As someone who works in the boat world, I can say your modular gear certainly has a lower operation and maintenance cost. Do never buy a boat unless you have a solid business plan for it, or absolutely need one to access the outside world.
As the CarTalk guys used to say when a mechanic told someone that they needed to get unnecessary repairs on their car, "He just needs to make his boat payment."
Im an airline pilot and go through boston quite a bit and every time I say "id love to have a small boat to explore these little islands." Is there any kind of small practical motorboat that wont make me hate it?
You speak truth about the disaster of Eurorack power. If someone had a time machine and could go back in time and convince Dieter Döpfer to make some better choices, a lot of people would appreciate it.
"If I have to memorize something, that means I'm going to have to look at the manual again when I forget. And that's exactly the type of modules I'm removing..." YES to this. More manufacturers need to think about this sort of threshold of memory and re-playability in their design.
Benn, it's so much easier to listen to you talk about stuff for 2 hours than it is to watch a whole movie. You underestimate how interesting you are and how interesting your topics of choice are.
I've only just started this video, but I want to comment that since I subscribed to you and set the notification bell to All (many months ago), I haven't gotten a single one of your videos in my feed. I'm not sure why All should mean anything other than _all,_ but my hope is that commenting will tell UA-cam that I don't want to only see your videos when you happen to come up in my search results. You deserve all the views, and I genuinely hope the algorithm isn't limiting your visibility.
Love the row of almost exclusive Mutable Instruments modules... and what a beast of a system. The patch was lovely - so was the music! I'd be interested to know how the drums and their fills were sequenced, and whether the acid bass sequences was all mapped out or transposed/mutated (and if so, how?).
The "lifting rail" thing is something I've been exploring. Built a prototype where you just unscrew the (padded) bar that holds the row down, and can then add-remove all the modules. Learned a lot from that and have a greatly improved design in mind when I find the time. As for power, I've been imagining a way that when you place a module, it just automatically plugs in. It involves power rails and a plug that can be affixed to the module with the screw holes you would no longer need for mounting, and that would be plugged in to the normal power jack. It would be so nice to be able to re-arrange a rack in minutes instead of hours.
Computer expansion cards (ISA, VESA, PCI, PCIe) and 500-series modules as far as I know have this capability. It's great! I'm not too miffed about the power connector format generally, but I wish it were keyed like with late-era IDE connectors and internal USB headers, which would reduce the incidence of plugging the 12 V rail into the wrong place. Could also be something easy to (un)plug like a SATA connector (Molex is a bit fussier from my experience).
@@Daphoid l’m honestly interested in any demo that can convince me that moog synths have a particularly better sound than any other basic subtractive voice... IMO the very cool thing about moog synths is moog itself, a company owned by its employees.
@@tristan7218 Well probably is - youtube compression is pretty hard on audio - they sound much nicer in person I found. But also it's quite subjective. I'm a firm believer that you/I shouldn't have to be convinced to like something. If you like it right away then it's great for you, if not - that's also fine too! I enjoy my Moog semi modulars and Matriarch, but they're not for everybody. Some people are 100% happy with VST's and plugins; others like interacting with hardware. Both are fine! Five years ago watching Loopop demo the Moog stuff sold me on it enough to buy one, and now I own 6 (along with a whole bunch of other brands too) - but some people do everything they need with little korg volca's or pocket operators :)
Benn, I really love your videos, and I also love the attitude that you have in your videos. You have a great tone for teaching - always curious and never rude. I listened to this video as I was commuting home from work and it inspired me to attempt making an effect rack in ableton that would function similarly to that Erica synth HP/LP/BP knob. Thanks! ❤
I'm interested in modular but don't own anything myself yet, and I've got to say that your rant about the "standardised" power format is warranted! I didn't even consider that the modules I've had my eye on could have mismatching plugs, and had always assumed that one ribbon cable would fit all needs for a small rack. Don't even get me started on worrying about sourcing an adequate case... I don't think I've visited this channel before, but this video was enough to make me subscribe.
To be fair, how do you know if it's warranted if you don't actually have any modules yet? Every module you buy new will come with its own power cable, so there's really no danger of mismatching anything. Doepfer modules don't mark the power polarity on the PCB (most makers do), but they follow a convention that red stripe / -12v always goes towards the bottom of the module. His point about ribbon cables taking a lot of space under the modules is valid, but only in especially shallow cases. The only times I've ever run into noise in Eurorack is when pushing a power supply far beyond its capacity. I like Benn, and Eurorack isn't perfect, but I respectfully disagree with his assessment of the Eurorack power situation.
