#731

Thanks, that’s food for thought, though sadly I can’t do much with VCV as it crackles on my mac after 4-5 modules are in the chain, even with a high buffer (no problems with reaktor or bitwig though).

t’s looking like after all the shared system + es-8 might be an option for a starter case. The other one would be exploring removing Erbe and working with stages and marbles which I’m also partial too. I’ll explore both.

1 Like
#732

There is also this https://www.softube.com/rings#/

#733

Ah, awesome ! Didn’t know they had it on there !

#734

Don’t buy it all at once, and that problem will sort itself out down the road. The standard recommendation is to build it slowly.

5 Likes
#735

Hey y’all, I have a really basic, but annoying question: What would be a good way to get my OP-1 (or Z, or iPad) audio in to my rack? I have an intellijel Line In 1U module, but it doesn’t seem to boost my levels at all, which has left me much confused…

#736

That’s very strange and perhaps a good question for Intellijel. That’s exactly what I use to boost any/all synths into my modular. Always works and I usually just have it at about 25%.

#737

25%?! Yeaaaah, I’m gonna reach out to them. Do you use a stereo or mono 1/4 in?

#738

I usually only use a mono 1/4.

1 Like
#739

Hi all, lurked for a while and finally decided to join up. I just put a build together and here is my plan for it:

I have an Analog Rytm Mk 2. Id like to send clock to the modular from that, but probably won’t sequence with it. Just want to get a sequence going on the modular using Marbles and the Arp and then make my drums with the Rytm. I make a fusion of Lofi House and Detroit techno if I had to describe the styles. This build should supply ideas for percussion, melodies and bass.Hell, possibly chords too, I like Plaits chords mode.

Additionally, I have a Moog Dfam I would like to sequence and control from this rack and I also have a Boog as well. So in theory I could have 4 separate things going on - drums from the RYTM, Perc from Dfam Bass (or lead) from Boog and then bass (or lead) from my Eurorack.

I send the stereo out from the modular into Ableton which is where I apply effects. Since I will be recording a good amount of loops from the modular, I decided to stay dry in the build. If I ever take this live I will probably use a reverb pedal.

Based on all that, is there anything obvious that I am missing? I think I got everything covered but I’d like to get better eyes on it. I also should mention that I have a korg sq1 as an additional step sequencer that I can use as well.

My build so far

#740

Don’t you need some form of function generator?

#741

Isnt that what Plaits does?

#742

Plaits does have a built in low pass gate emulation, which can give you simple envelopes for Plaits in a pinch.

But for any other modulation over time on any of your other modules, or other parameters of Plaits (rising, falling or looping changes) you would definitely benefit from some LFOs and/or a function generator (which will give you LFOs plus more).

Make Noise Maths is the classic, but won’t fit in your rack. Many others exist. Mutable Stages, Mannequins Just Friends, even Mutable Peaks might work well in a small system like this. For simpler, synced modulation, you could look at Pamela’s New Workout.

1 Like
#743

ok, so the Clep Diaz I thought would do since it is an LFO, but I think I understand now. I guess my mistake was I thought I could send clock from theanalog RYTM into the Umidi 1u and then send that clock to the buffered mults to go to everything else. But I think you are saying it would make more sense if I used a clocked LFO? Silly that I don’t know what a function generator is, but I guess thats what the case is.

Do I also need an ADSR as well? I was wondering about that too.

#744

A function generator is just a tool that lets you create ‘functions’ over time, and adjust their parameters.

You can, for example, control how long it will take for voltage to go from 0 to 10, and the how long it will take to fall back to 0. That would be a simple Attack Decay envelope when the time scale is slow. If you make that function loop, you would get an LFO. If you speed it up to be very fast, into the audible range, you’d basically have a triangle or sawtooth VCO.

All of these are functions:

  • LFO
  • Envelope (ADSR, AD, ASR etc)
  • Audio rate oscillation

You can definitely send your clock around like you’ve described; but the clock on its own won’t do too much. If you were to add a function generator, you could use the clock to trigger ‘functions’ e.g. an envelope, a synced LFO. You could then send that control voltage to your VCA, or to Plaits to change (for example) the timbre of the sound over time.

2 Likes
#745

Thats great, makes total sense now when I read your explanation. I have heard great things about Pams new workout so I will look at that.Thank you. Is there any other obvious module that I missed that I should consider as well?

1 Like
#746

You might try making something similar in vcv rack (all the mutable stuff is in there) and seeing what you feel is missing and how things fit together. Vcv rack is free and can be interfaced with midi/ableton. If plaits is your main sound source you may be able to get pretty far without envelopes… or you might not! Depends on what your trying to do).

2 Likes
#747

Funny you say that. I am in VCV right now doing that very thing! I’ve been in music production for a long time but going modular has raised the learning curve. One reason I am doing it is because I feel like it will make me much better at synthesis. I am pretty good with my hardware synths but I think modular will really take it to the next level once I get a deeper understanding of whats going on.

3 Likes
#748

I will tell you, as someone who has been interested in synthesis, but been terrible at softsynths, modular has broken me open and really helped me learn. It’s being thrown in the deep end. And it’s surprising how much one learns when there are no training wheels. An envelope is not a given, a filter is not a given, an arpeggiator is not a given. Instead, you must learn how to create dynamics, move different parameters yourself and make connections based upon your needs.

I can do much more in softsynths now that I’ve learned from VCV and modular. And I am REALLY just beginning. It’s been 6 months and I see how little I know. I know basically nothing. Hahah.

12 Likes
#749

That was my experience too. I’ve been messing with synths since the mid 80s and got seriously into VSTs in 2003, but when I got into modular in 2016 I felt like there was an entire world of synthesis that I hadn’t been fully aware of.

6 Likes
#750

I’d recommend stages or just friends as a function generator. Each has it’s own strong sides.
Each can be a really good sound source also

1 Like