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@sweevo do you get things sorted ?

only a few days in = happens.
someone not being responsive for a few
days is all fine.

please let us know and best of luck
-- Slim

Yes, all sorted. In fairness he got back to me pretty soon after i posted and said he would ship first thing this morning which he did. He also provided me with shipping tracking details. Really realived. I had a bad experience a few years ago with someone on ebay and it's really made me paronid/nervous, especially when you pay by paypal F&F.!

@sweevo do you get things sorted ?

only a few days in = happens.
someone not being responsive for a few
days is all fine.

please let us know and best of luck

EDITED Today, 16:37

They're exceptionally made, and panel thickness hasn't been noticeable,
but for a little more ($20 more at Perfect Circuit right now), I'd go with their QAM Active mult.

EDITED Yesterday, 20:56

I have a Moog Spectravox in the rack, and it's taking up a ton of room, but it earns its keep.

An additional note about my previous posts, regarding user @sugarfreedaddy

I want to state here that my problem with him is now solved.
He was unable to send me the module that I purchased, and he was unable to refund me.
I offered that he sends me other modules for a similar value. He did, which means that, I don't really understand how or why, he was in a problematic situation, but in the end he did not scam me.

Happy modular everyone :)
-- Slim

I wish i read this a week ago. I bought a module earlier in the week from @sugarfreedaddy and since then he has not responded to say he received payment or that the module has been shipped. I hope he isn't scamming me but having read about your experience i'm not feeling too confident.

Smart transaction with @manikin
Recommended seller !

EDITED Friday March 21, 14:02

Thanks for the input. The Dixie II was always on my "watched" items for modular.
Its size, price and wave types are mainly what I am after I suppose although these are my first ventures into the OSC sync world :)
I will have a look at the Cycle 5 for its variwave attribute.
Thanks for taking the time, much appreciated.
Best,
L

Dixie II would be excellent imo and a hard one to beat in that size. Depending on the type of sync that might appeal to you, another attractive optipn would be the Joranalogue Cycle 5 for the variwave. I think if you want a VCO that could also take on normal LFO duties, the Dixie II is more suited for that. At least, it would be for me. I prefer sync over reset for keeping a waveform in cycle how I want it.

Good stuff.

Musikalische Wurfelspiel! :D

Addac's latest module, the Stochastic Voltage Generator, has inspired me to delve into the eccentric history of stochastic (or aleatory or chance) music, from Mozart to Marcel Duchamp, John Cage, Morton Feldman, and Iannis Xenakis -- and from Buchla, Moog, and Arp to Eurorack. The accompanying patch is inspired by Feldman's graphic scores (especially the early "Projections" scores).

Thanks Zacksname,

I could fit this matrix mixer :)
https://modulargrid.net/e/ai-synthesis-ai008-eurorack-matrix-mixer

Watched a couple of videos about matrix mixers. It's a great tool indeed to distribute modulation. And would save me some attenuators at the same time. Love it. Honestly had never really thought about it that way. I usually plug mimetic or an LFO into the targetted cv input through Quadratt and that's it.

Since you have ths FX Aid, you may also like Happy Nerding's 3xMIA and 3xVCA. If a matrix mixer (which is actually a great tool in Eurorack because you can use it to mix, route, and reroute CV for lots of detailed transitions) is too big to fit in, this may also give you some good modulation mixing/changing options. For the 3xVCA, one thing I like other than the attenuator for the input CV is the switches you can use to send the output of a channel to the next channel, allowing you to easily multiply or mix signals together at the literal flick of a switch. Simple utilities, but super playable and really useful.

Hey! Thanks for the notes.

Yes I tend to like mults cause I don't use stackables or out of case mults. I use tendrils as I don't patch/unpatch much and it helps for playability. Maybe 5 is a bit much though :)

Gonna look into you suggestions. Never used a Matrix mixer. Thought it was mainly useful to facilitate effects routing and the mixer has effects sends so I didn't give it much thought.

Switched multiples I could use to facilitate certain transitions, alternate between sounds etc. And I could most certainly use more attenuverters and envelopes.

Will see what I can fit in.

The voices etc look good bu I think modulation and playability is worth improving.
- A matrix mixer for CV
- Switched multiples
- A bunch of attenuverters
- Tetrapad or a couple of Gliss.
- More envelope generators

Do you really want 5 basic mults?