When I’m not practicing to become an improved musician, I love my 270 hp module rig. Every session allows me to experience a song for the first and only time. The this will never exist again factor gets me pretty excited about the music I’m making.
The thing you say about the softpop2 distracting you into weirdness is what happens to me any time I sit down with my synths. Always an enjoyable surprise!
There definitely comes a point, after the initial eurocrack stages, where one’s system just seems redundant and uninspiring. Especially with many multi-function, tie-your-shoes-for-your modules available today. I’m definitely a fan of the proto-utility combos approach. I don’t want one module to do 50 things. I want it to do one or two things very well, and combine it with other modules. Isn’t that more of the point anyway?I just did a massive overhaul, pulling out maybe 20 modules or so. I wanted to limit things down and see what I really missed.
I literally just finished building out an all analog studio for some of the same reasons you removed those more complex modules you mentioned. Avoiding menu diving at all costs unless absolutely necessary (sequencing), and the laptop is only there as a tape machine essentially. Creativity without distraction is a beautiful thing, and something I craved in my primary studio where I'm surrounded by a limitless possibility.
Could not agree more with the power situation in eurorack. I have a very large system (and a couple portable cases) and whenever I want to move things around I just try to turn my brain off and get through it. Which is dangerous, because then it's easier to make a mistake. So, it's this super fun combination of needing to be ultra vigilant while doing this monotonous, time sucking task. Also, don't even get me started on modules that just don't behave together well on the same rail (not even talking noise, have had a couple situations where they won't even start up properly), or the fact that +5V is this neglected part of the "standard" that is so inconsistent many modules have a jumper to bypass the system +5V entirely. And yes the cables are super inconvenient. One day maybe there'll be something a bit more user friendly, but I think that day is probably a long way off.
The power problem - nailed it. In defense of Pittsburgh, if I may : they had gone much further out with the Voltage Research Lab 3-4 years before they released Taiga and even, way before that, they had the Double Helix osc, which is anything but a vanilla, run-of-the-mill oscillator. (Please, don't take this as a finding faults type o comment. I love your channel: the way you ventured away from gear demos, always researching new fields, and also your courage to take a stance in moral issues.)
Digital modules are great for learning about modular concepts, but one does tend to grow out of them. I need everything out of the box attached to knobs these days. Can't be bothered to dive a menu, but I will always think about Ornament and Crime with deep fondness.
Pittsburgh has been making oddball west coast stuff for years. Look at the Voltage Lab, or the Microvolt 3900, wavefolder and LPG on board. Overall great video, just chiming in as a person who watches closely with great interest what Pittsburgh does. ✌️
i have a 6u 104hp case and i believe it when you say it took twelve hours to rearrange your rack. it takes me 2-3 if i pull everything out and start from 0. it's so tedious and makes me not wanna make any changes after i'm "done" lol
I agree with your comments on Pittsburgh Modular EXCEPT for your claim that Taiga is their first major product outside “bread and butter” individual modules. Voltage Research Laboratory also went well beyond their early design pattern, IMO.
You're absolutely right, although I'd go even further and say the Microvolt was the first iteration of their experimental stuff. It has the beginnings of the LPG/Dynamics that emulates organic/acoustic envelopes, the Sine with extra harmonics. The SV1, before that, is more bread and butter, but it's incredible (probably my favourite synth) and certainly a fully fledged instrument.
As a person who maintains, repairs and designs Eurorack modules and systems, the power "standard" is by far the worst part of the format. IDC/ribbon cables were designed for logic & data signals; not to carry power. Other module formats have much better power standards and I do think your PoE/ethernet alternative is quite clever.
Wonderful video Benn, I am particularly interested in seeing and hearing more on the powering of Modular systems and the DIY route of safe and adequate solutions. I have spent many months on this subject and enlisted the help of many EE folks only to be kind of frustrated.
I already knew you some time ago, but it was just recently that I started watching your channel and I have huge respect for what you do, i love your videos and enjoy them so heavily! :)
I actually got into hardware synths because of the user interfaces (part of my day job duties involve designing UX for expert-use software). I think hardware interfaces are really interesting and can be really clever sometimes with multiple modes etc. But I 200% support getting rid of the ones with bad UX :D Life is too short for bad UX!
