Euro Modular Synth ReadMe.1st
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- 1-Post Wiggler
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- Learning to Wiggle
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- Learning to Wiggle
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Thanks so much for this. It really is a useful source. I'm starting to plan out my first eurorack and I was wondering if I might get a bit of advice / critique / thoughts on my plan.
Here's a screen shot from Modgulargrid.

The plan is for the following (in order of purchase / acquisition):
1. 60 HP Moog Case
2. TipTop uZeus
3. MN STO
4. Michigan Synth Works mBrane (As a cheaper, smaller alternative to MI Yarns)
5. MN Rosie
6. 2hp Dual VCA
7. Erica Synths Pico VCF
8. MN Maths
9. 2hp delay
10. 2hp ADSR
11. 2hp LFO
12. 2hp verb
I plan to use this initial rack and should I really enjoy the process, then get a second 60 HP tier and maybe some nicer filters, envelopes, and effects. I keep going back and forth between the 60 HP case and 104 HP case but I really think I want the smaller width footprint and I'm also into the idea of working first with a small system and becoming quite familiar with the modules, and the whole environment, before expanding.
I plan to use my Korg Minilogue XD as a midi controller / interface it with the CV inputs. I was recommended the Yarns as a MIDI interface since it can also double up as a digital oscillator. The Michigan Synths version is about $100 cheaper.
I've received some mix reactions towards the Rosie being included in my first build, but coming from a mixing engineers perspective, it is quite important to me to have a dedicated output and know that I can be attenuating volume at the last stage and not be having any effect on the way the patch is running elsewhere in the chain. I'm also quite enthusiastic about the headphone out with its discrete level control, as well as the send and return insert function of the unit.
I'm quite interested in the Maths and have sort of built the system around implementing that unit.
If anyone has any suggestions, alternative recommendations, or if you feel the maths makes some other modules redundant, I'm really looking forward to hearing.
Thanks in advance!
Here's a screen shot from Modgulargrid.

The plan is for the following (in order of purchase / acquisition):
1. 60 HP Moog Case
2. TipTop uZeus
3. MN STO
4. Michigan Synth Works mBrane (As a cheaper, smaller alternative to MI Yarns)
5. MN Rosie
6. 2hp Dual VCA
7. Erica Synths Pico VCF
8. MN Maths
9. 2hp delay
10. 2hp ADSR
11. 2hp LFO
12. 2hp verb
I plan to use this initial rack and should I really enjoy the process, then get a second 60 HP tier and maybe some nicer filters, envelopes, and effects. I keep going back and forth between the 60 HP case and 104 HP case but I really think I want the smaller width footprint and I'm also into the idea of working first with a small system and becoming quite familiar with the modules, and the whole environment, before expanding.
I plan to use my Korg Minilogue XD as a midi controller / interface it with the CV inputs. I was recommended the Yarns as a MIDI interface since it can also double up as a digital oscillator. The Michigan Synths version is about $100 cheaper.
I've received some mix reactions towards the Rosie being included in my first build, but coming from a mixing engineers perspective, it is quite important to me to have a dedicated output and know that I can be attenuating volume at the last stage and not be having any effect on the way the patch is running elsewhere in the chain. I'm also quite enthusiastic about the headphone out with its discrete level control, as well as the send and return insert function of the unit.
I'm quite interested in the Maths and have sort of built the system around implementing that unit.
If anyone has any suggestions, alternative recommendations, or if you feel the maths makes some other modules redundant, I'm really looking forward to hearing.
Thanks in advance!
- PhineasFreak
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maths takes up a lot of room for what it provides and once yu use it as an lfo or nvelope or whatever its no longer able to perform other functions - its worth considering a number of smaller dedicated modules instead...
