I would first look into comparator modules and research them. Ultimately, you're looking to create triggers. Once the volume of your contact mics reach a certain threshold, you want to go from a state of "off" to "on." Volume might be trickier. An envelope follower driving a VCA sounds like a good place to start. You may also want to consider a low-pass gate with the contact mic opening and closing it.
Though, it'd probably be cheaper to use MIDI drum triggers and then convert the MIDI data to gates and the velocity to a CV output. Reinventing this wheel in pure Eurorack is an expensive way to go.
Hey!
I want to combine my acoustic drum with eurorack.
The plan:
My drum will be the triggers.
The task of the eurorack will be to shape another sound on the acoustic drum sound.
The sound which the eurorack have to shape can be different things:
Samples ----> for this I thought I would buy the Make Noise Morphagene
External soundsources (taperecorder, other bandmembers with synths or guitars,mics)----> for this I need something like an preamp, to bring these in?
I will also need an input for the triggers. I probably will use contact mics (not drum triggers).
(Drum triggers are easier to mount, but contact can as a secound use also deliver a sound, so I tend to contact mics)
The soundsources which come into the rack (or are already in there) should be processable.
I definitly want a delay and an distortion/overdrive maybe also an reverb.
This soundsources should be silent.
Just when the contact mic gives a signal, the amplitute should rise.
Which module do you suggest for this task?
VCA?
Envelope Follower?
I want to have bouth possibilities...to be able to let the amplitute from the input-signal (drum set) really shape the amplitute of the eurorack. Then I think an envelope follower would be best, right?
But I want also the possibility to have a really short sound over the drum.
For example: that the cymbal rings longer, but just at the start there is a short moment when the eurorack opens up.
This would be possible with an VCA, right?
(I want to be able to use two different triggers for 2 diffenent sources at once, so I need things twice)
So the questions again:
Which modules I need to bring concactmics in (use as triggers but also as normal mics)?
Which modules to shape the amplitute (of soundsources)? VCA? EF? Difference?
Which modules to bring in external sources?
Which output modules to send the final audio to an keyboard-amp or PA?
(Also I want some LFO to let the rack change itself ;-))
Thank you so much for helping,
It will be my first step into ,,
Juanic
Bought a VCA-4MX from @Groove_Addict. Friday. 700 Euros. Haven't heard back.
Hope it just a Holiday thing in Portugal.
I have hope he will come through. He listed a couple more items since the sale, but I haven't heard back.
if anyone has any info ...
Edit: Heard Back! Shipped! Life sometimes! Thanks for helping, @mister_wavey
Thanks to @Bots - does what he says
Thanks to @lucoli - glad i made contact. Solid. And, Wow.
Thanks to @mackplakt... quick n easy.
Thanks to @Vladiz.. trying to ship [Shipped] in a battlezone.
It's a work of pure madness! Basically, it deals with voltage as functions to define a point in Cartesian space...x, y, and z. But instead of a singular point being defined, it moves around as something of a 'blob' of CV so that it fades in and out of the various geometric points it has defined. And on top of that, it alters/processes the incoming CVs to make up the 'blob', so the identity state of that hunk of CV has the ability to be in constant flux, if desired. About the only other thing that purely deals with CV as mathematical operators like that that comes to mind offhand is Ladik's Joystick Math...but it deals solely with x and y functions, whereas the Vector Space not only treats the incoming voltages through that extra z dimension, but also with crossmodding. Very powerful...for generative work, I'd rank it as a prime choice for keeping modulation sources/paths in continuous flux.
Pitches
Octavian
Disting Settings
B1: Sample & Hold
- Z Knob @ approx. 10:30
- S Knob Parameters all default
Octavian
Hey!
I want to combine my acoustic drum with eurorack.
The plan:
My drum will be the triggers.
The task of the eurorack will be to shape another sound on the acoustic drum sound.
The sound which the eurorack have to shape can be different things:
Samples ----> for this I thought I would buy the Make Noise Morphagene
External soundsources (taperecorder, other bandmembers with synths or guitars,mics)----> for this I need something like an preamp, to bring these in?