I’ve played with so many modular setups and I always have fun but the cons of it are not conducive to my process. Give me a regular old tracker, one mono synth, one poly and one fm and I’m good to go with any sound I wanna make
I’ll vote with you on the power vent of yours, as an ex-electronics engineer the power situation in eurorack is a massive mess/headache. I get the RJ45 idea, low cost, dummy-proof, etc but probably not great for low profile cases etc. that said I don’t have a better suggestion having not thought about it much but would welcome a new better/standard at some point. Maybe we need an open-standards group ;-/
that last track was great. been thinking about the a152 for years, but never went for it. but now my gas has cooled off over the past 3 or 4 years and im really starting to appreciate doepfer utilities. they really do bring out the best of all the shiny toys playing together.
I am constantly impressed with the UX of Erica Synths devices. I have the Black Sequencer and a DB-01 Bassline, and I was initially attracted to them because of their feature set and sounds, respectively. But within an hour of turning each of them on, I was sold on how intuitive everything was. Kudos Erica Synths! Also I wonder if it would be possible to make a modular format that just uses magnets instead of screws for racking.
braindancing it hard in "my first patch" section. love it! I will always have my Disting even though I only use it for midi io/conversion stuff and to patch my ms20. Disting is real nice when using an old korg ms20 with eurorack. Easy solution for korg tracking issues (sq1 works well for that too).
As to your hot-pluggable module vent. AE Modular (yes, the little guys) now has live, hot-pluggable modules and cases. Just yank out modules mid-performance and move them around or plug something into that slot. No ribbon cables to custom-fit.
OMG, the physical act of mounting and un-mounting and god-help-me re-mounting eurorack is enough that I don't even want to think about altering my setups, even if that would be the best thing. And the power situation... arrgh. Maybe PoE is the "right thing", maybe not, but something has to be better than the ribbon cables.
About 39 minutes in, talking about modules that require you to read the manual: "Those are exactly the type of modules that I'm removing from my rack." Then pans over a row of nine Mutable Instruments modules, and I wonder, is he taking the piss here?
The function junction seems quite usable, but I can’t get past the graphics(be sticking with maths). I feel the same about the West Pest. They have a 90s look. Not good 90s, but eXtream 90s. I do like the sound of the wavefolder. I always wanted a buchla easel.
Hey Benn, I just read an article about copyrighting rules for AI generated art This is part of it When it comes to works that contain material generated by an AI, the USCO looks at whether the model's contributions to the work are the result of "mechanical reproduction" (i.e., generated in response to text prompts) or if they represent the author's "own mental conception." Current rules state that the USCO “will not register works produced by a machine or mere mechanical process that operates randomly or automatically without any creative input or intervention from a human author.” Wondered what you would think of this as it relates to self-generating music.
Now that's a very interesting comment. My first reaction was "wow, I never thought of that - it's a bit scary." But I think it must be possible to draw a distinction between the sort of AI that is currently in the ascendant (pulling massive datasets from the internet to use as models) and the sort of "AI" that mostly consists of controlled chaos through cable insertion and knob twiddling - which isn't really AI at all. I feel there's an obvious line between these two, and hopefully the courts will agree.
thank you for this journey! i thoroughly enjoyed all the segments. for the last 25 years i've wanted hardware, but always turned to daw. even then, not sure i could afford it. or if it would be for me. i wish knew someone locally with a setup similar to check out.
I think with careful design of the case (I made my own 168 HP x 6+1 case with multiple Doepfer power supplies all sharing common ground) and modules from well known manufacturers the noise issue is pretty much non-existent. The only time I had a noise issue and had to carefully find a suitable place in the case was a less known manufacturer Radical Frequencies that sells a SH-101 VCF replica. The module sounds great though so I want to keep it.
BASTL SP2 is pretty much the brains of my current semi-modular hell setup due to its excellent sequencer. It’s incredibly zany and I love it to bits. It usually takes gates from my Kick, then controls my Neutron and has the clock passing through the Microfreak.
Had similar experience with the Expert Sleepers Disting and ES-6/ES-3. But, I like the Disting EX much better. I settled on the FH-1 instead of the ES-8 in the end. Because, I can do all the random generation, slow moving or stepped modulation or sequencing on it. And it integrates really well with Elektron sequencers, as a kind of CV/Gate breakout expander. (or with VCVrack or Ableton Bitwig).
