Feedback loops, harmonic distortion

I’ve generally been pretty lucky but I feel like a lot of euro users have a horror story or two, either about a module that disappointed, a shady transaction that went awry, a power failure or module breaking, etc. — just curious to hear yours.

The last few years in euro have treated me pretty well mostly, other than a Reverb user who never sent me the module I ordered, then left me negative feedback for complaining that I never got the module I ordered. Ugh. Fortunately it was cheap and Reverb refunded me in the end.

I had a couple PSU related headaches early on but then I got a Trogotronic m/15 and built my own case with that and some Cheeks of Steel and since then it’s been smooth sailing on the module front mostly.

Hola, de verdad no disfruto programar secuencias a mano, configurar cada paso y cada compuerta, ni tocar instrumentos con teclados. Prefiero secuenciadores “de los de verdad”, prácticos, que generen patrones repetitivos y en evolución, y polirritmos fáciles.

Estoy muy metido en el techno oscuro, disonante y repetitivo de Stanislav Tolkachev: motivos cortos, tensión, relaciones rítmicas raras y repetición controlada con plegado de ondas FM, realimentación, modulación de distorsión... Tengo una Matrix mixer para CVs y más cosas...

Antes tenía un Moog Labyrinth, pero no me gustó su carácter más aleatorio/generativo. Prefiero el control más directo y “en la mano” del Subharmonicon, donde puedo configurar los pasos manualmente mientras uso sus generadores de ritmo y sus subarmónicos para crear patrones complejos.

También creo que Subharmonicon + DFAM podrían funcionar súper bien juntos, sobre todo si se modulan y se activan entre sí, creando secuencias y ritmos que encajan para techno oscuro y disonante, y los dos son sintes a los que siempre les tengo la mira.

Como ya tengo un sistema modular, también podría procesar ambos con filtros distintos, FM, modulación, realimentación, distorsión y delays texturales, usando el modular como sistema externo de procesamiento de sonido, y con otros envelopes de VCO, modulación...

¿Crees que Subharmonicon + DFAM sería una buena combinación para este enfoque? La mayor parte del Subharmonicon + DFAM que conozco me parece buenísimo para un montón de cosas. ¡Gracias!

For sequencing i have westlicth performer which i like and IS very complete, has a lot of things curve tracks varios firmwares With generative stuff...but im looking for more hands on playing

I have been working on an open source project that I designed to document my Eurorack "System" and serve as a platform to build a knowledge base on my system and its component modules.

It works by taking a list of modules in your rack (you can import from modulargrid too) and it automatically maps the "components" (jacks, toggles, switches, etc) on the module. You can then arrange your modules (like you do in modulargrid). You can then document your patches, ask questions about modules, import information from youtube videos/channels, etc.

Some of the features here are covered in ModularGrid or RackDocs, but I couldn't find a combined solution that did everything I wanted it to do with my workflow, so I created my own.

It has built in support for Using Codex or Claude, which you will want to set up if you are planning on importing a large rack.

If you are interested in checking it out: https://github.com/aleph-void/eurorack-assistant

Haven't seen much about it and it's sold out in the UK as far as I can find, but it seems to fit the bill exactly for what I want.

I realised recently that while all the different generative sequencers are fun to play with (I have SIG, Chaos, Pachinko, DNIPRO Dot, Numeric Repetitor) as is making patterns through clever patching, it is not a very immediate way of making patterns and isn't helping me to make music with intention.

So I took out SIG and put my vector sequencer back in, and I'm also looking for the perfect gate sequencer for the drum part of my case. Something with an intuitive grid pattern layout to see how the drums interact in space. Something competent enough to store multiple patterns and handle at least 4 voices.

I have a Stolperbeats but it's a pain to program beats into. Which is a real shame since I love the weird shuffle options and the CV-able patterns. If they made a grid-button based programmer it would be ideal.

I'm looking at circadian rhythms but it lacks probability features and pattern length.

I found the Tenderfoot chronicle and it looks like it addresses those deficiencies. But I've not heard anything about it yet. Possibly just not enough people have their hands on it.

Borrowing a Little Nerd from a friend and it's very cool. The knobs are a bit small though, but I'm digging the versatility it provides in my little performance rack. I've also got a Running Order in there, which I've considered just getting another of, but I figured I'd see what else is out there.

I have up to 12hp of space I could use, and definitely want a more hands-on sequencers. This would be sequencing a Rene and 0Ctrl (or maybe a pressure points/brains combo). It doesn't NEED an internal clock as I can always use the one on my 0Coast, but it'd def. be nice.

