I enjoyed the Eloquencer for gate sequencing but I figured out that I like a more old school approach to pitch/CV sequencing (960 or Doepfer Dark Time style). I didn't like using a single knob to program notes and probability. I think I'd be looking at a Metropolix if I was going to get something more modern with an old school hands on feel.
Let us know what you decide! Have fun and good luck.

for drums, I love the Winter Eloquencer with 8 tracks of cv/trigger and easy to see all 8 tracks one one screen plus chaining, song mode and ability to save and recall patterns. Easy to use and fantastic. For melodic stuff, the Black Sequencer is fantastic. I have both sequencers and many others.

Any suggestions for a main (brain) sequencer?

I use a couple of different small modular sequencers, but want to try to go with a main sequencer

What met my eye recently was:

winter modular eloquencer,
erica synths black sequencer
Oxi one

I would like to have a very performative sequencer,
saving compositions and playing after power circles should be supported

Right now I use mainly
Bloom + clank chaos + marbles + Mimetic Dgitalis + Pams + traffic + others

Oh, i did not see the Little Mikey. Sorry for that! That's a good one.

Hi! I want to finish my case oriented towards sound desing and processing my bass clarinet/sax. What modules would you suggest?
Thank's!!

Guillaume

I would add a good instrument interface since you mentioned that you want to process bass etc.
-- ambientvalent

I am happy with the Little Mikey, but did you have a specific interface in mind?

late June, from Superbooth at 1min

EDITED May 30th, 02:11

I will be there!

EDITED May 29th, 18:20

Iam bored with the 909 hats. This modules looks very experimentel.

Bump ?

https://modulargrid.net/e/addac-system-addac301-floor-control-black-panel

This and an expression pedal.

filter/sort "My Modules" to only show modules not currently used in the displayed rack 💜

I would add a good instrument interface since you mentioned that you want to process bass etc.

Ok, this is where I am now at...

Any thoughts on the components and/or locations?

I've bought everything except the second EG (140), so I have a little bit of flexibility there. That being said, a second EG would be handy.

I am certainly open to any suggestions though! I want the most usable rack possible!

(rack has not updated, so please just use the link)

EDITED May 29th, 02:32

Yes modulation and utilities, good idea!

they're never finished!!

but I would want something that can do both envelope and pitch following... disting ex is meant to have a good algo that does both...

and more modulation and utilities... matrix mixer!!!

Hi! I want to finish my case oriented towards sound desing and processing my bass clarinet/sax. What modules would you suggest?
Thank's!!

Guillaume

EDITED May 28th, 17:42

That reminds me of a track I published this year. Rings is definitely a great module.
I used Batumi (sine) for cv in the Quad Vca. This brought some shades.

-- Sweelinck

very nice track, love the evocative sounds you have there

Hi,
Monotrail has this video

This sounds very nice :)

out of curiosity: what are your main sequencing modules and techniques for the melodic parts ? do you program ? or do you record sequences ?
I'm curious because I look for inspirations to sequence polyphony in modular environment.

-- Slim

Thanks for saying so. I sequence with the Arturia BeatStep Pro; in this case I sequenced the Circuit Bent VCO by Synthesis Technology and Mutable Instruments Plaits, Tides, and Rings. I also have an Erica Synths Pico VCO being sequenced by a Intellijel Scales, which quantizes the stepped S&H from the Wogglebug attenuated by Maths. I very often have a second melody that is playing off a first melody. When playing live the sequences are not recordings or loops, just sequencing in situ. Hope this helps explain my process a bit. Thank you for listening!

internet as well :D

The manual is very good.

got a beatstep pro but havent used it,are there any tutorial videos about how to use it as a sequencer?