@@snowmanplan Sorry, my bad, it was ES-6, ES-3. Not the ES-8. I get confused with Expert Sleepers numbering. The ES-3 is a lot more limited, no USB/MIDI/Inputs. Just ADAT. The ES-8 is much more powerful. But FH-1 was cheaper, and does what I need. Which is mainly to act as bridge between Elektron sequencer and Eurorack.
Cool vid! Regarding PSU noise, I've found that Linear power supplies works best for older analog designs as that is what most older hardware was designed to run on back in the day. The digital modules run cleaner on switching power supplies. Cheers
nice one Benn - I met you with Noir and Jamie Liddell at Perfect Circuit last year after NAMM 🙂 I go to PC at least once a year, love it I hope to go to NAMM next month, I'll say hi if I see you anyway, nice module choices - some are already on my list I started with modular a few years ago and finally took a year break from it to change my mindset on it while using more normal synths and grooveboxes - I came back to it much happier and with a new approach and many ideas and don't get me started on power and case issues - what a mess, I already fried a few modules (cheap ones) due to confusing power labeling and non-shrouded headers (keyed) - thanks Doepfer 😛
re: Large systems and multiple pwr supplies .. (Power Supply options in Eurorack are still limited. I'm surprised some manufacturer hasn’t filled that void.) I use a mixture of Tiptop bricks with their Zeus Breakout boards and also low noise Power-One linear supplies (also connected to Zeus Breakout boards) As my system grew (and grew...) so did spurious noise and intermittent *glitching. I noticed that there was a DC difference measuring DC voltage on the ground pins from one Zeus breakout board to another (even with patch cables in place that I thought would have sufficed for a common ground). I read up on this and then installed the suggested common 'ground' to each breakout boards ground pins using a heavy copper conductor and all the issues where fixed. If you have numerous power supplies, I’d suggest installing a common ground, a copper wire used in AC wiring is good. I read that the heavier the conductor the better. Please use caution before linking up all your power supplies adding this common ground (e.g.: unplug modules, measure DC values before and, after and once all looks solid, -reconnect modules) *I’d also recommend adding a cheap ammeter on each pwr supply (these are cheap these days) or having a quick way to check the current draw ..power is critical for audio and starved modules will drive you nuts.
As a long time synth lover who's never gotten into Eurorack this was a great video Benn! I'm still not sure if I want to dive into that workflow though. But love your modular videos!
I wouldn’t bother, unless you’re really into pretty mindless bleeps and bloops. Yeah, I’ve done some interesting things with modular and my Matriarch and Pro3, but it really can be a distraction from crafting actual music. The sounds from your OB-X8, Pro2, 3rd Wave, etc, craps all over the bleeps and bloops of modular, imho. 🤷🏻♂️
I'd have to disagree that modular "is all about" happy accidents. I'm very intentional with my modular rig... roll your own synths😊 and design workflows with hardware
This was a nice rundown, thank you. I would definitely be interested in hearing more about how you put that patch together, and/or just how you approach composing on modular in general.
Great video! The crush knob on the black hole DSP2 reminds me of the Permut8 VST from SonicCharge, if anyone's looking for a similar-ish VST experience
43:39 you can pot the offending transformer/inductor in wax or ESD-safe epoxy to eliminate or severely reduce coil whine. coil whine often happens later in the life of one because its own wax/epoxy/whatever has come loose over time.
Really a helpful video! I think a lot of us are always evaluating the keep it / chuck it gear decisions. Also I do now want a cre8 West Pest 😍. Currently unemployed thi, so I’ll have to wait 😭 but at least it’s on the list.
I’m just making a stereo audio processor build limited myself to an 84hp case and it’s already cost more than the Erica perkons sat behind you 🤦🏻 I’m OUT! It’s going to be a real nice fancy effects box but it cost more than my prophet 12 😮 lesson learnt… 😂
great realization that menu diving, tiny buttons & tiny screens are not fun, neither manual memorization. the song at the end is great. yes, you can do this with a daw too. or with virtual modular. or with free software too. if you want to.
I'm starting with a ES and only adding some functions I'll need. Nearly went your route and was going to add the expert sleepers later, but think I'll make better use of space and funds starting with my main units ES 8 or 9 and a Poly2 and go from there, just have to wait a bit longer for some fun and forget the PAM's or O&C I was tempted with for immediate shenanigan's. ES9 took my mate ages to work with vcv and live and push, some time later he got it working sample accurate, He said its easy when you know.