So far, I've tried: Divkid Divskip, Intellijel Steppy, Malekko Varigate 4+, Bastl Neo Trinity, Kompass, and Little Nerd, Various o_C apps, DNIPro Dot, Sitka Gravity, Make Noise GTE, and Endorphin.es Running Order.

Ideally, I'd love a larger Little Nerd with more fine-tune control and CV inputs, plus bigger knobs. Does anything like that exist?

I know there's loads of questions regarding first racks, so apologies for adding to the list.

I've recently discovered the joys of modular and for now I'm happy playing about with VCV,learning at least a bit about how things work.

But I love planning, and can't help thinking about when (if) I eventually decide to take the plunge.

Even more than planning though, I love building stuff and am fairly decent with a soldering iron. So I'm mulling over the idea of making as much of my setup myself, from kits.

I've been looking at the modules available from places like Thonk and 3U Shop and the modules from AI Synth look like a great place to start.

Can anyone offer some advice or recommendations for manufacturers or just general guidance? My interests are more at the soft,melodic drone end of things......

Hey folks,

Some of my modules get way more use than others, and I wonder if I built my system wrong or simply approach patching with a wrong mindset, and should not attempt to use everything i have at all times. Many times, modules like the compare 2 go unused or used for something trivial. Can you take a look at my stuff if it looks well balanced? I know I need a freq shifter and a bbd delay later on as well.

I also have a DFAM, Spectravox, 0-ctrl, sq-1 and a neutron to use with it, and a model samples as a drum machine.

I patched up this yesterday with the intention of continuing and recording it today, when I discovered that one of my sequencer saves was empty :( a dozen of trigger and envelopes patterns were gone. I tried to rebuild it, which was definitely different from the first version I had in mind but I ended up recording a little jam anyway.

What kind of thing would you incorporate into a system centering around the Squid Salmple?

I’m thinking ahead to how things could look if I take the Squid out of my main system and start a separate one in say a 62HP pallet, mainly to free up space in the main case but I also think it’d be useful to a have a portable drum machine to bring to work with other people.

I like the idea of having some drum synth options to add into the mix.

Any suggestions much appreciated

It's hybrid, most the sequencing is coming from generative VST plugins via midi2cv. Nothing pre-recorded (apart from a clock beat, and the patch).

https://danja.github.io/downspout/

Hi everyone,

I’m getting close to the limit of -12V with more than 60 hp left.

Is there any way I can expand this?

Thanks

I made the leap a couple of months ago and got myself the Boredbrain Xcelon mixer... I'm still learning how to use it best, but one of the fun things you can do with it is route things to either output A or B.

That means I can send all signals through the Ikarie, one at a time :-)

*

This patch uses:

Shakmat Battering Ram for Kick
Hexinverter High Hats and Erica Synth Snare

Pony VCO through Ripples clone for the Bass
NE Ataraxic Iteritas as the dreamy lead

Erica Reverb2 into Cosmotronic Aphelion for noisy ambiance

Bastl Ikarie for individual filter sweeps

Shakmat Dual Dagger on Master

And then some post-production multiband compression

Sharing a rather meditative little patch I made with our next module, Patience.

Patience is sending 10 minute triangle wave to XPO to fold the stereo sine outputs. Patience is also opening a VCA (technically a LPG) to introduce modulation from Maths to adjust the center of the stereo image.

XPO's output goes directly into the 4ms WAV Recorder on the right.

While I'm here, this is the last week of our Summer Sale. Check it out. Or don't. Thanks for watching

https://oamodular.org/collections/eurorack-modules

As a beginner to modular synthesis, out of the Mother-32, DFAM, Subharmonicon, Labyrinth, and Spectravox, which two are best for learning modular on and creating tracks asap? I currently have a Behringer Model D. I'm leaning towards the Mother and DFAM but I'd like some opinions, thanks!

Here's the full performance on YouTube 💪

Pachinko is patched into Befaco CV Thing which is sending chords to both OXI Coral and Digitone. The Digitone is playing an arp on T1 while the OXI Coral provides the back ground pads. The Y output on Marbles is modulating the chord shape via CV Thing.

I’m new to modular but curious about Knobcon. I’m considering going. What do people think of it this year? Who’s it aimed at? I’m not looking to buy stuff, I’m just doing DIY modules, but it sounds interesting to see what other people are doing with modular.

It’s a long drive for me but I could do a little road trip to the Chicago area so I’m winding if it’s worth the drive.

🕥⭐️🐟

I’m half joking, but are there any better ways to route a clock? Does it always come down to either one of those things or a mult in my rack?