I will also need an input for the triggers. I probably will use contact mics (not drum triggers).
(Drum triggers are easier to mount, but contact can as a secound use also deliver a sound, so I tend to contact mics)
The soundsources which come into the rack (or are already in there) should be processable.
I definitly want a delay and an distortion/overdrive maybe also an reverb.
This soundsources should be silent.
Just when the contact mic gives a signal, the amplitute should rise.
Which module do you suggest for this task?
VCA?
Envelope Follower?
I want to have bouth possibilities...to be able to let the amplitute from the input-signal (drum set) really shape the amplitute of the eurorack. Then I think an envelope follower would be best, right?
But I want also the possibility to have a really short sound over the drum.
For example: that the cymbal rings longer, but just at the start there is a short moment when the eurorack opens up.
This would be possible with an VCA, right?
(I want to be able to use two different triggers for 2 diffenent sources at once, so I need things twice)
So the questions again:
Which modules I need to bring concactmics in (use as triggers but also as normal mics)?
Which modules to shape the amplitute (of soundsources)? VCA? EF? Difference?
Which modules to bring in external sources?
Which output modules to send the final audio to an keyboard-amp or PA?
(Also I want some LFO to let the rack change itself ;-))
Thank you so much for helping,
It will be my first step into ,,
Juanic
Speaking of modulation cube, Worng Electronics Vector Space. Any experience with it Lugia? How would you compare it?
Well, a Piston Honda's definitely a whole 'nother sort of wavetable oscillator, to be sure. That 'modulation cube'-sort of paradigm allows a lot of very strange behavior to happen; kinda reminds me of the Z-plane filters E-Mu used on their later Proteus iterations, but wackier. But the MCO definitely whomps it on price. Might make for a nice AF modulator for a Piston Honda, though...just let ALL the wavetable sources morph until your brain melts! ;)
Hi guys, It's me again
Thanks guys. I think i will give a try to pams workout. The MU clones and O_C from Michigan synth works look lovely, but they don´t seem to be for sale in the common EU retailers i know.. I´ll keep and eye on those... i also thought of chronoblob , but as i have a few external delays, i will stay with clouds for now as my only in-box fx unit
I'm looking at this in particular, there are two dangling / loose cables:
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/patches/view/36827
Thanks
Thanks Luigia! That MCO sounds real nice.. Though considering I already have a Piston Honda it must just be my GAS flaring up.
Good to know! That would definitely make it a cheap alternative to buying the full module for those who have the Toolbox. Granted, I see them both being useful, but that ability to flip firmware is nice in of itself, also.
hi modular freaks,
To all the Rainmaker owners: Is your module also quite noisy when turned to wet, even without something plugged into the inputs?
Greets to every1!
Arne
Major key in Rene. Don't feel like putting in knobs right now or explaining the variations, tempi etc. I have connected with it. Have a video and some pictures, might upload at least the former and link it to make it clearer what's going on.
Liam "The Lemony Bard" Zaffora-Reeder
The Disting is a multi-function module. It can do LFOs, but I wouldn't depend on it as a primary source for LFOs.
There are many dedicated LFOs out there. Which one to select is entirely up to your own tastes. A simple LFO is direct and easy to use. You can go more complex like Xaoc's Batumi with a Poti expander for example. More complex LFOs allow you to restart the LFO's cycle and/or sync them to a clock source. You may also find others with additional or different features.
Your Maths has input channels that will allow you to attenuate or even invert the LFO (attenuverter)... channels 2 and 3 can do that for you without running through the slew aspects of channels 1 and 4. But you may want to have at least one dedicated attenuverter if you want to use the Maths for a different set of functions.
I have the Xaoc Batumi and like it... but you may want to explore other options as its a bit on the expensive side.
Hello,
Thanks a lot for your answer !
Yes I forgot to put a LFO ! Actually I had to do again the rack because I clicked on "optimize rack space" and it removed a lot of modules ...
Thanks for the name of your LFO, I thought about putting an Octasource from Erica Synths, what do you think about this one ? Or should I get a simple LFO like a Quad LFO from Doepfer ?
