All Posts

Basically, I have three 3U 84HP "monosynths" (one based on a GTO/QPAS combo, one based on Tiptop Buchla modules, and one expanded Mavis) and then a home base rack with a Nerdseq, Sweet Sixteen, BearModules matrix mixer, Doepfer Octal Linear VCA, and some other things I wanted to try or plan to try but not necessarily take on the go with me. I like being able to take the "monosynths" to play with musicians in band settings while still easily being able to use them in tandem as a larger, more vaguely defined system at home.

EDITED Today, 17:31

Matrix mixer is definitely a good one - if you don't mind investing in some right angle cables, the NLC Clump also has VCAs built in to make things extra-interesting. Spring reverb (like from Befaco or Music Thing) would also be a good call. Speaking of Befaco, a Rampage wouldn't be a bad idea. It's kind of like their riff on the Serge slope generator, and it'd probably be a big help in here.

I always liked the idea of the Black Noise Cosmos, but that's a bit niche. It's worth a look, though.

Hello folks. Looking for some advice on modules that might make sense to add here (available in kit form). I am interested in ambient and generative music. Maybe a matrix mixer? More voices? Thanks!

Love this question, and it's something I've pondered a lot, as well.

After a few years of doing this, I have collected several racks worth of modules (my racks are public, "A. Setup Winter 24" is the current configuration, and "A. Unexpected Bounty" is where I plan to go with it). I've tried a number of different ways of interacting with the system, but I've learned that my mental workflow is most efficient when I group modules by function. I also go left to right and top to bottom, for the most part, but I've started to think more carefully about ergonomics and playability, and because of that, I've started move modules out slightly differently and add spaces between them for bettwe access. I've also had to adjust for the realities of multiple racks in a small room and long patchcords to connect them.

For my planned final case (A. Unexpected Bounty...), in my topleft case I'll have clocking modules, then my randomness generators, lfos, sample+hold, and envelope generators and generally my cv creators/manipulators. Top middle cases are voices and filters and drums. Top right are predominantly effects. Bottom racks are reserved for modules that are more playable and interactable. Bottom left is CV mixing, blending, futzing, and quantizing. Bottom middle is predominantly playable modules and the final mixer. That's my general plan, which I then adapt based on logistics and space. Finally, I like to pepper specific utiltities about (a mult here, s+h there, some lfo's or random about), so that I have those accessable throughout the system.

For me my system is just as my mind, chaotic. I work with an erica megarack in my "studio" and a 2X80HP portable batery powered case for working outside (where I get most of my inspiration). Modules go in and out of the rack and the case and never have a permanent place in both of my cases. This way I invite my self to experiment, puzzle and avoid patching routines.
-- Niemandsland

I've heard other people say similar, but I think I'm too attention deficit to handle such chaos and be efficient. That said, I can easily see how it leads to deeper experimentation. On another note, I'd love to hear more about this battery powered rack. Did you DIY this?

For me my system is just as my mind, chaotic. I work with an erica megarack in my "studio" and a 2X80HP portable batery powered case for working outside (where I get most of my inspiration). Modules go in and out of the rack and the case and never have a permanent place in both of my cases. This way I invite my self to experiment, puzzle and avoid patching routines.

Patch notes in youtube link

*dpo: 무선택
-Freq 1(숨겨진,잔잔한 파형) & 2(직접적으로 드러나는 급격한파형) 조정하며, 주 파형조절!
-lin & expo, fmbus, follow 혼합 세부조정...

*Transistor ladder filter
-freq: 낮은주파수 활용하여, 저음... 생성!!

I am selling my ALM Supercoupe system if you are interested ping me via message.

best product description ever :D

I have some fun pedals since i play guitar in a band. So yeah, I'll do that. I think i have my setup. Thank you a lot for your help:)

The SBG might be fun if you have a lot of pedals.
I have the mmMidi and Pamela's New Workout. Great modules. You should be able to set up some pretty cool sequences via Digitakt as your master MIDI device.

Adding the Tangle Quartet and removing SBG, HPO and Chalkboard, i have 4HP left. A second Pip Slope might be nice. Or keeping the SBG

Ah yes, got it. I didn't actually know that this is possible but if true that would be great. Thanks! :)

No, I'm just suggesting that you can switch octaves from the Digitakt.

