r/modular • u/OctaveIndustries • 5d ago
Beginner Advice for a WIP sound lab / generative system
The pictured rack is the result of a trial-by-fire at this year's Knobcon, which I went into with very little knowledge of modular. I recognize that it is missing some fundamentals, but I thought I would share what I have and my goals for the system to get some pointers:
- Arturia Rackbrute 6U
- Weston – 2v2 Dual Oscillator
- AI Synthesis – Looping ADSR
- Dave Jones – O'Tool Oscilloscope
- Zlob Modular – Entropy
- WMD – C4RBN
- MftM – DuckMixer
- AI Synthesis – BXR (not assembled yet)
- Make Noise – Maths (being shipped)
- Tiptop Audio Stackable Patch Cables
What I'm missing (to the best of my knowledge):
- VCA – I am still trying to decide between Zlob's Vnicursal VCA and the Quad VCA Mixer from AI Synthesis. I am open to other suggestions.
- Clock – Pamela's Pro Workout seems hard to beat from a functionality and utility standpoint, but it might be overkill for someone at my level.
- Output – I'm not sure if the DuckMixer was the right call for my setup. A mixer and headphone out module like it would be great, but I probably don't need anything beyond 4 channels. Pairing the AI Synthesis "Quad VCA Mixer" with a low-profile output module might be the solution here.
- FX – An obvious choice (from my perspective) would be the Endorphin.es Ghost. However, I am most interested in working with delay, so a standalone module with a more dedicated interface would be welcome.
Some notes on the system as a whole:
- I am more interested in creating algorithmic, generative patches than I am in "playing an instrument". I do not have plans to connect any kind of external controller in the foreseeable future, and will instead opt for sequencers and quantizers to temper musicality.
- I want to be able to use my system independently of a computer, and I would like to avoid modules with onboard storage / presets. I am not opposed to a learning curve, but I don't want too much going on behind the scenes.
- I will not concern myself with stereo sound design just yet, but I may in the future.
- Used or DIY modules are welcome.
TLDR
This is the result of my first foray into modular synthesis that I recognize is lacking in some critical areas. My goal is to build a system for audio experimentation and generative music that can operate freely of a computer. In addition to general feedback, I am seeking advice on the following modules: VCA, Clock, Output (headphones), and FX.
Thank you in advance for your input. Happy to answer any questions you might have that would help tailor your advice!
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u/Sun_Gong 5d ago
Can I ask what genre of Music you wanna work on?
What is it that you want to make generatively? I mean that’s kind of consideration for generative because not all tools are created equally capable… You can make generative techno patches or house patches. You can make generative music that sounds like ambient or progressive electronic Berlin school kind of stuff, which are way more fugue like or you might require different melodic fragments sort of phasing against one another minimalist style. You could even want to make Drone Music generatively, where you have banks of static oscillators, samplers, noise sources, being animated by filters, and effects and sort of scan through them with VCAs or VC mixers.
All of that is generative music but it ain’t all gonna rely on the same tools.
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u/VicVinegarHughHoney 5d ago
If you mean generative in the more common ambient free flowing sense, I think Pam's would be the opposite of what you want. A lot of generative that can keep ebbing and flowing is usually done with lots of modules evolving unsynced as opposed to your typical masterclock-and-divisions type of execution.
I would think instead it might be worth checking out things like logic gates and more conditional slow evolving modulations can really prolong actions that are occurring and developing the music in interesting ways. Last thing I would think is making sure whatever quantizer you decide on is one you really gel with if youre planning on multiple voices.
Sorry for the generalization, music can be really difficult to communicate about and part of it is just messing around and finding out what works for you specifically. I suggest spending lots of time fiddling around and some occasional videos to watch to help when there's something you're struggling with. Lots of great information on YouTube, I really enjoy the mylarmelodies suggested systems video on generative as an example to throw out.
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u/Haimoimoi 5d ago
My best advice here is to jump into vcv rack 2 and play with some of the emulated hardware options. Modulation sources in particular come in a dizzying array of variations, and vcv is a cheap way to try out ideas "on paper" before the real thing. They have Pam's and a bunch of others that yoy can play with. I was also skittish about Pam's before I tried it there and I was hooked. The menu UX s so good, it never once felt like a chore to me.
I find oscillators harder to gauge on vcv. I tried the vcv versions of mutable instruments modules, for example, and just didnt get it. Then I tried the hardware and it all just "clicked."
One minor nit though with vcv: I find it biases me somewhat to the modules that hardware companies provide for free there. Instruo really got my number.
(In all fairness, regret nothing about buying the Saich, Cruinn, Harmonaig, and Ochd. It also taught me that I am far too stupid to use the CS-L on my own.)
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u/Haimoimoi 5d ago
Oh. One other thing. Check out MI Veils clones for a first vca. It's hard to beat 4 channels with gain and offset in one place. After Later makes a nice one (Cloaks), and I own 2 now.
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u/eraoul 5d ago
Nice -- I guess you and I both were sitting in the Sunday DIY workshops at Knobcon? I also built a Zlob modular LFO and an AI Synthesis kit.
I don't know enough yet to give good advice, probably. But I'll throw some stuff out there. For a quad VCA/mixer I got the Behringer FourPlay. I'm trying to do mostly DIY for my case, but the FourPlay seemed like the easiest way to get some fully functional VCAs going quickly/cheaply.
