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Amazing transaction with @Euxine for his Step 8. Came in perfect condition and super quick. Highly recommend!

To use a natural or any external sound, exploring it by stretching it, modifying its pitch, filtering it, cutting it into slices... in short by manipulating it in all the most unexpected ways, then associating it with others was the innovation of ‘musique concrète’.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musique_concrète

There are many modules that allow this work: choose the 'Sampling' function in the 'Modules' section (Module Finder) and you will have a long list of modules for this.
This way please :)

Then, you can still associate any other module that will fold the result, distort, create an envelope, place it in a space (with more or less reverb)... Any traditional complementary modular function.

In theory there are two sound synthesis techniques for dealing with acoustics; there is the traditionnal Sample-based synthesis and the Granular synthesis: both are well developed in the modular universe.

Everyone can work in their own way. Personally, and like many modularists, I have currently invested in granular synthesis (Qu-Bit Nebulae, Make Noise Morphagene, alongside Monsoon and Beads which are also effects, modules derived from Clouds). I completed with a more modest module (Tiptop Audio One) to include samples, considering that the computer is also a first way, upstream, powerful and fast to process any audio sources.
But again, to each his priorities, his preferences...

The recording of a radio extract on a Usb key or Sd card can then be processed by a granular synthesis or traditional sampling module, and it can be easily preserved as @wishbonebrewery indicates...
We can therefore think of separating any authentic Fm or vintage radio (or other audio sources like microphone, K7, Cd, Tv) from modular processing, it’s also more economical: in cost and HP.

The looper function allows you to manipulate the audio. This function, which is the basis of the freeze function, is integrated into many modules. But many use an external looper: this is the case of the legendary Todd Barton...

EDITED Oct 30th 2023, 13:11

btw...
build a kit! https://www.thonk.co.uk/shop/evaton-rf-nomad-kit/

nb the mtm chord organ is the same module with different firmware... so if you really want a radio thing you could also search for that and reflash it...
-- JimHowell1970

If you need a Radio Music module you can re-flash a Prok Drum module as a Radio Music, as I have. The Proks make a lot of machine noise in the percussion environment so 1x Prok on percussion duty is as noisy as I want my rack.

the mtm radio thing may be very difficult to source... the teensy 3.2 that it's based on has been discontinued...

nb the mtm chord organ is the same module with different firmware... so if you really want a radio thing you could also search for that and reflash it...

tesseract modular also make a radio - no cv though

I've bought the Sosumi and the Obsidian (I'd have bought the Opal, but I don't have anymore space). Anyhow, most of what you show and explain, in the video and manual, is clear. However, maybe you can explain the attunverters a bit more clearly? In the video (@0.56) you say the attenuverters and cross modualtion change amount and direction. So, in the video, when you turn the green's control towards minus what is happening? We see both waves changing, but how is each LFO being influenced? In the YT example, when the attenuverter is turned to minus, is it 'less influenced' by LFO 2, or is it 'influencing less' LFO 2? Or, maybe something else?

Secondly, you say that whilst nothing is plugged into the CV control, the LFOs cross modulate. I seem to remember in the manual you say if you wish to stop the cross modulation you plug a dummy cable into the CV (or another LFO/VCO). What happens if you plug something into just one of the CV controls, does the unplugged LFO still cross modulate - with the one that is being CV controlled?

Lastly, a little design suggestion - if you update - please make the rack holes oblong (not round) so they fit more easily in a rack. The spacing horizontally is a little tight for some patch cables. Maybe have your jack inputs slightly offset per row - not unlike a saw wave! Example (top row): sym OK, CV1 up slightly, CV2 ok, sym up slightly. The spacing vertically is perfect.

I hope all that makes sense?

Anyhow, the Obsidian is really interesting to use, fantastic work. You could say it's 8 complex LFOs running at two speeds, which is amzing in such a small module. The Sosumi is excellent too, but there's less to understand on that module (it just sounds). Great work, bravo.

EDITED Oct 30th 2023, 08:46

You could also plug-in or recored a shortwave radio for the the lovely Sputnik style sounds, I keep a bunch of samples of that on a Radio Music or Disting.
Ive not done it for a while but I've used snippets of samples triggered by short envelops to be used as evolving percussion sounds.