May I ask about your experience with Black Noise Cosmos? Im very interested in this kind of modules. I also consider Ana 2 from mystic circuits. Could you tell me soemthing more about its use and benefits?
Right now I use Pamelas Pro Workout for logic stuff, but Cosmos and Ana seem to be very cool.
Im wondering, how something like a Cosmos could expand my possibilities? (In Pams you can also dial in specific logic operations and apply it on the inputs + add more operations with the cross channels)
Maybe there are some cheaper 1u alternatives?
-- VONDENFUNKEN

I don't yet own a Cosmos. I've watched the Stazma video and read the manual a few times. I would say I just kind of liked the mystery of it at first and then started thinking of it as a smaller way to get what I wanted from the WORNG Vector Space (I might still go this route instead, because it's like half the price) or the Mannequins Cold Mac (I gave up oj this when I realized how difficult acquiring one of these would be without some sort of crime): a way to get a lot of related modulation in a small space from a couple sources. The Ana 2 would probably work as well for this sort of thing, and has the benefit of knobs, but I personally don't mind big dense patches full of cables and like the patching process, so the Cosmos appeals to me in that way as well (plus the touchplates seem fun) All three seem like an inviting way for someone (like me) to teach themselves more about these functions and what they do musically. I don't have a 1U strip on any of my cases and tend not to think about that - someone else would have to speak on that. I mainly recommended the Cosmos here because it's a cool module that comes on DIY format and would probably suit a classic rack like this that uses simple tools well.

EDITED May 28th, 08:48

I described everyhting in the bad traders thread and I would prefer not discussing this any further publicly.

@Slim Did you receive your parcel? The user is not longer in suspend mode and offering chep modules.

.... the Black Noise Cosmos .... It's sort of an endless patching wormhole/analog computer thing like Maths or the Serge world.
-- Zacksname

May I ask about your experience with Black Noise Cosmos? Im very interested in this kind of modules. I also consider Ana 2 from mystic circuits. Could you tell me soemthing more about its use and benefits?
Right now I use Pamelas Pro Workout for logic stuff, but Cosmos and Ana seem to be very cool.
Im wondering, how something like a Cosmos could expand my possibilities? (In Pams you can also dial in specific logic operations and apply it on the inputs + add more operations with the cross channels)
Maybe there are some cheaper 1u alternatives?

....tbh I wish I'd bought 2 doepfer ones - ergonomics and attenuversion
JimHowell1970

Same here. I got the wyrd matrix mixer to save space....works well, but it is way to fiddly to use it properly with the small knobs.
I guess a good matrix mixer should have it´s space.

Great stuff! I actually do find it relaxing...

I wouldn't call it cheap, but the Black Noise Cosmos would fill that 12hp right up and comes in a DIY kit. It's sort of an endless patching wormhole/analog computer thing like Maths or the Serge world. If you like eclectic and unique concepts like the NLC modules, it is an option.

If that doesn't suit you, I second the matrix mixer, but if I were you, I would only get the AI Synthesis one if it's going to be in the top corners or if you plan to arrange it upside down. Otherwise it'll just be buried behind two rows of cables.

Thanks. What do you think of this one from AI Synthesis? https://aisynthesis.com/product/ai008-eurorack-matrix-mixer/

I don't have that one, but I have a couple the same size with trimmers, instead of proper pots, same as the AISynths one... and tbh I wish I'd bought 2 doepfer ones - ergonomics and attenuversion!

But saying that I always like Abe's modules (& have a lot of respect for him as a champion of DIY modular) etc - not that I have any - so probably a decent choice!

EDITED May 24th, 18:37

The AI is a great little Matrix mixer and an easy DIY build.
Great for using as an effects send or getting more modulation from sources you already have.

EDITED May 25th, 06:54

matrix mixer is an obvious addition - tbh I prefer the doepfer to any of the kits that will fit - the nlc one is great but both are quite big... the doepfer also has better ergonomics than most kits

use it to leverage the modulation sources you already have... copies of modulation in -> related, but different modulation out... with built in attenuation, if not attenuversion...

also a sequential switch - doepfer will be as inexpensive as any kit...
-- JimHowell1970

Thanks. What do you think of this one from AI Synthesis? https://aisynthesis.com/product/ai008-eurorack-matrix-mixer/

matrix mixer is an obvious addition - tbh I prefer the doepfer to any of the kits that will fit - the nlc one is great but both are quite big... the doepfer also has better ergonomics than most kits

use it to leverage the modulation sources you already have... copies of modulation in -> related, but different modulation out... with built in attenuation, if not attenuversion...

also a sequential switch - doepfer will be as inexpensive as any kit...

