If you don’t have space, budget, or can’t be bothered to add a sequencer the Disting mk4's got you covered. This module has amazing shift register algorithms and a kick ass mode called Dual Euclidean Patterns. The four Shift Registers included are: Random CVs, Random Quantised CVs, Random Triggers, Random Dual Triggers.
There’s enough variation and parameters in these five algorithms to keep you jamming for weeks if not months. Downside is the little bit of menu diving you need to do but not a problem once you've got the hang of it. This module is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - pick one up wherever you can!
Other posts in the series:
Starting Eurorack With A Small Rig - Introduction
Starting Eurorack With A Small Rig - Part 1
Starting Eurorack With A Small Rig - Part 2
Starting Eurorack With A Small Rig - Part 3
Starting Eurorack With A Small Rig - Part 4
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I’ve only scratched its surface but Rings is already proving to be a very versatile module. The Structure knob is quite musical and super fun to play with. To get a 2001 Space Odessy sound put Rings into Sympathetic Strings mode. Then use the Structure knob to sweep the frequency ratios between all strings (with virtual notches at octaves or fifths). The effect you get from Structure will change depending on which of the three resonator modes you are in. Click here for a demo of the Structure knob in action.
Warps' multi colour dial has been featured in many YouTube videos. And for good reason as the Algorithm knob provides nine different ways to cross modulate two audio signals. I love it because these different modulations run the gamut in a very Mohammed Ali way - from in your face to subtle as a butterly. However, this makes managing levels a little difficult if you are performing with it. Click here for a demo of the Algorithm knob in action.
Other posts in this series:
Starting Eurorack With A Small Rig - Introduction
Starting Eurorack With A Small Rig - Part 1
]]>There's definitely no menu diving with Elements and performing with it is an absolute joy. The layout of the knobs makes things very intuitive after you spend some time studying the manual to understand the relationship between the parameters. Pressing the "Play" button will add dramatic musical effect to any performance.
Once you've got the hang of all the knobs there are loads of CV inputs to modulate pretty much everything. As with the other Mutable Instruments modules Elements is hackable as well. Click here for firmware hacking procedures. With the recent spate of module discontinuations from MI, it will be interesting to see what the successor to Elements will be. Regardless of what or when this current version will remain a classic.
Other posts in this series:
Starting Eurorack With A Small Rig - Introduction
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There are just the right amount of wave forms - not too many as to be overwhelming and enough variety to keep you engaged. One of my favourites is the VFOF which is (as described from the manual):
It's great for making long and evocative spaced out sounds that you can then modulate. I posted a video clip of the VFOF in action which you can check out here.
Once you've honed in on a waveform you like start exploring the settings underneath. I find the octave setting "OCTV" to be ideal for adding movement to a track. It's quite easy to get a good performance as it's settings are limited to -2, -1, 0, +1, +2 octaves. Jumping between two octaves is enough to get your groove on.
If you're interested in doing some DIY projects of your own hacking Braids is a good start. It's software and hardware are entirely open source so you can come up with your own brew of the module. For more Braids hacking resources please click here.
Other posts in this series:
Starting Eurorack With A Small Rig - Introduction
]]>Here's a recent one from Mike:
You'll notice from the above videos that one or usually more Mutable Instruments modules will be used in their sets to sonically create meditative landscapes. This made it easy to focus my modules research and move onto the next steps quickly.
To achieve my secondary goal of doing more with less I decided to go with the Tiptop Audio Happy Ending Kit. As it comes with a spare flying bus board cable the HEK makes it easy to expand the rig in the future by adding just a pair of eurorack rails and HEK ears. The goal is to start small but not stay small :)
Other posts in this series:
Starting Eurorack With A Small Rig - Introduction
Starting Eurorack With A Small Rig - Part 2
Starting Eurorack With A Small Rig - Part 3
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With a smaller system it's even more important to choose the modules and case that you will be happy with. To build a system that fits a budget and inspires you to wiggle is the goal. Here are a few approaches you can consider to make life easier:
You'll find that it is likely going to be a bit of a combination of the above or some other approaches. So have fun and enjoy the process because the results will definitely surprise and delight you either way.
Cheers!
Ready for the next steps?:
Starting Eurorack With A Small Rig - Part 1
Starting Eurorack With A Small Rig - Part 2
Starting Eurorack With A Small Rig - Part 3
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Hope you've enjoyed the "Build Your Own Synth" series so far. Thanks for all the positive comments and suggestions - I really appreciate them!
So finally we get to hear what the Mutant Drums Boat sounds like and here's the first video of it in action:
Amazing what you can do with not even a rack full of modules. There's some 80 plus HP of expansion space left in this rig. Time to visit www.animatoaudio.com to see what modules I can add to the mix :)
Cheers!
