Getting started with modular synths - Step 1: Building a DIY Eurorack case

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  • Опубліковано 28 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 135

  • @starmelter-band
    @starmelter-band Рік тому +8

    I got goosebumps when the song suddenly blossomed into a fleshed-out outro for the video. Very nice.

  • @buaidhnobas1ify
    @buaidhnobas1ify Рік тому +13

    What I like most of all in your videos is the lack of "Flash" or "How not to suck at making videos in YT". I see too many YT that look like the next YT you click on. You keep it simple, to the point and informative. Thanks!

  • @dixigmbh
    @dixigmbh 10 місяців тому +2

    Man, as a composer myself, I absolutely love your videos! So grounded and honest. I love that you just with one module, very relatable! 😅 I really like your approach

  • @MichaelScottPerkins
    @MichaelScottPerkins 2 роки тому +2

    But... this is BY FAR the absolute best video on this subject. In fact... every video on this channel feels like a, "Bible on [INSERT SUBJECT]."

  • @AMTunLimited
    @AMTunLimited 2 роки тому +17

    Important note: most eurorack oscillators will output +/-10Vpp (volts peak to peak), which will MESS UP something expecting a normal line out (1Vpp). This is one of the things a VCA does, so it is SUPER IMPORTANT that you only connect interfaces/amps/what-have-you to line-level outputs, which the Plaits has.

  • @LeeWaltonUK
    @LeeWaltonUK 3 місяці тому +1

    Thanks for this series of videos David. I'm just starting to dabble in modular, and your videos were one of the reasons I decided to do so.

  • @thefrates23
    @thefrates23 2 роки тому +10

    This is by far my all time favorite channel on UA-cam. You’re a wizard dude, truly

  • @muralist_
    @muralist_ 2 роки тому +1

    Nice to hear in the last seconds of the video how that basic 1st recording got transformed into a wider arrangement!

  • @flywittzbeats4008
    @flywittzbeats4008 Рік тому +1

    The handle on the box is just too awesome 👏

  • @DeltaXMusic
    @DeltaXMusic Рік тому +1

    Dope video! Thanks for all the info

  • @pepn
    @pepn 11 місяців тому +1

    impressed by how good your sine wave impression is

  • @stefansynths
    @stefansynths 3 роки тому +42

    Catch fire? No way! If it's hot enough to start a fire then it's way too hot to touch. Besides, your power supply can only deliver 30W total.
    I think the real reason not to use wood rails is that the holes will wear out. Also not a problem for you.

    • @JGHFunRun
      @JGHFunRun 2 роки тому +1

      Plus metal is a good enough conductor that it wouldn't matter, and it would ruin most electronics. Especially digital ones like plats. And the heat generating parts are not directly attached to the face plate let alone the whole faceplate generating heat, and and and
      Also adding to the 30W part: the total wattage isn't as important as the amp count, which 1 A through a single component could probably start a fire depending on the resistance but that's the max your PSU could deliver, there's a reason that module draws are measured in milliamps (1000mA = 1A), and it's spread out. Amps are what matters for electricity to heat conversion, not volts/watts (watts = volts * amps)

  • @svggod7583
    @svggod7583 3 роки тому

    Fascinated yet lost at the same time. I have no idea of what euroracks are but I am intrigued…. This reminds me of the days of tinkering with random electronics and damn near burning down the house. Got my coffee and ready to watch the entire vid. After learning bout synthesis, etc, I think it’s time to get creative. thanks for sharing

  • @LA7Rose
    @LA7Rose 3 роки тому

    I think musicians need to learn how to diy more, I have a horrible buying addiction and seeing you hand craft equipment is really inspiring!

  • @mattallison5220
    @mattallison5220 3 роки тому +13

    Great little intro, welcome to the modular world! The Microfreak inspired me to purchase Plaits as my first module as well. Just on envelopes, Plaits has a built in simulated LPG (low pass gate), you can adjust the decay and attack times for it and if even you don’t have external modulation you can use the attenuvertors to apply the envelope to different parameters. It really is a workhorse module!

    • @DavidHilowitzMusic
      @DavidHilowitzMusic  3 роки тому +2

      Ah, thanks! I knew about the LPG, but I didn’t know about the attenuverters!

  • @Solidahmed
    @Solidahmed 3 роки тому +2

    Amazing upload. Can't wait to see the next step. Great little music you produced at the end.

  • @ajmmusic3961
    @ajmmusic3961 Рік тому +1

    The algorithm brought me here. ... Very cool content. Subbed. 👍

  • @Erliortmejurur
    @Erliortmejurur 2 роки тому

    I love your voice. Kind of just putting this on in the background. Sounds like a podcast.