RYO DIY is back, exclusively available from Synthcube!
https://www.waxcide.com
http://waxcide.bandcamp.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjpm-6 ... 5YVm6_jg_w
https://www.waxcide.com
http://waxcide.bandcamp.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjpm-6 ... 5YVm6_jg_w
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- Learning to Wiggle
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- Learning to Wiggle
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Re: Euro Modular Synth ReadMe.1st
Amen to that. My starter advice is to always zero your output before making a new connection. Connect the cables, _then_ bring up the volume. Avoid going deaf.PhineasFreak wrote: - Audio can come out much louder or quieter than expected sometimes
Just wanted to say thanks for this well-thought-out starter system and post. There's a lot to think about in terms of the multi-function use of many of the modules. I think it really goes to the heart of what modular is, and shows the creativity that makes it fun and powerful when used well.PhineasFreak wrote:
…i designed an ideal starter system to show the stuff to think about:
at face value it looks dull:
2 x vco, 4x vca, 1 x noise source, 1 x filter,1 x vcs, crossfader, utilities and 1 x freq divider.
but...
…
the possibilities of this system are enourmous allowing a huge variety of synthesis such as fm, am, tz, east coast, west coat, harmonic overtones/undertones and much much more.
In addition, your post illustrates the need to know your modules deeply, and provides reasons for thinking through the details of how the modules can be used together to expand their uses. Plus, it gives good specific modules to investigate.
Thanks!
Re:
Is multi-functionality generally considered a bad thing? I'm just getting started with eurorack and this seems like just the kind of thing I'm looking for - see also the Serge VCFQ that can be a filter, an oscillator, or a slew.PhineasFreak wrote: ↑Wed May 15, 2019 5:09 ammaths takes up a lot of room for what it provides and once yu use it as an lfo or nvelope or whatever its no longer able to perform other functions - its worth considering a number of smaller dedicated modules instead...
Re: Re:
In my limited but growing experience, multi-functionality is a great thing, particularly when starting out. Unless you have an unlimited budget. If you haven't already, take a look at the Disting MK4 or the new Disting EX. Lots of functionality for the cost of a module or three. You get to try all kinds of functions and determine if you need a dedicated module for any particular one.license wrote: ↑Tue Jun 02, 2020 9:58 pmIs multi-functionality generally considered a bad thing? I'm just getting started with eurorack and this seems like just the kind of thing I'm looking for - see also the Serge VCFQ that can be a filter, an oscillator, or a slew.PhineasFreak wrote: ↑Wed May 15, 2019 5:09 ammaths takes up a lot of room for what it provides and once yu use it as an lfo or nvelope or whatever its no longer able to perform other functions - its worth considering a number of smaller dedicated modules instead...
Re: Re:
Thanks for confirming and for your recommendation. I actually just ordered a Maths - not only does it seem incredibly useful, but I just get a good vibe from it. That and Three Sisters will be my first 2 modules, and I plan to get some kind of VCA shortly - the Happy Nerding dual xfade is looking good for this (among many other options).DCDanno wrote: ↑Wed Jun 03, 2020 9:45 amIn my limited but growing experience, multi-functionality is a great thing, particularly when starting out. Unless you have an unlimited budget. If you haven't already, take a look at the Disting MK4 or the new Disting EX. Lots of functionality for the cost of a module or three. You get to try all kinds of functions and determine if you need a dedicated module for any particular one.license wrote: ↑Tue Jun 02, 2020 9:58 pmIs multi-functionality generally considered a bad thing? I'm just getting started with eurorack and this seems like just the kind of thing I'm looking for - see also the Serge VCFQ that can be a filter, an oscillator, or a slew.PhineasFreak wrote: ↑Wed May 15, 2019 5:09 ammaths takes up a lot of room for what it provides and once yu use it as an lfo or nvelope or whatever its no longer able to perform other functions - its worth considering a number of smaller dedicated modules instead...
I've bern studying the EX and it looks great, particularly the recording and low-latency sample playback facilities. That said, I want to avoid adding screens for a bit while I get acquainted with the workflow, so that will be something for a little ways down the road.
