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Lessee here...as far as the VCF question, the difference is in the circuits. The Polaris is definitely the more complex filter circuit, with the ability to do many sorts of multi-response types, has an OD control, can be configured as a phaser, etc. But you do lose the 2-in mixer. The G-Storm one, though, that's a very old filter circuit, replicating the "pre-lawsuit" ARP 4012 lowpass that was in the original versions of the ARP 2600. Very iconic sound, for one thing...that classic ARP filter pops up all over the place, and I know you've heard it on a lot of tracks from the 1970s. You do make a good point though, particularly if you're still considering the Optomix in the build, since that also has a lowpass VCF in its filter section.

But the Optomix isn't really a 1:1 substitute for a pair of VCAs. True, it does have a VCA in there, tandemmed with the VCF, but the Optomix is very much designed for audio. Technically, yes, it can pass DC, which makes it usable for CVs and modulation signal control, but that's sort of a waste of what it's really designed to do. The better thing to use for CV/modulation level control is always going to be a proper DC-coupled linear VCA, hence the need for the Quad VCA, which also allows you to sum CV/mod signals via its mixing capabilities. In fact, you can use the Quad VCA to mix two sources of audio and CV/mod signals at the same time, by taking one output off of OUT 2 and the other off of 4 MIX, and you can alter the VCA response along a continuum between linear (which you'd want to use for CVs and mods) and exponential (better for audio).

But wait, there's more! The Optomix (rev. 2016 and fwd) has the ability to process a sidechain signal to allow some rudimentary compression to the audio signal. And that's something the Quad VCA can't do. In the end, yeah, both are preferable, and the use of the Optomix for your final subtractive VCF(s) would enable the use of the Polaris with some more complexity, such as LPGing separate Polaris outputs differently to create a rapid timbral "morph" by feeding the outputs to two different LPGs, then using differing envelope curves to "strike" the LPGs.

Zadar...yep, good idea there, long as you don't object to a little menu-diving. That would give you four envelopes that can be more complex than just the two (or three) stage Quadra ones, plus you wouldn't need an expander for looping and/or chaining envelopes, which the Quadra requires for that sort of voodoo.

Yeah, I was hoping the Mordax Data could fit, but it’s 40 mm with plug.

I wish they had made those pods just a smidge deeper.

EDITED Feb 26th 2019, 22:48

I have all but about half the Erica Drums and the 4ms, which are en route. I’ve stopped looking too closely at the sum cost Modulargrid tallies up.
I also need to stop thinking about what else to add. But contemplated how cool it would be to add a simple OSC and another MSCL just for some pumping sub bass with the kick as SC in.

So, right now I’m looking at this as the current “final” setup:

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_858995.jpg

This also exhausts the physical space I have. So, there’s that.
I might just run the three sub-mixers separately into a Unit Audio Micro Unit ASM and then from there into a processing chain of ART TPS-II Tube pre-Amp and VLA-II Vactrol Compressor into an Analog Heat, which always does wonders to the sound. Multiple line out modules might be interesting as well for tracking.

It started with: oh, let’s just add a few unique FX modules... well, that escalated quickly.

EDITED Feb 26th 2019, 22:45

Hey, thanks a lot for your suggestions Lugia.

I've been doing some research on these modules as I didn't know them all. I think getting a pair Plaits is a great idea, and the chronoblob2 is also a fantastic suggestion.

Having the delay and reverb in two separete modules makes complete sense, however, I'm not totally sold on the Purrvrrb because it doesn't have any cv and I'd have to tweak it manually. Maybe I don't need the cv as much as I think I do, but I guess I'll make some more research for the reverb module.

The filters you suggested are pretty cool too. I like the G-Storm's one a lot, but wouldn't an Intellijel Polaris make more sense? It would save 2 hp and provide more filter types. Not sure if the Tonus just sounds better or if the mixer makes it worth the extra 2 hp.

I find the Optomix quite interesintg, isn't it like an VCA + VCF? if so, would I still need the Quad VCA at this point? having a couple of Plaits and being able to use the Optomix as an VCA may be enough, or how would I use the Quad VCA in this system?

