded directly onto a tape.
Take care of each other, be safe and stay home whenever possible!
Thanks for all the feedback. I probably will get the Mantis.
I actually had a dream about buying a rack and all I remember was saying to someone "People spend this much money on furniture and furniture doesn't even do anything."
Also, I think that Erica Synths Bass Drum module may be overkill for your current purposes. To me, it's pretty big and has a small range of utility. If you pick up that Pique, it already has an 808 kick drum simulation in one of the modes and FM drums in another mode if you have the DMC firmware installed.
You will be able to make some harsh noise with the Shard and Basimilus Iteritas Alter. The Malekko Varigate 4+ could be a consideration for you instead of the Mimetic Digitalis for a pitch and gate sequencer. Maybe look into that?
I haven't tried to feed a line input (for samples/external gear) into my Shard yet, but it destroys every other source I have put through it. A distortion would probably be a good addition, or a small guitar pedal i/o if you have some gnarly distortion/reverb/delay pedals that you want to incorporate.
I'm thinking in terms of Merzbow, MSBR, Vomir and that kind of stuff if that's the direction you are hoping to go.
I want to make Noise-stuff...
I am not sure about everything, that is why i´m in this forum
and that is why i need help from you guys. Now, i am in trouble, right?! ;-)
I see sources for triggers. Where will you be getting pitch information? How will you generate meaningful, musical patterns? If you can explain that to me, you'll be fine. If you can't, you might be in trouble.
The first two Eurorack VCOs were the Intellijel Rubicon 2 and the Tip Top Z3000 mk2.
If I had to do it over again the Tip Top would have been an Intellijel Dixie II+. Nothing wrong with the Z3000. I would just prefer the interface on the Dixie after some wiggle time.
I would recommend a minimum of 2 VCOs so you can do sync as well as fattening your sound with two oscillators rather than one.
Intellijel Rubicon 2 VCO. Lots of possibilities there and you can get some pretty gnarly sounds out of it via self-patching.
Joranalogue Filter 8. 6, 12, 18, and 24 db/octave low pass, plus high-pass and other filter flavorings. Wonderful modulation capabilities.
Make Noise Maths. Yep. It's analog. Say no more.
Yes Ricky´s channel is great, you learn so much.
I know that i will need more stuff like VCA and filter in the future.
But right now, i want to start and learn. It is also a budget-question ;-)
I am curious of what i can get out of this system.
But thanks Ronin for that input, i will definitly check out your suggestions.
Right now i ordered:
Case, horologic solum, numeric repetitor, basimilus iteritas, shard and the waver-mixer.
I try the output via my external Mixer, if that doesn´t work i will get an output-module.
But in the future i want that noisish-harsh sound with a pounding bassdrum.
Do you think, i can work with those other modules, you suggested in order to use
Erica Synth bass drum and the basimilus as drum and the Shard as the noise-factor?
MIDI to CV and CV to MIDI. This allows note data to flow between your DAW and your Eurorack. This may also include MIDI CC messages being translated to CV in Eurorack and back again. The more CV inputs and outputs... the higher the cost.
DAW audio to CV. This can be done via a USB module acting as an audio interface (like the Expert Sleepers ES8 or ES9) or an audio interface that is DC coupled. The ES series can be used for audio AND CV flowing between the DAW and Eurorack rig. So you can record, playback, and modulate the DAW and Eurorack modules... true integration. But be aware of latency. It's a fact of life with audio interfaces.
Many audio interfaces remove DC voltage because it's typically not audio and is usually an unwanted artifact. So it's best to check around.
As far as DAW software: Ableton Live with CV Tools, Bitwig Audio, and for a free virtual Eurorack environment VCV Rack.
I went with the 7U Intellijel case. More expensive but is all aluminum in the chassis and comes with a locking lid and a carrying handle.
But for your FIRST case and a choice between the Mantis and Rack Brute, I'd go with the Mantis... especially if it's not meant to leave the house. The Mantis also comes with adjustable legs. I find that to be important as you'll be spending hours looking down at your rack. I don't like giving up a rackspace for power supplies.