Re: Re:
Nice choice on the Three Sisters, I love love love mine.license wrote: ↑Thu Jun 04, 2020 12:40 amThanks for confirming and for your recommendation. I actually just ordered a Maths - not only does it seem incredibly useful, but I just get a good vibe from it. That and Three Sisters will be my first 2 modules, and I plan to get some kind of VCA shortly - the Happy Nerding dual xfade is looking good for this (among many other options).DCDanno wrote: ↑Wed Jun 03, 2020 9:45 amIn my limited but growing experience, multi-functionality is a great thing, particularly when starting out. Unless you have an unlimited budget. If you haven't already, take a look at the Disting MK4 or the new Disting EX. Lots of functionality for the cost of a module or three. You get to try all kinds of functions and determine if you need a dedicated module for any particular one.license wrote: ↑Tue Jun 02, 2020 9:58 pmIs multi-functionality generally considered a bad thing? I'm just getting started with eurorack and this seems like just the kind of thing I'm looking for - see also the Serge VCFQ that can be a filter, an oscillator, or a slew.PhineasFreak wrote: ↑Wed May 15, 2019 5:09 ammaths takes up a lot of room for what it provides and once yu use it as an lfo or nvelope or whatever its no longer able to perform other functions - its worth considering a number of smaller dedicated modules instead...
I've bern studying the EX and it looks great, particularly the recording and low-latency sample playback facilities. That said, I want to avoid adding screens for a bit while I get acquainted with the workflow, so that will be something for a little ways down the road.


Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.
We don't make mistakes, we just have happy accidents.
We don't make mistakes, we just have happy accidents.
Re: Re:
Thank you, I'm excited!tigersi wrote: ↑Thu Jun 04, 2020 10:44 amNice choice on the Three Sisters, I love love love mine.license wrote: ↑Thu Jun 04, 2020 12:40 amThanks for confirming and for your recommendation. I actually just ordered a Maths - not only does it seem incredibly useful, but I just get a good vibe from it. That and Three Sisters will be my first 2 modules, and I plan to get some kind of VCA shortly - the Happy Nerding dual xfade is looking good for this (among many other options).DCDanno wrote: ↑Wed Jun 03, 2020 9:45 amIn my limited but growing experience, multi-functionality is a great thing, particularly when starting out. Unless you have an unlimited budget. If you haven't already, take a look at the Disting MK4 or the new Disting EX. Lots of functionality for the cost of a module or three. You get to try all kinds of functions and determine if you need a dedicated module for any particular one.license wrote: ↑Tue Jun 02, 2020 9:58 pmIs multi-functionality generally considered a bad thing? I'm just getting started with eurorack and this seems like just the kind of thing I'm looking for - see also the Serge VCFQ that can be a filter, an oscillator, or a slew.PhineasFreak wrote: ↑Wed May 15, 2019 5:09 ammaths takes up a lot of room for what it provides and once yu use it as an lfo or nvelope or whatever its no longer able to perform other functions - its worth considering a number of smaller dedicated modules instead...
I've bern studying the EX and it looks great, particularly the recording and low-latency sample playback facilities. That said, I want to avoid adding screens for a bit while I get acquainted with the workflow, so that will be something for a little ways down the road.![]()
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Re: Re:
Thank youtigersi wrote: ↑Thu Jun 04, 2020 10:44 amNice choice on the Three Sisters, I love love love mine.license wrote: ↑Thu Jun 04, 2020 12:40 amThanks for confirming and for your recommendation. I actually just ordered a Maths - not only does it seem incredibly useful, but I just get a good vibe from it. That and Three Sisters will be my first 2 modules, and I plan to get some kind of VCA shortly - the Happy Nerding dual xfade is looking good for this (among many other options).
I've bern studying the EX and it looks great, particularly the recording and low-latency sample playback facilities. That said, I want to avoid adding screens for a bit while I get acquainted with the workflow, so that will be something for a little ways down the road.![]()
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- Nikanj Bleepbloop
- Learning to Wiggle
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- Joined: Sun Dec 06, 2020 4:47 am
Re: Euro Modular Synth ReadMe.1st
Hi, I think this will be my first post here, even though I have been reading in this forum for the last few weeks, learning as much as I can.