I'm also considering replacing the Quadra with a XAOC Devices Zadar, there's not a lot of difference on the price and the Zadar seems able to provide many more shapes.

Complete noob as you see, but really appreciate the help and all the knowledge I'm getting here!

Hey
Not modular question
What do you use to record the sound of your cello ?
Adrien

Yep! No good for 4ms Pods (original depth).
MMG, Maths, no Problemo.

The FH1 can serve as an expander to the FH2. The FH2 also has dedicated expansion modules for gates/triggers and CV. If you're integrating with a DAW, that would be the way to go.

A logic module or two might be nice. Joranalogue's Compare Two might be considerable.

The Z4000 is good. I would also recommend a couple of linear envelope generators like the Intellijel Dual ADSR. Stages is good to have but after VCAs, you can never have enough envelope generators.

This is going to be one expensive case. Is this an end-goal or are you going to buy all of it in one go?

Definitely consider a PICO MScale for this to translate incoming/outgoing CVs for the M32. That'll open things up for making ample use of the negative CVs the Moog stuff uses. Also, instead of the Beast's Chalkboard, maybe using an ALM OA/X/2 would be better? Granted, the signalflow isn't the same, but it does give you swept CV offsets instead of fixed values, plus you can also use it as a proper inverter, and you save a little $$ and 2 hp in the process.

One other idea: if you've not gotten the case for this yet, have a look at Pulplogic's Lunchbox series. This would allow you at add either one or two conventional-size rows (depending on which size case) of 1U tiles, which are pretty great as utility devices such as what this cab's intended for. That way, you can jam even more interconnection utility into a space not much bigger than your build above. Plus, they're powered right off the shelf.

No prob...module UI aesthetics definitely are a stumbling block for a lot of people, myself included. I generally prefer things that are ultra-simple as far as panel markings go and find the efforts by some manufacturers to snazz up the panel design to be kind of intrusive. Others like something that has that sort of marking, shooting for something more cyberpunk-ish. Still others demand their panels all be the same color, for uniformity (especially the MU crowd). So, yeah...I can see how the Ladik stuff might be a visual turn-off, as it really is simplistic and minimal-looking. But then, looking over at my Digisound 80, it's got that same sort of no-frills look, too, so even I fall into that "needs to look like X"-type of conundrum.

Wouldn’t a mixer be useful? In the theme of it, the Pico A-mix? I suppose an all Pico box sorta looks cool, but they still run right around 1/2 the cost of a full size module. So, something like the Stereo mixer and the Dual FX would give you some options.

@Lugia I looked at the LDB series and, while that may sound misguided to some, I just can’t abide by those hideous designs. Personally, I find that the visual and haptic experience of interacting with a modular system is a significant component of the fun. Those modules look like they suck (even if they don’t).
I opted for Hexinverter Mutant Rimshot instead. Looks great, sounds even better.
I looked at Ladik and boy do they look ugly as well. Also, not quite the functionality I was hoping for. I guess, if I find I may need more envelopes, I might stick with another Malekko Quad and add a Mini Slew or go for something really orthogonal such as a 1010 Toolbox or a Falistri. I prefer variety in general.

Work in Progress. Using it for tying all my semi-modular/modular together: Behringer Neutron, Moog Mother-32, Arturia MicroBrute (x3), Korg Volca Sample/FM/Kick, Roland Torcido/Bit Razr/Demora, 5 Panels of Frac modular - Blacet/Metalbox/Wiard

Looking to add Ladik M-217 to control the Korg Volca Sample.

Fixed!

Dusted off the old cello and accompanied this gritty modular piece.

What happened to the DFAM module graphic? It looks like a photograph of someone's desk with a DFAM was substituted for the actual DFAM graphic.
-- WhateverEd

If you see problems like that try out the Panel Selector feature:

• Activate the Panel Selector button in the rack view.
• Small arrow icons will hover over the modules in the rack.
• Click on the arrows will change through the different panel graphics users have uploaded.

The entire FORUMS.