Yeah i just looked something up and came to the same realization to keep the mmMidi. I can use either the Digitakt mixer or my Bastl Bestie Mixer. Did you mean Pam instead of Chalkboard? Because the latter has no sequencing capabilities. And still, removing Pam is also not really an Option. So even if i remove HPO and SBG I still miss 2Hp...

I would probably keep the mmMidi and sequence from the Digitakt. That would probably eliminate the need for the Beast's Chalkboard since Digitakt has good MIDI sequencing capabilities. Do you need the HPO? If you got the Tangle Quartet, you could probably just attenuate the signal from there on the way into the Digitakt or whatever you are using as a mixer.

That is a good idea. I can remove the SBG. Can i remove the midi and clock pam directly with an external clock? If no, i might need to rethink the purpose of the Chalkboard. I liked the idea to have an octaver sort of module in there.

Yeah, I feel like I would want the Tangle Quartet in there.

Yes, the Mum8 has a built in VCA. I am currently thinking if the output module is good enough and if I need some sort of mixer. If so, I have to ditch the SBG module which is for external effect pedals. Not too necessary

What will you be using as VCAs? Does the Mum M8 have a built in VCA?

After seeing this video of Monotrail Tech Talk, I've settled to a "function" organization.

Basically he divides systems in four main categories :
1) The MonoSynth
2) The Sonic Exploration Lab
3) The Performance System
4) The Dedicated Tool

It helped me a lot to think about my systems this way.

Within a case, I follow the signal flow from left to right, with sequencers in the middle.

Hey everyone,

I am currently planning on building a new ALM only 54HP synth to combine with my Digitakt and Digitone. Just wanted to know if you see any issues with my build or something I am missing/should replacing :) Just keep in mind I am not looking for a complete Eurorack setup with drums etc. Just want to have fun and sample/sequence this little ALM setup.

Before this I had a small build based on Noise Engineering Modules.

Thanks!

EDITED Yesterday, 14:26

I have adjusted and refined my setup many times over the past five years. I've bought, sold, re-bought, and rearranged countless modules and have finally (mostly) settled on what works for me. The general idea is aligned with the signal flow of a traditional fixed-architecture synth. After so much experimentation, I know how I usually use each module and I have arranged them to have the shortest cable runs possible. I like to constantly tweak knobs, so keeping cables as short and out of the way as possible is important for me. I try to have my signal flow going from left to right and top to bottom so I can avoid too many criss-crossing cables, which is visually important for me so I can remember where everything is going. I'm getting too old to remember how I've routed everything otherwise. Haha
Good luck and have fun!

Troubleshoot one thing at a time. First, check the jumper as has been suggested, with the power off. Next, remove every module from the bus ribbon cables, then remove the ribbon cables and inspect for damage. If one cable is pinched or shorting, then that will likely be the problem.

If the ribbon cables are OK, then plug back in and then plug ONE MODULE AT A TIME and power test each one. If there is a problem with a module, or the orienttion of the power cable for that module, you'll know straight away when it's plugged in. Test the Elements module last.

Just make sure that you've plugged in each cable correctly, with the -12V stripe on the correct side of the header. Sounds like maybe there's an issue with the power side of the Elements module. Also, keep in mind that a clone might not adhere to the -12v Doepfer standard, so be sure to check it carefully for proper orientation.

EDITED Sunday November 24, 21:25

I second the Squarp Hermod suggestion, and suggest looking at the Pyramid. It's not a rackable module, but it includes MIDI and some very interesting polyrhythm and Euclidian options. It's ridiculously powerful and I think one of the best sequencers on the market now. It has become the central hub for my system. I even use it to control the other sequencers in my rigs (I have a 24-step trigger controller, a Korg SQ-1 and a Qu-bit Bloom for randomness and polyrhythms), as well as five other hardware synths in the studio. It does it all without a single hiccup, a rather impressive feat. Have a look.

A workflow question to the forum: do you organize your racks by function or as an instrument? I used to organize my rack according to instrument workflow, for example left to right through a subtractive chain VCO to VCA. Because of the sheer number of modules I now have, and my experimenting with folding signals back and forwards and sideways, the linearity doesn't seem to matter as much.

I'm building a new studio and I will be putting things into dedicated racks instead of a bunch of mismatched cases—mobility isn't an issue. I am leaning toward lumping all the VCOs in one section, all the VCFs and another and then the utilities and such in a third and so on. I realize that this will depend on how many modules and/or cases one has (I have a lot), and the "whatever works for you, man" thing, but I'm interested in others' thoughts on workflow arrangements.