A.A.
Other tutorial posts in this series:
Build Your Own Synth - Step 1: Selecting A Case
Build Your Own Synth - Step 2: Establish A Starting Point
Build Your Own Synth - Step 3: Module Selection
Build Your Own Synth - Step 4: Layout
Build Your Own Synth - Step 5: Preparation
Build Your Own Synth - Step 6: Mutant Drums Boat
Build Your Own Synth - Step 7: Completion
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Very tempted to fill that whole top row with other Mutant Drums but let's add a little variety shall we? Enter the Basimilus Iteritas Alter (BIA) arguably one of the most frenetic and diversely sounding percussive / lead modules you can buy. Welcome to the family BIA!
Next Up To Bat...
To hit it out of the park is Clouds of course! Yet another personal favourite of mine that delivers surprise after musical surprise. Clouds is one of the modules that drew me into the eurorack format in the first place :)
Classic Noise Indeed
Rounding out my corner of effects module is this little power house delay called DLY from Synthrotek. Just love how it goes from smooth sounding to raw while adding loads of character to the sound. Perfect module for sending audio to the interface as well. I put my delays at the end of the eurorack chain as I would my guitar pedals.
I Have A Bird That Sings
Or whistles or does anything you want and it's called the Arpitecht. This thing delivers big time when it comes to generating memorable melodies on the fly. It does go a little bonkers at times but spend effort taming it and you will be rewarded. This bird deserves a lot more love then it gets on the interwebs.
And To Hold It All Together
You need to have some MSCL! Boost gain, add compression, change attack and release characteristics and sidechain input all in 4hp is a no brainer really. This thing is like a mini mixer for all my drums - just crank up that gain when the beat drops!
et voilà!
Ain't she a thing of beauty. Can't wait to see how it sounds!
Other tutorial posts in this series:
Build Your Own Synth - Step 1: Selecting A Case
Build Your Own Synth - Step 2: Establish A Starting Point
Build Your Own Synth - Step 3: Module Selection
Build Your Own Synth - Step 4: Layout
Build Your Own Synth - Step 5: Preparation
]]>Power Board Connections
Pictured below is the Tiptop Audio Studio Bus connection to the case jumpers and power switch. The other pair of blue and red wires going off screen is connecting to the other Studio Bus in exactly the same way. Once the connections are verified plug in the power and turn the case on. If the lights on the boards don't come on immediately turn the case off quickly and check the connections.
Installing The First Module
We're finally ready to start the install proper. Here's the Mutant Bassdrum ready to move into a new home. Use the "Nut Mover" to slide the necessary number of nuts into place on the rail. To minimise rashes on the face plate of the modules avoid turning the screws too tightly.
No Thanks, I Don't Smoke
Give everything a test at this point. Check that the polarity on the module power cable is connected to the -12V on each end. Plug in the power adapter to the case and turn the rig on. No smoke? Good. Lets move on to the next step.
Piece Of Cake
Now we're starting to get the hang of it - it's a piece of cake really. Mutant BD9 installed and Mutant Snare (one of my favourite modules) is jumping in the boat too :)
Video Games Anyone?
VCNO turns drum modules with external input into bit crushed goodness that sounds like Contra - remember that classic?
So Have You Been Checking...
the polarity on your cables? Let's not get ahead of ourselves and make sure we check with each module.
Last Mutant In the Boat...
Is a Mutant Clap. Let's give it a clap shall we? Doh bad joke! But no seriously I love all my Mutants the same :)
Other tutorial posts in this series:
Build Your Own Synth - Step 1: Selecting A Case
Build Your Own Synth - Step 2: Establish A Starting Point
Build Your Own Synth - Step 3: Module Selection
Build Your Own Synth - Step 4: Layout
Build Your Own Synth - Step 5: Preparation
]]>When ordering the power adapter for my own rig I mistakenly bought one that did not have enough milliamperes and the wrong sized plug to go into the eurorack case. Luckily I had a set of plug adapters and did not plan to fill my case up with modules just yet.
Here's a list of tools for a smooth rig build:
It's also a good idea to quickly review the installation instructions for your power boards, modules and add on modules to make sure there are no gotchas down the road. The major thing to watch out for is the polarity of the power going from power board to eurorack module.
MAKE SURE THAT THE -12V PIN INDICATED ON THE POWER BOARD IS GOING TO THE -12V PIN INDICATED ON THE MODULE.
In most cases the plugs on either end only fit one way. But please double check by following the red wire on the cable. Lastly, reading the quick start guides for the modules will also enable you to jam on your rig as soon as it's complete!