Hi, this is my set from Modular World Ep. 48. So much fun. I continue to love the BeatStep Pro after all these years. I keep telling myself I am going to make a non-melodic track, but I always fail this assignment:

Could be someone be so kind to help me if this system makes sense? Thank You
-- MX___

Sure! Your system technically may makes sense... but only in the same way that a house made entirely of cardboard technically provides shelter.

Behringer modules will make sound, sure, but their business model is basically "copy & undercut," which isn’t exactly what the Eurorack spirit is about. If you’re okay with that, go for it! But if you want to support innovation, independent creators, and long-term quality, you might want to mix in some non-Behringer modules.

TL;DR: It’ll work, but you might wake up one day and realize your entire rack is just a cheap clone of someone else’s hard work. 😉

Hello!

Hesitant on what to do with remaining 22hp.

I was thinking of Virt iter legio + Ghost as it would allow me to vary the sounds (virt can sound like an organ), and Ghost comes with a few cool features (sidechain, a big filter knob!). but there´s already a ton of sonic possibilities with Ultra-kick, BIA, Tymp and the dual oscillator.

What would you suggest I fill the gap with?

I tend to make minimalist repetitive dubish electronic music (think Surgeon or Colin Benders but slower with a ton of bass).

I usually go for no-menu immediately playable modules.

Thanks!

Hi,

Does anyone has a clue how to connect this to the case? there's apparently no socket for the power and the manual does not say any. I've tried seraching aroud but i've not found anything usefull.
-- sntelectronics

I don't own one, but the picture on the Thomann website seems to show it:
https://bdbo2.thomann.de/thumb/bdb3000/pics/bdbo/9783218.jpg

I'm 99% sure that the long horizontal cable is the power connector (16-pin plug with a 10-pin cable).

EDIT
on https://doepfer.de/a155.htm there is a similar image that shows the power connector

EDITED Wednesday March 19, 14:46

Hi,

Does anyone has a clue how to connect this to the case? there's apparently no socket for the power and the manual does not say any. I've tried seraching aroud but i've not found anything usefull.

Anyone?

Thanks

Thanks for the video. Had alreaday glimpsed through it without taking notice of its importance with regards to my original post/question. Will look at it more seriously again :)

Thanks again,
L

Could be someone be so kind to help me if this system makes sense? Thank You

I think this video might be helpful if you are learning about FM.

This is what I went with in the end.

Out of the rack, there's the Beatstep Pro, the Thyme, and a Po-12. Vortices is a bit profligate of HP but I always wanted one so I went for it.

When I was just about finished I realised that I did not have enough power headers for all these modules, so I had to swap out my attenuverters for a passive 3xATT from ph modular (who I recommend very strongly!)

Now just to see if I can get this bad boy past airport security!

Why not the erica synths drum modules?

Hey everyone. So far, I sequence the NTO via the Wave Mults, and do so with Max for Live, and the free version of Rene. I might replace the CV Pal with a Mutant Brains, since only Gate 1 works on my CV Pal: so it really ony does one thing! I'd like a polyphonic voice so thinking of getting the Rene II. I used the Doepfer QLFO until now, but I want a proper VCA, hence the Quad VCA here. This rack is not for everything: it's for melody and harmonics. I've left the two drum modules in there. I just hope that with Maths, Quad VCA and Pip Slope that I would get more modulation.

Anyway, if you would like to share opinions or suggested improvements I would like to read what you think, cheers.

I highly recommend checking out things on YouTube like Red Means Recording, Mylar Melodies, Cinematic Laboratories, Monotrail Tech Talk. They all have really good educational resources for learning some of those terms so you can make better use of the modules you have. For the clock divider, one thing you could try already is instead of sending the trigger or gate out from the 182 sequencer directly to the envelope or quantizer, send it to the divider first. Take any two of the outputs from the divider and send those to the Doepfer mixer and use that output to trigger the envelope and/or quantizer. That way you'll have a less regular but still predictable sequence for when the sounds happen, and you can still use the CV from the sequencer to determine the notes that are played. The added interest there is that based on the divisions of the clock that are being used, different notes will be heard depending on when the triggers actually happen. Combine this with something that's happening more regularly and you've got a patch goin'!

