#2453

I had both the 1U Zeroscope and the (3U) Dave Jones O’Tool+ and kept the latter. Much more versatile, imho.

1 Like
#2454

Frap Tools’ 321 is another option to replace Quadratt. Some clever normalization paths for lots of utility but trim pots make it a touch fiddley.

1 Like
#2455

I’ve never tried the Intellijel ones, but I do like Mutable Instruemnts Shades.

7 Likes
#2456

This looks like the thing one might draw up in a bullet journal :stuck_out_tongue:

1 Like
#2457

WMD SPO is great. Small, simple, tactile. I pair it with a quad atten.

2 Likes
#2458

Amusingly, having never heard of 321, I saw it when looking for a 6HP utility yesterday and ordered it. I was trying to make 4HP extra space by replacing another module. The other module is dreadbox Utopia. It’s slightly bigger (10HP), but a similar ‘mixed bag’ utility. It has 4 attenuverters (one normalled from a fixed voltage and one normalled from an LFO), normalled into a 4 to 3 unity mixer, which is normalled into a “pulserizer” which is effectively a comparator against a fixed voltage source you set with a pot. If you are okay with the small knurled plastic shaft pots and size, it’s a nice option.

2 Likes
#2459

That comparator sounds interesting, I wish there were more options in euro. Thanks!

#2460

Yeah, these are done on the tear-outs of my Leuchtterm 1917 :slight_smile:

1 Like
#2461

modulargrid_1426975
modulargrid_1426975800×600 111 KB
looking for critique on this small mobile modular, its goal is to create “fake edm, acid, and techno”/noise music with elements of aforementioned genres, i already have all the colours of the noise, himalia, and dplpg and they make for a wonderful combination that i love a lot. i am downsizing from a larger mantis case.

2 Likes
#2463

Just a philosophical question today. How does everyone here feel about using complex modulation sources (like Zadar) direct to the parameter being modulated, in comparison to simpler modulation sources (like maths) being mangled into a complex modulation sources via mixing, logic, feedback

My impression is the former may be more “limited” in terms of nonlinearities and less “interconnected”, while potentially less expensive, covering less real estate, and (potentially) less playable

While the latter, mangling simpler CV sources, may consume more space and $, but offers more in terms of the patching experience, happy accidents, and knob per function playability.

Are you in one camp or the other? Or do you utilize both approaches?

4 Likes
#2464

Experiment with hybrid setup : generative midi notes from modular patch in Pure Data,
to trigger sounds on eurorack resonator module / nRings via usb-to-midi cable :

hybrid setup
hybrid setup3120×3120 1.33 MB

2 Likes
#2465

Never tried Zadar, but it looks Interesting.

For me, building complexity from simple elements means that making changes is closer to the sources rather than being dependent on a complicated algorithm…

2 Likes
#2466

I have a pretty modest setup and while I don’t have a Cold Mac yet the thought of a Cold Mac, Maths, ochd plus some attenuation combo is much more exciting to me than a Zadar. And I try to stay away from menu diving which I think is required for one-module, high-level competency.

But as always can’t go wrong with both.

4 Likes
#2467

My two favorite modulation sources are the Zadar and the Omnimod. I think they’re excellent for coaxing out the really interesting quirks of especially filters, but I guess it depends a lot on what type of music you’re making (I’m mostly into things sounding a bit glitchy). I always use these two up long before any traditional LFO in my rack. Zadar is just excellent, I love it to bits, and it’s really not menu divey at all - it’s also the easiest modules of all I have to perfectly scale the outcoming CV of (the display will show you exactly the maximum amplitude of the CV coming out of it).

2 Likes
#2468

Thanks all. I think I’ll end up somewhere in the middle. Love CV mangling with my cold mac and mixers so far, and I think as long as I keep the screens to 1 or 2, and maintain some knob-per-function modulation, it will still be playable!

#2469

why_not_both.jpeg

There are some great waveshaping tools which can preserve your modulation’s phase info while mangling the output: Shapeshifter, Piston Honda, Geiger Counter, Omnimod, and Flexshaper (my personal favorite) all share this capability.

2 Likes
#2471

hiya, looking for some help as I take first steps in Eurorack. Basically since, hearings sounds from this Klangbau filter module
Klangbau Köln Twin Peak Resonator - Eurorack Module on ModularGrid, I want to build a very small system around it (around 40hp). I am also going to get a radio music module and a function generator (needs a trigger) by the same maker, as he suggested them together.

I am bit unsure about options to trigger the logic module, and whether it might just be fine to use CV tools from Ableton, as I have a Motu interface which I think can send triggers at the right level. When I asked the maker of the modules about CV out of the interface he said this, which confused me;

"All devices should not be DC coupled, this blocks low frequencies and CVs. To work modular with a Max or PD patch, you need an interface without DC coupling and gain within 10Vpp.

Could someone help me understand this a bit better? I’m ideally looking to have enough cv control for the said modules but without spending too much or expanding the size. There should be space for a VCO in there and also a mixer or eq.

thanks for the help!

#2472

I’m a little confused by that statement too; DC coupling doesn’t block low frequencies and CV; AC coupling does: its a simple a high pass filter with a very low cutoff. The majority of audio interfaces are AC coupled as this eliminates DC bias in and incoming/outgoing signal and makes things like offsetting voltages to known ranges simpler. DC coupling is the “less common” design which is electrically simple but usually requires some sort of calibration to eliminate residual offsets.

Interfaces sold primarily for audio that offer DC coupling often only provide audio voltage ranges (around to 0-2v) but don’t live in the rack. The “within 10Vpp” is a bit confusing: I guess they want bipolar voltages, I.e +/-5V. It’s also not uncommon for DC coupled interfaces to cover 0-5V. Some devices sold specifically for CV (think the beatstep pro) offer extended ranges with DC coupling, but still 0-10V (no negative voltage). If you want negative voltages you usually need a device that lives in your rack where you get access to +/-12V supply. They can be large and moderately costly (check out expert sleepers).

My inclination would probably be to get some sort of pseudo random or generative sequence creator; maybe Turing machine? In such a small case you might want to consider a few (not too many as they affect usability) modules in the 2/3HP range (check out Erica synths Pico and 2HP). Also, if you are considering a 40HP system, perhaps consider a case with a 1U row to place a few utilities (I think the intellijel palette cases are quite popular for this).

#2473

I’ve often accidentally written “DC coupled” when I meant AC, and vice versa – looks like that happened there.

3 Likes
#2474

thanks! I need to check the voltage range of my interface (Motu Ultralite mk3) but think it should work ok. Only planning on sending CV out but just don’t want to break anything! I think at the other end it should just be a case of attenuating the signal.

thanks for the tip, the Turing looks interesting indeed. Re cases, its complicated a bit by the Resonator module being very deep (55mm) which is more than most low cost and small powered cases I’ve seen. Perhaps a custom case might be best. The Intelligel ones look nice too just so expensive!

@Starthief yeah must be the wrong way around, he was probably tired of my annoying questions!