Get ideas for first rack, 104hp

First time poster here. Been thinking about dipping my toe in the world of Eurorack. Feeling stale with my mostly all Elektron workflow. A buddy is willing to do me a killer deal on a Pittsburgh Modular Move 104 case, with Plaits and Ripples in it. That would be my starting place. Looking to create somewhat intentional melodic sequences and have them get "generative" from there (Bloom, but would consider Marbles as well). Hoping to get 2 voices in this small case, that could be pushing my luck though. Wondering is Plaits and Rings are too similar or if I should look in a different direction for a smallish hp second voice (sto, dixie, etc).

Here is my plan so far:

I want to make sure I am not overlooking any utilities or making any glaring omissions. Should I swap in a quad VCA, some sort of LPG, any other utilities I'm missing? Any input is valued! This is all very tentative, still planning.

Will use Elektron boxes for drums and eventually get a cv.ocd to use with my Octatrack for another CV sequencing option. Also have a DFAM and Matriarch that will play nice with whatever I end up building.

EDITED Jan 4th 2022, 16:33

Little edit here. Decided to use my Octatrack for sequencing for the time being. Cramming a sequencer into this case just seemed silly. With sequencing, drums, and most effects out of the rack I think I can focus on the fundamentals.
Update: https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_1789739.jpg

Trying to decided between Maths and Delta-V by Cosmotronic. Also, thinking about a second Voice and a dedicated Sample and Hold module.

EDITED Jan 4th 2022, 16:32

I personally would recommend Delta-V for a skiff this small, but others cannot imagine modular without Maths, so you have a decision to make. With the space you save, you can upgrade your uVCA to Veils 2020, and add 3xMIA, which is quite useful. You may not need S&H right away. If you get CV.OCD, you don't need mmMIDI.

Good job on your first post. The link the rack was done exactly as it should be.

First and foremost, what is the depth of your rack? If your power rails or anything else is bolted to the floor in some parts, you'll have to be aware of that too.

The Disting IV is a good choice. But the EX is like getting two IVs in one unit. It's worth it if you're going so small.

The Noise Engineering Mimetic Digitalis is a great micro-sequencer to pair with your Pam's. There will be times when you want to just jam without messing around with your external gear. It's a thought.

The buffered mult is a bit of a waste on a rack this small. It's only 2HP. But that might be the difference between getting a future module you want or settling for something less.

Getting a Dixie + isn't a bad idea at all. Oscillators also make great modulators. I believe the Dixie can also get down to LFO rates. So it'll serve double duty if you like.

If there's room, I'd add a micro Ornaments & Crime. I think a Pam's, a Disting EX, and an O&C make a great backbone for lots and lots of "Swiss Army Knife" functionality.

Maths is a good choice if you are interested in learning modular synthesis - see the 'maths illustrated supplement' - as opposed to synthesis with modules, if you see what I mean! delta v is also a good choice, but doesn't have the learning resources...

I'd go for veils over the dual vca - you can never have too many vcas!!!

Rings is not particularly similar to plaits - plaits has a couple of Rings-ish settings, but has a lot more besides (and vice versa)

otherwise @ronin1973 and @plragde have you covered

for mults - if you have 2 sound sources and 2 v/oct sequencing channels - then buffering is superfluous - as it is only really needed for pitch, otherwise passive is fine & in a tiny case such as this, stackcables or headphone splitters are a better option as they won't take space

Good job on your first post. The link the rack was done exactly as it should be.

First and foremost, what is the depth of your rack? If your power rails or anything else is bolted to the floor in some parts, you'll have to be aware of that too.

The Disting IV is a good choice. But the EX is like getting two IVs in one unit. It's worth it if you're going so small.

The Noise Engineering Mimetic Digitalis is a great micro-sequencer to pair with your Pam's. There will be times when you want to just jam without messing around with your external gear. It's a thought.

The buffered mult is a bit of a waste on a rack this small. It's only 2HP. But that might be the difference between getting a future module you want or settling for something less.

Getting a Dixie + isn't a bad idea at all. Oscillators also make great modulators. I believe the Dixie can also get down to LFO rates. So it'll serve double duty if you like.

If there's room, I'd add a micro Ornaments & Crime. I think a Pam's, a Disting EX, and an O&C make a great backbone for lots and lots of "Swiss Army Knife" functionality.
-- Ronin1973

Thanks so much for the reply!

Rack Depth is 70mm and (above Power Supply): 62mm. I've been double checking the few modules I've ordered to be sure everything clears. I was looking at the EX seems super powerful. One issue I have is the case I got is a little low on power 850mA. I got such a good deal on the case and 2 modules I can't complain. The EX needs lots of power. So hard to get around that one.

I was really hoping to avoid screens, but the o_C seems far too useful. Also has a sequencer! Quad Quantizer and all kinds of goodies. Seems like a great fit for a small case.

Dixie + seems like it would be a good contrast to Plaits. One digital and one analog VCO.

Thanks again!

Maths is a good choice if you are interested in learning modular synthesis - see the 'maths illustrated supplement' - as opposed to synthesis with modules, if you see what I mean! delta v is also a good choice, but doesn't have the learning resources...

I'd go for veils over the dual vca - you can never have too many vcas!!!