When I say direct control, I'm thinking mostly about rhythmic/trigger sequencing, where something like the Intelijel Steppy lets you activate or deactive steps in a 16 step sequence so you have direct manual control over when the triggers are happening, which you can use for activating your envelopes or grabbing CV with the quantizer.

I love having at least a couple sample and hold modules (Doepfer A-118-2 is great and economical) or designated random modules (like the Wogglebug or the Source of Uncertainty). One classic use for these is to control filter cutoff in sync with your sequence, so your notes change in a predictable way but the brightness of the sounds changes every step as the filter cutoff moves randomly.

As for other sequencers I'd recommend, The Metropolis/Metropolix/RYK M185 are really interesting for getting rhythmic variation for both the triggers and the CV. The Rene is a classic too (either V1 or V2, but V2 is effectively like having 3 sequencers in one). Bang for buck I'd recommend the Arturia Beat Step Pro. That gives you multiple lanes of both pitch and gate/trigger information. I know it's an outboard piece of gear, but it's super powerful. A simpler/cheaper option is getting something like the Korg SQ-1 (or two of them!)
-- Progspiration

Thanks, will have a good look at the things in there you mention.

The clock divider I don't really have much of an idea how to use just at the moment. Triggers, random sources, direct control, you're losing me with all this stuff. I will keep scouring youtube and picking up what tips I can.

I would definitely suggest getting a good grasp of exactly what is a trigger, and how that relates to your current modules before getting additional hardware. Same for random sources, et al. Nothing will unlock your modules like understanding essential abc's. Agree that there are good online video resources, such as Monotrail Tech Talk or the like...

You definitely have enough to be able to sequence some Berlin style sounds now, so perhaps spend time on learning synthesis vs. on more modules that will only add to the complexity of a system.

Jumping in and patching relentlessly will teach you many things very quickly. When you get particulalrly stuck, go back to internet for ideas/solution, then keep pushing forward! Don't worry about making mistakes or "patching incorrectly"....that's most of the fun of modular, the exploratory aspect of it all.

Edit: Also, sitting down with the manual for each module goes a long way.

-- Jukeshoe

It's all a learning curve and true enough, it's all there to be learnt. There's endless demos, but little that has a method or explanation, I'll keep exploring though and see what I stumble across. I've got a grasp of the very basic basics, but still got it all to learn.

The Frap Tools Usta sequencer would work great with the voices you have.
And it's beautifully crafted hardware. Just a gem.

For me though, fixed step sequencers can get boring after a while.
NerdSeq can do everything, if you manage to figure it out. Don't know if I ever will.
If you want unique/musical/odd/depth, Eventide Misha does really fun things driving a three voice system.

-- noodle_hut

The Usta looks good - I've definitely realised I'm pretty limited with those sequences. Was also looking at an Erica Black. NerdSeq doesn't really appeal, the Misha looks interesting though.

Not eurorack, but a digitakt, 404, boss looper or anything like that would really stretch that system out and make your techno/ambient goals way, way easier. That way you can record your different patches for different parts, drums, bass, padding then live sequence melodies and tweaking them. Some can sequence so you can just toss in a midi module. Also gives you effects. Also very cost effective, especially if you get mk1 versions second-hand

Generally, I would agree with the person above on a Keystep or Beatstep Pro for doing 2-3 voices plus drums/event triggering/etc.

If you like the Ground Control, it does have the advantage of being a standalone unit with its own power supply amd case, as well as the power supply for at least a single rack of modules for if you get another case (up to 1A of +12 and 700 mA of -12, though you'd want to avoid going over about 70-80% of that to avoid harm from voltage spikes or modules that need more power to load up and start) and take it out to be racked. It is very expensive, so definitely look around to see what else is out there and if it is worth it. There are also more elaborate programming-based options like the Hermod (the original is very cheap used nowadays) and the Hermod+, or my beloved Nerdseq, but you're not quite there yet based on what you have here.

EDITED Mar 16th, 20:06

:)
sequencers- everyone is going to give you a different answer.
a beatstep (pro?) or keystep is an ol' reliable for out of rack sequencing.

What an awesome forum this is. Thanks for the suggestions and support everyone! I'm starting to dig into it all, looks like some very appealing options in there. One last noob question: what would be some alternative options to drive pitch for melodies and various gates besides the korg sq-1? I'm enjoying it for now but just thinking ahead a bit. I have a Yamaha Reface CS keyboard but sadly it has no CV/gate out. I was kind of hoping for some module that allowed easy shifting of melodic sequences, not necessarily an external keyboard I have to play. The Endorphin Ground Control looks so cool and fun, but way too big for my lil rack...

