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Hey Jim,
Thanks for always replying so quickly!

Ripples was the clear choice on the filter, and definitely an upgrade from what I had in there before. The new version seems like something that I will keep around for awhile. Thanks for the suggestion!

I also got rid of Ears for now, and prioritized the Intellijel Quad VCA. Seems more flexible than the linear-only Doepfer model.

I also haven't forgotten about Maths! At the moment they just don't appear to be available new or for any reasonable price used where I live... So that was the thought behind the Function and the Batumi for envelopes and modulation.

Would you consider this a workable starting point? I'll be transitioning to a self built 7U 84/104 hp case if building my smaller one goes well.

EDITED Sep 18th 2020, 14:10

Yep, 1/8 to 1/4, straight from your VCAs to the inputs on your interface (Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 gen 2 in my case). I don't use MIDI.

I'm using Function, it's only one complex channel from maths, and you haven't got logic operations, but anyway I find so handy, and you have EOR, EOC, positive and negative outs: 2 gates out, 2 cv out in 8hp. The hang input (doesn't present on maths) has interesants utilities.
So in short, you could do the same thing with one complex channel of maths, and little more.

EDITED Sep 18th 2020, 13:58

yeah definitely pick up a few 1/8"->1/4" cables - much better than adapters imo

Overview
First patch with the 2hp arp as it's focus.

AUDIO
Arp is driven with Metropolis for gates and root notes. Arp then dictates the pitch of the Demon Core Oscillator via an attenuation channel of Sinc Defero. DCO then comes out into Quad VCA (closed, enveloped from Maths), to divkid mutes, to hexmix as well as back out (mutes ch. 2) to the WMD/SSF Multimode Filter (MMF), that output of which is then fed back into mutes ch. 3 out to hexmix channel 2 (so unfiltered and filtered audio are sent in stereo to the hexmix).

SEQUENCING & Pitch
Pitch and Gate Sequences are sent from the Metropolis and distributed throughout the patch. 1 Octave range selected in config. with scale = minor pentatonic (PEnT-).
ARP uses Scale = Augmented 7th (2 LED's ON 3rd LED blinking) and Mode = Descending 2 octaves, with frequent but non-periodic changes in root note and arp reset placement

ENVELOPES/MODULATION
env1: While the Gate of Metropolis starts and stops the uneffected sequence, it goes to 2 places. First to ARP's Gate input, then to the TRIG input of Maths channel 1, to control the amp envelope on Quad VCA ch. 1, as well as the 1v/oct input on MMF. The envelope is generally kept with a short attack and medium decay, but later on in performance can switch to longer attack and short decay and blend in a looped delay track from Euro DDL for an interesting reverse tape-like effect.

env2: The other output from Metropolis that receives an envelope is the SYNC Out, which emits a gate at the beginning of each 9-stage sequence. Metropolis' SYNC is sent to Maths Ch. 4 TRIG input, attenuated out to ARP's MODE input.

lfo: slow free-running square wave LFO from M32 is sent to the Reset input, resetting the arpeggiation at repeating intervals that are unrelated to the Gate or Pitch sequences from Metropolis

random: Taking a clock from Metropolis, QuBit Nano Rand v2 in Magenta (Random Stepped Voltages) mode sends gate signals of various voltages to the Sync Trig input on DCO as well as an attenuated version to Maths CH. 1 BOTH input and an unattenuated version to Maths CH. 4 BOTH input. Nano Rand also sends noise into the FM CV on DCO and WMD/SSF MMF (Filter).

EFFECTS
Eventide Euro DDL is filtered and used looped or unlooped at different points in the sequence. Towards the end of a performance can create a "wash" of delay with maximum feedback. This sounds nice blended with the original signal where the original has a VCA/Filter envelope with a medium attack and very short decay, creating a faux tape loop effect.

EDITED Sep 19th 2020, 16:16

The simplest solution that springs to mind is to use a 3.5mm to 6.3mm (1/4") adaptor into your audio interface. The UR44's mic inputs have gain pots that can act as attenuators to save you some pennies and rack space.

I ended up soldering a wire to replace the adaptor as a nice to have, but it's totally nonessential. Verbos even sell them nowadays.

@Jim

Agree, no rush. New gear will keep me busy for quite a while especially learn the new IME Kermit and Bionic Lester modules as well as Kinks, Links and Quadrax! BTW- Mutable Instruments gets mad props for coolest modular company. They sent me cool swag case candy with each module - hand crafted wood toys! But I am less impressed with IME they did not even send bloody screws! WTF?

