#1491

Subharmonicon is a very quirky synth, not just in what it does but in what it doesn’t do. I think you would enjoy your modular experience more if you focused on expanding those gaps in functionality, namely modulation. Getting something that could do envelopes, LFO’s, scale/offset and mixing would push what you can do with the Subharmonicon way further. Maths is a very popular choice for this but if you want to be less “cliché”, there’s tons of options by combining other modules. I would also look for perhaps another VCA as it means you could do create patches closer to true polyphony, as well as more complex modulation behaviors.

I would also concur that Synthrotek is not a good choice, not just because of the controversies but because I’ve seen far too many horror stories of their power supplies being poorly constructed and either not powering modules properly or straight up breaking them.

For a filter, I think you have a lot of choice in Doepfer filters that are all at a comparable price to Behringer. You could also just load a noise sample into the Squid Salmple, so I wouldn’t worry about the lack of noise starting out.

When selecting a power supply what you need to be concerned about mainly is whether the total mA exceeds ~75% of the total power draw of the modules in mA.

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#1492

I have tried a bunch of small cases and for many reasons I strongly prefer the PulpLogic LBZ54 (what I currently use for outdoor adventures) to the Synthrotek I started out with. The LBZ42 is similar to the one you spec’d and only costs a little more: http://pulplogic.com/product/lbz42/

As @DMR said, the Intellijel 1U modules will not fit in either of those cases. If you get a case from Pulplogic you can also order PulpLogic Mix-B ($45) and Outputs ($65) tiles at the same time for roughly the same featureset; one less channel on the mixer (and no attenuator outputs) but you’ll get stereo line level outputs.

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#1493

@oot you are amazing! Literally looking into everything you just wrote!

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#1494

Great hint on the filter @baleen, Bastl is serious tuff!

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#1495

I am really tempted by the PulpLogic case, a great hint. I would just miss the Quadratt a lot, it seems to be a great multifunctional toy. Is there no way to make it fit :frowning:

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#1496

Also, if this thread isn’t eventually merged into it by moderators, this thread and the related archive post are helpful resources as you start your journey:

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#1497

What’s wrong with synthrotek? Their stuff has always worked fine for me. I also have some Behringer stuff and I’m fine with it.

#1498

You seem to be missing the most important stuff, the modulation sources. Currently the rig looks like it will be similar in price or more to digitakt but much less capable. Would be easier to recommend if you share what you want to get out of your modular.

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#1499

See the links in my post for more info on their objectionable business practices.

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#1500

I adore the Quadratt. There’s certainly something to be said about building your own lunchbox if you want 1U in this size. But then you get in to the addictive/satisfying/endless world of pain that is DIY eurorack…

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#1501

Good point @kveye

The idea is to have a sampler with a bunch of utility I could share for the sampler itself, the SH, and new modules in the future. I am glad you brought the Digitakt in the mix, I had in mind to reproduce the alternative version of it, but more capable and of course Modular.

In conclusion, I would say a sampler, and a bunch of utilities and effect I could use for the SH, and later on still useful for a modular synth.

Thanks to @oot I remembered about Maths, which is the utility king. It could bring a lot out of the sampler, the SH, and anything I’d add in the future.

I’d love to hear more recommendations

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#1502

The PSUs aren’t that great, matter of fact borderline dangerous, and the way Synthrotek designs stuff is just trash. I’ve had multiple issues with different builds but it’s been a good 3 years since I did any business with them. I’ve got gear that works but they implement things like building a full bridge rectifier out of 1n4148s in some of their products. They’re suppose to blow and act as a fuse but why not just use 2 1n4001 or 1n5817 and you know, a fuse? Is saving that 15 cents really worth it?

It’s stuff like that that turns me off more than anything. Steve Harmon’s videos ranting and not apologizing after multiple retailers dropped his products were sad, infuriating, and strangely funny all at the same time. Unfortunately he pulled all of those videos.

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#1503

Got it. Good to know

#1504

It’s doable of course, but gonna be at least twice as much as digitakt. I’d suggest looking into Pam’s or even looking at Alm new complete system to take inspiration from. It’s a good starting point

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#1505

Also, if you are up for a Pulp Logic, get in touch with them directly to personalize the case. I have a pair of mono ins and stereo outs plus headphones out built into the side of my case, with corresponding tiles (aka 1u modules) inside.

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IMG_20200525_2108504032×3024 4.6 MB

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#1506

AI Synthesis, another good company to keep in the mix. A bit of easy and well-supported DIY or affordably priced assembled modules depending on your preference. A new quad vca that might be a good quadratt alternative (although not 1u) and a characterful filter you might like (based on the ms-20). And I’ll always recommend a matrix mixer—it expands horizons and wrings the most out of small systems like nothing else!

Also! If you end up with something with 1u space, or generally want some good weird modulation or other tasty sounds, check out nonlinearcircuits. would highly recommend at least a 1u tile of sloths in any case. Also has DIY or assembled options :slight_smile: And some great sounding filters, although his demos can be a bit… chaotic :stuck_out_tongue: This is where I’d go for a budget-friendly start.

Pairing stuff with the Salmple and building a small system around it seems like a lot of fun to me, but remember modular isn’t about modules it’s about modulation that’s its unique offering/potential. I’d start with the moog and then add the euro, slowly. leave room for the unknown, there is a lot of exploring to be done.

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#1507

I added the SubH to the Mthr32 and DFAM in a 3 tier rack recently and I have to say, if I was you, i would buy the moog semi modular trio and get to know those first, there is a huge amount you can do with them together (no sampling though obvs) and then once you know what you are missing from that set up you can expand into the full eurorack modular experience, exciting to be heading into this whatever you decide though!

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#1508

For a cheap and excellent filter, I highly recommend the Doepfer a-106-5 SEM VCF. It’s really, really good. It doesn’t self oscillate, so if you’re looking for a sine wave generator you’ll need to look elsewhere, but for standard filter duties it’s one of my favorites. I use it with a Phonogene regularly so I can confirm that sounds great with samples.

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#1509

I was gonna say this same thing. Love this filter. Drives nicely with the input turned up. You can probably find one very cheap used, too. Will echo above sentiment that if you’re considering Behringer take a look at doepfer. Or even if you weren’t on a budget! :wink:

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#1510

Intellijel 1U format is slightly shorter between the rails than PulpLogic, so technically you could make (or have made*) a custom panel to adapt a Quadratt to the larger size. (Can’t do the reverse, the PCBs are too large.)

(* I have too many projects-in-progress… but… I might be persuadable to join an effort to design/fab an adapter panel. But I understand Intelljiel stuff has been backordered all summer, though, so it’s sort of moot at the moment.)

1 Like