Peaks is a good idea, it packs a lot. just be sure you learn the dead mans catch firmware really well, i sometimes get lost not knowing what mode im in. i have a piques which is a 4hp clone. its very tight but saves space. Klavis Quadigy might be a consideration for envelopes if you like sliders. its quad, can loop as lfo's.

the effects suggestion above from zacksname is worth considering. ambient generally implies heaps of reverb which is an end of chain effect usually, it doesnt have to be in the rack. a used strymon bigsky or something might treat you.

my 2 effects suggestions for in rack are a mini clouds clone (called a uburst) or an fx aid or fx aid xl (not the pro, too big). a typhoon is a deluxe clouds with sliders if that sounds interesting, maybe too big though for now. clouds has traditionally been kind of a rite of passage for ambient modular, but dont let that sell you (who cares lol). the fx aid is open source, and you choose what effects go on it from a web app. the list is quite good. both modules are 6hp or less.

have fun!

EDITED Mar 16th, 07:36

been thinking of this as my oscillator source. since it's shear versatility both sound and input and output sources.

You can make ambient with this if you add effects to it (this is true of basically anything). Personally, I think fitting effects into this rack would be a bit much, and it looks like you agree with me so far. There are lots of good standalone effects units with CV ins and outs, so unless you see a specific module that speaks to you and does something that can't be replicated with a standalone device like the Zoia Euroburo, Poly Hector, Alter X and Y, Gamechanger Audio AUTO series etc., I would be wary of giving your rack space to that.

You may want a more versatile oscillator like Plaits, or the new MCO from ALM, or even a sample-based sound source for that, but the STO will work fine as well for simple sounds. As you say, a second smaller oscillator for FM tones probably will help you more there than the second filter, but that is up to you. Intellijel's Dixie II+ oscillator is a good and popular choice because it is small, powerful, has lots of functions, and can switch between LFO and VCO comfortably.

I think the dual ADSR is fine here if you like it and enjoy playing with it. Changing your envelope as you play is good for musical variations. You may also consider adding a Mutable Peaks clone (check out the original and Dead Man's Catch firmwares and you'll see how helpful this particular "envelope/LFO generator/percussion machine" can be in a small setup). If that's too digital for your tastes, an ALM Pip Slope or a couple well spread out Erica Synths Pico EGs could let you have both the big dual ADSR and a couple spare envelopes with less manual-reading. Modules that can be switched from envelope to LFO easily are great for unique modulation and making changes while jamming.

Of course, you should look into all of these and make sure I haven't missed anything or suggested something that will take you off course. You'll know better than me when it's right

Thanks for the feedback! I just ordered a used Doepfer Quad LFO and I'm definitely going to change out that Blue Lantern. The quadrax is a neat suggestion, point taken about the 2x ADSR being too big in there... though I do love the sliders. I might stick with it awhile longer.

Given the choice, I'd lean more towards a dreamy ambient setup right now.

Are there any must have pieces for that? I'm thinking specifically about adding randomness and melodic touches... and I do love me a little hiss of noise.

Sun sets in the west

Thanks @Sweelinck

Never had those mushrooms, I think you have to bake them to make them safe or feed your reindeer them and drink it's piss for full Berserker Mode!

EDITED Mar 15th, 15:00

The clock divider I don't really have much of an idea how to use just at the moment. Triggers, random sources, direct control, you're losing me with all this stuff. I will keep scouring youtube and picking up what tips I can.

I would definitely suggest getting a good grasp of exactly what is a trigger, and how that relates to your current modules before getting additional hardware. Same for random sources, et al. Nothing will unlock your modules like understanding essential abc's. Agree that there are good online video resources, such as Monotrail Tech Talk or the like...

You definitely have enough to be able to sequence some Berlin style sounds now, so perhaps spend time on learning synthesis vs. on more modules that will only add to the complexity of a system.

Jumping in and patching relentlessly will teach you many things very quickly. When you get particulalrly stuck, go back to internet for ideas/solution, then keep pushing forward! Don't worry about making mistakes or "patching incorrectly"....that's most of the fun of modular, the exploratory aspect of it all.