The only downside to the Mantis is that it isn't stackable like the Rackbrute. But my own personal taste is that I don't like my rig vertical or in a "wall" configuration. I like table-top views. Those may be considerations for you as well.
Mantis - almost always slightly better value for money ($/hp) and doesn't use a power module - so doesn't waste space!!!
I'll probably buy a second one next year - when I run out of space in my current racks
I use a guitar stand for each of my DIY 9u/104hp and they are reasonably stable - the Mantis would be more so - if you want portability this may be a good solution instead of the bracket
"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!!!
In the middle of a redesign, here are three things I missed. Maybe there are other users who feel the same need, so here are some ideas for future versions of MG.
Grouping Modules:
Select multiple modules and add them to a group, much like you can do that in graphics programs.
Reason: It seems many people arrange their modules in groups, either functional by type or building complete voices as macros etc. If playing around with hardware layouts for usability options, it´s painful to move each and every module on it´s own. Repetitive, likely to accidentally swap with some other module that you wanted to stay where it is. The less hp the worse. So grouping things would allow to move things in a single motion, much faster, more reliable.
Power Groups:
Currently we get total power consumption, split per row. On very broad systems, you may want to have two PSUs in a single row. Or just want to know how much power a voice block consumes, in case I want to move all of it´s modules to a separate place. By defining power groups and selecting which modules are members, power calculation can be much more flexible.
Combo Racks
Basically "groups of groups".
Think of two cases sitting next to each other. If you build a single rack in MG that covers the whole width, the power calculation is broken. If you build two separate racks, it´s hard to see the overall layout. Doesn´t get easier with 4 cases. An arrangement view that allows moving complete racks would be much appreciated. I currently use images and arrange them in external software. Would love to do that within MG.
Ideally, this would come as a tree structure, where you can build smaller racks (easier to navigate at normal zoom) and then combine them to a bigger picture. If you change something in one place, it should be updated in the other location(s) as well, so changes can be done on all levels.
I own both and agree with your initial thoughts. I would buy both again, just received my 2nd RB6U today and a 2nd Mantis is on the shopping list. Don´t assume you won´t want a bigger system, I made that mistake at the beginning, but see where that got me :).
Adding to your findings:
Rackbrute:
- Got my 2nd RB before the 2nd Mantis. I´m building a small portable system first, studio extension comes later. As that unit has mostly black faceplate modules, the RB looks much better. That does of course not impact how modules sound. It´s just a bit of eye candy on top of the important things.
- Metal case, more solid, but also much heavier.
- There is an Arturia softshell Travelbag that looks solid, has paddings etc. Check MW for reviews on the Mantis bag.
- Combine 2 RBs with a flexible angle between them, this also serves as a carrying handle. Much better suited for medium live systems if you perform or move between home studio and friend´s places.
- Said Combo gives you a gap between upper and lower, good if you can use that, bad if you don´t. I feed longer cables there to get them out of the way.
- Smaller PSU in an odd width (5hp). If you run out of power and can´t move modules between cases, there are option like StrongPWR (4hp). They add to the overall cost of course. I hit the limit, but was able to move things. Use modulargrid to estimate power consumption.
- Placement of PSU module is a bit limited, as the default cable to the distribution board is quite short. It has a standard connector though, an extension is possible, but may need a custom approach. I´m also concerned about interference, but that´s theoretical for now.
- No decksaver option, so dust protection must be improvised (or fold the upper above the lower in my case).
- Without the bracket, a single RB works great on desktop, but is still a bit higher than the Mantis. If you work in studio only and place it directly on the desktop, Mantis is preferred.
Mantis:
- Much more elegant formfactor, the curved design is just very, very nice. Does not alter sound, but makes the modular just so much sexier to look at. You may disagree. Looks great with silver faceplates.
- Plastic. Sturdy plastic, but plastic. Color may change over a long time, think old computers, but then again a paintjob can easily be done. I actually think about spraying mine in screaming orange, but that´s a different story.
- Fixed angle for the brackets. May or may not be a good thing, I can´t tell yet. The slight angle of the upper row is a godsend already, much appreciated, so I assume TTA did their homework. Brackets will give more stability, but I think I´ll probably skip them and build something with a custom angle.
