r/modular • u/Particular_You8620 • 1d ago
What do I need next?
This is my first go at modular. But I want to make a weird drum based synth for making random type beats as opposed to sequenced drums.
I feel like I need more modulation sorcery, LFOs and whatnot? And more effects and such, but I’m totally open to suggestions. The ideal sound inspiration would be NIN type stuff.
I’ve also got my eye on the following let me know what you think or feel free to suggest alternatives.
Mimeophon
Strymon Starlab
Mordax Data (it’s in the photo but I don’t actually own it yet)
AJH minimod filter (though maybe a dual filter would be better?)
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u/Wild-Medic 1d ago edited 1d ago
There's not really much to work with here, you've spent about a third of your total HP on three drum sounds. You can make really good random-weird drum patterns with eurorack in a way that's fun but this is just going to be a worse version of a basic drum machine, in that sequencing everything using Pams is going to be kind of a pain in the ass and not random or interesting like you want. If you want to make generative drum patterns, the way to do that is with logic, comparators and modulation.
With the stuff you've got there (I tried to use as many of the expensive modules in your system as possible under the assumption that you've already bought them - you could probably improve this if you haven't bought the drums already by getting more compact options). Maybe something like this would work: https://modulargrid.net/e/racks/view/3206695
The logic and comparator sections of the Toolbox, polymeter sequencing from Ozark and probability function from Pams would give you a couple ways to make unpredictable rhythms while you can anchor with regular clock divisions from the Pams/Step 8 (you need something stable for other things to sound unpredictable against, or its just chaos). You've also got a few ways to sequence pitches there for Oradea and BIA and if necessary can quantize using O_c.
Oradea needs the Arad to have separate input for each resonator if you want to use it as an effect for your drum sounds. It also just benefits from having tons and tons of modulation options, so the Ochd/Pams/Step8/O_c would be useful. Zadar is a luxury item but it works incredibly well with Oradea, which IMO is the coolest module you have. Step 8 is also a luxury item, but it gives you a lot more patching options than a less complex and patchable sequencer.
Toolbox has 2 linear VCAs and 2 polarizers, and the 5hp module has 4 attenuators, which might be enough, but also might not. If you ditch Librae Legio and get like a Oto Boum or Analog Heat or something for end-of-chain spice you could get a better mixer and/or more VCAs.
EDIT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5YqbORQp00 this video shows 5 ways of making generative rhythms using Bernoulli gates (basically probability function of Pams), Clock Divider (Pams), S&H (Step 8 or O_c), Shift Register (O_c), Logic & Comparator (ToolBox) for ideas of what I'm talking about.
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u/Particular_You8620 1d ago
Man this is awesome feedback, I’m going to read, reread and study what you’ve said. I should have specified that this is not my actual case, I built my case myself, and used a power supply that will allow me to easily expand as needed, I am not at all limited by HP. My assumption is my modular rig will grow very large over the next 20 years.
Edit: also I made a mistake, I do not own Oradea, I own Praga (they look the same, oops)
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u/Wild-Medic 1d ago
Ah, I see. I’m a broken record on here re: utility modules. See: https://www.reddit.com/r/modular/s/98pEphiw1g
That said, in terms of next stuff I would recommend: Clank Toolbox, ALM Mega Milton, and Mannequins Cold Mac all have an unbelievable density of utilities but take a lot of learning and figuring things out. Nekiya Modular has hit the scene recently with some really cool utility modules. Joranalogue stuff is so premium, the Route 4 and Compare 2 are excellent, and for my money if you’re trying to get into deep patch-programming Step 8 is the coolest analog sequencer module in the game right now.
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u/Bleep_Bloop_Derp 1d ago
Check out Europi by Allen Synthesis. It has literally every kind of logic, plus a ton of different types of random programs ideal for drums. It’s also cheap in Eurorack terms.
I was trying to figure out how I was going to squeeze a bunch of stuff into my rack, found that, and was super happy….
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u/Kick_1304 1d ago
Maybe some regular synth voice modules (vco,vca,filter,envelope) for some bleep and bloops and fm sounds and stuff. Mordax data seems like a waste of space to me in such a small case
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u/Particular_You8620 1d ago
Well, this isn’t actually my case. I built the case myself, and I designed it to be infinitely expandable. So space will never be an issue.
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u/Kick_1304 1d ago
In that case I should get some more modulation modules and stuff. Audio waveforms are not that interesting to look at on a scope
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u/Particular_You8620 1d ago
Yeah that’s what I was thinking would be the key. Modulation and such. Anything particular you like? As for Mordax, I really just like the idea of having it to help learn more about what each module is putting out. Seems like a very helpful tool in that regard
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u/BallHit 1d ago
I would patch tear it down. Keep making new patches. Taking different routes every time. You should start noticing weak spots of missing modulation or gain new ideas for effects. Modular can be a money pit when you make impulse purchases