  • @glenesis
    @glenesis 2 роки тому +1

    Gday Dave! You showed this is so easy. Getting me closer to the edge of that rabbit hole 😂 Have a great weekend everyone!

  • @beauhannant2228
    @beauhannant2228 Рік тому

    Just watched this video. Great example of getting started with very little. Thanks.

  •  3 роки тому +25

    This can’t be coincidence. Here I am, just planning out a couple of modules on modular grid, thinking about going modular and wondering if I really need to spend ~200 on a case. I open UA-cam and this pops up - guess this settles it 🤖.

    • @tclancy13
      @tclancy13 3 роки тому +5

      The google machine knows.

    • @elluisito000
      @elluisito000 3 роки тому +2

      @@tclancy13 sometimes i think the phone is listening to what I say.

    • @earkittycat
      @earkittycat Рік тому +2

      ​@@elluisito000it is.

  • @thelebas6652
    @thelebas6652 2 роки тому +1

    Dude, you inspired me to do something similar with a wooden wine box, thanks.

  • @tescomealdeal2823
    @tescomealdeal2823 3 роки тому +3

    I've been wanting to build a modular system for awhile but I found the whole process confusing, This has sparked my interest again. I might attempt to build a case at some point.

  • @JuanUys
    @JuanUys 6 місяців тому

    2:30 just to be clear, you can exceed amps on the supply side, and the system (modules) will only draw down the current it requires. Voltage and polarity are the ones you can't mess up 👍

  • @Gallanitte
    @Gallanitte 3 роки тому +12

    I started following you with Kontakt tutorials and I love taking this creative journey with you. You inspire me in many ways, even in your "keep it small" approach. Thank you man.

  • @wonkyrobot
    @wonkyrobot 3 роки тому

    Good luck on your new modular journey, exciting times ahead, I can guarantee you that. Looking forward to hear what new music that will come from this!

  • @MesGuided
    @MesGuided 3 роки тому

    Ok now modular seems more accessible to me... Thank you!! 🙏🙏 Also that track is 🔥🔥🔥

  • @imothy
    @imothy 3 роки тому +4

    another reason to not screw modules into wood is for static dissipation. If you walk up to your modular and touch a component it could get fried because the ground of the module isn't grounded to a metal frame, so the shortest path it will take is the closest analog component on its motherboard. If you have rails, your system has a common ground which is much safer and will extend the life of your modular due to its grounding properties. Also choosing a solid steel case is a really good choice if you want everything to stay super clean and grounded.

  • @TheFrenchWeddingTrumpeter
    @TheFrenchWeddingTrumpeter 2 роки тому +5

    been thinking of getting into modular for a while now, love the idea of starting small with a minimal set up, great video thanks David

  • @coalcrackerchris
    @coalcrackerchris 2 роки тому

    I'm trying to build a modular synth to build background music for my channel (so I don't get a copyright problem). So far, I got a Marshall MG100fx double stack amplifier, a Kramer Focus 7000 bass guitar, a Casiotone mt600 keyboard, a Lowrey M325 Organ (which has amplifier issues and might become my modular case), a DidgiTech BP50 modeling bass processor, and a DidgiTech RP3 guitar signal processor all hooked up together with a Realistic 4 channel stereo mixer. So far i have come up with some neat musical effects and rhythms! I'm looking to expand as cheaply as possible by building modulars from 'recycled' electronic components. BTW, old suitcases make great modular cases!! Great channel!

  • @WasabiNoise
    @WasabiNoise 3 роки тому

    Looking forward to more eurorack videos :) I also got Plaits first, it's a great way to get started.

  • @intender3046
    @intender3046 3 роки тому +2

    Connect your gate output on the keystep to the level input on plaits instead of trigger to be able to roll across the keys without having to fully lift one key before the next one triggers. Took me a few weeks to figure that out. Forgive me if my terminology is not correct, I just started playing keys and got into eurorack.

  • @andmoreagain
    @andmoreagain Рік тому

    mutable is such a curious popular choice amongst people who aren't familiar with eurorack. you are essentially paying for a hardware controlled piece of software that is freely available to you via vcv rack etc.

  • @shibakaneki555
    @shibakaneki555 3 роки тому

    The track in the end is soooo cool, would be good to have a full version of it!

  • @deadlinkofficialartst5592
    @deadlinkofficialartst5592 2 роки тому +1

    i start it with the grandmother moog modules synthesizer and i just got it today

  • @TheRealTeebz
    @TheRealTeebz 3 роки тому +1

    0:46 I WANT THAT SUITCASE RACK!!!

