User Posts

This article by Chris Meyer (Learning Modular) will provide you with excellent insight into the subject:
‘Linear versus Exponential VCAs & Envelopes’.

https://learningmodular.com/linear-versus-exponential/

Two very educational videos are also included.

I have long used Synchrodyne, a module with very beautiful and deep wavefolder qualities, it can also jostle very hard in aggressiveness. But it is also an experimental tool that far exceeds the wavefolder function... we do not always know how far it will take you :)) Recently I have completed my palette with Fold 6, a wavefolder very focused on its function: intelligently designed, very progressive, powerful and warm. I definitely recommend it. https://www.modulargrid.net/e/joranalogue-audio-design-fold-6

@Meenthgrea
Available today...
Fold 6: https://www.perfectcircuit.com/joranalogue-fold-6.html
Twin Waves: https://www.perfectcircuit.com/klavis-twin-waves.html
Pico DSP: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PicoDSP--erica-synths-pico-dsp-stereo-effects-eurorack-module

The other modules you mention are excellent.
The CalSynth's clones of Mutable Instruments have a very good reputation.

Some additional elements.

Yes really, Morphagene! Perfect for getting dark moving landscapes and surreal textures. Ideally I should add a good reverb to it: there is a large choice in this area, and at all prices, but you would be interested in the Pico DSP. Its algos are excellent, it has saturations options (saturated reverb, overdrive/ bitcrush) and an unbeatable price-performance ratio.

Well, on the oscillator side: Manis Iteritas (I would’nt have advised you that beast for ambient...). Well known for its industrial and apocalyptic colors. Not very cheap. It’s still on sale but Noise Engineering is currently stopping its production... NATO required it this summer :))

About additive synthesis, there is the Telharmonic (‘3 Voice Additive Harmonic synthesis’): perfect for all kind of drones and many other things. There is also the 4ms Spectral Multiband Resonator...

BUT in order to complete your MiniBrute without spending too much, and next to your Morphagene (and a reverb), I would add instead these two types of modules: a complex oscillator (Twin Waves, or Plaits) and especially a wavefolder that would thicken and make any sound source much more beefy and aggressive (Fold 6 for example).

So in summary, and keeping in mind a reasonable budget: your selection plus Pico DSP, Twin Waves, Fold 6.

As our friend @farkas says: good luck for your mission ;)

The MiniBrute 2s is a complete system. First, if you choose a RackBrute to expand your possibilities, opt for the 6U. The price difference is small compared to the 3U, and above all, you will not be blocked too early by the lack of space: it is always the first recommendation, whatever your artistic project.

Then, to be properly helped here on the choice of modules, it is very useful to know this ‘artistic project’, your wish regarding styles of music in particular. Many modules are relatively oriented to specific universes and this is where the association will really be useful with your Minibrute 2s which is quite neutral from this point of view.

(...) with my lack of HP I need modules that can do many things - it still is hard not to want an Aurora though...oh life is hard.

-- EuroBadger

If I may, think a moment about what you just wrote here. Music is not there to make you suffer...
Please, solve first your case problem. You will find again ‘the light (and fun) side of the modular’ ;)

(...) 'Novation's Bass Station filter was designed by Chris Huggett of Wasp and Oscar fame. Here, it's known as 'Classic', a state-variable creation switchable between 12dB and 24dB slopes. Fresh for the BS2, a further switch offers low-, band- and high-pass modes, greatly extending the filter's usefulness. In all modes, you're quickly aware of the edgy but sparkly maximum resonance, and also that it takes just a smidgen of overdrive to squash any fear of lack of balls. Winding the overdrive higher turns the Classic filter into a pleasantly mashed-up monster. It follows that varying combinations of cutoff frequency, resonance and overdrive yield everything from humongous bass to sound effects and shrieks that will vibrate your granny's teeth out, assuming you're heartless enough to expose her to them. Warm, fluffy and Moogy it isn't.

If this were the full story of the filter I'd be content, but it isn't. There's a second filter on board; a diode ladder design called Acid. This 24dB fat boy operates in low-pass mode only and is noticeably darker than the Classic. Its resonance is wetter and smoother, too. I became an instant convert. As both filters react very differently to high levels of overdrive and resonance, you occasionally get the not-unpleasant feeling that two synths are occupying the same space' (...)

(Paul Nagle - Sound On Sound / September 2013).

https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/novation-bass-station-2

...SO WHY ARE THE JACKS AT THE BOTTOM??? WHO MIXES AT THE TOP OF THEIR RACK LMAO??

If this makes it out of concept they better fix the layout seriously
-- maincy

You’re right, it’s a shame. But a lot of modules have this configuration, including some of the most acclaimed! This is an error especially when there is a need for frequent manipulations such as with mixers, controllers, sequencers.

Fortunately there are modules that ‘save the honour’ :) Performance Mixer, Hexmix, Tetrapad, Planar2, A-174-4, Pressure Points, René, Stochastic Inspiration Generator, Eloquencer, Voltage Block, etc.