- Dual Mantis is definitely immobile (when using brackets). Gives you gapless connection, pros and cons see above.
- Depending on your needs, price/performance ratio is on par with the RB, it´s just the question if you want to get mobility features vs power and space. Your usecase will decide that.
- Much beefier PSU, does not waste hp, more connectors from the board.
So in all honesty, it´s a draw in most cases unless your application would make one or the other difference a deciding factor.
Timeline of my shopping: RB #1, Mantis #2, RB #2. Next stop Mantis #2. So from my perspective, both are good value and I haven´t found any showstoppers.
Hi cristoo. I went through the same deliberation about four months ago and have just ordered my second TipTop Mantis. I'm extremely happy with the first one. Plenty of power, decent build quality, the Mantis has 208hp vs the Rackbrute's 171hp (with power supply installed). The bottom row of the Mantis is something like 60mm deep, so you probably won't run into too many modules that won't fit. Some of the Doepfer modules are especially deep, so you should probably compare case depth too. If I remember correctly, they both have threaded rails, so you won't have to deal with sliding nuts.
I think the Rackbrute is meant to be a compliment to the Arturia Minibrute, so if you have one of those as an external synth, it may make sense to get the Rackbrute from an aesthetic perspective. Also, will you be transporting your case to gigs? The Mantis is light, but I don't think I would take it outside of my home without a Decksaver cover and a case/padded bag. Aside from these concerns, the Mantis wins in my book.
The only downside I can think of is that I was not initially fond of the vertical configuration for my Mantis. It didn't feel as stable as I hoped, so I have been using it in the 45-degree and horizontal configurations until my second one and dual mounting brackets arrive.
Hope this helps. Good luck and have fun!
Hi, after receiving advice on this site, I am interested in acquiring a Tiptop Mantis. But I'm also drawn to the 6U Rackbrute.
I did some research and believe the Mantis has a little more HP space and a better power supply- the Zeus power supply. But the build also seems less sturdy than the Rackbrute, and the Rackbrute might be OK for me power and space wise. It doesn't bother me about the Mantis being plastic. The Zeus power supply might be healthier for the modules I buy, but I like the less wobbly looking Rackbrute.
They are priced around the same price.
Also, I would need a The Type I plug (as defined by the IEC) for Australian wall power sockets.
The standard voltage in Australia is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.
Has anyone had experience with either of, or, preferably, both of these cases, (the Tiptop Mantis and the 6U Rackbrute)?
Looking it over, briefly... you're loaded up on filters. I can't make a judgment call there as they seem to be focused around different ideals/sonic possibilities.
Some areas to research
Noise
Sample and Hold
Envelope follower
Quantizer
Logic
Mixers (get two simple mixers that handle DC and audio)
Audio mixer (stereo output with sends)
You might find a combination module with noise and sample & hold... and possibly an envelope follower all-in-one.
Noise: at least white... plus pink if you can find it.
Logic: AND, OR, NOR, XOR, etc.
Quantizer: you have one in Ornaments & Crime. But if you use it, then you burn the O_C for other functions
If you can handle the clunky interface, a Disting Mk4 is always a great module to have if you want to try out a particular function before buying a dedicated module. At under $200 and 4HP, it's a great way to figure out where you want to go without traveling there first (aka buying a dedicated module).
-- Ronin1973
Nice! This gives me a lot to think about so thanks again for your time and advice.
I agree about using the O_C as it may have more useful applications. And I was thinking about starting with a Disting MK4 as a number of forums suggested it as a good place to get to grips with different functions.
Right, gonna do my homework. Then third time’s the charm? Let’s hope so!
It's hard to tell you where to go since it's your own personal journey. But I can throw a possibility your way.
A 1010 Music BitBox might make for a tasty addition. You could use it for sampled percussion, sampling loops of your own Eurorack patches (it syncs to clock and records using clock). It can also use the two alternative firmwares (that are free) for a wavetable synth or a multi-function effects box.
Is that the BEST use for the space? I don't know. But maybe that would be nice for you.
Looking it over, briefly... you're loaded up on filters. I can't make a judgment call there as they seem to be focused around different ideals/sonic possibilities.