When sorting by the latest post, the results aren't so. I'm expecting to see the thread with the newest post at the top, followed by the second newest, third, etc. It seems almost random. Is it being sorted by the latest VIEWED rather than posted? It should be fixed right away as new forum messages and replies are getting buried by older posts.
-- Ronin1973

i hopefully have fixed it and it should work now as expected.
The other sort options where buggy too, so I have removed them for now. In exchange we now have a rudimentary view count.

Sorry it took me so long...

Option to follow rack/user would be cool

I have deleted the Spammer. No it looks like @Lugia is calling @robbeattie an annoying spambot which of course he did not.

The removal of white background is only applied to JPG.
Uploading a PNG circumvents the image processing.

Thanks, Lugia. Helpful as always!

Stages is nice, but you get a maximum of two ADR envelopes. I just got a Zadar and it is a really neat one, albeit I’d still give a slight edge to the Malekko Heavy Industry Quad Envelope as there is no menu diving at all. There isn’t much in the Zadar either and the are rather similar in functionality, so both would be great.

Regarding the mutable instruments modules: many of them are available as micro versions that can save tremendously in HP.
Michigan Synth Works makes some nice ones, such as an 8HP version of Plaits, Forms. Antumbra makes beautiful DIY kits, such as Cara (a 10 HP version of Marbles). They are offered fully built on eBay. Mistergoop does some really fine work.
Here are a uO_C from Michigan Synth left and the Cara in action:
https://i.postimg.cc/5tCyrwyp/15-CAD18-F-9-F0-B-4-E01-A635-2-B8252-C5-C2-DC.jpg

These micro versions are great space savers, albeit the ergonomics of some of them may not work well in a performance setting where you plan to constantly tweak such a module. Especially the use of trim pots can make them less well suited for that task. I don’t see it as much of an issue for Plaits or Forms.

hello

i am josh rogers
i am new here
just created my account

[url="https://www.volansoft.com"] software development company in jaipur[/url]

Here is a small update of the idea going on:

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_854204.jpg

Happy to listen to more opinions! Thank you

EDITED Feb 25th 2019, 02:39

That Delptronics has you covered...it's got a rim and woodblock, and both have CVable pitch via the LDB-2x. As for DAHDSR, jump over to Ladik's EGs, as they have a number of extended ADSRs there, all cheap, all 4 hp. You could configure something a bit more bespoke with those.

How to keep modulation patches straight? Hmm...well, colored patchcables might be a way, but I sort of rely on the certainty that there's going to be some of Eno's "happy accidents" from time to time. This way, there's always a potential for humanizing error to creep into the process. But that's just me...anyway, you eventually get to a point where all of the patching and crosswiring becomes second nature. You'll know that's happene when, at some point, you'll notice you're simply moving around with the cables and your hands drift to the knobs on instinct. That way, not only do you know you've got the instrument in your head, you'll also know that you've got the configuration right for how you work.

Well, it so happens that I do have a vintage 606 around, but will check out the other modules. Always good to have more than one bass drum. Any rimshot/clave you can recommend?

The one thing I was pondering was the Envelope to VCA ratio, given that there ought to be some more envelopes to go around for pitch and filters. So, I think this could benefit from another quad envelope generator. Ideally one with DAHDSR six stage (could do with AHDSR and a slew, I suppose).

Regarding workflow, I totally get that. Hence, I swapped all screws for Befaco Knurlies for easy rearrangement. One of the key criteria was to have the 7U case to be self contained.
So far, I find the patching to work out fine, but I keep changing up things.

I know I could use a few auxiliary modules, buffered multiples and CV modulated attenuverters in particular. I often find myself in need of sending a single gate out to three destinations using Rene.

One question... how do y’all keep the modulations straight? Especially for the effects parameters. There’s so much mind numbing flexibility that I often can’t form a mental picture of the sound scape and it’s just a patch&tweak with trial and error.