There is also the ADDAC System 102 VC Radio. You can both scan and search manually or by voltage control. Everything on the module is under voltage control. Not only does it scan stations, it can search all of the glitchy sounds and fuzz in between as a noise source. ADDAC modules are very good quality.
-- bopodoq

Thank you for introducing me to another option. Had a look at it and it does look good - unfortunately at 60mm deep it will not be able to fit in my current case. May fit in what I hope to be my next case, I will have to check.

There is also the ADDAC System 102 VC Radio. You can both scan and search manually or by voltage control. Everything on the module is under voltage control. Not only does it scan stations, it can search all of the glitchy sounds and fuzz in between as a noise source. ADDAC modules are very good quality.

Hi all,

As I continue to spend way too much time looking at eurorack modules I discovered the ST Modular Radio https://www.modulargrid.net/e/st-modular-radio also thought the https://www.modulargrid.net/e/music-thing-modular-radio-music-black-panel was interesting although is samples of a radio rather than actual radio.

Using this as a tool for a constant stream of sounds which could then be captured in small chunks and explored - mould it into something new.

So, as far as what module may help me in gathering a sample sound, I was interested in the Monsoon. https://www.modulargrid.net/e/big-t-music-monsoon Using the freeze button.

Ambient generative is my direction and thought this idea could be interesting.

Advice and direction to better modules / plan would be appreciated.

Thanks

EDITED Oct 29th 2023, 22:10

I'd go for a 6u/104hp case ... you will need more support modules to get the most out of the rest of your modules...
I'd want at least a couple more vcos - 1 to FM the instruo vco and one as a second sound source...

I'd hold back on the sapel (pams can do random & is probably enough in this size case) and the stochastic inspiration generator (again pams can do similar) - also both these modules are quite big for what they are in this size case

nb the chord organ is possibly only available used - the teensy 3.2 it's based on has been end of lifed

-- JimHowell1970

Thanks so much this is great, ill see what i can work out for the vcas on the 60hp. Id love to expand some more and have 124hp rails, the issue is im DIYing the case inside an older suitcase, and it mihht be hard to find one that could fit 104 hp. Your sapel comment kind of sealed the deal for me, id been debating its inclusion for a while. While I do really like SIG I see what you're saying, I'll see what I come up with without those two, definitely agree with the vco comment. Thanks again!

I go from my ERM multiclock straight into PAMs - You can send an analog clock out fr0m output one of the ERM

Yeah this definitely makes sense my bad, I'll do that now!

Thank you!

I'll listen with an interface I have and play it with a keyboard or DAW.

Then you'll want a midi->cv module - no space in the rack so you might want to look at cv.ocd - the unit that the mutany brain is based on - you may want this from day 1 if you are intending to use the disting as an oscillator...

you'll also need some vcas - do yourself a favour & get a quad cacading one - unless you only want drones (which the following paragraph seems to rule out) - vcas are massively important for both audio and cv - if you don't know what they do then I'd do some research...

I'd go for a 6u/104hp case ... you will need more support modules to get the most out of the rest of your modules... and you probably won't work those modules out until you've spent time patching...

I'd want at least a couple more vcos - 1 to FM the instruo vco and one as a second sound source...

I'd hold back on the sapel (pams can do random & is probably enough in this size case) and the stochastic inspiration generator (again pams can do similar) - also both these modules are quite big for what they are in this size case

nb the chord organ is possibly only available used - the teensy 3.2 it's based on has been end of lifed

yes both moskwa and marbles have quantizers... you'll prbably want to investigate how to load scales from moskwa into marbles though... as the marbles quantizer is quite limited... another way is to externally quantize both sequencers... which is what I do with my sequencers...

the rack seems very light on utilities.. you might want to take a look at my signature and spend some time thinking about what it says

Hi all,

I'm re-evaluating my rack. Moskwa, Shifty and Marbles would be the new additions. I'm looking to create rythmic ambient patches and this is what I came up with today. The FX AID at the end will add REVERB washes and MAGNETO will be in PITCH mode.
I really like the playabillity of Moskwa and Marbles. I understood that both have selectable scales wich makes for a lot of flexibillity!
Have a look and share your thoughts :)

Thanks @JimHowell1970 and @Sythic
Transpose would be added value indeed :)
I believe a chalkboard would be an option.