  • @xisotopex
    @xisotopex 3 роки тому +1

    Indeed, that IS a cool drill

  • @facesdoego8405
    @facesdoego8405 3 роки тому +2

    Great...a "PORTO" wine box is always a good choice 🙂👌!!!

  • @hulkslayer626
    @hulkslayer626 Рік тому

    Have watched a lot of videos on beginner modular. Ordered a Behringer System 55 and was expectantly waiting for it to arrive. Watched even more videos so when it finally came, i could dive right in. It came! ...then i realized no one ever talked about getting sound out of it! Everyone just says "I hooked it up to such and such". So here i am with a System 55 and no idea how to HEAR it. Now, after several days of research, i am waiting until next week for the correct cables to come 😐

  • @qwertgert7000
    @qwertgert7000 Рік тому +1

    Who clcked the synth button on the left top corner ?

  • @wizewizard1840
    @wizewizard1840 Рік тому +4

    I can't believe your channel doesn't have more subscriptions yet. All your videos are perfectly executed and a delight to watch (and listen).

  • @StephenTallamyMusic
    @StephenTallamyMusic 3 роки тому

    And so it begins!

  • @MaksymMalaiko
    @MaksymMalaiko Рік тому

    Awesome, nice start!

  • @_goldfarb_
    @_goldfarb_ 3 роки тому +3

    Looking forward to seeing more!
    One thing you might want to do right away is use washers with those screws - the modules will scratch easily with just a screw.

  • @terrencemcmanus
    @terrencemcmanus 2 роки тому

    just getting started...thanks for keeping it simple.....this helped.

  • @channelite
    @channelite 3 роки тому +1

    Building boxes is fun. Check the Liquid Foam DIY synth. An interesting synth and another opportunity to build a box.

  • @osten5419
    @osten5419 3 роки тому +40

    PSA: The uzeus is designed to be mounted to metal rails for heat dissipation/heat sink.

    • @mrsulcus674
      @mrsulcus674 3 роки тому +2

      A very good point! Maybe ok with such a small load in this instance?

    • @osten5419
      @osten5419 3 роки тому

      @@mrsulcus674 Yeah, you're probably okay with a small load.

    • @BillyElkins-on5gf
      @BillyElkins-on5gf Рік тому

      @@mrsulcus674 my phone

    • @BillyElkins-on5gf
      @BillyElkins-on5gf Рік тому

      3:27 3:28 3:28 3:29

  • @timdanyo898
    @timdanyo898 3 роки тому +4

    You inspired me to start a euro rack. I am totally with you on wanting to hook it right into a DAW with a controller. Starting super small it a great way to go!

  • @foxtonstreet
    @foxtonstreet Рік тому

    Nice one dude.

  • @onlyoneneuron
    @onlyoneneuron 3 роки тому +1

    I loved this video! Thanks

  • @michaelkonomos
    @michaelkonomos 3 роки тому +1

    really cool! i don't do modular (yet), just semi-modular but cool to watch your journey

  • @sonicsupersam7793
    @sonicsupersam7793 2 роки тому +2

    £10k car vs £10k modular
    Sounds bad. Sounds amazing
    Old. New
    Low quality. knobs feel good
    100hp. 500hp
    Requires. Does not require
    Going outside. Outside

    • @GoatFelon
      @GoatFelon Рік тому

      lol, this gave me a good laugh.

  • @KongTown
    @KongTown Рік тому

    Let’s Go 🔥🔥 👏

  • @Chunda8
    @Chunda8 2 роки тому +1

    Also for those on a low budget, it appears that the Behringer Brains module is a cheaper clone of Plaits, so you could give that a try as well for the main voice. $149.00. If you are in a hurry and don't have access to a workshop- maybe the NiftyCase for 199, plug in the Brains, good to go under 400. I don't know if it's possible, maybe just rails and cheeks plus the Brains and the uZeus, under 250 probably.

  • @bitFetcher
    @bitFetcher 3 роки тому

    This is excellent! And a bit of a study in delayed gratification! 😄

  • @kabaczan8215
    @kabaczan8215 3 роки тому

    Do this intro piece (around 0:05) has it's full version??

  • @maximevandamme8763
    @maximevandamme8763 3 роки тому

    Damn it now I might just start it as well, thanks for the explaination ! I could use some help on one topic, but since it's a video addressed to beginners I'm not sure someone will have an answer aha.
    I have the Launchkey Mini from Novation, which has a mini jack midi out. However, I understand it's not the same as a CV's out. If I understood correctly based on what I read, if I want to use my Launchkey Mini for a eurorack, I would need to buy a MIDI to CV interface beforehand which 'splits' the MIDI signal into the different CV's signals ?
    Thanks in advance for anyone who can help :) and thanks David for the introduction !