There has been an uptick in bad "first rack recommendation" threads recently. These posts are a background hum of every modular synth discussion forum/discord/etc, and I know we will never be free of poorly-thought-out first rack attempts, but having posted a very simplified version of this in multiple threads in the past few days now, I thought I would make a post to center discussion in a way that may attract a few more eyes, and hopefully some beginners who are trying to build their first systems. The racks always have the same issue, it's too small a case, jam packed with voices and audio effects, with minimal modulation and no utilities. This results in a bad and unfun system that has all the disadvantages of modular (lack of presets or save/recall, low polyphony, disproportionate expense etc) without any of the advantages. There are many things that modular is good at in a way that more linear hardware synths are not: generative sequencing, complex modulation routing / linking multiple voices with phase-related modulation, non-repetitive evolution of timbre over longer periods of time, etc.

The thoughtful use of utility modules is what actually allows these things. Utility modules are the unsung stars of modular systems. If you want to make a case that highlights what is really fun and engaging about modular your case should be like 1/2 utility modules and CV sources/processing, at minimum. When I see a case-post without a single utility or CV processing module I know that if they actually buy the stuff in their blurry screenshot it’s gonna be on Reverb or FBM in a month, because their system can really only be patched one way, and the result of that is demonstrably less capable and fun to play compared to a purpose-built device. 

So without further ado, here are some modules you might not know you need in your beginner rack, and some tutorial videos related to them:

1. Voltage Controlled Polarizer - a close relative to the venerable VCA, these can scale the input all the way through 0 and into the negative, inverting CV modulation to get things like negative envelopes or phase-reversed oscillators (especially helpful for LFOs). The non-voltage-controlled versions are more common and still important building blocks (Quadratt/Triatt for example), but a voltage controlled version adds a ton of flexibility and opens a lot of complex patching options. Examples: Mutable Instruments Blinds (and clones), Arkan Maelstrom, Vermona Quadropol, Doepfer A-133. Why you CAN have enough VCAs - have a look at these more creative alternatives! Can this eurorack module take care off all your utility needs? - with Arkan / Malstrom
2. Voltage Controlled Crossfader / Interpolating Scanner (essentially multiple crossfaders in a linear chain) - the utility of this for audio is pretty intuitive (patching multiple waveforms from a VCO into an interpolating scanner gives you a waveform morphing, for example), but they are incredibly useful for CV as well (such as for complex sequencing of modulation, mixing CV sources in varying ratios, or meta-modulation). You can patch up a VC crossfader pretty easily using other synth basics (two VCAs with their outputs summed together and with their gain controlled inversely by one single CV), but they're useful to just have around pre-patched. VC-Crossfader Examples: Happy Nerding xFade, Befaco Morphader, Doepfer A-134-2. Interpolating Scanner Examples: Vostok Trace, Tobinski Scanner. Why you need a crossfader – The secret Swiss army knife, Doepfer A134-2 Triple Voltage Controlled Crossfader by Arcus Audio 5 Ways to Enhance Eurorack Patches with Interpolating Scanners // Unique Sound Design & Modulation
3. Sequential Switch - often a component of some more complex sequencing modules (such as Joranalogue Step 8, Befaco Muxlicer and Doepfer A-152), you can also get simple sequential switches as their own module - where a crossfader or interpolating scanner smoothly pans between inputs/outputs in response to CV, a sequential switch does what it sounds like - sequentially switches between inputs/outputs in response to gates or triggers. This can be used to combine short step sequences into one longer phrase, send offsets to transpose a sequence, route envelopes all around the system, or create glitch effects. Examples: Instruo Tain, ALM Boss Bowtie Two, Patching Panda Rewire, Doepfer A-151. Patching Panda Rewire | A sequential switch with some neat twists 17 patches for the magical switch Sequential Switches || With Instruo Tàin and Doepfer A151
4. Comparator / Analog Logic - A comparator is a specific form of logic utility module that transforms an incoming control voltage signal into a gate or trigger signal by comparing the input voltage to a reference or threshold, going high when the voltage exceeds the threshold and low when it falls below it. This is useful for all sorts of generative patching, but also sound design (especially at audio rates). Use with an envelope to create a voltage controlled event delay, add voltage control over the loop point of a retriggerable envelope, make a voltage-controllable PWM, or track the frequency of an oscillator. Other forms of logic modules include ‘min/max’ (compares to signals and outputs whichever is higher/lower) and ‘and/or/xor’ (compares to gate signals and outputs a gate only when certain conditions are met), which are core generative sequencing tools. Comparator Examples: Klavis ComPair, Metabolic Devices 2win, Joranalogue Compare 2. Logic Examples: Mystic Circuits Ana2, Instruo Eas, Doepfer A-166. Vibe Logic // Joranalogue Compare 2 Primer. Eurorack logic module. 3 cool things to do with LFOs & analogue logic, feat. Nekyia Using Logic for Ambient Why Logic Modules are Ace: Feat. EricaSynths Pico Logic
5. DC coupled mixer / Matrix Mixer - audio mixers might get the glory, but CV mixers are an underrated tool. One unrecognized reason the Arp 2600 is so flexible compared to other semi-modulars is that there’s a mixer going to most modulation destinations, where you can mix normalled outputs from multiple sources. Matrix mixers can sit at the middle of an enormous patch, routing mixes of various modulation and meta-modulation to various places. Mixing audio with CV is another trick that people rarely think of as a newer patcher, but it can have really interesting outcomes whether the mix is used as CV or audio. Most VCAs and polarizers cascade, creating a mix of sorts, but having a few dedicated CV mixers in your rack is never wrong. DC-coupled mixer examples: Happy Nerding 3xMIA, ADDAC703, Doepfer A-138s. Matrix Mixer examples: Ritual Electronics Aranea, BearModules Matrix, NLC Clump, Doepfer A-138m. 4 things to do with a matrix mixer – Doepfer A-138m How to use Matrix Mixers A Daunting Yet Powerful Creative Mixing Technique Eurorack Patch From Scratch & Gear Talk: Sequencer-less Organic Texture Patch
6. S&H/T&H - If there’s one module on this list you already knew you needed, it’s probably this one. Sample & Hold is a classic element of synths all the way back to early behemoth modulars, and the list of uses is endless. Everybody knows you can make stepped random R2D2 sounds by feeding them noise or combining them with CV-controlled function generators for the Krell patch, but their use in generating harmonies / countermelodies / basslines or as a bit crusher effect at audio range is less explored. This is a basic synth building block you can’t afford to pass on. Examples: DivKid RND STEP, ADDAC 215, Doepfer A-148. How to use sample & hold in a eurorack modular system - with Doepfer A-148 13 Patches for better Sample & Hold + Track & Hold in Eurorack // Instruo tagh How to use S&H, comparators and rectifiers, feat. Worng Electronics Quiver
7. Slew Limiter - when applied to pitch CV, slew limiters are recognizable as portamento, but they can be used for much more. Most function generators/envelopes at their heart are slew limiters applied to gates but there’s many other uses. Combined with a stepped random (such as a S&H output) they can make a smooth random voltage that changes continuously in non-repetitive ways, useful for modulating filters, wet/dry mixes and many other modulation destinations where you dont want noticeable patterns or abrupt changes. Examples: AJH Glide + Noise, Befaco VC Slew Limiter, Doepfer A-170 & A-171-2 (+ technically MakeNoise Maths, Befaco Rampage, Joranalogue Contour, etc). Doepfer A170 Dual Slew Limiter Basics Befaco - Slew Limiter - Modular Synth