Otherwise, the right angle patch cables can facilitate accessibility...

Peace!

‘Aimer est le grand point, qu’importe la maîtresse ?
Qu’importe le flacon, pourvu qu’on ait l’ivresse ?’
(Alfred de Musset - La Coupe et les Lèvres - 1831).

Which can be approximately translated by:
‘To love is the great point, what does the mistress matter?
Does the bottle matter, if we can achieve drunkenness?’

The only thing that matters is the pleasure we can experience when listening to music.
Whatever the instrument, as long as it remains that tool at the service of musicians and audiences.

(That said, sometimes, some mixtures... well, you know... ;)

@JimHowell1970
You are absolutely right. That’s why, for example, I plugged the ADDAC207 and the Fold 6 on my row 3, while they are physically screwed (and therefore seem installed) on row 4 in my second RackBrute. See the link.

We are all here to share and remember each other the right practices :)

EDITED Sep 6th 2023, 21:02

Ochd, Ikarie: two great choices.
I listened to your generative piece. It seems you were moving quickly in the right direction.
Perfect!

If I may:

Very interesting, congratulations!

AI008 Eurorack Matrix Mixer looks like a good solution...
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/ai-synthesis-ai008-eurorack-matrix-mixer

A refreshing topic :)

‘Today, we say goodbye to four of our popular modules: Basimilus Iteritas Alter, Manis Iteritas, Cursus Iteritas, and Ataraxic Iteritas’. (The Noise Engineering Blog - 08/15/2023).

https://noiseengineering.us/blogs/loquelic-literitas-the-blog/goodbye-iteritas

Almost all new modules are combinations or extrapolations of existing modules, that to a large extent can be patched up from what you have (if you have the basic building blocks of synthesis in your rack and not just shiny expensive do it all modules)

-- JimHowell1970

I also had this reflection. We were lucky: we saw the birth of wonderful modules, some of which became classics, and they were easily available and cheaper!

For some time, a certain level seems to have been reached, including by means of the digital. Next step: the AI? I’m not sure to feel concerned...

In the beginning we're understandably a bit voracious, but the more we add on the table, the more discriminating gourmet we become.

Never more true words.

-- wishbonebrewery

Thank’s.

I am definitley becoming a discriminating gourmet, I even feel like my module-buying is slowly coming to an end.... Shocking I know

-- wishbonebrewery

Personally I am not shocked, I feel the same thing.

So, you started curating your modules more precisely when building a patch? Is that what you´re saying?

-- ak47exe

Yes, that's right. And, above all, I simplify things in my production.
In the beginning we're understandably a bit voracious, but the more we add on the table, the more discriminating gourmet we become.

Excellent topic.

I really like this thought by Winston Churchill: 'Out of intense complexities, intense simplicities emerge'.
That's pretty much what I experienced as I let my modular, and my home studio, expand...

For my part, I would add: and as we got older, we end up meeting from time to time :)

+1 for Pamela's PRO Workout!

+10 for 'I'd think carefully about what you are missing in your patches - ie I want to do this, but I can't because I don't have that functionality in my case... note these omissions down - and then prioritise them before searching for and ultimately buying new modules' (@JimHowell1970).

And you may find some good food for thought here and there:
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/forum/posts/index/10117
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/forum/posts/index/10976

I have reworded my answer for even more clarity...

• First suggestion: Erica Synths Black Stereo Mixer V3 (or V2).
  Great little mixer and same brand/aesthetic as your Black Wavetable VCO (as you wished).
  10 HP.

• Second suggestion: Befaco STMix. Excellent small mixer too.
  6 HP.

Both suggested modules accept mono AND stereo.

• Third suggestion: no other module yet :)
  Because your Quad VCA is also a small mixer, 4 voices, but favoring mono.

EDITED Aug 28th 2023, 18:16

For an external sequencer, regardless of the size of your setup, BeatStep Pro is a great solution.
In the meantime, and about sequencing melody with Pam’s Pro, see that video at 5:17

If you want immediate satisfaction for the sounds you seem to be hunting for, I would encourage you to go with any voice module from NOISE ENGINEERING.
-- AEROCATONE

+1
Knowing that:
‘Today, we say goodbye to four of our popular modules: Basimilus Iteritas Alter, Manis Iteritas, Cursus Iteritas, and Ataraxic Iteritas’. (The Noise Engineering Blog - 08/15/2023).

https://noiseengineering.us/blogs/loquelic-literitas-the-blog/goodbye-iteritas

A dream toolbox. I remain speechless, and yet I regularly follow your adventures on Instagram... Respect.

An amazing video, very educational and seductive (humour is also on the program ;)
What a case! The sound examples are superb, you did a fantastic job!