A few years ago I decided to learn more about analogue synths, and got me a Microbrute. That little patchbay was teasing me over the years, but felt getting more into modular would overwhelm me at that time. Now this pandemic (and a Subharmonicon & DFAM later) I jumped into this ocean! Still waiting for my order of first modules, my 84HP cardboard DIY case is already waiting
- so, very grateful for this beginner-friendly infos in this thread!
A few years ago I decided to learn more about analogue synths, and got me a Microbrute. That little patchbay was teasing me over the years, but felt getting more into modular would overwhelm me at that time. Now this pandemic (and a Subharmonicon & DFAM later) I jumped into this ocean! Still waiting for my order of first modules, my 84HP cardboard DIY case is already waiting

- PhineasFreak
- Super Deluxe Wiggler
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- Joined: Sun Apr 10, 2011 3:49 am
- Location: South Wales
- Contact:
Re: Euro Modular Synth ReadMe.1st
weirdly, just this morning i was tidying my modgrid racks and wonndered if i should keep that ideal starter system mentioned in one of the early posts - as long as its still getting attention, reads and being useful then i shall leave it up.
tho it strikes me many would find this blog entry i wrote relatively recently particularly enlightening when it comes to choosing starter modules and even just modules in general:
https://waxcide.wordpress.com/2020/10/2 ... lar-synth/
tho it strikes me many would find this blog entry i wrote relatively recently particularly enlightening when it comes to choosing starter modules and even just modules in general:
https://waxcide.wordpress.com/2020/10/2 ... lar-synth/
RYO DIY is back, exclusively available from Synthcube!
https://www.waxcide.com
http://waxcide.bandcamp.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjpm-6 ... 5YVm6_jg_w
https://www.waxcide.com
http://waxcide.bandcamp.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjpm-6 ... 5YVm6_jg_w
Re: Euro Modular Synth ReadMe.1st
Welcome to the rabbit hole!Nikanj Bleepbloop wrote: ↑Mon Jan 04, 2021 11:24 amHi, I think this will be my first post here, even though I have been reading in this forum for the last few weeks, learning as much as I can.
A few years ago I decided to learn more about analogue synths, and got me a Microbrute. That little patchbay was teasing me over the years, but felt getting more into modular would overwhelm me at that time. Now this pandemic (and a Subharmonicon & DFAM later) I jumped into this ocean! Still waiting for my order of first modules, my 84HP cardboard DIY case is already waiting- so, very grateful for this beginner-friendly infos in this thread!
I followed a similar path. My first "synth" was a PO-12 purchased at the Moog store in NC. Next was a Microbrute. A Neutron instead of the DFAM/Subharmonicon (obviously not a 1:1 comparo) and then a cardboard and duct tape 6U 84HP case. And then...a lot more.
Enjoy the journey!
Re: Euro Modular Synth ReadMe.1st
Hello, also firsts posts in the community, but into modular for quite a while now. I as well started with the cardboard case, modules stuck everywhere and the power bus flying around!!Nikanj Bleepbloop wrote: ↑Mon Jan 04, 2021 11:24 amHi, I think this will be my first post here, even though I have been reading in this forum for the last few weeks, learning as much as I can.
A few years ago I decided to learn more about analogue synths, and got me a Microbrute. That little patchbay was teasing me over the years, but felt getting more into modular would overwhelm me at that time. Now this pandemic (and a Subharmonicon & DFAM later) I jumped into this ocean! Still waiting for my order of first modules, my 84HP cardboard DIY case is already waiting- so, very grateful for this beginner-friendly infos in this thread!

Be careful with those flying voltages because an unexpected short circuit with some metal around you may damage some module or piece of equipment. I was a bit careless at first but learned the lesson the hard way but I´m sure you´ll be fine.
Enjoy the new journey!