Rings is not particularly similar to plaits - plaits has a couple of Rings-ish settings, but has a lot more besides (and vice versa)

otherwise @ronin1973 and @plragde have you covered

for mults - if you have 2 sound sources and 2 v/oct sequencing channels - then buffering is superfluous - as it is only really needed for pitch, otherwise passive is fine & in a tiny case such as this, stackcables or headphone splitters are a better option as they won't take space

-- JimHowell1970

I see! :) If I can fit maths I will. Does seem to be a great learning tool. Been trying to figure out what I would be missing by going with the Delta-V. Mixer, attenuverters?

Veils 2020 seems like the way to go for VCAs.
Switch to a passive mult as well, cheaper is better!

Thanks for the input!

Been trying to figure out what I would be missing by going with the Delta-V. Mixer, attenuverters?

Yes, though 3xMIA or other modules can compensate. Also if you use the built-in VCAs in Delta-V, you have no access to the envelope. And you don't have the EOR/EOC outputs which in a larger rack can be a useful source of gates.

The "Maths illustrated supplement" illustrates how to do many tasks on Maths, but not why. That you have to ferret out for yourself. It is a little like learning by rote; some manage to go beyond, but many do not. In the link in my signature I try to take a more generalizable approach to that learning using another module (Falistri), in the hopes that the lessons should transfer to other modules such as Delta-V and Maths.

I have Pam's, it is terrific, and µO_c is on my watch list. I don't think you can go wrong with those. There is a choice of firmwares with µO_c. Hemisphere allows for two independent halves, but with a simpler set of functions. I am more tempted by the original firmware, which looks deeper. You don't have to choose except if your supplier asks which firmware you want loaded initially; you can reflash the module yourself.

EDITED Jan 6th 2022, 01:28

PS 850mA is low for 104hp, digital modules will eat into that. Remember that you need 20-25% overhead for startup surges! Also I have a number of Elektron boxes, so if you want to talk about integration, I might be able to help.

I was checking out Falistri. Seems like a great option, and sounds nice as a VCO. Also just looks super cool! I’ll check out the link.

I like Falistri a lot, but it's only slightly smaller than Maths, and more expensive, so hard to justify in a case this size with power constraints! Have you already bought the case and starter modules? If not, consider a Tiptop Mantis.

EDITED Feb 27th 2023, 07:13

Rack Depth is 70mm and (above Power Supply): 62mm. I've been double checking the few modules I've ordered to be sure everything clears. I was looking at the EX seems super powerful. One issue I have is the case I got is a little low on power 850mA. I got such a good deal on the case and 2 modules I can't complain. The EX needs lots of power. So hard to get around that one.

remember to allow for inrush - leave 25%+ headroom on all the rails - so if the rail is rated at 850mA you should be aiming at about 650mA

I was really hoping to avoid screens, but the o_C seems far too useful. Also has a sequencer! Quad Quantizer and all kinds of goodies. Seems like a great fit for a small case.

remember it can only do 1 thing at a time (or 2 with hemispheres installed)

have fun!

Some thoughts...

Using an Octatrack, consider a MI Ears (or two). Than you can process samples through your modular. Rings as a resonator can be lots of fun, but the Octatrack also has a resonator.

When using CV.OCD, Pam's could be redundant (except for LFO's). So maybe instead of Pam's a Batumi?

Very good choices! For sequencing in a small format, I love Erica Pico Seq in 3HP, with up to 16 steps. Also a 4 HP version of Turing Machine would be good for sequencing, and your Disting can perform that function. Plaits or Braids are excellent choices for VCO in a skiff, because they produce a huge variety of sounds. For such a skiff, I am very fond of the 8HP versions of these modules. Plaits and Rings are completely different--I use them both all the time. NanoRand v2 is only 4HP and is a terrific source of random voltage. A small texture synth such as an 8HP version of Clouds, or and effects module such as FX-AID or 2hp Verb would be nice.

I use the Delta-V and love it, its strengths and weaknesses have already been covered above.

I know a few people who use the Boundary and seem to like it a lot.
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/schlappi-engineering-boundary

There is also the Rampage @ 18hp.
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/befaco-rampage

You can also do a "Quasy" 1/2 - Maths using a Contour 1 and the O/A/x2.
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/joranalogue-audio-design-contour-1
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/alm-busy-circuits-alm010-o-a-x2
-- Vow3ll

Looking into all these options, thanks for the info. Contour has such glowing reviews. Would only provide one envelope as Maths has 2 right? Seems hard to beat Maths value wise, but it does use a lot of HP. Still considering Delta-V as well.

Some thoughts...

Using an Octatrack, consider a MI Ears (or two). Than you can process samples through your modular. Rings as a resonator can be lots of fun, but the Octatrack also has a resonator.

When using CV.OCD, Pam's could be redundant (except for LFO's). So maybe instead of Pam's a Batumi?
-- M01C

I have bought a Michigan synth works BLN as an output module, but it also has a Balanced line level to Eurorack convertor at the top, so I can send audio in. Should work well I hope:)

Thus far I have bought, Plaits, Ripples, Knob farm Hyrlo / Ferry, Pams, ALM mmmidi and expander, and a Michigan Synth works BLN. Function generator and VCAs will be next I think.