Actually, to add onto what @futureaztec was saying: do you guys recommend buying used or new? Aside from the ES modules, of course. I just don’t want to get screwed over, or, like, have to figure out what ribbon cable I need to use if the seller doesn’t include one (i.e., I’m not very savvy with the nitty-gritty details of electronics).
Thoughts on this Eurorack layout?
- Single channel quantizer probably won’t be enough for 3 voices, so I would either ditch it or look for something with more channels.
- I generally don’t understand mixers without cv inputs for gain and mixing.
- Knobfarm Ooots is probably more interesting output module https://www.modulargrid.net/e/knob-farm-ooots
- Elements and Rings overlap in many ways, maybe its better to choose one or the other as a starting point, considering the hp of Elements in this compact system.
- I would go for a small gate / trigger sequencer like Varigate 4+ or other instead of generative Grids - intention over automation. I wish Varigate 4+ had more than 8 steps tho, but there might be other options. This is also interesting: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/dnipro-modular-dot
- Overall there’s too few modulation sources.
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I highly recommend buying used. There are always risks. If you go through Reverb.com there is some protection as a buyer and seller. Used Eurorack is actually very affordable. Also it is a bit of a nicer community than, say, automobiles which is where everyone just throws ethics out the window.
Also, these modules are investments. One day the originals will probably be worth a car. My prediction. But that will take a decade or two. I think jacks are vulnerable. Also, it depends on the initial quality of the module. Happy Nerding, for example has great potentiometers. Erica synths pico line are not in the same league, but priced accordingly.
Also, with used, consider shops. Detroit Modular, Patchweks, etc.
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What would you suggest for modulation modules? Also, thank you so much for all the other feedback!
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Okay, good to know! Thank you!
Maths is the single most popular Eurorack module according to modular grid, so it would certainly be on the top of my list.
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I like quad lfo and voltage block from Malekko, but I can’t say I love them to death. I wish VB worked closer to a smooth motion recorder rather than sequencer of voltage values, and quad lfo could be modulated by external cv and not just having its own sequencer and ability to sequence different paraments internally.
Many people like Maths, Batumi and Zadar, or some random stuff, but having just two ad envelopes from Maths is just not enough for me, even with self-patching etc. Batumi and Zadar have too few controls, but Zadar might be more interesting of the two.
I guess you need a really clear understanding of how you want to interact with your system, what balance of intention vs random or generative modulation, its very personal.
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Okay, this is all good to know. The Quad LFO looks pretty cool, though, yeah, not having any external cv modulation is kind of annoying…though I guess you could just output it into another LFO. I think I’ve got a good idea of what I’m looking for, now, so thanks!
What about a clock source. Divided clocks to program drums, changes, as a source for logic, modulatable divided clocks for quantized scale variations. Maybe Pamela’s Workout from ALM.
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In the new version I have I added Qu-Bit’s Pulsar and Chance, which I think would probably work as a clock, but after doing some research, Pamela’s Workout seems like a better option right now, so thanks for the heads-up!
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I went to look at your latest iteration and got an “invalid rack” error from Modular Grid.
Okay, so, I’m thinking my first two modules are going to be Plaits and some sort of clock source. I can’t decide between Pamela’s New Workout or Marbles. Any thoughts? I like the randomization capabilities on Marbles, and that it’s also a quantizer, but PNW seems a little more powerful and capable of so much more. I dunno. It’s not like I have to decide immediately, anyway: I’m not pulling the trigger on anything until the beginning of February.
What about Tempi?
Another thought is that you could get a midi host module, such that not only will it produce midi-cv, but the start/stop transport from your brute would be “available” to a host module. So then you get clock sync as well as a way to use the midi from your brute to control your rack oscillators.
It sure looks like your semi modular analog synth and sequencer would be a blast with a rack!
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I’m not totally sure what you mean by that? Is there a specific module you could point to? I’m assuming it’s something by Expert Sleepers? Haha.
Tempi looks interesting, but I think what I’m really missing from the MiniBrute right now is some randomness, which is why I think PNW or Marbles would be the better choice, just considering their randomization options. Either that or maybe the Qu-Bit Chance, but I don’t know if that’s really as much of a clock as it is just a random source. I’m sort of looking for both randomization and clock generation.
The Minibrute 2S already has a sync clock and run trigger out as well as a volt per octave, gate, velocity and mod wheel CV out, which covers most of what a typical MIDI host module would provide.
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Yes. But there are another 15 channels of MIDI. However, it looks like the minibrute is less equipped as a “controller” than I thought as it is nicely focused on the semi-modular jacks.
So it would make sense to not think of it as a master sequencer. I have 4 cv/gate outputs on my Analog Four, but I can also use it to sequence midi. That said, I don’t use it to sequence midi. To be honest, I am not that satisfied with mBrane/Yarns. (The idea was to squeeze a few more cv/gate outputs out of the Analog Four. Although it works to get the transport sync over to the ES-8, I always go to do something and end up all mixed up, or I can’t recall my save or whatever).
I guess I need to spend some time with it and make some decisions. Maybe I should try USB->MIDI>CV where Gadget sequences mBrane/Yarns and it sends cv out to the rack. I need a USB to midi cable.
Just wanted to share some of that because these are working challenges. I like having a setup where I can workaround stuff because almost every time I go to make music something gets in the way, but then I just approach things differently.
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I thought this Interview with some prominent figures in the modular world about getting started might be helpful to bring to this conversation.
They raise a lot of the same points I have received from this forum over the last year and a half, but it is all concentrated, and won’t require that you go through and look for the varied history of newbie questions I asked in the same vein.
I hope this will help, and I hope that you will ultimately be happy in whatever path you end up taking in your sonic voyage. Happy patching! 
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Thanks for the link!
Okay, so I think I have the rack down: it has everything I’m looking for: a combination of tools for improvisation and generative music, as well as capabilities for some serious noise and the ability to integrate my guitar. So, thanks again, you guys—you’ve been seriously helpful here!
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