@Moogul

In this case, the Piazza San Marco would be located in Berkeley and the Buchla 100 would be the name of a violin :)

Yet there is an undeniable link: the Berkeley’s Sather Tower was inspired by the Campanile of San Marco in Venice!
-- Sweelinck

And both Don and Antonio liked the number four (quattro stagioni, quadrophonic, quad function generator, etc). The plot thickens!

-- Moogul

You’re right, and I even fear that Suzanne Ciani was involved somewhere.
Believe me or not, this case is beyond us...

@Moogul

In this case, the Piazza San Marco would be located in Berkeley and the Buchla 100 would be the name of a violin :)

Yet there is an undeniable link: the Berkeley’s Sather Tower was inspired by the Campanile of San Marco in Venice!

Fine work, a piece of season...
So I thought about this other late summer atmosphere (but there, the thunderstorm rumbles in the distance):

M.R.Mis.An.Thrope: Nice and interesting minimalist willingness.

Lots of interesting thoughts and good suggestions from @HGsynth.

But be careful, you should not ideally exceed 640mA on +12V and on -12V (per each row) in a RackBrute 6U, that is to say 80% of the 800mA available (for +12V and the same for -12V, there are four separate circuits of 800mA in two rows): and this in order to leave enough headroom for voltage peaks!
However the data sheet of the rack proposed here (in MG) indicates 743mA on the row2 (for +12V), which would be very risky...

Also, you only have 12 slots in the row2, and I see here 13 modules.

Three first areas for reflection:

• A filter, you’re right, rather stereo and not too wide because of your current case (e.g. Dual Dagger, Zagrzeb, Polaris).

• An attenuator or attenuverter, Basimilus and others will really need it... (e.g. Sinc Defero, 3x Mia).

• A random, for 'generative capabilities' (e.g. Turing Machine, Wogglebug).

Other people here, more expert than I, will modify or complete these initial suggestions.

(Just because it’s more comfortable to see the setup in the thread itself. Simple copy/paste of the rack url).

This is a great conclusion for the trilogy. A soft landing with a beautiful melody.
Excellent idea also to have imagined this triple publication. A series maintains attention and suspense. You invented ModularFlix!
Bankable :))

A moment of summer serenity. And thank you for the patch description.

Nice sequel.
Orbit Shift, Satellite Fall... 'The saga continues'!

It’s interesting to have a live version now.
The adaptation of the bass and drums is very satisfactory.

In addition to your music, I appreciate your communicative joy (and humor) as well as loyalty to your old teeshirt.

Also, your hat :)

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MonoMultBk--black-market-monomult-1x5-splitter-hub-black
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/GMM105--hosa-gmm-105-knucklebones-1-to-5-signal-splitter

Intellijel Quad VCA, the brilliant and reasonable reference.

I wanted to see by myself.

Currently (08/08/23), there is a second-hand 'Make Noise MATHS V1 Silver/ Red Knobs' offered at 1100€ at Reverb. That same day, a new MATHS at Thomann (or Music Store, or elsewhere) costs 333€.
So today, we can estimate the price of nostalgia for this module at about 767 €...

I decided to preciously keep my good old passive multiple A-180-2.

I use RackBrutes. They’re supposed to have 88hp per row. They actually have 89. I always leave the extra 1hp for better ventilation.
And against space clowns... I have an adorable (fawn) pug and five cats (including two black cats, @wishbonebrewery ;)

Otherwise, I don’t know what it’s worth, but there is also this: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/konstant-lab-pwr-checker

EDITED Aug 7th 2023, 20:02

Ambient, generative. 3 modules, small case.
‘What else?’

Long and peaceful like the Brooklyn Bridge.

Congratulations on achieving this collaboration remotely! We can only applaud. Special and personal mention for the fast synth sequences (e.g. 0:39).

Hard bargain...
Our last word: FX Aid XL (6hp) + your Make Noise Blank (4hp).
Give me five!

@ModLifeCrisis If you are aiming for dreamy soundscapes EarthQuaker Devices Afterneath would be a great option. Unfortunately the module is a 16hp... On the other hand there is the pedal. I’ve been using it for a long time. And if I hardly publish anything, this time I have a little example.
O-Coast > Afterneath pedal :)

@JimHowell1970 +1 for FX Aid, and +1 for your t-shirt :))

For a little percussion: Basimilus? (10hp).
The way you have arranged your modules seems well designed, in my opinion...

I would recommend that you revisit a LOT of the beginner posts in this forum, read a LOT of manuals, and watch a LOT of tutorials before investing any money in this.
Have fun and good luck!
-- farkas

+1000

-- JimHowell1970

1000 more :))

You need to test different approaches and methods and find the best one! It's like in books the path appears under the feet of the walker)))))))
-- GregoryStellar

This is true and wise. Though, from time to time, it’s advisable to look where you set foot :)

@Delicatessen
More modestly, and to come back to a previously mentioned topic, try first the delays included in the Disting mk4. I join @JimHowell1970 and @farkas to tell you that you won’t be disappointed.