Plaits...yep. Two, if at all possible, plus maybe add some more very basic VCOs so that you can do a little detuning and fatten up the sound of those. Zadar...also very cool, plus Mutable's Stages can be used as a multisegment EG as well as a lot of other things. Consider swapping the Doepfer switched mult for this: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/ph-multiple-dual-channel-br ...having the LED indicators to show which routings are active for each switch is a huge plus. I'd drop the Function unless you already have it in hand, as it sort of replicates half of a Maths, which you have in there. One thing you might want to look at would be some Boolean logic; with the multiple pulses coming off of the Pam's, you can make use of such things as AND and XOR gates to scramble up further rhythmic complexity.

Hmm...also, some small CV mixer/attenuator like an Intellijel TriATT might come in handy in here for scaling/inverting modulation signals. And for a bang-for-your-buck multimode, nothing gets too much better than Tiptop's Forbidden Planet, a redux of the classic and pretty wild Steiner Synthacon VCF. It's small and cheap...and definitely effective. At 8 hp/$120, two would even be doable, and would give you a killer dual VCF setup.

That's..um, yeah, kinda out of control, but in all the right ways. As for "glaring omissions", I don't see any, especially with the outboard complement you've listed. The big question I would have regards the physical setup, making sure the right module sets are in the right places so that you can get maximum functionality across the entire rig. That issue, though...you're going to have to figure that one out, and configure this for your own optimal workflow.

BTW, if you dig the 909 sounds, you know you're gonna need the other electro-ish Roland analog ones. Check Delptronics' LDB-2e and 2x to drop some TR-606/CR-78 tastiness in there with 'em.

Amazing, gonna check all that you mention. I appreciate your comments. Thank you!

Definitely add sound generators. Morphagene and Plaits are great! You might want to think about a multi-mode filter and some envelope generators that are 4 or 5 stage. XAOC Zadar is neat, while Malekko Quad Envelope has sliders for hands on tweaking. You might want to add some reverb module in addition to Magneto. Also compare Magneto to Intellijel Rainmaker.

I really think you see the Music as a GATE!!!
I’m a creative musician and I’m playing and enjoing my mini mini mini eurorack System using just 3 modules . And especially the mixer a 138.
So I can give you an advice: open your mind and leave your creativity go out from the GATE.

Bye bye

I was about to ask a similar question about my KB37. I'm not currently using the rightmost 15hp, but the only modules on my Tonestar&Plaits rack here-not already in place- which will fit are Maths and Plaits.

EDITED Feb 24th 2019, 09:19

Just wondering if this makes any sense, I already bought tides, marbles, pams workout, and veils. Thinking what to add next. It's intended for experimentation and using it also with my elektron keys. Thanks for all the advice :)

[IMG]http://i67.tinypic.com/22ffq9.png[/IMG]



So, I am new-ish to Eurorack, starting to put together a neat and flexible system. I knew this was going to get pretty out of control quickly, and you’ll see what I mean by that here:

Hold your horses, as I do have a good grasp of hardware (I think), and I’ve already gotten some great advice here.

Items I am contemplating: ADDAC intuitive quantizer, Intellijel Rainmaker and Jellysquasher, Erica Synth Drone System, pure analog VCOs, such as Erica Synth Black VCO w/ expander, WMD Performance Mixer w/ mutes, T-Wrex Bitcrusher, WMD Geiger Counter.

The style of music I make is mostly Techno, industrial or Berghain style (reverb and delay drenched), with heavy loads of TB-303 and downright old school acid (I’m set on 303’s though).

The one item I am one the fence about is another sequencer. I have all Elektron boxes, a Social Entropy Engine, an MPC live, a Deluge, and soon a Circlone. I’m fairly sure that with the Mutant Brain I am not wanting for another sequencer, but I have this thing about self consistent systems.

This modular is spread over four cases: a dual RackBrute 6U, an Intellijel 7U 104 HP, and an Erica Synth 86HP skiff for the drum modules (like a Techno System light - I LOVE the 909 sounds).

Any really glaring omissions?