Hi everyone,

an interesting event in Gent / Belgium on june 15th.

https://wisper.be/en/courses/modular-day-ii#prices

Cheers

EDITED May 24th, 17:19

Hello, I am looking to fill some of the space in my rack to support drony and generative sounds. My rack is pretty eclectic, so maybe another VCA or more LFOs? Also, looking for modules available in kit form.

EDITED May 24th, 14:50

This sounds very nice :)

out of curiosity: what are your main sequencing modules and techniques for the melodic parts ? do you program ? or do you record sequences ?
I'm curious because I look for inspirations to sequence polyphony in modular environment.

We uploaded a new session :

_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing&si=0a8cf7a7b2f6457387e3969ec05c89d0

This one is a monolithic journey through the darker side of Ransac.

Our music often doesn't fit in short clips, so I simply left it as a one hour block.
Overall smooth, it will fit for a relaxing moment (provided you enjoy noisy soundscapes though!).

On March 10th I previewed several tracks off my upcoming album No Light Things, due out later this summer. Was a very positive experience:

mother 32: random pattern on major scale
vcf out to lemon drop in (vessels preset)
ext audio to vco 1 sub1 out.

subharmonicon:
seq1 step 1: 1,25, step 2: 1.25, step 3: 2.0, step4: 1,5.
seq2 step 1.:0, step 2: 0.5, step 3: 1, step 3: 1, step 4: 3.
vco1: -3, vco 2: 2

part1_
starts with mother32
then lemondrop and dfam subharmonicon.
slow tempo:1 trigger to adv clock.

part2_
mix vco to noise (vco1sub1)
increase of cutoff subharmonicon
increase of lemondrop prsence
increase cutoff mother32
play with MIX.

part3_
trigger (subharmonicon) switch to clock ---- straight tempo
play with tempo knob
increase tempo till middle
increase dfam cutoff to 0, noise to 0.
increase cutoff, vcf mother
decrease rapidly the tempo back to previous and the noise around to have a clean sound.

part4_
drums ends
only subharmonicon and lemon drop
end as it started slowly fading out in drone mode kb+step+4 + lemondrop

Hanan cumbia eurorack is on modular Grid
Available on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/mx/listing/1726965685/hanan-cumbia-eurorack-module

EDITED May 23rd, 10:18

Hi, Hanan Cumbia Modular ist online here. we will soon be uploading all the others

https://modulargrid.net/e/other-unknown-hanan-cumbia

Not going to add much but just confirm some suggestions -- having went down a similar route about a year ago. Buy the Mantis, and dont pick an Erica Synths Quad VCA. That said, if you are still in the market, I have both for sale 😉

Recently, I acquired a Mantis case and a Tangle Quartet and have absolutely no regrets. Another note on the Erica VCA... the channels don't fully close. Erica Synths stated this is normal operation. Extremely annoying to have a quiet leak of sound when you want it to shut up.

EDITED May 23rd, 02:37

An amplifier, limiter, and drive from ThreeTom,
A very easy kit to build, mostly surface mount pre-installed.
Works great as an amp and limiter, I did not get a lot of drive out of it, or I was doing it wrong.
But a great unit to adjust a low signal into your mix, could be very handy!

mother 32: Eb6sus2\C (Cminor) + Bb6sus2\G arpeggio
vcf out to lemon drop in (vessels preset)
ext audio to vco 1 sub1 out.

subharmonicon:
seq1 step 1: 1,25, step 2: 1.25, step 3: 2.0, step4: 1,5.
seq2 step 1.:0, step 2: 0.5, step 3: 1, step 3: 1, step 4: 3.
vco1: -3, vco 2: 2

part1_
starts with mother32
then lemondrop and dfam subharmonicon.
slow tempo:1 trigger to adv clock.

part2_
mix vco to noise (vco1sub1)
increase of cutoff subharmonicon
increase of lemondrop prsence
increase cutoff mother32
play with MIX.

part3_
trigger (subharmonicon) switch to clock ---- straight tempo
play with tempo knob
increase tempo till middle
increase dfam cutoff to 0, noise to 0.
increase cutoff, vcf mother
decrease rapidly the tempo back to previous and the noise around to have a clean sound.

part4_
drums ends
only subharmonicon and lemon drop
end as it started slowly fading out in drone mode kb+step+4 + lemondrop

Just uploaded another session. This one is very cinematic.