Power is huge and relatively fubar. Linear power supplies will fix a lot of humps you mentioned in regard to noise but they’re huge and get pretty hot. I’ve only ever bought one assembled module (a grids expander) but I’ve built 200+ modules at this point. So much terrible documentation from companies that actually build/design these things for sale.
Nice ... Modular is so much fun... much more than any other synth in my opinion. Even if it is more expensive and more complicated in handling the direct access makes it worth for me.
There are some great choices, but I can't understand the love for the Softpop 2. I've had it for months, but I feel it just lacks depth and range and doesn't have a lot of sweet spots. Everything ends up sounding the same. please make a video so I can see how you make it sound less shitty 😊
You, I’m not here to sell you stuff... Me, hmm that’s cool! Ooh I like that too. Nice heads up of cre8 gear. That’s an insane amount of module in the west pest! Let’s me know I need wavefolding! Sorry you failed your no sell mision😂
Would you consider making a video that explains the details of setting up a modular rack? The whole issue about varying power amongst models is something I, as a complete noob to it, know nothing about.
power-over-ethernet (PoE) seems doable, although I suspect the voltage supplied is pretty noisy and needs to be re-regulated and filtered to be usable. the madness would be ethernet-addressable CV and audio in and out, although this would obviously require extra support on the modules themselves...
Nice, I just bought the Taiga, it was about time that i got a synth from Richard and Michael. They really are breaking new ground. I missed the batch of the Voltage Lab just not having the money for it at the time, so there. I will receive it in a few days. I have a big system already consisting og half east and half west coast. So the way I see it the Taiga will be the centerpiece, kind of an Easle only far better and more capable.
thanks ben for showcasing the westpest, I somehow just shudded it off, and lately have been thinking about wavefolding.. the labyrinth is just not doing it for me.. so I'm gonna get this and proton.
Quite surprised you kicked the Expert sleeper interfaces, I llike them with VCV rack ( or even just general interfacing ) and Bitwig. Never had coil whine with the Make Noise stuff in the UK either ( never even heard of it until now, maybe I've been lucky ) love my Moprhagene though wouldn't want to part with it.
the demo sounded like a new take on some acidwolf, loved the video! imagine being able to plug in a link cable from a pioneer cdj and running it into a modular setup to load songs or samples from rekordbox! lol
I think one of the other reasons why people don't get started is also pricing. I've tried a few time to get started on a system, but the investment quickly goes out of hand. I just can't justify to myself to spend that much money on a system. I love modular, but sticking with virtual modular.
I am always temped to dive into hardware but those prices man ^^ 700$ for a sequencer is like two entire DAWs or like 14 software sequencers. 200$ for an amplifier can get me reaktor plus like 700 blocks from toybox audio. 300$ for an oscillator is like 3 fully featured softsynths. I think I will just stay with software forever.
![Wolfram Physics Project: Working Session Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020 [Empirical Physical Metamathematics]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/VlqerIL2kl8/mqdefault.jpg)
As someone who works in the boat world, I can say your modular gear certainly has a lower operation and maintenance cost. Do never buy a boat unless you have a solid business plan for it, or absolutely need one to access the outside world.
Wisest words yet spoken 😊
As the CarTalk guys used to say when a mechanic told someone that they needed to get unnecessary repairs on their car, "He just needs to make his boat payment."
What you really need is a flying boat.
Im an airline pilot and go through boston quite a bit and every time I say "id love to have a small boat to explore these little islands."
Is there any kind of small practical motorboat that wont make me hate it?
Can't remember where i heard it but someone advised to RENT a boat, never buy one
edit: same goes for planes
You speak truth about the disaster of Eurorack power. If someone had a time machine and could go back in time and convince Dieter Döpfer to make some better choices, a lot of people would appreciate it.
Go to Graham Hinton’s website and read what he has done and is available from him.
"If I have to memorize something, that means I'm going to have to look at the manual again when I forget. And that's exactly the type of modules I'm removing..."
YES to this. More manufacturers need to think about this sort of threshold of memory and re-playability in their design.
So you’re telling me that your Make Noise modules… started making noise? 🤔
Benn, it's so much easier to listen to you talk about stuff for 2 hours than it is to watch a whole movie. You underestimate how interesting you are and how interesting your topics of choice are.