Edit: Also, sitting down with the manual for each module goes a long way.

EDITED Mar 15th, 13:50

As for the Beatstep Pro, it's like riding a bike, you soon get the reflexes back :) Otherwise, the combination of acid techno and fly amanita is a great idea!
Really nice track and video.

Another sketch

Maybe a doepfer quad LFO in 4hp, and an intellijel Quadrax (which does lfo’s and envelopes)
I mention the quadrax because that dual adsr is a space hog in a mini case. I’d also take out the joystick just only to make space, since the use case is limited for the hp it takes up.
I’d personally specialize the case to be either one or the other of your intended ideas. It’s totally possible to do both, but you’ll probably have to do some trial and error before arriving at what you know you want. It will be easier and more inspiring to nail one use case instead of half loving a dual purpose case that doesn’t do either side well. Maybe the restriction will be freeing for you.
Have fun!

The Frap Tools Usta sequencer would work great with the voices you have.
And it's beautifully crafted hardware. Just a gem.

For me though, fixed step sequencers can get boring after a while.
NerdSeq can do everything, if you manage to figure it out. Don't know if I ever will.
If you want unique/musical/odd/depth, Eventide Misha does really fun things driving a three voice system.

EDITED Mar 15th, 03:46

Gamewaves

Another ride...

I Like That rack
-so much to think of - thank you for the Inspiration .
I also use ableton - but more for recording, instead of using it with Clips .
But i will also look into that and in the Future .

Thx

I highly recommend checking out things on YouTube like Red Means Recording, Mylar Melodies, Cinematic Laboratories, Monotrail Tech Talk. They all have really good educational resources for learning some of those terms so you can make better use of the modules you have. For the clock divider, one thing you could try already is instead of sending the trigger or gate out from the 182 sequencer directly to the envelope or quantizer, send it to the divider first. Take any two of the outputs from the divider and send those to the Doepfer mixer and use that output to trigger the envelope and/or quantizer. That way you'll have a less regular but still predictable sequence for when the sounds happen, and you can still use the CV from the sequencer to determine the notes that are played. The added interest there is that based on the divisions of the clock that are being used, different notes will be heard depending on when the triggers actually happen. Combine this with something that's happening more regularly and you've got a patch goin'!

When I say direct control, I'm thinking mostly about rhythmic/trigger sequencing, where something like the Intelijel Steppy lets you activate or deactive steps in a 16 step sequence so you have direct manual control over when the triggers are happening, which you can use for activating your envelopes or grabbing CV with the quantizer.

I love having at least a couple sample and hold modules (Doepfer A-118-2 is great and economical) or designated random modules (like the Wogglebug or the Source of Uncertainty). One classic use for these is to control filter cutoff in sync with your sequence, so your notes change in a predictable way but the brightness of the sounds changes every step as the filter cutoff moves randomly.

As for other sequencers I'd recommend, The Metropolis/Metropolix/RYK M185 are really interesting for getting rhythmic variation for both the triggers and the CV. The Rene is a classic too (either V1 or V2, but V2 is effectively like having 3 sequencers in one). Bang for buck I'd recommend the Arturia Beat Step Pro. That gives you multiple lanes of both pitch and gate/trigger information. I know it's an outboard piece of gear, but it's super powerful. A simpler/cheaper option is getting something like the Korg SQ-1 (or two of them!)

Hey! Personally I lean toward going for the smaller case and limiting your options. I did an experiment in January where I scaled down to 100 hp with a Benjolin, a dual filter, some envelopes, S&Hs,VCAs, and attenuators, a mini Clouds clone and a micro Ornament and Crime and had an amazing time exploring all the different sounds I could get out of just that. I was also choosing to record it direct (with a little looping and reverb at times), but if you want to record into a DAW or sampler you could do a ton with a smaller case. I strongly support limiting your options and forcing yourself to get creative to arrive at sounds you like. If you think you want to have whole compositions with multiple voices running simultaneously, it would certainly be easier with the larger case. Follow your bliss friend!
-- Progspiration

Thanks for your reply. I'm oscillating between the two options at the moment. My quandry in a way is process. Do I have a single sound train and record that, or multiple voices recorded as a stereo pair or multiple voices stemmed out. All options could work but which will yield the best results. I guess the good thing about modular is so many options but that is also the difficult thing about modular...