  • @williamthazard
    @williamthazard 2 роки тому +1

    thanks for this insight into your process! When I was first getting into modular, I was going for this whole DAWless thing, and it was way too much - I’m way happier using a smaller system these days. Good luck on the journey!

  • @yboobob
    @yboobob 2 місяці тому

    Great video, thanks :)

  • @DL-kc2mw
    @DL-kc2mw 3 роки тому +1

    Thank you so much for that

  • @Delaystomper
    @Delaystomper 3 роки тому

    Thank you so much videos like this inspire

  • @cindy-wz9cf
    @cindy-wz9cf 2 роки тому +1

    I love your videos!!! will you be posting an update soon on how you're doing with modular synthesis ?

  • @madmac66
    @madmac66 3 роки тому +14

    Just what I was looking for. I have a ton of scrap wood laying around and am well capable of building a box, so no way did I want to spend $300 for something that doesn’t even make a sound. My first module I think would be a Poly Hector. I love my Beebo but the idea of using it with CV on my Neutron. Killer tiny FX box

  • @chateautemp
    @chateautemp 3 роки тому +3

    Just bought the MF..feel a sense of an unavoidable fate careening towards me after seeing the simplicity of that rack. Nice work and especially nice tunes-that's what this is all about, right?

  • @DashGlitch
    @DashGlitch 3 роки тому +10

    This is exciting! I'm a huge fan of what you've done with the DS platform and an avid modular user myself, so it's exciting to see you dive into this world. If you haven't yet, I think you should investigate the Ornament&Crime / O_C module, particularly the Hemispheres mode - I think you will like that.

  • @furcloud2450
    @furcloud2450 3 роки тому

    Nice vid! ;)

  • @hanaloginstruments8930
    @hanaloginstruments8930 2 роки тому

    Hi, how ableton capture the sound from plaits?

  • @Jens.Peter.Nielsen
    @Jens.Peter.Nielsen 3 роки тому

    5:41 - The metal clips on that rope looks like they could short a module.

  • @noisetrust
    @noisetrust 2 роки тому

    cool stuff

  • @alanphil
    @alanphil 2 роки тому

    Hi David - do you have a video showing how to build an Ableton Live template like the one you use in this video? This is a great video and has me wanting to build a small modular system too. How does your modular system look one year later?

  • @SpeccyMan
    @SpeccyMan 3 роки тому

    Current is actually expressed in Amperes!

  • @adistef
    @adistef 3 роки тому

    box hoarder comes in handy

  • @djformalin
    @djformalin 2 роки тому

    Well done...thx 🎼

  • @johndean5860
    @johndean5860 3 роки тому

    What cable are you using for the output?

  • @spaaarky21
    @spaaarky21 2 роки тому

    What's the song at 2:00?

  • @skdamico13
    @skdamico13 3 роки тому

    Really loving your content lately man. Keep it up! We’re all on this journey with you :)

  • @TonyThomas10000
    @TonyThomas10000 3 роки тому +1

    That is one expensive rabbit hole!

  • @coilcoil5009
    @coilcoil5009 3 роки тому

    Hello! I would love to build one myself but the case isnt easy to build since I dont have enough tools. So I'd really love to buy this (the eurorack case with built-in plaits) if it's available! Thank you!

    • @massimookissed1023
      @massimookissed1023 Рік тому

      You could become a master carpenter for the price of a couple of Eurorack modules.

  • @josezuniga3747
    @josezuniga3747 2 роки тому

    Idk if anyone will respond but can this module run standalone with a keystep? I have a laptop but wanted a eurorack that isn't accompanied by a laptop.

    • @DavidHilowitzMusic
      @DavidHilowitzMusic  2 роки тому

      yes, it can!

    • @josezuniga3747
      @josezuniga3747 2 роки тому

      @@DavidHilowitzMusic interesting, have you added anything else to it since the vid? If so, what pairs nicely with it?

  • @soundmapper
    @soundmapper 2 роки тому

    I wish power manufacturers would offer something that has a rear connector so you can drill a hole in back.

  • @guillermoelnino
    @guillermoelnino Рік тому

    I'm just glad the group of videos being promoted aren't ch ild gr ooming on es.

  • @KRAFTWERK2K6
    @KRAFTWERK2K6 2 роки тому

    2:18: "Before you get started you wanna measure your rack."
    Women with a bigger cup size: "Excuse me??!!!!"