I wasn’t going to go where Lugia went, but he’s spot on. You’ve got no viable setup. If you want to use your iPad for more than sequencing, you need at audio I/O module. ADDAC makes a decent one that’s specific to iOS. But, what set Lugia off was that you have a pretty random selection of stuff that really doesn’t add anything to what your iPad alone can do. So, the idea that you should sit down and ask yourself what you actually want to do, might be a better use of your time.
Do you have any hardware at all except this setup? If not, try playing around with VCV Rack on your computer (a free modular synth simulator) to get an idea of the key elements you need.
Tip: at a minimum you need... an oscillator, an envelope generator, a VCA, and maybe a filter. Using your iPad as a sequencer: you need some MIDI interface (iConnect MIDI 2+ and a Hexinverter Mutant Brain). I don’t see anything wrong per se dabbling around with modules directly, but that path is really, and I mean REALLY expensive.

Look...you asked "A 190-4; A 131; A 118; A 138 + sequencer app on my iPad. I’m trying to do something, but it doesn’t work... Probably I need more modules (I know that), but I would like know if it’s possible to get something with my current set."

And you got an answer. Sorry if you don't like the answer, but at least I'm going to step up and tell you the true answer to that question. I'm not going to tell you that you're off to an awesome start, because that would be a total lie, at least as far as your module choices are concerned. I'm also not lying when I note that your A-190-4 has nothing to talk to. You have a MIDI interface, an exponential VCA, a noise/random generator (as the only thing that makes sound here) and some sort of mixer (which I can't discern because that "138" needs a letter after it, and you didn't provide one). None of that can do much with CVs from the A-190-4, and about the only control you would have with that would be to use a gate signal (note on/note off messages) to open and close the VCA. And that isn't a synthesizer. It isn't even close to being a synthesizer. And you wanted to know if it's possible to get something with that module complement, and now you're all butthurt because someone stepped up and told you the plain truth about what you spent money on. Boo. Hoo. Would you rather I tell you that you're well on your way to being the next Deadmaus? You'll have a long wait for that to happen. Like, forever, if you keep following this sort of tangent of cobbling together random modules, asking what you can do with them, then getting all torquey when someone steps up with some actual facts.

Sure, you can make sounds with the iPad. That won't help with the modules you've listed, though, and your selections belie that you haven't "studied" much of anything about this. And you should note that I offered you some very good advice in that you need to get a much clearer understanding of analog synthesis architecture with some hands-on work with a real synth. Not some virtual thing on a tablet, but the actual device...which is a very different sort of creature than poking around at virtual controls that control emulations of circuits which, in the real world, don't necessarily behave like some goof-proof modelled thing in dataland. Again: go and get a patchable synthesizer, like a Moog Mother32 or an Arturia MiniBrute2 or even a Behringer Neutron and you will not only see exactly what I'm getting at here, you might wind up learning why and how you made some mistakes with those module choices and your expectations of their usability.

Lugia, you are so aggressive without reason. I can generate sounds with many ipad apps and DAW as Oscillators, drum machines, sequancers, synths and other. So I think to go into the A-190-4 and do something with my modules. I disagree with you ‘cause I studied and I know I can produce sounds with these stuff. I just would like to get some advice from this community ... not your screams.
I can live without them, thanks a lot!

Why, exactly, did you start with those? The only sound generator there is the A-118, and all it does is produce various colors of noise. You have nothing to sequence with the iPad + A-190-4, since nothing here responds to CVs or gates. You have no output module, either, so any output you'll have will be at synth levels, even if it's just noise.

Basically, you don't have a synth there. Put those away, and take some time and STUDY what a modular synth (or really, any synth) is supposed to have: generators, modulators, modifiers and controllers, in the broadest sense. Don't buy any more modules for the time being; instead, you need to get your hands on a patchable synth ASAP and see what's supposed to be present and WHY. After some time with that, THEN go back to obtaining modules and creating a build...because, right now, you're just wasting your money pursuing a direction that won't work.
-- Lugia

EDITED Feb 23rd 2019, 22:50

Lugia, you are so aggressive without reason. I can generate sounds with many ipad apps, as Oscillators, drum machines, sequancers, synths and other. So I think to go into the A-190-4 and do something with my modules. I disagree with you ‘cause I studied and I know I can produce sounds with these stuff. I just would like to get some advice from this community ... not your screams.
I can live without them, thanks a lot!