?si=30e49f9671b0461cb66550f5bd319036&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Wow, that's already A LOT to work with. Thanks so much!

ask and you shall reveive!!! hahaha

I have yet to digest everything and will take some time to do that but a few quick thoughts/takeaways:

@Zacksname: Your comments on the VCAs have cleared things up for me a lot. Thanks! Also, I've been thinking about quantization and wasn't sure how to prioritise it. But having read your post I think workflow-wise it sounds like an interesting path for me. I'm familiar with the concept but somehow it slid in and out of my priorities over the past couple of weeks. But it makes total sense.

it's a juggling act - piorities change constantly... the simple act of adding a module, will almost definitely change the priority of the next module and so on... no plan survives contact with the enemy... and your biggest enemy is yourself!

@JimHowell70: On my way to the tattoo studio already, haha ... people are talking about your signature on the streets.

pictures (and/or field recordings), or it never happened!!! hahaha

but seriously I think a t shirt is better - cheaper and less permanent!!

I think my next step will be to take a deeper dive into utilities - and then probably start with some modulation + utilities on the Moogs before expanding the setup to be its own thing. I guess that could be a good strategy? Case wise: I agree on the Rackbrute looking hideous ... will have a closer look on TipTop Audio (but psst... I think they are looking even worse, but as you said: Who cares in the end).

you should see most of my racks... they're diy'ed out of skirting board... at least 30 years after I did any wood work - they are wonky... unfinished with sides poking out above the tops... but they do the job and in low light from the right angle they look ok(ish)...

functionality over aesthetics everyday, in every way... at least in relation to synth racks!!!

Alright, time to dig a little deeper ...
-- steben

Hi! Any docs about this gem?

Wow, that's already A LOT to work with. Thanks so much!

I have yet to digest everything and will take some time to do that but a few quick thoughts/takeaways:

@Zacksname: Your comments on the VCAs have cleared things up for me a lot. Thanks! Also, I've been thinking about quantization and wasn't sure how to prioritise it. But having read your post I think workflow-wise it sounds like an interesting path for me. I'm familiar with the concept but somehow it slid in and out of my priorities over the past couple of weeks. But it makes total sense.

@JimHowell70: On my way to the tattoo studio already, haha ... people are talking about your signature on the streets. I think my next step will be to take a deeper dive into utilities - and then probably start with some modulation + utilities on the Moogs before expanding the setup to be its own thing. I guess that could be a good strategy? Case wise: I agree on the Rackbrute looking hideous ... will have a closer look on TipTop Audio (but psst... I think they are looking even worse, but as you said: Who cares in the end).

@VONDENFUNKEN: There are some very interesting recommendations module wise, thank you - and you're right, I probably don't want to bury all my budget at once but use what I already have to get a better understanding of a couple of extra modulation + utilities first. But I kinda want to set an intermediate goal for a system to figure out where I want to start - if that makes any sense. You're suggestions for a little pod for the moogs helps a lot with this.

Alright, time to dig a little deeper ...

wogglebug has wilder random as turing maschine, if this is your taste. + special feautures like audio mangling etc - its more beasty stuff

Turing maschine is more straight forward, but lovely and nice with expanders - the Pulses expander does nice gates
especialy with Benjolin V2 from After Later Audio
- you can chain it with all expanders
(I love this combo)

Benjolin V2 alone is also nice for random + it has a nice filter
+ BV2 is a nice crazy sound design tool

thoughts

I would suggest to only get a few utilities for the start and just build stuff around your moogs.