Thanks a lot for your advice ! I can't wait ... !
You may want to consider the micro our "u" versions of all of the Mutable Instruments stuff in order to save space. Michigan Synths Works stuff is available through retailers if you're not comfortable going to a freelance builder.
I'm not sure if the Ornaments & Crimes will give you a 1:1 replacement of the Pamela's New Workout. You may want to look into the Temps Utile module instead. Do the research between all three modules. Both O_C and TU are available as micro modules as well. 8HP each I believe.
Seems to be lacking LFOs and modulation sources. Get one or two LFOs and throw in an Expert Sleepers Disting for experimentation. You have basic sequencing covered in your MIDI to CV converter if you have a DAW or hardware MIDI sequencer. Granted there are other uses for Eurorack sequencers other than triggering notes.
It's not a bad set-up as is. You seem to have plenty of room for expansion. I'd try using it with the Moog 55 for a couple of months and then analyze your own set-up for what seems to be lacking or what other areas you'd like to explore.
Have a plan for expansion, but don't be afraid to alter it as you learn more and realize your own style and themes.
The 1010 Music Laserbox is the same format at the 1010 Music Toolbox. If you buy a Toolbox sequencer, you can just flash the firmware to make it a Laserbox and back again to a Toolbox. So if you're in the market for a sequencer and some added functionality when not using it as a sequencer, the modulation source might be worth it.
Hello,
Finally ! I’m making my first eurorack.
My current setup is : roland TR 8, system 1, tb 3, mx1, and a yamaha CS 5 :D
And as my dad is fond of synthesizers (but dont have the time to use it), he recently bought a moog 55 (from 2015). it will be delivered within a month.
The case I like is the Arturia 6U.
So here is the setup i imagined :
Im not sure about including a sequencer. I think getting a Beatstep pro is a better idea so I can use it for other synth, and still have free space in the rack ?
Would this setup fit in my current collection ?
I never used a moog 55 yet, and I dont know if it makes sense to have this small eurorack setup, or if it will be a duplicate.
Maybe I should orient the eurorack setup towards more pads/space / noise sounds , with Mutable instruments modules ?
Thanks for your help !
If you're thinking of getting rid of Frames due to it's large size you could replace it with the 8hp version (https://www.modulargrid.net/e/michigan-synth-works-planks-2), the sliders keep it very tweakable and you could open up 10hp for something else - maybe a delay such as the Chronoblob?
Technically yes.. But you´d need some big decent big drill to pass your flying power bus through that hole. Also you´ll still need some stand to stack the cases if you want to put those one over the other... And, if you eventually wanna sell your 60hp´s, a drilled item should rest value... Would definitely think in a built in case here... similar cost, less effort. http://store.synthrotek.com/Eurorack_Enclosures
Used to have a monopoly.
For this i would mostly get a decent 4 note polyphonic Midi/CV. Vermona qMI 2 is great and super accurate (tested the built-in my perfourmer MKII) but a second hand Yarns or similar could do the 4 note chord job (yarns also have arpeggiator and portamento like monopoly, not mandatory since you can work it in the daw, but a plus).
I´d also get a few Hosa GMM-105 (or other stacking/mixing devices) to send the different trigg/VCO/ETC outputs to single inputs (VCA/ADSR/VCF,etc). Then similar routing with modulations sources and you´ll be pretty close in terms of functionality.
I was never in love with the monopoly filter.. i think that ajh will be more moogy and punchy, still get the doepfer or similar if you´re in for the closest sound possible.
As a plus, you can take a look to doepfer new polyphonic line and other QUAD modules if you want to save space, got more control on each voice, etc. The A-111-4 + quad VCA+quad adsr,etc, would save plenty of space there to fill with other modules (clock dividers/multipliers, modulator, etc), maybe you end up with something not so monopolish but with more interesting options...
Hi guys. By now i got all modules mounted except Pamela, disting and LxD. I´m not clear about the P.Workout... might get an 8hp ornament and crime instead... (advice on this?). Also frames and tides might leave the rack, as i got those in a cheap second hand ad (advice for replacement?) not really in my initial plan. Tides is so far my modulation source, and Frames my mixer, maybe parasites firmware could give them a new life, didn´t try yet, but i´m open to other things...
i´m happy with the others, but any suggestions would be more than welcome.