  • @michaelmccullum7952
    @michaelmccullum7952 Рік тому

    I'm just gonna hit capture and hope ableton was listening anyway.... what? how do i do this

  • @JJan953
    @JJan953 Рік тому +1

    why is this video a youtube event? i had a huge banner with a button saying plug in that led me to this video. anybody got answers?

    • @DavidHilowitzMusic
      @DavidHilowitzMusic  Рік тому +1

      Honestly? I'm as confused as anyone. The analytics chart was a flat line until yesterday.

    • @GARDENVITA
      @GARDENVITA Рік тому +1

      @@DavidHilowitzMusic good for you regardless!

    • @JJan953
      @JJan953 Рік тому

      @@DavidHilowitzMusic ah hopefully it helps you on your youtube journey! It seems kind of cool of youtube to feature smaller communities and some of the cool videos the algorithm makes people miss out on

  • @JeromeProductions
    @JeromeProductions Рік тому

    Yup

  • @CookedFood097
    @CookedFood097 Рік тому

    🎉

  • @byganza8060
    @byganza8060 3 роки тому

    wood and electricity doesnt always mean instant fire hazard

  • @perrypelican9476
    @perrypelican9476 2 роки тому

    With a modular setup, you can't recall a setup that you like that you did last year. I mean it's one at a time. So you can spend days to create something and love it, but when you decide to create a new setup, the previous one is gone forever. That's the deal breaker for me. If there was a system that could save, save as, etc, I would order it yesterday. Why does that not exist? Or does it exist?

    • @atetraxx
      @atetraxx 2 роки тому

      That's what sampling is for

  • @simonburns1055
    @simonburns1055 Рік тому

    just keep a fire extinguisher handy

  • @uniworkhorse
    @uniworkhorse 3 роки тому

    Is it just me or does anyone else feel that on first glance David looks British

  • @jeffryarchambeau5441
    @jeffryarchambeau5441 3 роки тому

    Porto today, TONTO tomorrow.

  • @ronrodriguezboston
    @ronrodriguezboston Рік тому

    what about a cheap computer case

  • @MichaelScottPerkins
    @MichaelScottPerkins 2 роки тому

    This may seem like a total "Uh doi!!!" question, but... how does the output from the Plaits module become audible? Obviously there are speakers involved, but... do you have to own like a PA with a pre-amp/amp and loud speakers? I know you mentioned going into your DAW, so I imagine you plugged it into some kind of audio interface with whatever pre-amps or line inputs you'd need. But... if you wanted to just have a stand-alone modular synth situation... Hmm... I want to get started so badly with this same kind of set up, but... shit like impedance and line-level... blah... it all just gives me a stroke.

  • @SanFranciscoFatboy
    @SanFranciscoFatboy Рік тому +2

    very cool. but the whole rabbit hole of 500 series devices is a wasteland....... not really for music, it is an expensive sound toy for your bedroom

    • @DavidHilowitzMusic
      @DavidHilowitzMusic  Рік тому

      Is that right? I haven't delved into 500 series yet. :)

    • @SanFranciscoFatboy
      @SanFranciscoFatboy Рік тому

      @@DavidHilowitzMusic i love your vibe and how u make your own sounds ...... 500 devices are expensive and not exactly for jammin w/ your friends...... and to tell u the truth i have never heard one song that i know was done on this stuff ........ carry on mr H :). if anyone can make songs outta 500's its you :). for me, maybe an 1176 type compressor at a much lower price would make sense....... like 2 good buss compressors for under 200 eacxh..... or a bass drone synth to fill out my songs? hava great music day :)

  • @ke0kie
    @ke0kie 3 роки тому

    I think step 1 is making peace with mega bucks leaving your wallet, perhaps a loan :P

  • @AkkiSan23
    @AkkiSan23 3 роки тому +1

    loooool

  • @vincentprimault4380
    @vincentprimault4380 3 роки тому

    Don't plan to much. You really need time to learn your modules. A beginner planning a entire rack of modules will 1) find its plan never happens or 2) will be frustrated and sell everything a few months later.

  • @FastRCToys
    @FastRCToys Рік тому

    Why using a cheese box to put a Plaits ? Mutable Instruments are from France bot don't use cheese box everywhere !

  • @xisotopex
    @xisotopex 3 роки тому

    sounds a little bit like music is math

  • @k.s.8959
    @k.s.8959 3 роки тому

    Don't listen to this Hilowitz guy - all you need is 1000 VCO's which you slightly detune for a nice drone and then just lay there and melt.