Not a 3000 Dollar investment

As you say you are more in ambient music:

for random:

Marbles could maybe suit you better instead of a turing maschine.
or clank chaos

Clank chaos has also a sequencer mode and many scales for quantization
Marbles is more accessable with just twisting knobs

check them out

Dont forget Pamelas New Pro Workout can do most of the stuff, like lfos, sequencing, random, logic, etc

combined with things like maths, lapsus os, 3xMia, Miso or 4ms mingler - Pams can archieve a lot you would search in other modules

Modulation:

Ochd + Ochd expander is good for ambient - applying slow modulations
or NLC Triple Sloths

?

If you want fo go west coast - Do you need more filters?

vcas:

check bastl Aikido for audio processing. Feedback-patching, Sidechain, compression, spectral follower.

Intelijell quad vca for cv processing - also great audio quality

Attenuverter, Offsett, Scale:

4ms shifting mingler
Noise Engineering Lapsus Os
Tiptop Miso
3xMia

wavefolder

Maybe a Steady Fate Gate?
Low pass gate, saturation + wavefolder
sounds amaizing

bastl modules are interesting because they are mostly designed for wild feedback stuff.

like bastl timber, waver or dark matter

I guess, if I had the moogs, I would just make a little pod with a few picks of these:

1. Priority:
   maths
   pams
   ochd+expander
   any matrix mixer
   triple sloths
   mini marbles clone or clank chaos
   mingler or lapsus os

2. later additional:
   SSF Gate
   benjolin V2
   bastl aikido
   intellijell quad vca

everything small whats missing, like; switches, mults, divider, dedicated logic modules .....

EDITED May 21st, 01:51

Initial Module Ideas

VCO
With my Moogs, I already have several analog VCOs. I'm considering adding something digital (like Plaits). But I really like the sound of the Make Noise STO which is why, at the moment, I'm considering both.

yeah you'll probably want a. couple of these (at least) at some point and a wavefolder and some dedicated utilities - especially as you mentioned west-coast - ie additive, not subtractive synthesis

the newly announced (but not yet available) tiptop buchla 259 might be a good option in the future...

VCF
As with VCOs, I love the Moog filters but already have four in my semi-modulars, so I don't need another basic east-coasty VCF - I think? The Make Noise QPAS seems like an interesting choice to me and I imagine it pairs well with the STO. But I'm open for suggestions.

doepfer make a number of interesting (& inexpensive) clones of classic filters - I particularly like the wasp and the SEM

Modulation
I'm considering starting with Maths and an LFO (DivKid Ochd). Should I get an additional envelope generator (e.g. Erica Synths Black VCA, Doepfer A140, or ALM Pip Slope)? Or maybe a completely different combination? 

If you're wanting keyboard like responses - then an adsr is a good idea - maybe some more research is in order, the erica sysnths black vca is not an envelope generator, it's a consumer of envelopes!!!

I see @Zacksname recommended a matrix mixer - this is an excellent idea for taking simple modulation and making it more complex - get the doepfer - inexpensive, good ergonomics, inverters etc... this will also help with attenuation of modulation sources... often full range modulation is not what you want, attenuation = subtelty

re Maths: fantastic module one of my favourites - really comes alive when you dig in - sownload thte 'maths illustrated supplement' and work your way through it multiple times - concentrating on what, why & how maths is doing what it's doing!!! whilst it's primarily a primer for patch programming (a very west coat concept) maths, the concepts and lessons can be easily extended and applied to the whole of a modular synthesizer

VCA
I know, "You can never have too many VCAs," but how do you choose a good starting point? I've selected a Tangle (4xVCA) and an Optomix (VCAF, if that counts). For output, I’m considering an extra Pico Out. I'm a bit confused in this area (= even more than in the other areas).

optomix good! veils clone really good... continuously variable between linear & exponential response curves (primarily for cv & audio, respectively) etc...

output module: don't buy one unless you need one & if you do try a basic passive attenuator first and a vca second before thirdly succumbing to an output module... unless you desperately must have balanced outputs due to distance or need a headphone output (but better to buy an end of chain mixer with a headphone out in that case)

"you can neverr have too many vcas" - correct, especially quad cascading ones, but the same is almost true about mixers - sub-mixers (preferably with attenuversion and offset - primarily for cv), matrix mixers and a decent end of chain mixer are always good investments

Sequencing / Randomness
With the Moogs and the Keystep I feel there's a lot of sequencing sources available to me already. Therefore, I'm looking for something simple and randomy. I’m considering combining Pamela's PRO Workout with what I already have and maybe a Turing Machine or Wogglebug for some extra uncertainty? I understand they are different beasts. Currently, I'm leaning towards the Wogglebug for a start. But maybe it's dumb to include so many modules by the same maker ... ?