Thanks Garfield,

My new modules arrived today for my second case. Really digging the Noise Engineering Cursus Iteritas with the Basimilus Iteritas Alter and using the Erica Synths Black Polivoks Filter along with Intellijel Quadrax and IME Kermit MK3 modulation machine! Bloody brilliant modules that sound ace. These will take some time to really learn as they are super deep. For clock, I am going to wait until few months when sales come up again and most likely pair the Pamela's New Workout with the ALM Busy Circuits Boss Bow Two switcher that would be a killer clocking and routing options when mixed in a matrix mixer and apply Kinks and logic to it. I am holding off on a sequencer until next year. I have a few that get the job done and if I need complex sequencer, my Elektron Analog can do that as well as my Octatrack. Probably get Mantis case put a nice sequencer and FX mixer in it maybe?

Hi Rookie,

Yes of course, I should have remembered that you have the Minibrute 2S in your Rackbrute 6U rack; that slipped my mind :-)

It's still a beautiful rack, even if one can't see that clearly in the dark! :-) Kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Sacguy71,

Regarding your clock question, yes the Pamela's New Workout seems to satisfy a lot of members here. Another option might be to use the Make Noise - Tempi in combination with the Shakmat Modular - Time Wizard module, it's what I am using and I am quite happy with it.

Good luck with the search for a good sequencer, take your sweet time for that one. I am more than a year waiting for the ideal sequencer and still didn't found it (well I am waiting for the Ground Control from Endorphin.es but it's still not available yet and I want to have it tested first at my local dealer).

Kind regards, Garfield.

I use portable folding DJ desks that work well and also great for live performance and an external mixer but will get a matrix modular mixer in the future.

maybe you should just wait and see...

it may be that you don't need anything, if you find that signal too hot - buy a 2hp trim module and try that, if you don't like the results then get an output module

What are your thoughts on the 512 Vector sequencer with expansion module and the WMD Metron sequencers? Both are large and have tons of features. I am also looking at Winter Eloquencer and Nerdseq but not sure if I would gel with a tracker based sequencer or not until I can try one in person. No rush- won't buy this year but try them at synth shops after COVID ends. Beatstep Pro may be a good low cost option at this point but I've heard of issues with them. I can try one and always return it if I don't like it.

Hermod is cool but kind of needs an external keyboard if you want to be less fiddly.
I love the combination of keystep pro and beatstep pro.
But I like to go either full fledged or very small and limited (ladik s-143 in combination with knit rider for example).
I don't enjoy tiny eurorack sequencers that try to control everything at once because work flow tends to be menue driven and tedious with tiny displays.
Work flow beats number of functions for me any day.

@SteveLate
Thanks, but firstly I need to sell some stuff :)) I also enjoy building kits, and I was thinking about it.
Why you did not like it?

Looking cool. If you want to tr try the gallop which I like but did not get enough use I am selling one atm.

Hello
Here is what I have:

I want to build live performance oriented case. Mostly for techno.
I don't want to keep drums in euro, because I want to use my tr8s for this.
Now I have here ~3 voices. I've discovered Steevio style sequencing method, and I liked it a lot. Im using links as my precision adder that takes 2 sequences from RYK.
I'd like to hear(or read lol) your advices.

First to out/Ideas:
* Planar - lovely module, but unfortunately I don't see many uses for it :(
* Gemini's Path - as above
* T_U - Change for something less menu divey (I was thinking about Knight's Galoop)
* Change wasp for something other (maybe smaller?)
* Change OA(?)
* Maybe get WMD SSM (Idk if this rack isn't too small for this)
Less important:
* Change ECHOZ for FX Aid(?)

I'd like to make my melodies better so maybe I'd try something other than steevio's method.
I'm open to your ideas.
THANKS :))

I use a doepfer A-190-4 USB/MIDI to CV module to connect to my PC and record directly into Ableton DAW. Another option is to get a small tabletop MIDI to CV device like the CV.OCD that is small and portable without having to use precious rack space. I plan to get one to use with my Elektron Octatrack now that I have two 6U modular systems and I don't want to have to always use the one in my first system. I also have an external mixer that sometimes I use.

I'll guess the most simple solution is...
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/befaco-out-v3

Though I have an external Mixer before I head to the computer.

@fathomsmoire I use an ES-9 which can send info two ways, but not sure it's really the best idea and it takes up a good amount of space (in fact I got a 4MS Pod just for it). So, I'm curious myself what other people suggest.

