My Dark Ambient Rack Build in progress UPDATED

This is my Eurorack im slowly building up for Ambient(Dark Ambient)

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_1182461.jpg

(Right now i use reverb and delay in the daw,when recording)

i might need some utilities,more modulators etc??

here's the actual link to the rack if anybody wants this instead of a crappy jpg

I'm not convinced you need more modulation - utilities to leverage what you already have would probably be less expensive and more effective = matrix mixer for starters

EDITED Oct 6th 2020, 13:52

I would recommend rearranging your rack for easier workflow. Voices, filters, and VCAs together at the top, with sequencing, modulation, and utilities (envelopes, LFOs, etc.) on the bottom row. This will help you visualize audio and CV flow a little better. It may also help you see what you might be missing. Try to imagine how a MiniMoog's signal flow is arranged. That is a popular synth for its ease of use.
Have fun and good luck.

Also, unless you have a Clouds already, don't put it in here. Instead, use a third-party build...either a smaller version of the Clouds, or a more complex version such as a "Monsoon". farkas is also spot-on about the signal flow in this build...you'll have an easier time of this if you try and localize your audio path to one row, modulation to another, etc and make everything flow in the same general direction. Instead of the Minimoog, though, have a look at an ARP 2600 instead. I've always found it to be a superior teaching synth as well as an excellent workflow model for modular builders.

good points on the workflow re arranging,thanks

re clouds - if you don't already have it - don't buy a clone just now - wait for the mutable replacement - it will be soon!!!

re clouds - if you don't already have it - don't buy a clone just now - wait for the mutable replacement - it will be soon!!!
-- JimHowell1970

must say,have heard to not get a clouds,as the sound is very obvioues

also have done some rearranging(the case im using is a tiptop audio Mantis actually thinking about getting another mantis,so i will have 4 rows

EDITED Oct 8th 2020, 19:45

I think the sound of clouds is obvious if you use it in obvious ways - particularly running rings through it!!
also lots of people use it as an end of chain reverb
more interestingly you could load something into the buffer and use it as a vco!!

I think the sound of clouds is obvious if you use it in obvious ways - particularly running rings through it!!
also lots of people use it as an end of chain reverb
more interestingly you could load something into the buffer and use it as a vco!!
-- JimHowell1970

im interested in seeing the replacement mutable will come out with.personally i like the sound of clouds,

I like clouds too!!!
Even Rings into clouds from time to time
Emilie says there are 2 modules left for mutable - I'm more interested in the other module than clouds 2 (or whatever it will be called), especially if it is something new and not just a new (smaller) version of another module

I like clouds too!!!
Even Rings into clouds from time to time
Emilie says there are 2 modules left for mutable - I'm more interested in the other module than clouds 2 (or whatever it will be called), especially if it is something new and not just a new (smaller) version of another module
-- JimHowell1970

sounds interesting,regarding matrix mixers,been watching some youtube videos,but abit unclear what brands to look into for those,my first thought is something not to expensive

AISynthesis
Doepfer
York Modular

all do inexpensive matrix mixers

I think it you want small go for the AISynthesis, if you want nice ergonomics go for the doepfer

AISynthesis
Doepfer
York Modular

all do inexpensive matrix mixers

I think it you want small go for the AISynthesis, if you want nice ergonomics go for the doepfer
-- JimHowell1970

think i will go for the AIsynthesis,also looking forward to testing the hermod sequencer with the E352 this coming weekend

Might want to check out happy nerdings 3xmia great value/hp.

just ordered theAI Synthesis matrix mixer today

Dark Ambient? Maybe consider Desmodus Versio instead of a clouds clone. Lots of potential there.

Dark Ambient? Maybe consider Desmodus Versio instead of a clouds clone. Lots of potential there.
-- mowse

didnt knowabout that module deffo interesting thanks,put it on my to check list

Yup that is what I have tried to do in my setups for easier workflow- voices/filters/vca top row and tools/lfos bottom row.

I am so glad that I paid attention to the sage of experienced modular folks here like Lugia and Jim and bought support modules like Kinks/Links so powerful in complex patches. I have a Doepfer sequential switch and clock on the way to improve my setups. Then a matrix mixer and more tools like more attenuators and sequencer in rack future once budget allows. I found that I can use the support modules to make one voice sound so amazing and rich.

Yup that is what I have tried to do in my setups for easier workflow- voices/filters/vca top row and tools/lfos bottom row.

I am so glad that I paid attention to the sage of experienced modular folks here like Lugia and Jim and bought support modules like Kinks/Links so powerful in complex patches. I have a Doepfer sequential switch and clock on the way to improve my setups. Then a matrix mixer and more tools like more attenuators and sequencer in rack future once budget allows. I found that I can use the support modules to make one voice sound so amazing and rich.
-- sacguy71

i have a matrix mixer on the way,i wonder what support modules would make most sense in this setup for Dark Ambient?

also one thing i would like to be able to do,is have the eurorack system be performance based,any tips on modules for that?

Just recieved a 2hp Pluck,thinking about getting the 2hp TM too

This is my idea for my updated Dark Ambient Rack

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_1182461.jpg?1629113780

im in the need of a good reverb module for that Dark Ambient vibe,any suggestions?

This might be a contender (though I have personally enjoyed the FX Aid XL)?
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/noise-engineering-desmodus-versio

I have both, but I got the FX Aid XL first, great fx module use it all the time, so much so that I wanted a dedicated reverb to get more use out of the FX Aid. I mean I also have a clouds clone and use that as reverb. I am always on the lookout for a good reverb, have my eyes on Death by Audio Rooms Reverb and then I can try the other modes of the Versio platform.

In short: You can never have enough reverb, the FX Aid is great lots of algo's to try. I got this first and a dedicated reverb when I wanted use other algo's in FX Aid and not lose a reverb (love the lofi junky algo). Don't forget pedals these are a great add to any modular system. The NE Versio platform is great, the distortion option would be a great add to any Dark Ambient (if you have any reverb even clouds/disting would be a great combo)

The only thing I wish for the Versio would be a front panel usb mount as it stinks having to unrack the module everytime you want to switch modes.

thanks guys have both of these modules now added to my list

just bought a twisted electrons octopus cv sequencer(not something i had planned)and dont know if it will be any good for Dark Ambient????

just bought a twisted electrons octopus cv sequencer(not something i had planned)and dont know if it will be any good for Dark Ambient????
-- Broken-Form

why do you think it may not be any good for dark ambient? sequencers don't care what type of music they are making - they just do what they are told!

just bought a twisted electrons octopus cv sequencer(not something i had planned)and dont know if it will be any good for Dark Ambient????
-- Broken-Form

why do you think it may not be any good for dark ambient? sequencers don't care what type of music they are making - they just do what they are told!

-- JimHowell1970

good point

I decideret to sell my hermod and the CV sequencer. Got a plaits.and a sequential switch adder to my system.for sub i have a sub101 duo coming from analog lab swiss.

So for now i use my korg sq1 with plaits.

One Thing im abit unsure about and havent wrapped my head around (need to watch some tutorials)is maybe getting rid of gran terminal and the expander.think its a Hard module to figure out.and maybe get something like erbeverb. Desmodus fx aid xl instead.
Also need to figure out a good way to use PNW in my system.