Hey all - Here's what I've ended up with in my Arturia rackbrute case. I have other gear that I use (Digitakt, Waldorf Blofeld, Behringer TD-3, Korg Monolgue) and both a Keystep and Beatstep pro.

current setup

I like the random/generative ability of Marbles and the tonal possibilities from Plaits, Surface, and Chainsaw (and Tides) but wonder whether I should go for more basic oscillators (I also have a Tiptop Z3000 but wish it was smaller)

There's some duplication with the Steppy and Beatstep Pro for sequencing.

As far as my style, I like generative sounds, noise, ambient, but don't mind making straight beats as well (Digitakt probably best for this).

New to modular and hoping for some useful critique where I can add/subtract/substitute for a more useful system. Thanks!


When posting your rack, don't post a JPG pic of it, post a link so people can review your set-up. Just copy the URL when viewing your rack. Like this.
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Pam's New Workout has an optional MIDI expander. If you're working with MIDI hardware, that might be very useful for sync'ing.

Steppy is a gate sequencer. It doesn't output pitch information. You have a Beatstep Pro that offers gate AND pitch CV. What do you intend on doing with the Steppy?

You have the Intellijel Quad VCA. You also have a Doepfer Dual VCA. For the build, I think you would be safe getting rid of the Doepfer.

I like the Batumi and Poti expander. But this is a small case. Is there a dual LFO module to your like that's a lot smaller?

For your ring modular, I would go with Befaco's A*B+C. It's a dual ring modulator but has pots included for level control. That will be extra handy.

Speaking of pots... look up "attenuverter" You need a couple of those to change the polarity of your CV and attenuate it. Befaco also makes a great dual attenuverter.

Your choice of filters are a low-pass filter and a low-pass/band-pass filter. That's a lot of real estate for a small case. Unless there's a specific style of sound you're looking to get from your filters, I'd find a smaller multimode filter.

Do you have a noise source here?

Where are the envelope generators?

If you get rid of some of the fluff you don't need, you can also go with a Disting EX rather than a Mk4. You'll get much more use out of the EX.

You can also save space by purchasing smaller clones of the Mutable Instruments stuff. Again, in a small build, you might want to sacrifice a little convenience to get squeeze in more modules (more functionality).


Thanks for the tip re: posting and for the feedback on the rack. Good points to consider.

A number of the modules I have were deals on eBay (Function, Doepfer VCA, ring mod, Steppy, and both filters) before I had much idea where I wanted to go.

I have been looking at adding an attenuverter and a better filter choice and appreciate the confirmation on where to make changes.

I had thought the tides and function for envelopes but have been looking at something simpler - and agree that smaller LFO would help with space too.

I'll check out the Disting EX and add a noise source - opinions on which modules to check out? I have been leaning toward Doepfer for simplicity and size for EG, noise, LFO...


Doepfer is great. They have a revised line of modules meant to be smaller. A dual LFO and a dual ADSR envelope from them would be just fine.

The A-140-2 for the EG ($168) at 8HP and an Eowave Zone BF ($111) at 5HP look pretty tasty to me. That's an EG and an LFO in the same HP as the Batumi and Poti... at less than the price $350.

As far as a noise source, check around. Noise generators are often paired with sample & hold circuits as well as slew limiters. The ADDAC215 will do all of this in 6HP... and gives you TWO S&H circuits plus two slew limiters.


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Doepfer is solid- aside from their crappy MIDI to CV module, their other modules are good and easy to use and affordable for eurorack.