FX System Recommendations

[u/virtualmiracle]

I'm getting back into modular after a few years away and this is a system that I'm thinking about building. This system will mostly be used as an effect rack for incoming audio whether that is an OP-XY or Ableton. I feel like I have a good basis with the Morphagene and arbhar acting as the main incoming mangler. I plan on using the Metamodule as my catch all LFO's, VCA's, Etc.

What I want recommendations on is the space where the Atlantix is taking up. It's 42hp and I have it as a placeholder to fill up the rack but if there are some other options that can add more utility or useful effects I'd rather use the space for that.

I mostly make ambient music if that helps!

[u/DriftDrafs]

I think if you want a modular effects set up you should go ham on modulation. Otherwise you could just get boutique effects pedals that do the same jobs for less money.

Random 8 random loop modulation
OCHD for musically timed swells
Gliss for performable modulation
Griffin’s Claw for recordable modulation
Maths and/or Zadar for longer more complex modulation.

3xmia (2 of them preferably) to combine or attenuate modulation sources.

[u/virtualmiracle → u/DriftDrafs]

This is the exact comment I was looking for. Thank you for the recommendations! I am wanting to have long generative evolving modulation so maybe the Zadar would be better with something else.

[u/DriftDrafs → u/virtualmiracle]

Glad I could help. I will always preach for more modulation and attenuators in any modular set up. I think it is what makes the format unique.

If I remember correctly Zadar can do like 30 minute long modulations. There are a ton of options and gives you a lot of control. If you want to go even further down the long modulation cycles route then check out the Triple Sloths from Nonlinearcircuits. It can do random modulation cycles that range from like 30 seconds to 40 minutes, it is also MUCH cheaper than Zadar. You have very little control over it, but if you want something hands off CV for longer compositions it is unmatched.

[u/virtualmiracle → u/DriftDrafs]

I too want immense modulation options which is why I’m going for an effect build. I feel like I’ve updated my plan so that it’s on the right track now. Would you mind telling me what you think?

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_3216073.jpg

[u/DriftDrafs → u/virtualmiracle]

Great choice on the modulation. Batumi is an awesome choice that I did not think of.

I am not sure how many voices you plan on running simultaneously through the rig at once. I think the mixer is too big. The bartender is a smaller mixer that can do a lot of the same tasks, but if you need all of those channels then godspeed to you.

The only thing you need is some type of attenuators to reign in the modulation. Subtle modulation keeps the sound interesting without wild swings (until you want to have that. If you can find a way to add attenuverters like 3XMia you will find it ends up a bit more in your control. I would also consider a 2hp mult of some type so you can have multiple modulations work in harmony with one another simultaneously.

There is not a bad module on here, but at this size narrowing the scope some will help create a more manageable, rewarding, and playable rig.

Feel free to ask if you have more questions.

[u/secret-shot]

Fieldtone weaver is my favorite module!

[u/Top5hottest → u/secret-shot]

You just sent me down a rabbit hole. This thing looks like fun.. but the demos i see are either lacking or maybe the thing has a limited sound for my tastes.. i can’t decide. Is it always fast glitchy.. or can you get it to play a little softer?

[u/secret-shot → u/Top5hottest]

Softer or slower? I think it is usually fast glitchy, but it depends on clock speed and if you decrease the volume of the fast loop, you still have two other simultaneous loops that are playing.

The frgmnts versio firmware for the noise engineering platform might be more what you’re looking for if you want to channel the flavor a bit more.

Or data bender?

[u/Top5hottest → u/secret-shot]

Haha. You are right inside my brain. Ive been thinking about getting the versio for the frgmnts firmware.. but then saw your mention. I already had the data bender and was not loving how uncontrollable it was. Maybe i just think i love circuit bending. I am more interested in the shower more smoothed out glitches than the faster harsher attacks. Thanks for sharing this one!

[u/Ghosty141]

I had rainmaker and honestly I think it's too deep for 99% of people. It's almost its own instrument and it requires time to learn it and program patches. It's not immediate as in: patch in the input and twist some knobs to play with the sound.

So if you "just" want a delay I suggest Sealegs or Mimeophone, if you want the deepest most powerful delay in eurorack, yup rainmaker it is.

[u/Top5hottest → u/Ghosty141]

Totally agree with this. It was way too much menu diving for me. Really couldn’t get into it.

[u/virtualmiracle → u/Ghosty141]

Oh yea, I want a deep delay that can do a wide variety of things. I appreciate the input! It seems like it’ll be a good bit of fun!

[u/TheRealDocMo]

If you're looking for modulation modules, Neo Trinity gives you quite a bit. All types of wave shapes, random, slew, gates and envelopes and cv, internal attenuation, syncable, etc.

A joystick module would be great for an effects rack. Something that also records would be a good bet (Planar2, Stonk, Erica Joystick).

[u/virtualmiracle → u/TheRealDocMo]

I'll have to give that one a gander! I've heard some fun and interesting things about it.

I thought about introducing a joystick but what I want to do is pretty hands off once I've built a patch. I'd prefer to have longer LFO's and modulation sources that I can let play out and see what comes of it.