1 post your 6u rack
2 state what type of music you are intending to make
3 what the purpose of the rack is - ie what you hope to achieve with it
4 how you are going to integrate it into other gear you might have: how you'll play it - sequencer, keyboard, DAW; how you'll listen to it - external mixer, audio interface; what other gear you have to use with or alongside the rack

the answers to all these will help us help you!

-- JimHowell1970
Yeah this definitely makes sense my bad, I'll do that now! I'll listen with an interface I have and play it with a keyboard or DAW. I want to make fast paced, textured, sound collage type music. I love lilien rosarians work thats the most obvious comparison I can think of. I don't really intend to make music to release its more self expression and experimenting that I want to do. Hopefully thats not too confusing and is enough info. This is the 6u

it might be a good idea to

1 post your 6u rack
2 state what type of music you are intending to make
3 what the purpose of the rack is - ie what you hope to achieve with it
4 how you are going to integrate it into other gear you might have: how you'll play it - sequencer, keyboard, DAW; how you'll listen to it - external mixer, audio interface; what other gear you have to use with or alongside the rack

the answers to all these will help us help you!

Hi everyone, I've planned out a larger 6u 84hp case, but it will take a while to complete as I'll be making the case myself, and it's obviously going to be expensive. In the meantime I'm planning to construct a smaller 3u 60hp case out of some plywood which will be less time consuming and will serve as a good introduction for me. Lettting me familiarize myself with a few modules before I end up with an overwhelming amount I'm not practiced with. I am wanting very textured sample based sounds, this is what I've planned so far, looking for any advice. The AI001 multiple and sloth chaos are unchangeable (unless you know of a more useful 4hp DIY I can replace the chaos with, or I can get my hands on a Radio Music). Anything else is fair game and I'm very open to criticism.

Buchla Easel + Eurorack cover of Terry Riley's "In the Summer” (1974). Experimenting with the sequencer and envelope slowly shifting in and out of phase with each other. Detailed patch notes in the video.

Thanks so much for this feedback! Going to take the time today to rearrange the modules. You're probably right. Might not even need the DUAL ADSR. At least, not at the moment. And good shout on the Mantis case!

NP

Also yes, you discovered my issue when pasting the link. My rack didn't populate properly. Not sure why!

-- mattheo

I think you have to do a refresh... but I'm not 100% on that

& the link because... well, jpgs are useless...

the thumbnail doesn't match the rack though!!!

pip slope & adsr: depends if you use both of them or not - I'd try taking the adsr out & see if it makes a difference to your patching... why the adsr & not the pip slope - it's quite big and will free up more space... if you decide you do need an adsr - there are smaller ones...

filters: get the one(s) you like the sound of best...

layout: I'd probably move maths (& the adsr if you decide to keep it) down and the filter & veils up - order depends on if you usually go vco->filter->vca or vco->vca->filter... I'd probably try to move the midi module up (to the left of pams)

suggestions: more modulation (batumi or another similar sized quad lfo), attenuators, switches, a matrix mixer, a multi-fx module (I like fx aid pro)... but by the time you add those you'll need a bigger rack (get a mantis!)

-- JimHowell1970

Thanks so much for this feedback! Going to take the time today to rearrange the modules. You're probably right. Might not even need the DUAL ADSR. At least, not at the moment. And good shout on the Mantis case!

Also yes, you discovered my issue when pasting the link. My rack didn't populate properly. Not sure why!