Recently got a Mother 32 as an entry into modular synthesis and I'm 100% hooked. The Mother 32 is quite amazing on its own, but I've been slowly trying to plan a 2 row eurorack to build upon it.

It would be 2 rows of 104hp with the Mother 32 racked inside of it.

My main question is, what is the easiest, most minimal way to send Eurorack signal to an audio interface for recording inside of a DAW?

It would essentially be - Eurorack --> 1x Stereo DAW Track --> Plugins for reverb/delay/compression.

I have a Steinberg UR44 as an audio interface. Do I need some small module to attenuate the signal? Appears that the Steinbergs Line Ins only go down to -10db.

Appreciate any help!

Thanks.

ok - I would probably loose the pip slope - function is probably enough for envelopes - and you have batumi for modulation

this would allow for a bigger filter - any of the 8hp doepfer ones that catch your eye/ear or ripples, for example

oops, done!

maybe an idea to make the rack public! I can't tell exactly what everything is, but looking pretty good

I've gone back to the drawing board and tried to make a more workable and simpler system as a starting point, including more utilities and modulation. Hoping I'm getting there!

I'm planning on getting a bigger case already, but since this is the case I have now I thought I would try something in that size with the elements that Jim suggested.
Thanks in advance!

Thanks for your answer Jim!

I have a few modules I can use as mixers (Moddemix, Shades, 3xVCA and Quad VCA) and in other ways if necessary

Regarding the case, I really only have a small desk with limited space available, so I don't think a bigger case is a good idea for me.

-- Martebar

you appear to have a mix of mono and stereo modules - but no panning to get from mono->stereo

re more space - there's always - the wall, the floor or a new desk!!!

and remember 1hp is only 5.08mm so an extra 36 hp is a whopping 18.3cm - or 7"

Will just chime in to agree with Jim, Lugia, and baltergeist, Maths has gone from a "Why did I even buy this?" to one of my favorite modules pretty quickly.

Agreed. Maths is probably the last module I'd ever sell, because it would be the first I'd buy again.

Thanks for your answer Jim!

I have a few modules I can use as mixers (Moddemix, Shades, 3xVCA and Quad VCA) and in other ways if necessary

Regarding the case, I really only have a small desk with limited space available, so I don't think a bigger case is a good idea for me.

Glad you like it!
This is my first serious patch with Monsoon. Very tricky and unpredictable. Even the smallest adjustments can make great differences. But that is good :-)
The device in the front is my Minibrute 2S and the rack is Rackbrute 6U.

Good guess @GarfieldModular as it is a four note melody, but it's coming out of my Keystep, from there it's an NTO into the Wave Multiplier, into the VCFS, and then into the Mimeophon. Glad you enjoyed it, I'll keep em coming :)

One module I suggest on occasion as a "Maths substitute" is Doepfer's A-171-2, provided you install a pair of them. This doesn't work in many skiff cabs, though, as the 171-2 is 60mm deep. However, it does save a whopping 4 hp. Or a not whopping 4 hp...depends on how you look at it.

On the other hand, we could just all accept that Tony nailed the design of this thing with the current revision and plan for a 20 hp hole that has to be there for it. It's 100% one of those things where the designer makes something so ideal that it would be difficult to totally replace it, like Moog's transistor ladder VCF design.

Hi Rookie,

Oh that's beautiful and nice! Nice lighting in this video :-)

By the way, do I recognise an Elektron device in front of your modular system?

Interesting track with a nice concept as you described! Thanks a lot for sharing this and kind regards, Garfield.

I am looking for a modular in rack solution. Probably save and get mantis case and 512 vector sequencer and expansion plus WMD Performance Mixer.

Hi Gabor,

That's a lot of fun that track and full with funny sounds! At some stages it sounds to me a little bit that the system is angry with you and yelling at you: "You have to use me more, get more sonic stuff out of me", something like that ;-)

Nice video too, it's joyful to see you playing around with your gear!

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

If it’s not required to be racked, I would consider the beat step pro. Affordable, two melodic sequencers (pitch, gate, and velocity) plus 8 drum triggers. Patterns up to 64 steps and a couple of different options for pattern chaining, muting, etc. Hard to beat for the price.

Hi Steve,

Wow, that's very nice and subtle at the same time! That's a serious cool and nice sound you got there, with the Pressure Point + Brain combination I guess?

What can I say? We need more of these beautiful Tuesdays Steve!

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

Hi Troux,

Ha, ha, I didn't know (but could have guessed) that frogs where big mosquito munchers, good to know and my appreciation towards them suddenly increased a lot! :-D

Now calling frogs my friends... that goes pretty far because other than using them for some good frog-sound-samples and getting rid of mosquitoes, I do appreciate if they kept their mouth shut! ;-) Bloody noisy bastards, if you would ask me...