P.d. I know the pattern generator is wasting too much space there considering there´s many midi Sequencing options, but sometimes i just need some instant gratification in the melody line and i find it a good companion for now..
Well, it's about that time again, so here's KICK ASS!!! for November 2018, in which (as usual) I point out some of the more interesting-looking and sounding Eurorack modules for the MG audience.
Things seem to be picking up...I've run across a nice number of bits 'n' pieces to look over, so without further ado:
1) LeafAudio Noisefoc. This thing is way-raucous! It uses TTL-type logic circuits to generate sound, and the result sits right in the cusp between 'noise generator' and 'VCO', I think. The audio clip at LeafAudio's website (link in the module entry) really shows off the sort of aural pandemonium this module's capable of. It's worth noting that the EDP Wasp used similar TTL logic to generate sounds, but where EDP kept things under control (more or less), Leaf allows all of the utterly crazed possibilities to shine through here. And don't just look at it as 'noise'...used carefully, the Noisefoc's capable of adding some complex timbral content alongside basic ol' VCOs, so most anyone could find a use for this. This module's a kit...but you might want to brush up on your soldering skills and give this a shot. 8 hp, around $28, probably via Exploding Shed although the listing for it isn't up on there yet.
2) Takaab Nearness. Takaab's been putting out some interesting but simple twists for a good price for some months now, and this is no exception. This is a fixed level mixer with seven inputs and a stereo pair of outputs...but the twist is that by using the patchpoints closer to each stereo out, the signal to that particular output gets louder. Simple, yep...but imagine this in tandem with a couple of panners. Well, that would give you lots of stereo spatial modulation just by feeding a basic LFO into the panners without a whole bunch of fuss or expense. You can even configure it via a jumper for line-level output, which is awfully convenient and saves on a separate output module. 3 hp, and about $50.
3) ALM Busy Circuits Quaid Megaslope and MCO. Two nifty toys from ALM...the Quaid Megaslope can work as a multisegment EG (sort of in the style of the Casio CZ envelopes), a very adjustable complex LFO, or even as a sequencer with sequenced slope functions. This thing has 'useful' written all over it; I'm sure there's things that can be done with one that go way beyond what I'm capable of explaining. 19 hp, $308, more or less. Then the MCO...oh, boy, is this thing crazy! It's a wavetable VCO in a very convenient 6 hp, but it also has some complex CV functions hidden inside. The PWM and 'Type' controls govern a bunch of interesting pulsewidth weirdnesses, and the 'Wave' control lets you morph through the stored wavetables smoothly. ALM says that this VCO will sound very much like 1990s digital, and having heard it on their website (link in the listing), I'd have to say that's spot on. What I heard sort of reminded me of a cross between the Kawai K3 and K4 oscillators...very 'cold' coloration that hovers in a zone between analog and lower-fi PCM. $174 at the present $ exchange rate.
4) Pharmasonic Digisound modules. I own (for about 20 years now) and love a 22-module Digisound system. These were kit devices dating from the 1980s, and even while using Curtis chips for the most part for their main operation, they were flexible enough so that you could easily patch your way into totally weird areas...industrial grind, ethereal drones, and loads of other things in between. And one of the real secrets to what made the Digisound line cool is their take on a wavetable VCO, the sought-after VCDO. Well, seek no more! Pharmasound's brought the Digisound VCDO back, along with ten more of its siblings, staying true to the original architecture and using the new versions of the Curtis chips. But the VCDO is the real prize here...32 waveforms that can be stepped through in both the tables and table banks, making it a great candidate for sequencer-heavy systems to juice up timbral variation in time with the sequenced pitches. I do hope there's more in the pipeline from Pharmasonic on this front; it would be very cool to compliment my old-skool Digisound with some identical new Eurorack friends. All modules (thus far) are 12 hp, and the VCDO in particular comes in at a very affordable $209.