So, what do you do and why? Thanks and Happy Noodling!

EDITED Sunday November 24, 20:39

Yesterday one of my bandmates and I recorded this improv and thought it was good. What do you think of it? We used his minifreak to control the neuzeit warp and the metropolix does the arpeggios.

And here we go for a new session. This one again starts quite gently, but goes very badly into noise territory!

EDITED Sunday November 24, 19:55

Hey MoDuLard,

there will be no pre-order. I will add them to my webshop by the end of this week and other shops will also get them very soon. There will most probably be enough and surely in the first days.

could I use it as a stereo synth voice controlled by 1 CV Gate channel (modular).
Its oscillators, not really a voice (your would need to add your filter, envelopes... yourself.) You get a new tracktype dedicated for the dualchord and can control everything from it.

Can I use it with a midi channel? is it automatically on polyphonic mode? polyphony with CV Gate?? (1 note = 1 channel I suppose?)..Is it the purpose of the extra Gate ( In or out? not specified)
Yes you can fully control it through Midi in many ways. From one finger single osc/ multi-chord to poly 4 finger note etc The Gate is an output and can be used as an additional trigger/gate to be used for the envelope for example.

Last one, How to connect it and setup? Is it same as "More CV or trigger" and same way to assign it (in track assign: NSA#)??
Yes exactly like these.

I will have a live stream most probably by the end of the week to showcase the dualchord and all its features. There I can also live answer questions.

More info to come..

Hey there, Wonderfull news!!!
Is it possible to sign up for a pre order, black+grey alu design ... I can't wait to test it in my "Nerdseq eco system" 😉...
But I have questions too... could I use it as a stereo synth voice controlled by 1 CV Gate channel (modular).
Can I use it with a midi channel? is it automatically on polyphonic mode? polyphony with CV Gate?? (1 note = 1 channel I suppose?)..Is it the purpose of the extra Gate ( In or out? not specified)
Last one, How to connect it and setup? Is it same as "More CV or trigger" and same way to assign it (in track assign: NSA#)??
Thanks in advance for enlightening me😉👍
Best regards
G

Tiny changes over time are crucial to minimalist (and ambient) pieces. This video demonstrates how to create gradually evolving sequences with a sequencer and a “sample and hold” that are not perfectly synchronized (on the grid). Any sequencer and “sample and hold” will work. Detailed patch notes included in the video.

The one withing I wish the BSP had was a programable step sequencer like a 303 (Press a note it moves a step, press a rest it moves a step etc etc), so you literally program the steps rather than having to stab things in while its playing.

Yeah the OXI and the OXI pipe could be a shout. Someone somewhere else mentioned a Hermod + which looked good aswell. Need to get on youtube and watch some videos of people making these things look good.
Any suggestions on anything else for the rack??

ive got a Intellijel Bifold and A+B switches on the way.

A very interesting unit from Befaco, an effects unit that uses multiple swappable cartridges to give you many effects from one module. Comes with 7 carts, which is really cool.

A big build, three circuit boards, tons of components. And one connector, the cart connector, which will challenge your soldering abilities!

Works just fine, and sounds good. Another good one from Befaco.
Build

I use it as a kitchen sink, but it´s not made for that.

In this video, I’m using three looping melodies and a baseline, each with a different length. In this way you can start with a simple melody and build it into something complex and beautiful. By using melodies of different lengths, they fall over each other in new ways. This creates fresh harmonies every time the loops start again. I’m using the Moog Mother-32, the Make Noise XPO and STO and Mi’s Rings for melodic lines, while Mi’s Plaits is creating deep and textured bass. Together, they form the core of the sound.To add more depth, I use the Quadrax envelope generator by Intellijel. It shapes the sound’s dynamics and builds up to a beautiful climax. Please enjoy the music!

Well done, sounds nice!

Nice to see you here. I'm the commenter JustTekkno on your YT channel. :-)
-- Christoph1972

Hey, small world isnt it?

Thanks very much.
Techno / Trance was at its peak in the 90's for me, though things were starting to get too minimal for me as in I do like a bit of Jeff Mills but I can't listen to it for a long time.
Need that acid squelsh!

This is a recording of a Techno session with my modular system. Kickdrums and one shots are played by Bitwigs clip lauchncher, mixed my Akai APC40 MK2. Top drums are played by TR-8S.

Flashed back to 1995, super cool, I like it!