I just listened to his "Why We Bleep" podcast episode and found it so fascinating. He did talk about using Mutable Instruments Yarns as part of his live setup to basically get signals from his live drummer and his modular systems instantaniously adapts to the change in tempo/swing. I read somewhere, however, it was perhaps mistated and it's actually a Mutable Instruments Peaks module.
-- mattheo

it's almost definitely yarns... it's a midi input - if the drummer is using a midi enabled kit...

peaks is a versatile module and could be used for this if the drummer was using triggers or contact mics or the like - but the signal may also need amplifying 1st

saying that I can't see either of those modules in the posted rack

& the link because... well, jpgs are useless...

the thumbnail doesn't match the rack though!!!

pip slope & adsr: depends if you use both of them or not - I'd try taking the adsr out & see if it makes a difference to your patching... why the adsr & not the pip slope - it's quite big and will free up more space... if you decide you do need an adsr - there are smaller ones...

filters: get the one(s) you like the sound of best...

layout: I'd probably move maths (& the adsr if you decide to keep it) down and the filter & veils up - order depends on if you usually go vco->filter->vca or vco->vca->filter... I'd probably try to move the midi module up (to the left of pams)

suggestions: more modulation (batumi or another similar sized quad lfo), attenuators, switches, a matrix mixer, a multi-fx module (I like fx aid pro)... but by the time you add those you'll need a bigger rack (get a mantis!)

EDITED Oct 25th 2023, 23:58

Hi everyone,

Hope you are doing well and are happy modulating and creating sounds. I just released my new video on my youtube channel Raaf Modular. I would love for you to watch and listen to it. If you like what you hear and see please concider to leave a comment there, like and subscribe. It helps me to build up my channel. Thank you so much and have a great day/night!

Raaf

I just listened to his "Why We Bleep" podcast episode and found it so fascinating. He did talk about using Mutable Instruments Yarns as part of his live setup to basically get signals from his live drummer and his modular systems instantaniously adapts to the change in tempo/swing. I read somewhere, however, it was perhaps mistated and it's actually a Mutable Instruments Peaks module.

Thanks for posting this! What's everyone's opinion of Intellijel's Outs by the way?

Hey all,

First time posting, but have been slowly learning and building my rack over the past 2 years. My style of music is very melodic breakbeat type of stuff. My goal is to build a rack to help compliment this style of music, so things like FM drums, weird percussive and melodic fx, basically things difficult to achieve using MIDI and some basic hard synths. I use an E-RM MIDI clock to sync all my gear hence the Erica MIDI-CV module.

Here is my current setup using Arturia's RackBrute 6U. Not shown is also my Make Noise 0-coast.

I have several questions for you all that I can't seem to find the answers for online:
- Does it make sense for me to have PipSlope AND Dual ADSR?
- I'm not totally sold on my Filter module. Any suggestions on something more playable for filters?
- Does the layout make sense to you? I find myself moving things around a ton b/c the workflow just doesn't make sense to me sometimes.
- Any other module suggestions would be great! The goal is eventually to have this part of my live setup for additional percussive/melodic elements.

Thanks!

I'm going through a Tangerine Dream "Rubycon" phase again.

-- farkas

Trying to get back on great classic tracks is a good thing. Especially an album like 'Rubycon', almost 50 years old (time flies); and with your AJH Synth modules conducted by the 960, I guess... it shouldn't be unpleasant.

Personally, I'm re-exploring another planet, Altair IV, inhabited by the Krell people 2,000 centuries ago. In support, the 1956 film and a few manuscripts found by Todd Barton... :))

Sequencer > square vco > filter > vca > fx1 > mixer? No...

-- Sweelinck

I feel attacked. This is all I've been doing for the last week. I'm going through a Tangerine Dream "Rubycon" phase again. Haha

My first series of modules was piously positioned according to common logic.
Then, with the newcomers, we worked it out as best we could... we pushed each other, we made room ;)

For me, order is of little importance, since potentially any chain should be possible (except out > out!). This also avoids automatically reproducing the same eternal chaining.

Only common sense counts! Eg. If you're right-handed, a module like Tetrapad will be easier to handle placed to the right of your setup. And vice versa if you're left-handed.

Use long cables (three quarters of my cables are 1 meter long). This makes repositioning easier as you work.
Sequencer > square vco > filter > vca > fx1 > mixer? No...
Lfo > random > sine vco > folder > vca > fx2 > mixer? No, no...
Lfo > random > square vco > filter > folder > vca > fx2 > mixer... Et voilà!