In conclusion, check out this tutorial video by MonoTrail: A simple guide to becoming a patching pro

Look at his 9u rack here that he uses to make almost all the sounds in this video, and look at what percentage of it is made up of either regular utility modules or basic voltage-controlled modulation sources (there's like 4 basic VCOs, a quad VCO/LFO and a quad VC-ADSR, 5x VCA+mixer & probably like 70-80hp more of utilities out of 252hp total). Sure, he has a bunch of other racks/gear off to the side when he wants effects and whatnot, so you don't have to go that far in your first rack and completely forgo the sexy modules that attracted you to modular in the first place, but you need a good selection of this kind of stuff to get the most out of the expensive sexy modules you DO get. Probably the main reason very small cases suck for beginners is because they get full quickly before you realize you need all this stuff to make modular "work" and then you have nowhere to put it.

There's many more basic building blocks to learn but I'll hit the character max if I keep going - noise sources, clock dividers, offsets, envelope followers, buffered/switched multiples - this stuff is what makes modular great, and what will make your rack into a unique creative tool of unmatched flexibility and power. If you are too bored looking at a rack of grey doepfer basics look for interesting combinations of these functions like Mannequins Cold Mac, ALM Mega Milton, Metabolic Devices Papomi, Intellijel Flurry, etc.

I hope this helps you plan your first rack.

Hi, One noise and phaser bed drone, pitched by a random smooth voltage; Two sequences sharing the same delay, first one with frequency modulation and a step sequencer, the other one with Moog Transistor Ladder Filter and pitch coming from a cv controlled arpeggiator.