Some areas to research
Noise
Sample and Hold
Envelope follower
Quantizer
Logic
Mixers (get two simple mixers that handle DC and audio)
Audio mixer (stereo output with sends)
You might find a combination module with noise and sample & hold... and possibly an envelope follower all-in-one.
Noise: at least white... plus pink if you can find it.
Logic: AND, OR, NOR, XOR, etc.
Quantizer: you have one in Ornaments & Crime. But if you use it, then you burn the O_C for other functions
If you can handle the clunky interface, a Disting Mk4 is always a great module to have if you want to try out a particular function before buying a dedicated module. At under $200 and 4HP, it's a great way to figure out where you want to go without traveling there first (aka buying a dedicated module).
I have during the last ten month gradually built the rack you can see in my post. I'm pretty happy with it and the modules in my wish list is what I think I need for going further.
I'm torn between the Modcan and the Batumi + Poti. I have the Batumi... but the grass seems a little greener on the Modcan side if you have the rackspace.
-- Ronin1973
A conundrum it would seem. I think I may go with Modcan, at least for now at the planning stage as it appears (on surface detail, to be a bit more approachable to me. I think I’ll do a bit more reading up on both though and I’ll drop the Quadra due to redundancy.
In terms of the other modules, have I made sensible selections and accounted for the necessary functions apart from a lack of complex sequencer and overly greedy selection on LFOs?
I'm torn between the Modcan and the Batumi + Poti. I have the Batumi... but the grass seems a little greener on the Modcan side if you have the rackspace.
You have the Quadra, the Quad LFO, and the Batumi. That's three units each with four LFO-ish functions. Are you planning on needing that many or are they redundant?
You mentioned sequencing but I don't see anything that does any serious sequencing onboard. Maybe that's not where you want to go. But check out the Eloquencer or if you can find a decent builder the Westlicht Performer. I just bought a Performer but I have to reflow some of the work and replace a couple of damaged CV jacks. But it's a great sequencer. I also have a 1010 Music Toolbox. I like it but the most current firmware kind of blows chunks (why I got the Performer).
-- Ronin1973
Thanks Ronin! Regarding sequencing it's true I haven't accounted for anything major. Originally I was thinking the Eloquencer as it seems of more of what I have been used to. I'm going to read up on the Westlicht Performer you mentioned. I've been on the waiting list for a Cirklon for awhile as I have lots of external gear as well so I'm undecided as to whether I keep deeper sequencing external or look to build a more all in one system (for my basic needs) that I can travel with.
Regarding the LFOs (based on my level of knowledge) gonna confidently say redundant on my part. I suppose regarding LFOs the Quad LFO seems more immediate but the Batumi seems like it has deeper functionality.
You have the Quadra, the Quad LFO, and the Batumi. That's three units each with four LFO-ish functions. Are you planning on needing that many or are they redundant?
You mentioned sequencing but I don't see anything that does any serious sequencing onboard. Maybe that's not where you want to go. But check out the Eloquencer or if you can find a decent builder the Westlicht Performer. I just bought a Performer but I have to reflow some of the work and replace a couple of damaged CV jacks. But it's a great sequencer. I also have a 1010 Music Toolbox. I like it but the most current firmware kind of blows chunks (why I got the Performer).
To both Ronin and Lugia, thanks again. I’ve had a think about everything you have said and hopefully translated that advice into a slightly more sensible (read actually usable) rack.
I’ve tried to account for sequencing and being able to play the rack as I’m coming from a more keys oriented environment so chose the tetrapad and tete combo. Using Mangrove, Just friends and pluck for voices. I may have added a few too many filters but those present seemed interesting to me so I have kept them in for reference.
After reading about the ‘boring’ modules they seem less so now as I understand better why they are present and have incorporated those recommended.
I will stress that I am building this as an ideal rack that I will grow into in the real world, picking up a module or two to learn before progressing to the next which will undoubtedly change module selection over time. However, as long as I get a rack that has the necessary building blocks in place, with modules I have at the very least read up on, I can be fairly confident that the most basic foundations of my modular journey have been laid.
Below is the most recent build and I do apologise in advance if I have forgotten to factor something in or over provided in other areas. Many thanks again.