This is exactly the chorus it promises to be! It's like a sugar cube - you don't get much say, but it doesn't matter because it's so perfectly sweet :)

Questions: Do you really have an extra empty row? I'm jealous. Also, any thought as to what type of music/sounds you want to get out of this rig? You have quite a nice collection of modules here; without too much tweaking you could turn this into a pretty beastly instrument, depending on what you're goign for.
-- HGsynth

I do, this is in two TipTop Mantis cases. This was built originally for my wife to create ethereal beds for her job as a music producer for a online game, running her guitar and/or keyboard through it. She ended up going software route instead.

I have no real solid direction of what I want to do with it outside of learning what it can do and going from there. I'm assuming it can do ambient fairly well, but I'm open to any suggestions. And no need to be jealous, the open row means I'm probably dropping another ~$2k on this over the next year. :)

I appreciate the advice on workflow from both you and @bopodoq

EDITED Oct 23rd 2023, 23:41

Thanks for the replies, everybody. Lots of information I have to get sorted, but I get the more vca’s and mixers tip.

Rgds.

MD does have some quantization options if you press the knob down and tune each step, however there is no scale selection, its just chromatic: https://noiseengineering.us/blogs/loquelic-literitas-the-blog/does-mimetic-digitalis-need-quantizer

but it sounds more like you want a sequencer that had a transpose by CV option? some of the ornaments and crime apps offer this (just as an example, there are many options out there)
-- Sythic

that's good - I didn't see that in the description... personally I like to be able to tell what I'm transposing by... not that it's important unless you are playing with others (or other instruments)... I also like to be able to transpose individual sequencer channels - so a sequencer that transposes isn't necessarily that useful - especially if it's multi-channel - personally I use a sinfonion - which can do transposition to the correct root and scale - based upon the currently selected chord (which itself can be sequenced)

& the link again!!!

why the original pams & not the new or pro version... either of these & you can dispense with scales!

EDITED Oct 23rd 2023, 11:25

This is my newest iteration of my small techno rack. Again, I am aiming to add this to my Syntakt and maybe one more external synth. So it is a real focused system. I want to use the BIA for kick/Bassline stuff. Not sure about the dixie though. Would I be even able to use it as a second voice with this rack? Otherwise I would rather put a dedicated lfo. Currently I plan to use the pnw as lfo and clock.

Since I am new to modular, I want to make sure I can get the most out of it and learn each module really well. Which of these modules would I absolutely need to get some best going? So that u don't have to buy these all at once. So far I have only the BIA since I found it used and took the shot.

Version 3

MD does have some quantization options if you press the knob down and tune each step, however there is no scale selection, its just chromatic: https://noiseengineering.us/blogs/loquelic-literitas-the-blog/does-mimetic-digitalis-need-quantizer

but it sounds more like you want a sequencer that had a transpose by CV option? some of the ornaments and crime apps offer this (just as an example, there are many options out there)

I think it kind of depends on the style of case you have, and whether you care about color matching your panels or not. However, I generally agree with what @bopodoq says. I tend to visualize the signal path as going bottom left > top left > top right > bottom right.

Clocks and sequence / pattern creaters, etc create the signals on the bottom and send them up to be modulated, quantized, and played with. The VCOs are top left and send their lovely cacophonies right and then down towards to filters, fx, and audio manipulators. Finally the bottom right has some utilities and the in/outs.

I also like to consider how much I will be playing a particular module, and how many cables are going to be going in and out of it. I keep the modules that are more manipulatable around the outside of the case, to make them easier to play, while the set and forget ones can sit happily on the inside, buried in the spagehetti. Maybe it's just me, but reaching into the heart of a patch to delicately wiggle small knobs is not the most fun part of the modular experience.

Questions: Do you really have an extra empty row? I'm jealous. Also, any thought as to what type of music/sounds you want to get out of this rig? You have quite a nice collection of modules here; without too much tweaking you could turn this into a pretty beastly instrument, depending on what you're goign for.

EDITED Oct 23rd 2023, 04:13

hi Tunegirl,

I have been following you for a year or so. I truly enjoy your music and find inspiring.