Looks fine to me. Try deleting the desk-like thing from your build and then putting the DFAM back in. If it still shows up wrong, refresh your window.

Why, exactly, did you start with those? The only sound generator there is the A-118, and all it does is produce various colors of noise. You have nothing to sequence with the iPad + A-190-4, since nothing here responds to CVs or gates. You have no output module, either, so any output you'll have will be at synth levels, even if it's just noise.

Basically, you don't have a synth there. Put those away, and take some time and STUDY what a modular synth (or really, any synth) is supposed to have: generators, modulators, modifiers and controllers, in the broadest sense. Don't buy any more modules for the time being; instead, you need to get your hands on a patchable synth ASAP and see what's supposed to be present and WHY. After some time with that, THEN go back to obtaining modules and creating a build...because, right now, you're just wasting your money pursuing a direction that won't work.

What happened to the DFAM module graphic? It looks like a photograph of someone's desk with a DFAM was substituted for the actual DFAM graphic.

Hi liquid_air... I would like start playing ... anything... :) ...
... mixer? I got it not for a reason... I think I need it to mix more audio signals, when I’ll have hundreds of modules... :)
So, if I can get any sound from my set at the moment, I will be happy. If not, I will wait and buy more modules before.

As far as compact sequencers go, Mimetic Digitalis is hard to beat. Not terribly well suited for per step on the fly adjustments, but it’s a four channel 16 step sequencer with X/Y CV modulation and sends gate + CV. You can save 16 patches. All in 10 HP.

The o_C has tedious menu diving, not unlike Pam’s. I still think it’s better used as an ASR. I like to send the Mimetic into a 2hp Arp and that signal into the o_C Copiermaschine and from there into the 1V/Oct of a oscillator with a split out from the Mimetic triggering an envelope into the trig of the oscillator. A nice variation is to send two 1V/Oct signals from the o_C into two oscillators of a dual oscillator module (DPO or PH mkIII). Add a slew to one of the 1V/Oct or use an LFO to modulate sync or detune.

EDITED Feb 23rd 2019, 16:20

Pretty. Plaits is such a nice sounding module.

Exactly what do you hope to do with this set of modules? In particular, what did you intend to do with the A138 mixer ?

Hi! I need your help.
I’m starting to use my first modules:
A 190-4; A 131; A 118; A 138 + sequencer app on my iPad. I’m trying to do something, but it doesn’t work... Probably I need more modules (I know that), but I would like know if it’s possible to get something with my current set.
Could anyone help me please?
Thanks,
Ax

I love techno too .,

Erica Synths :Drum Sequencer, Bass Drum, Hi-Hats D,Pico Drum , Black Hole 2, Dual FX, Mutable Instruments : Stages, Marbles , 2HP : Verb, Qu-Bit : Chances, Scanned, Noise Engineering : Loquelic Iteritas Percido, ACL : Dual State Variable VCF

hope you like it .
-- modularfreq

Sounds good! The movie is a bit dark so I cannot see clearly what is going on but since the sound is good that does not matter! keep on having fun!

Speaking about a mixer...

I'm thinking about using this mixer:

https://mastersounds.co.uk/collections/mixers/products/radius-4v

The master sound radius 4V, maybe not the mixer you would come up first with but from my perspective not a bad choice.
I need at least 3 channels (Digitakt, Modular and Sirin). It has a 3 band EQ on each channel which is very handy, each channel can be cued. It has an AUX send/return on all the 4 channels which can be pre/post fader. It is truly analog and rotary which I want to have since I started DJ-ing. Beautiful piece of gear!

I would also suggest at least one dedicated quantizer. The Disting can do it. But I would definitely NOT recommend the Disting in a live set-up unless you can set it up before your set begins.

-- Ronin1973

It seems that the Klavis twin waves can output it signal pitch quantized which deals with biggest part of my problem. And as you pointed out I can use the Disting's quantizer in case I need it.