It's still an interesting idea, I need to talk with my wife about a pond in our (small) backyard... not daring to ask our neighbours, they will see (rather hear) this "brilliant idea" fast enough...

Cheers, Garfield.

Hello Pricto,

Thank you very much for your feedback and I am sorry for you that your VCA doesn't meet your expectations :-( Good luck with the search for a VCA without bleeding. It would be nice to know once you have found "your VCA", which one that would be :-)

Kind regards, Garfield.

Hello, I've just got an answer from Erica Synths and they say it is normal for this VCA to leak a little bit.
Guess I'll have to get myself something different, thanks for everything.

Cheers,

Pricto.

Nope and you are correct, I would need a quantizer with enough channels. Thanks for the heads up.

Fortunately I am in no rush and hence planning right now. Just installed the new VPME.de oscilloscope and having fun with them to see how the wave shapes change on different modulation patterns.

Hi EroGumby,

Did you made this entire track with just the above small rack only? That's amazing! I like the variation in sounds you got in there too.

Since I am myself not much into techno, I am not sure if the following feedback is right or not, I think techno experts here can give you a better feedback, however I feel that heavy bass/kick sound, yes that's nice but I do miss over those 7 minutes a bit of variation on that kick sound. Yes at around 3:45 you stop that kick sound and a bit after 4:00 you continue it, but in the same "variation" as you did before. As I said, I have no clue about techno music, so perhaps it's a must to do it this way :-) For my opinion, I could use a bit of variation in that kick sound, however other than that, all the creations of the other sounds are A) Amazing and B) variation enough there, so those I really like a lot! Especially since you are able to do that with such a small rack!

Well done, thanks a lot for sharing and kind regards, Garfield Modular.

A flute sampled in Disting mk4 and 2hp Pluck processed by Monsoon Parasite Granular mode.
All sequenced with Marbles.
Modulation with Marbles, four LFO:s, Maths and Synthorek Sequence 8.

regarding quantizers - does the pico quantizer have enough channels?

I see 5 vcos (not counting BIA) and only a 3 way buffered mult... so max 4 in tune at once... given the sequencers you mentioned

haha - that's why I always try to plan at least a few modules ahead

This would be the beginning of a very expensive Journey and I was successful to avoid that yet ;)

you already started the journey - and remember it's not like going down the pub

I think getting a decent sized case to start with, though, is a big help in the not getting a second case (and once there is a second...) I have wondered what would have happened if I'd started with a bigger case...

EDITED Sep 16th 2020, 20:16

Agree same here which is why something basic like Shakmat Clock O'Pawn and Erica Synths pico quantizer along with 2hp trims would be easier to use and better for me to have options to route to different modules. I have the triggable envelopes covered with Quadra and expander but like simpler modules that don't require a PhD in electronics engineering to learn. I will have my hands full learning modular as well as the two very complex IME modules: Kermit and Bionic Lester to deal with anything else complex. Plus the smaller focused modules cost less money.

I use Marbles as both a (generative) sequencer and a clock

the 'problem' with Marbles (and I think Pams) is that the quantizer is internal = ie you can't quantize external sources with either module - so neither may be what you want

both Marbles and Pams can produce random melodies and quantize them on output - Marbles has the advantage that you can play a new scale in and use that to quantize to - the so called re-mix feature - but Pams has more scales...

I'm considering Pams as a module myself - seems really useful - but I need actual triggerable envelopes more than I need any of the Pams functions and I massively prefer simpler modules

EDITED Sep 16th 2020, 19:56

Ah cool I need to check out Marbles then as potential module. I swapped it out using Pamela's new workout since it has a clock and quantizer. Then added 2hp trim for an additional attenuator:

personally I would get rid of the dual adsr and replace it with a smaller module - there are plenty of dual adsrs in 10hp or less - this would with the 4hp that is free allow enough space to add batumi> -- JimHowell1970

That's funny because I got my Intellijel Dual ADSR today :)
I like Maths for Inversion, Slew Limiting, as an Enevelope Follower, etc. but I wanted a full and classic Envelope Generator like in my normal Synthesizer (Novation Peak for example).

the other option would be to just get another case... which would probably be my solution
-- JimHowell1970

This would be the beginning of a very expensive Journey and I was successful to avoid that yet ;)

then maybe a good idea to tick private! otherwise it shows up in new posts etc...