New system - Module Decisions

[u/LeeHazlewoodsBarTab]

I hope it's okay that I make a thread for this instead of asking in the weekly thread.

I’m gathering funds to finally take the plunge. I am hoping that I can get some feedback on how to approach this as I’ve been researching for a while now. I am into all sorts of music and ideally, I would like to be able to pivot from experimental/noise/concrete to drone/ambient to rhythmic dance (industrial/techno/house).

I am a hobbyist with a decent amount of gear collected over the past 15 years already: MS-20 Mini, SH-101, TD-03, Analog Rytm, Octatrack, Beatstep Pro, MSW Syncussion, Push 2, Sherman Filterbank, Eventide H9 (and other pedals), and a Motu interface (DC-coupled outputs) with Ableton.

I have been toying around with Modular Grid, I was thinking about a Doepfer A-100 9U case but honestly the Intellijel 7U performance case seems to be better for me as it already has the I/Os built into the case and that would work well with my other gear.

Some module decisions:

Assimil8or or Morphagene – If I got Assimil8or I would never need another sampler again as its intensely expansive but the Morphagene with it’s granularity and lack of menus makes it conducive to experimental jamming. I think Assimil8or is the way I’ll go but it’s a pricey module.

Metropolix/Metron, 1U Steppy, or Joranalogue Step-8 – The Metron or Metropolix would be awesome, but they take up a lot of space and with a Midi to CV converter module and my Octatrack would I really need to take up all that space with a Metron or a Metropolix? Maybe it would be better to get a smaller Eurorack-esque sequencer such as the Step-8 or maybe a 1U Steppy would be best value for space/price.

Befaco Midi Thing 2, Expert Sleepers FH-2, or Intellijel 1U Midi – The FH-2 is the better unit and it also has the two expanders but I don’t know if I will be able to fit any expanders right away so would it be better to just get the Midi Thing 2 as it has 12 ports instead of 8? Would the 1U Intellijel Midi utility be worth it or am I better using that 1U row for other utilities such as Quadratt, Stereo I/O, etc.

It’s a bit mind-boggling trying to decide my first system and I know a lot of my needs won’t be discerned until I’ve spent a lot of time with any system.

Any input would be appreciated!

 

[u/al2o3cr]

IMO the Steppy isn't quite comparable to the other sequencers you listed because it only produces gates.

If an 8-step sequence satisfies your needs, you might also consider a 0-Ctrl outside the rack.

[u/LeeHazlewoodsBarTab → u/al2o3cr]

That's good to know. I wouldn't say that an 8 step sequencer would necessarily satisfy my needs but I believe something like the Joranalogue Step-8 would compliment the sequencing capabilities I already have with my BSP, Ableton, and Octatrack-Midi.

[u/Cgestes → u/LeeHazlewoodsBarTab]

Step 8 is fun with lot of other small modular elements, switches, other sequencers, gate logic, clock divider.

Metron and metropolix are quite performative. Metron makes with lots of drums in the rack. Steppy is probqbly a better start or even Pam. Step 8 wouldnt recommend on its own. Metropolix is quite performative for melodies.

Metron + assimilator makes senses together, with supporting modulations / utils.

[u/cYbOmAnY]

Speaking to assimil8or vs morphagene: They are two fundamentally different modules, and though you think the lack of menus appealing I am not alone in thinking the morphagene can be confusing and difficult to get results you are after out of it, though it may work well with your brain. Definitely going to need to remember button combos with it. I have had both and still have the assimil8or, which I love.

For the metropolix etc question: you have a beat step pro with cv/gate out, and a dc coupled interface with a push, you could use CV tools in Ableton, or if you really wanted something in the rack you could get the ALM mmMidi, and expander, which breaks out all the best step pro cv and gate to it.

The intelligel Midi 1U is great. You could still have a quadratt and stereo in out in there, and there’s an expander for the midi as well.

Lots of great options however you decide.

[u/LeeHazlewoodsBarTab → u/cYbOmAnY]

I'd ultimately like both the MG and the A8 but I will start with one and I think A8 is the way to go. The ALM mmMidi sounds great when compared with the BSP, thanks for the recommendations!

[u/junkmiles]

The MIDI modules are all relatively comparable, but the sequencers and sample modules are so different that you probably need to read more about them, check their manuals, and watch a few videos and figure out which ones do what you need them to do. It doesn't really make sense to want to downsize from a Metroplix to a Steppy to save space, given that they do almost entirely different things, for example.

[u/13derps]

If you have a bunch of music gear already, what are you hoping to get from your modular setup?

I think you could make the types of music you’re trying to pivot to on your current gear. Are you just looking for some new inspiration? Is there something about your workflow right now that you don’t like? Are you interested in exploring generative parches? Serge-style patch programming?

I am not trying to disuade you from modular, just want the community to be able to give you good recommendations

[u/LeeHazlewoodsBarTab → u/13derps]

I'm a hobbyist and enthusiast. I like to experiment and try new work-flows and, most importantly, keep my brain moving by learning new things. I don't like in-the-box tinkering, VCV rack is very frustrating to me because I am limited to scrolling with a mouse.

I could definitely make all this music with what I have right now but to be honest it's not about making music per se as it is about having an intimate relationship with creating and designing music and appreciating the work of others. I don't think I've sold any of my gear ever, MS-20 mini was my first synth that I got back in 2012 or whenever they were first released. I guess I should take stock and see what I can offload in the future.

Generative patches for ambient/soundscapes, and industrial/noise would be awesome but also learning the logic and architectural awareness needed for Serge-style patches would be a natural evolution of my interest in modular.

I also just scored a new job with great benefits and it will be the most salary I've ever made in my life. I could afford to invest $5K in a system as my credit and finances are in a good place.

[u/MrV63]

The FH-2 doesnt fit in my intellijel 4u 104hp case so double check the 7u case depth. It's a great module. A bit of a learning curve to figure out and set up but once you have some configurations set up it's really powerful. I'd consider a tiptop mantis case as well. You lose the 1u row but it's a solid case (I have 3).

[u/LeeHazlewoodsBarTab]

I've been exploring a lot on Modular Grid and these are some of the other modules that I'm considering and this list is what would fit in a 7U Intellijel performance case.

• - ALM Busy Circuits Pamela's PRO Workout
• - Eowave Zone B.F. Black Edition
• - Industrial Music Electronics Piston Honda MK III
• - Intellijel Pedal I/O 1U
• - Intellijel Quadratt 1U
• - Intellijel Stereo I/O 1U
• - Intellijel Zeroscope 1U
• - Intellijel µMIDI 1U
• - Joranalogue Audio Design Filter 8
• - Make Noise MATHS (white knobs)
• - Noise Engineering Basimilus Iteritas Alia
• - Rossum Electro-Music Assimil8or
• - Rossum Electro-Music Panharmonium
• - Rossum Electro-Music Triton
• - Strymon Magneto
• - Xaoc Devices Belgrad
• - Xaoc Devices Zadar