Eurorack: discussion, advice, learning, questions (archive)

[kveye]

Well timbre is also result of a process. I think evolving (random) is easier in eurorack while controlled is more about software or other hardware.

[eblomquist]

In my experience, this is often the case, but I have found some amazing evolving random paths in M4L…

[mattlowery]

Question: Could I replace both Sisters and the Quad VCA with a QPAS?

[dubiousphil]

Insofar as you‘d get a vca and a filter, yes. However, you lose 3 vcas, their mixing capability as well as the self-oscillation of the 3 sisters. Basically, QPAS would be less modular as you have less access to the individual functions. It really depends on what your goal is, but for evolving timbres I would go with the sisters and the quad vca.

[kirklandish]

You would lose some flexibility. The VCA in the QPAS is pre-filter, while you could patch pre or post filter with the other arrangement. Sisters can self-resonate and track 1V/O, while the QPAS can not do either, so the Sisters could also serve as an oscillator. If stereo patching is worth it for you than I would consider QPAS, but you might be served better by the pair particularly in a smaller system.

I had a 3S in the past and currently have QPAS, both sound excellent IMHO.

[Autogeneric]

The quad vca you can also use to attenuate and mix; also you should use it to control CV as well as audio. So no, they are some way off being equivalent.

[mattlowery]

Copy that, thanks guys!

[hermbot]

The Quad VCA or Veils are going to the cornerstone of a system: mixing, VCAs, attenuation… they may not be glamorous but their utility is through the roof.

[Whatwetalkabout]

Have you considered modules like marbles, Pam’s, rings, just friends, tides 2? I’ll echo the sentiment that it seemed like you are moving towards and east coast eurorack synth, and since you are interested in generative and a small system, it seems like marbles could be a starting point to build around.

[kveye]

If I was going for deep, compact case I’d go with something like this. I’d use stages in Easter egg mode and just friends for modulation, or vice versa.

[xenus_dad]

‘Evolving timbre’: have you looked at wavetable oscillators? That’s kind of explicitly what they do.

Braids and Plaits both have wavetable modes, so you can try them out in VCVRack if you haven’t paid particular attention to them. They’re both also super-versatile in any system but especially useful early on as they have a lot of variety and don’t necessarily require a VCA/LPG or envelope generator to be ‘complete’.

(Not saying you wouldn’t be aware of Plaits just it does evolving and it’s quite a solo workhorse and has lots of non-brash timbres so a good contrast to your Berhinger.)

[mattlowery]

Yes indeedy! I started with Plaits before switching to STO. But, honestly, after all of this great advice, I’m planning a late night of VCV exploration after the kiddo goes to bed tonight. I think I‘ll be able to find a combo with the tools available there before spending real dollars.

[xenus_dad]

There’s also lots of great wavetable oscillators out there that aren’t Plaits and in your position, if you’ve been playing with VCV I could definitely see wanting to go a different direction, in order to experience something new.

Also none of us have the right answer, just opinions and personal experiences.

[robbbiecloset]

Hey this looks kinda familiar

I know there’s already been a lot of awesome feedback here and suggestions, but I did want to speak up as someone who loves the Pam’s -> Scales match up as a sequencing solution.

I didn’t like Marbles (too variable) or Ansible (not variable enough). With Pam you have a variety of shapes you can attenuate, phase differently, manipulate with CV, and feed into scales, which you can “play” by selecting the notes you want sequenced as the song progresses.

(On top of that Scales can be a vanilla step sequencer if you want that sometimes.)

Assuming you’re not self-patching Pam’s for the variability, you can sequence two voices with three channels out of Pam’s, leaving 5 for other modulation duties.

Anyway! Part of the fun of modular is finding the combos that work for you. Just wanted to stick up for this approach some

[Starthief]

There’s also lots of great wavetable oscillators out there that aren’t Plaits

Honestly I never felt like wavetable was the strong point of Plaits, nor Sheep… I’d choose the E352, Erica Graphic VCO or Piston Honda without reservations.

Plaits does have some other very good models though, and its versatility suits a smaller case. It’s also an excellent companion to a Rings.

[xenus_dad]

Sure! Mostly bought them up because they have access to VCV and so an example of a wavetable synth right in front of them. It’s not where I would send someone looking for a dedicated wavetable synth, insofar as I have much experience with them.

[eggnof]

Hello everyone!

I recently dusted off my Eurorack (I’d been a bit negligent) and noticed that after dusting some of my modules steel faceplates feel a tad sticky, and appear to have some residual grime on them. I used dry q-tips for the dusting, so probably not from that, I’m guessing something in the air/dust that built up over time.

Has anyone ever had this happen, and if so, do you have any suggestions on how to best clean modules? I was thinking a little isopropyl on a q-tip, but I’m worried about excess running off into the circuits, or the alcohol messing with the print on the faceplate.

You can see the gunk on the faceplates in these images:

Any tips are greatly appreciated. Thanks for the help!

[Zordon]

the long and tedious way, would be to take off each panel and use a non abrasive cleaner to deep clean.

[_VM]

I use a stiff-haired paintbrush with a small enough head to get between the jacks. Nothing on the brush, just dry. Works a treat.

I suppose you could lightly dampen the brush with cleaning solution, but the key is to keep the bristles stiff.

[WhiteNoise]

Hi guys, I have a Doepfer A-190-4 sitting in my rack and I don’t have a clue how could I use it for. Anyone uses it? What do you do with it?