Other tutorial posts in this series:
Build Your Own Synth - Step 1: Selecting A Case
Build Your Own Synth - Step 2: Establish A Starting Point
Build Your Own Synth - Step 3: Module Selection
Build Your Own Synth - Step 4: Layout
Build Your Own Synth - Step 6: Mutant Drums Boat
]]>The most useful info is tucked away in the little row of text at the bottom. It shows for the example case above:
Knowing the power consumption will be crucial for getting a power board and adapter sufficient for your current and future needs. Check the specs to make sure it is supplying mA (milliampere) GREATER than those stated in "Power Consumption".
Some points to consider for case layout:
Hope that was helpful to you and have fun laying out your own modular synth.
Other tutorial posts in this series:
Build Your Own Synth - Step 1: Selecting A Case
Build Your Own Synth - Step 2: Establish A Starting Point
Build Your Own Synth - Step 3: Module Selection
Build Your Own Synth - Step 5: Preparation
Build Your Own Synth - Step 6: Mutant Drums Boat
]]>CV and Gate Sources | Write your own shortlist of modules below |
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Audio Sources | |
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Signal Manipulation | |
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Signal Processors | |
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Stick with the four bold headings above if any of the individual points still sound foreign to you. Took me a while to understand it as well. CVs are control voltages that allow control over things and Gates are electrical signals that trigger things. Your synth may still work by leaving out one category or another. The first two are the most important and the last two are optional but highly recommended. If you are working with a limited budget then keep to your own objectives and don't worry about checking off all the boxes.
Other points you may consider when choosing modules:
Other tutorial posts in this series:
Build Your Own Synth - Step 1: Selecting A Case
Build Your Own Synth - Step 2: Establish A Starting Point
Build Your Own Synth - Step 4: Layout
Build Your Own Synth - Step 5: Preparation
Build Your Own Synth - Step 6: Mutant Drums Boat
]]>Drums
The inspiration for this case is a drums centric synth with minimal sequencing. Having lots of controls over each individual drum voice (bass drum, snare, hihats, claps, etc) is also a must. I also want the ability to change the noise source and give them a distinct character. Drum sounds need variety if your going to be jamming for hours on end.
Melody
Keeping the melody lines simple is also an important consideration. Being able to turn a few knobs and generate pleasing series of tones really appeals to me. Wish my keyboard playing skills allowed me to just twinkle my fingers musically, but gates and CVs are the next best thing!
Sonic Pallet
Changing the character of the lead and other sounds is also a high priority. To start songs I either pick a drum pattern or a tone/noise to build on. So to be musically inspired I need some way to mangle things up and spark my curiosity. Layering or alternating between different voices to play the same melody or bass line would be nice and to be able to flip a switch to do that is even more so.
Effects
What's a rig without some good effects right? But before going too crazy I want to start out with some simple delay type effects. I also want an easy way to smear the sound and change it in unexpected and creative ways. As modular synth output can be unwieldy at times compression in the chain to glue things together would be useful as well.
Hope that was helpful to you. Can't wait to see your synth!
Other tutorial posts in this series:
Build Your Own Synth - Step 1: Selecting A Case
Build Your Own Synth - Step 3: Module Selection
Build Your Own Synth - Step 4: Layout
Build Your Own Synth - Step 5: Preparation
Build Your Own Synth - Step 6: Mutant Drums Boat
]]>Arguably the most important step is finding a good home for all those yummy modules you'll be getting. Ask ten synth nerds why they choose the case they did and you'll get ten different answers. Here's my own eurorack case priorities list for your consideration:
So with the above list I was able to whittle down the options and select a suitable case for this moment in time. Mind you things can change going forward :)
The case featured in this post is a 104HP 6U Lamond Design (original Matthew Goike design) curved walnut boat finished with nut oil. It has vector rails, interior depth 55mm front row, 65mm back row. Angle matches the Lamond Design 9u and 12u cases, back height matches front height of 12u case. Exterior dimensions 326mm x 105mm x 574mm.
Other tutorial posts in this series:
Build Your Own Synth - Step 2: Establish A Starting Point
Build Your Own Synth - Step 3: Module Selection
Build Your Own Synth - Step 4: Layout
Build Your Own Synth - Step 5: Preparation
Build Your Own Synth - Step 6: Mutant Drums Boat
Build Your Own Synth - Step 7: Completion
Build Your Own Synth - Step 8: Mutant Taiko
Here's a few other cases and racks from our store:
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Other tutorial posts in this series:
Build Your Own Synth - Step 1: Selecting A Case
Build Your Own Synth - Step 2: Establish A Starting Point
Build Your Own Synth - Step 3: Module Selection
Build Your Own Synth - Step 4: Layout
Build Your Own Synth - Step 5: Preparation
Build Your Own Synth - Step 6: Mutant Drums Boat
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