Well done, sounds nice!

Nice to see you here. I'm the commenter JustTekkno on your YT channel. :-)

Hi,
Monotrail has this video

-- ferranadsr

thanks

Agreed on the suggestion for OXI One. I have an OXI One + a Metropolix and that covers plenty of territory. The OXI One is great for drum programming and chord progressions, while Metropolix / the in-rack sequencer is more for hands-on evolving bassline and melody exploration. They are good complements. The OXI One is very flexible if you need to interface with multiple pieces of hardware.

An Expert Sleepers FH-2 and its expanders are very useful with the OXI One if you are sequencing a lot of voices (and I'd say 6-8 voices is a lot for modular). The OXI One can output a lot more CV than there are physical jacks on the hardware, so you can use a MIDI-to-CV converter with lots of CV outputs to extract as much CV as possible. With an FH-2 and expanders, the possibilties seem endless.

With this kind of setup, I can sequence 8+ drum sounds, 3- or 4- part harmony / chord progressions, a bass line, a lead, a counter-lead, and possibly other stuff depending on what I am feeling. I can make whole song in one take, and I do sometimes, but my difficulties now revolved around coming up with good ideas, arranging, and transitioning between sections (all the stuff you need to do around sequencing to make a good song, which the sequencer itself doesn't really solve for you). Those are good problems to have instead of feeling held back by your hardware limitations.

Dionisi sounds online !
https://alfadelta.be/dionisi.html#sounds

Oxi One plus an Oxi Pipe to mount in case if OK with external unit vs all in case.

EDITED Wednesday November 20, 15:16

Cheers for the suggestions, Amount of steps would be between 8 - 16 but more than likely i can extend the length and notes with someway of patching it up. I cant say ive heard of either of them sequencers so will defo have a check.
My aim for the system is to have a complete system capable of everything, Lead, Bass transition FX etc. ill have a DFAM and a TR8s tackling the drums externally.
I feel i just need a few utility modules and maybe another few bits to fill the spaces.

thanks again

@ferranadsr I had a similar thought about Clouds and definitely agree that's where it naturally tends toward, but the Spectral Madness mode can get some pretty gnarly sounds so I thought, "Why not keep it in?" haha, but definitely agree the Versio modules are a bit better suited for industrialness.

@BenjaminPoirier The output of the modules will be substantially higher than the line level outputs on the Behringers, but I have a little Mackie mixer that I've used with my modular many times, and as long as you have enough headroom on the gain knob it should work fine. I'd still recommend a submixing VCA within the rack so you can experiment with mixing things pre and post effects with voltage control over levels, but even just adding the matrix mixer would give you a lot of flexibility minus the voltage control. Unless you want to go crazy and get something like the NonlinearCircuits Clump or the 4ms VCA Matrix!

Thanks for all the detail @Progspiration, about the mixing I have a good old mackie 1202 VLZ3 which then goes into my audio interface, is it a problem to plug some modular out in it?

EDITED Wednesday November 20, 13:55

Hi,
IMO Clouds is perhaps not the most suitable module for "industrial" sounds. I associate it more with "ambient" sounds.
Perhaps the NE Electus Versio reverb is better, more aggressive?.
As @Progspiration rightly says, Matrix Mixer is good for feedback

Howdy!

Generally speaking I'd say the Proton and Neutron already have power, and with the cost of power and rails it's more economical to keep them separate. One thing you could do is to get rack ears for the Proton and Neutron and get something like the Tip Too Happy Endings kit (or 2) so all of it could fit in a 9u (or 12u) standard 19" rack.

As for specific modules, Clouds is a classic and Data Bender should work splendidly for industrial effects. Chaos or another Marbles clone from a smaller builder gives a lot of modulation possibilities. Piston Honda is also great for industrial sounds, but do you have a plan for mixing it with the semi modular outputs? I would recommend a quad cascading VCA (like a Veils clone) for that. Personal preference, but I would also recommend an extra filter to tame it : )

As for feedback patching, a matrix mixer is a no-brainer. You could also use the matrix mixer to mix smooth random from Chaos with LFOs or envelopes from the semi modulars to create multiple complex mod sources. Maybe the Doepfer or AI Synthesis matrix for audio and something like the Tip Top Miso for CV (although any of these can handle audio or CV)

Overall, modular sound sources and effects are fun, but really shine when you have the utility modules to support them. Mixers, attenuators, vcas and the like are your best friends.

Cheers!