Pam's can do pitched random loops - etc - like a turing machine or wobblebug... except for both of those you'd almost definitely want a quantizer too... which will eat a channel of pam's... start with Pams!

instead of random - consider chaotic instead... triple sloth is great for this...

& don't forget the attenuvertting mixers that you will need to tame the resulting random/chaos either way!

Effects
As I mentioned, I currently use a pedal board for effects, so I’ve included an effects return module but no effects module. Aside from reverb and delay I can't say my music is dependent on many effects. And I've read mixed opinions on effect modules in Eurorack. Optionally I'm considering a Tiptop Audio Z5000 (alternatively an FX Aid XL). Opinions?

FX Aid PRO!!! I have both the xl and the pro... the pro is 10000 times more useable... not only because it has a screen so you can actually see what algo you are using - but it holds almost all the possible algos & includes a basic scope - pesky thing that deaf people use to see what their modulation is doing, instead of just sending it into the pitch input of a vco & using their ears!!!

Utilities
Same as above with some "swiss army knives" like Ornaments & Crime or Disting MK4. They seem useful in that they let you explore stuff you don't have yet as a distinct module. The reason I haven't included them is a) the menu diving and b) that I probably have a lot to play with and to understand already. But maybe I'm totally wrong here and some allrounders might be useful. Happy about suggestions, especially on what other useful stuff is missing.

ah, finally the really important stuff... not the overly complicated digital, menu driven abominations that are O&C & disting, but simple things like sequential switches, logic, clock dividers, mixers, mults, attenuverters etc you need these!!!

take a look at my signature - read it and then spend a considerable time thinking deeply about it and the implications of it for you rack... then think some more... then come back and thank me for distilling such wisdom into a simple formula... I recently had someone say (on another forum) they'd had it tattoed onto their body... I challenged them for pictures, which were not forth coming... I believe I may have called their bluff... but I should get t-shirts made up!!

just kidding about the O&C & disting... well sort of, they are annoying, but they're very useful to have around... especially the disting - which I have - it has to be used wisely though - favourite mode is key and replacing using it's algos with dedicated modules, is a bloody good idea...

Case
In a Rackbrute 6U, this configuration would more or less fit my budget, especially if I can get some modules used. It leaves me with only 50 - 60 ish HP for future expansions and I'm aware that's not much. But I also like it as a compact skiff for gigs and maybe use it in my band. So the reasoning is to add a bigger rack later on and keep this anyway. And I know how that sounds in the context of Eurorack ... but I’ve never been a fan of collecting gear—but let’s revisit that in five years or so. ;)

I've said it before & I'll say it again - TIPTOP MANTIS - best bang for buck starter case there is... combination of price/size/decent power supply & manufacturer reputation there is... it's the sweet spot... some people dislike it's aesthetics - but quite frankly who gives a fuck when it's covered in patch cables and you're rocking out to your bleeps n bloops????????

plus no f'ing rack wart stealing space from important modules and no irrelevant marketing branding shite - if I had one and was playing live I'd have to gaffer tape the back, lest anyone in the audience thought I was playing an arturia synth and not just encasing my modular!!! & the rackbrute is as fugly as I sincerely hope both Uli b-company & the guy who runs Synthrotek's wive's are...

plus it's underpowered if you use too many digital modules... don't do this!!! either of them - seriously leave at least 25-30% headroom on all power rails so as not to oexperience disappointment when your modular won't start up properly - inrush is a thing, believe me... or use too many digital modules... you need utilities too, see both above and below!!!

and... breathe...

hope this helped!!!

EDITED May 20th, 21:23