5) Ladik P-180 Octal switchable 'OR'. Ladik's still popping out some intriguing and inexpensive Eurorack toys. This month, they kicked out their first 'real' VCF, but I picked this thing because, if you're running a system that uses lots of trigger/gates (say, with a few sequencers) and clocking, this thing is a godsend! You have eight logical ORs on this, and you can use each OR's switching to select either the A or B, or a combination of the two via the logical OR. That last part, in particular, makes this appealing for live sequencer work to play havoc with your timing signals with ease. 12 hp, and the kicker is the price: $64, more or less! Most any other device that gives you timing control on this order is going to cost waaaaaymore!
6) 1010 Music Laserbox. OK, on the surface, it's just a laser controller for driving an ILDA laser projector. And that's extremely cool in of itself, especially since you can have a real-time view of the RGB traces on the module via its touchscreen. But hold up...this outputs + and -5V, meaning you could just as well use it, well, anywhere! Now, consider the fun of applying these Lissajous patterns that you can view and control on the module to audio modules. That could give you some really tasty complex modulation which you can use most anywhere. I can figure the generative music crowd would find a million uses for something of this sort. ADDAC had, until recently, a Lissajous generator/LFO in their lineup, but this new take on that idea from 1010 seems to be a lot easier to understand and use in real-time. 26 hp, $599.
7) Percussa mSSP. Also in at 26 hp, this shrunk-down variation of Percussa's powerful SSP might be smaller, but it's hardly less powerful. Loads of different synthesis methods are hiding behind its panel, way too many to go into here. But the real difference here is the price: $549, as opposed to the $2k for the full-on SSP. This thing makes me drool, really...not only does it have the similarities in raw synthesis power like its bigger sibling, but the 'footprint' fits much better into the Eurorack-verse and that price tag is...well, wow! Yeah, I can hear a few people saying that it doesn't have this or that, the screen's smaller, etc. But it loads any patch made on the original, and doesn't eat 60 hp while doing that and more. It's currently in Kickstarter for $549 for the retail version, and has only a few weeks to go while still needing about another $100k, so bust out that magic plastic quick! Hopefully just as the SSP made its Kickstarter goal, we'll see this get over the line as well.
8) Klangbau Köln Frequency Shifter. Add your own quadrature oscillator, and you're shiftin' like a boss. This is basically the 'guts' of a Bode frequency shifter, minus an internal oscillator source for the shifting. But it's got a few tweaks, such as a control (the 'RMO' knob) that lets you morph between ring modulation and proper single-sideband suppression, or a bit of extra I/O for doing delayed shifts. And with the shift frequency set up the way it is, there's lots of abuse potential for feeding those with things that aren't quadrature sine waves. This module has a good little bit of crazy hiding behind its panel, more or less...but the real craziness is the price: $246 plus/minus. Priced a proper frequency shifter lately? If you haven't, bring some tissues for the ensuing nosebleed! KK's taken care of that, though, with the real deal for way less than the usual cost. 10 hp.
9) Steffcorp VCF-12. Take an ARP 4012 VCF. Now, add a lot of freaky stuff...dual KBD CV ins, an extra 2-pole output, a variable-slope (CVable!) out, dual (one invertable) FM CV ins, and you've now got some weird mutant VCF on your hands! It might've originally come from an ARP 2600, but it's gotten mutated into some sort of strange, very CVable creature. Steffcorp even hand-selects the critical parts necessary to give the proper 2600 filter sound, but that's not going to be all you can do with this thing. Potent! 14 hp, $306.
10) North Coast Synthesis MSK 009 Coiler VCF. Speaking of weird, here's a really different take on filtering altogether. The Coiler gets its name from what it uses: inductors. This is an inductor-based multimode VCF, which means it'll have lots of odd nonlinearities, curious behavior, and the like. But as if that wasn't enough, North Coast added a second audio input that feeds your signal through a full-wave rectifier, giving you some extra waveshaping and distortion possibilities that are, well, weird. But very welcome, too. You can get it in two flavors: the assembled version, which is about $204, and a through-hole kit for $136-ish. Oh...and it can also do a few envelope-following tricks, too! Like I said...weird! 8 hp.