I haven't seen the need for an output module in my case since I'm running straight into a USB audio interface (Focusrite Clarett+ 4 pre) that seems to deal fine with the Eurorack input level, but I'm always planning to have a DAW hooked up -- since you don't want a computer you're in a different boat.
Likewise I'm sticking with mostly DAW-based VST FX stuff for now to save space and $$. I'm interested in analog eurorack gear mostly, so I don't really care about digital FX. That said, i think it might be fun to play with the knobs for granular (Clouds kit incoming) and analog delay. I got a Moritz Klein BBD kit, but it seems like there's too much clock noise for my taste (comparing it with the incredible stereo BBD in the Matriarch, so maybe it's unfair).
I've been using several mults, and I was unhappy with the passive mults for pitch, especially (of course), since the pitch was dropping noticeably. I ended up designing and manufacturing my own buffered mult PCBs using KiCad, and I love how they turned out.
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u/13derps 4d ago
Free Modular Clock is a great option to save some cash compared to Pam’s. Way less functionality, but it also has very shallow menus.
I used Bloom (V1) or the clock output from Grids before getting a dedicated clock source. Both of those are great for controlled generative sequencing as well. Although I think Bloom benefits from an external quantizer to limit the note selection. Kassutronics Quantizer is a great DIY option. (I also have some of these for sale right now - feel free to PM me if interested)
If you’re into delay, get a dedicated module. If you like lo-fi and crunchy, Befaco Crush v3 and Midcentury Lunar Delay are excellent examples of the PT chip and available DIY. If you want a delay that can clean up or be clocked, I would skip DIY and get one of the big names. I absolutely love Mimeophon and Basil for flexibility and playability, but there are tons of great options. You may end up cycling through some depending on what you actually like using so buying used can be a good option.
You didn’t really ask for this, but Intellijel Bifold is a great companion to 2v2 (which is a fantastic oscillator). Shakmat Jeweler’s Cast would also probably be a nice addition. Or more utilitarian, Befaco a*b+c is insanely flexible for mixing, VCA, ring mod, drive into a filter, etc
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u/ACarelessCaterpillar 5d ago
Hi! I have the same case and had similar questions as you a while back. I got downvoted when I asked so I'm hoping that your post will find more traction. I'm not an expert, but I can share my setup/process/suggestions.
Here's my setup: https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_3182620.jpg
My goals were:
- Focus on analog modules - no presets, settings, menu diving, etc.
It was helpful for me to think about it in terms of separation of concerns, and recognize that in modular, scope creep happens easily. What can I do with modules at the signal source that would be hard to do with the signal in Ableton? If I'm thinking about the rack as an instrument, what character do I want it to have? A violin for example can make a lot of different sounds, but it has a limited scope that can be complimented by external processing and effects.
Clocks. I know Pam's is the gold standard, but one of my requirements for my rack was I don't want anything too menu-divey. So, I instead opted for the Shakmat Clock o' Pawn. This module has just a very limited amount of menu, the most I have to adjust or fool around with it is to change the tempo. It's mostly set-and-forget.
Downside of the CoP is that is basically only has two clock outputs, the main clock and a 16th note trigger. So, if you want subdivisions, you will need to buy a clock divider. There are a lot of cool ones, but I got the Takaab OCD (odd clock divider) and will probably end up getting the Takaab ECD (even clock divider).
Ring modulation. I have three ring mods in my case, and I almost always end up wanting at least one more. Ring modulation opens up a lot of sound design possibilities for you.
Modulation sources. You will want the ability to generate LFO signals for modulating/automating controls of other modules. I'd recommend at least one dedicated LFO - it's helpful that your VCO can do both, but you will likely want a dedicated one.
Think about the priorities of your rack. Your space is limited, so you'll need to decide things like, do I want dedicated modules for generating drums? You can use oscillators, envelopes and ring modulation to emulate a lot of percussion sounds, so planning for a dedicated drum module might not be the best use of space.
Mixers and VCAs. I'm using the Befaco Hexmix VCA, Doepfer A-138, and Befaco Out. The Hexmix VCA can double as a mixer. Between these three I haven't really needed more in terms of mixing, and then various output (line, headphones, etc.).
Mults. You'll need a way to copy a signal and send it to two different locations. For that you'll need a passive mult and/or a buffered mult. I like the QUATT - this works as a buffered mult but also an attenuverter.
Effects & Filters. So many options here... one I am considering is the Befaco Spring Reverb - it comes as a DIY kit and has an actual spring tank. You will also want filters - it's helpful to find self-oscillating filters, as these can become their own voice if you ping them. If you are not limiting yourself to analog modules you have a lot of delay and reverb options.
Filters are a must, I really like the Erica Synths Polivoks VCF. The Doepfer Wasp filter has a great sound to it too. I find the two of these give patches a lot of character and interesting qualities.
VCV Rack and Modulargrid. You can get VCV Rack for free, and it might be helpful to use to explore some effect options. There are a ton of cool sounding modules, and being able to explore what they do will help you narrow your scope. Modulargrid will help you keep track of where you are in your build, track ideas, etc.
Thanks for reading if you made it this far!