Lately, I have been trying to understand how you use your system to help me to shape mine.

Seems like you have five voices and five filters. I also designed mine to have enough filter for each voice. I saw you play the drums wirh your RD-9.

I also see you use 2x pice seq. I am curious if you program them or if you use the random feature when you play live.

I also see you have Pulsar and Knight's Gallop. Assuming Pulsar is for fills and rolls, I wonder the role of Knight's Gallop. My intiution says that is for triggering SY0.5 assuming it is used for sub bass.

Finally, I am curious what do you sequence with Metropolis. Based on my previous assumptions, Plaits and Rings are the only two voices left. If one or the other, Metropolis has only one track. I wonder do you then use the same sequence for both?

I hope you wouldn't mind me asking and I can completely understand if you don't want to answer and explain how you patch your system.

In both case I am grateful you shared your system publicly and hoping to catch your live set one day...

best wishes,
sin

The way I organize things for workflow:
Audio moves left to right, and then eventually cascade top-down through/down to effects.
Sound sources/ oscillators --> filters --> vcas.
I also do tend to arrange adjacent horizontal rows as 'voices'.
Bottom row would be clock sources and sequencers (things that require hands-on input and adjustment). Modulation sources (Maths etc.) would be in the bottom two rows. I like Pam's in the bottom left corner.
Effects (Starlab etc) to the right, mostly bottom right. In my cases, clock enters bottom left, sound exits bottom right.
The reason I arrange things this way is so I can visualize the signal flow a little better. It also tends to shorten some of the patch cable lengths. Just the way I do it...

I've recently decided to dust off the eurorack I built for my wife at her request. LSS, she didn't use it and I've taken it back over. I know very little about Eurorack and at this point I have no real direction outside of learning exactly what kind of sounds I can make from this. I've been focusing on the marbles/rings combo with haing a rudimentary understanding of PNW.

Any guidance on what to learn first and suggestions of arranging the case to be more user friendly would be appreciated.

![]

EDITED Oct 22nd 2023, 21:45

Hi @JimHowell1970
Thanks for your input.
What exactly do you mean by "the precision adding in links is superfluous"?
Not precise at all?
-- Loersatz

links is a precision adder... so good for adding 2 quantized signals together and getting a 'quantized' output ie c1 + c1 = c2

MD output is not quantized... so if you add this to a quantized signal the output is not quantized anymore... so using a precision adder to sum the 2 signals is unnecessary - any old mixer will do the same job - output a non-quantized signal...

if you want to stay in 12tet (or whatever scale) then you need to quantize either the MD output (before adding - so 2 quantized values are precision added to another quantized signal ie c1 + c1 = c2) or the links output has to be quantized (to get c1 + unquantized signal = unquantized signal -> quantizer = quantized signal)

another option is a cheap outboard mixer - I've used an old inexpensive yamaha MG10 for this for years - works great... no output module, the mixer handles modular levels well...
-- JimHowell1970

I will check this out, as always interested in other peoples set ups- thank you.

hard to go wrong with the Knob Farm Ooots.
-- clwilla

Yes, thanks for pointing this one out. I had a look at this as it's a great looking module but managed to scoop up a pre owned module now.

Hi @JimHowell1970
Thanks for your input.
What exactly do you mean by "the precision adding in links is superfluous"?
Not precise at all?

another option is a cheap outboard mixer - I've used an old inexpensive yamaha MG10 for this for years - works great... no output module, the mixer handles modular levels well...
-- JimHowell1970

I've got a Yamaha MG8/2FX and I used to do the same, plenty of well-priced mixers on eBay too.

some concerns...

you have an expander module for a module you don't have... the alyseum hold

you have an expensive, discontinued (and almost uniobtanium) joystick which is way over specced for audio (it's avideo module - much higher specs than audio)

I'd want more vcas and mixers (probably combined into a quad cascading vca) - and more modulation...

I'd drop one of the 1u rows for an extra 3u row.... and add a simple matrix mixer...

another option is a cheap outboard mixer - I've used an old inexpensive yamaha MG10 for this for years - works great... no output module, the mixer handles modular levels well...