11) 2hp Play. Take a sample playback module and leave it in the dryer too long. This is what you get: the absolutely-smallest Eurorack sample player out there. I'm often amazed at the functionality-cramming that 2 hp gets away with, but this is a shocker. Capable of loading 32 mono samples at a time with sample switching via its CVable file control knob, you also get CV control of pitch (1V/8va tracking, of course), several playback modes, software updating and tweaking via micro SD, and it comes with a preloaded micro SD to get you started, all for a measly $149. Talk about a functional gap-filler!
And that, as they say, is that! Nice to see such an interesting bunch of newcomers. Some of these would make for awesome stocking stuffers, too...provided the stocking in question has the proper current supply! Until next month...and for that matter, next year!
I wonder if I would like to change this configuration into a Korg Monopoly type of sound...what Oscillator modules i would choose? Filters I think i"ll use Doepfer A-105...but I wonder about oscillators. Here is the Minimod layout:
https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_796635.jpg
Could I, in theory, use three moog 60hp cases and cut holes between them to distribute power with the microZeus?
Thanks to @lucoli for a fast and easy transaction. The module was securely packaged, too. Nice guy. :-)
Hi!
when I swap some modules in my racks the URL shows the old configuration.
how can I update the URL view of my racks?
thanks
Ebo
My modular consists of just a Mother 32, a second VCO, and some utility modules at the moment, but it is growing. Take my opinion as one of a beginner, but I've had the M32 for a bit now.
I agree with everyone above that for what you get function wise, the Mother 32 is compact and very affordable so its a great jumping off point. You could barely afford a good Moog type filter and VCO for what the M32 costs, let alone the other modules you would need to get rolling. I've had a couple of frustrations though: For lead sounds, the AD envelope with sustain switch is pretty limited for shaping (and since you have a Sub37 I assume that might be important). Adding an envelope means adding another VCA since you can't truly bypass the M32's envelope's affect on the internal VCA. Also, want to add another VCO and hard sync? Well, you can add VCO's easily, but you can't sync them with the M32 which would be nice for tighter bass sounds.
These are nitpicky things, and I really love the sound of the M32's VCO and filter, and being able to rack it with other gear is nice..... but makes me wonder if the Moog Grandmother might be a better intro into modular these days since it is a definitely more "complete" of a monosynth already before you start interacting other gear with it.
Hello,
I have the modules on the top row and am planning for the modules on the bottom row.
I'm interested to hear any opinions re: overlap or alternatives that I might consider (consolidation?)
My intentions are to be able to create interesting sequences and rhythms and also to be able to generate tones and percussive sounds.
The clocking / sequencing will likely be carried out by a beatstep pro.
https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_791644.jpg?1543527473
Thanks
reliable is @C3REAL , bought his Timo Rozendal Logic : nicely built , fair price with fast tracked shipping , thanx R. ;) Cheers >:)
From left to right: Moog M32, Erica synths micro buffered mult, Intellijel µVCA, MN Function, Studio Electronics oscillator, Pittsburgh Lifeforms Binary filter and lifeforms ADSR. Quite a funky system!
Does anyone in the UK fancy joining me in having our own rails extruded? I’ve looked into it and whilst the savings are phenomenal I don’t ( as much fun as it would be) need to fill 700m of racking.
Next to the m32 is a intellijel uvca. Then a makenoise function, the next I don’t know. Then something from Pittsburgh modular I guess.
Can anyone identify what modules are used in here? Thx
https://imgur.com/LzZ6qnE
Thanks for your replies. Will take everything you said into account and continue to study more in depth for a correct build
Cheers!
Go to Rack edit and uncheck the checkbox for 1U Tiles.
Normal Eurorack modules are 3U heigh. 1U does not mean one row. It is the size of the small utility modules that are available.
Beep, Bopp, Bleep: info@modulargrid.net
So when I go to make a 1U rack, the rack is really thin, and the modules overlap by quite a lot. Is there a setting to get it to visually appear to scale?