I believe the west pest is Pittsburgh Modular circuits under the hood. So lots of love for my local folks!
no wonder i was side-eyeing my primary osc during the west pest section 😂 like running into your cousin at a party
I've only just started this video, but I want to comment that since I subscribed to you and set the notification bell to All (many months ago), I haven't gotten a single one of your videos in my feed. I'm not sure why All should mean anything other than _all,_ but my hope is that commenting will tell UA-cam that I don't want to only see your videos when you happen to come up in my search results.
You deserve all the views, and I genuinely hope the algorithm isn't limiting your visibility.
I had a huge smile on my face through the "my first patch" section - I'm really excited to hear new music from you inspired by this new workflow!
Lovin' that behringer cp1a psu with the name rubbed out. Class act.
*Correction* - I had a Fusion VCO v1, not V2!
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3:23 - Cre8Audio West Pest
link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/S0BERUlFSUBFR0VGRkdATEpITA?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perfectcircuit.com%2Fcre8audio-west-pest.html
8:49 - Cre8Audio Function Junction
link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/S0BERUlFSUBFR0VGRkdATEpITA?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perfectcircuit.com%2Fcre8audio-function-junction.html
11:11 - Pittsburgh Modular Taiga
link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/S0BERUlFSUBFR0VGRkdATEpITA?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perfectcircuit.com%2Fpittsburgh-taiga.html
14:58 - BASTL Softpop SPII
link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/S0BERUlFSUBFR0VGRkdATEpITA?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perfectcircuit.com%2Fbastl-softpop-2.html
19:20 - BASTL Aikido
link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/S0BERUlFSUBFR0VGRkdATEpITA?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perfectcircuit.com%2Fbastl-aikido.html
21:46 - Erica Synths Fusion VCO
link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/S0BERUlFSUBFR0VGRkdATEpITA?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perfectcircuit.com%2Ferica-synths-fusion-vco-v2.html
23:49 - Erica Synths Graphic VCO
link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/S0BERUlFSUBFR0VGRkdATEpITA?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perfectcircuit.com%2Ferica-synths-graphic-vco.html
27:29 - Erica Synths 3 Filters
link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/S0BERUlFSUBFR0VGRkdATEpITA?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perfectcircuit.com%2Ferica-black-low-pass-vcf.html
link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/S0BERUlFSUBFR0VGRkdATEpITA?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perfectcircuit.com%2Ferica-black-high-pass-vcf.html
link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/S0BERUlFSUBFR0VGRkdATEpITA?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perfectcircuit.com%2Ferica-black-vcf-coupler.html
29:35 - Erica Synths Black Hole DSP2
link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/S0BERUlFSUBFR0VGRkdATEpITA?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perfectcircuit.com%2Ferica-synths-black-hole-dsp2.html
35:15 - Erica Synths Black Sequencer
link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/S0BERUlFSUBFR0VGRkdATEpITA?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perfectcircuit.com%2Ferica-black-sequencer.html
Love the row of almost exclusive Mutable Instruments modules... and what a beast of a system.
The patch was lovely - so was the music! I'd be interested to know how the drums and their fills were sequenced, and whether the acid bass sequences was all mapped out or transposed/mutated (and if so, how?).
The "lifting rail" thing is something I've been exploring. Built a prototype where you just unscrew the (padded) bar that holds the row down, and can then add-remove all the modules. Learned a lot from that and have a greatly improved design in mind when I find the time. As for power, I've been imagining a way that when you place a module, it just automatically plugs in. It involves power rails and a plug that can be affixed to the module with the screw holes you would no longer need for mounting, and that would be plugged in to the normal power jack. It would be so nice to be able to re-arrange a rack in minutes instead of hours.
Computer expansion cards (ISA, VESA, PCI, PCIe) and 500-series modules as far as I know have this capability. It's great! I'm not too miffed about the power connector format generally, but I wish it were keyed like with late-era IDE connectors and internal USB headers, which would reduce the incidence of plugging the 12 V rail into the wrong place. Could also be something easy to (un)plug like a SATA connector (Molex is a bit fussier from my experience).
"I love the sound, but it's a bit limited and takes an enormous amount of space" - also applies to every other Moog product 😂
And lots of other vendors too I'd imagine.
But yet, people still buy them because that sound is so lovely.
the fuck u talking about. moog mother? dfam? subharmonicon?
@@Daphoid l’m honestly interested in any demo that can convince me that moog synths have a particularly better sound than any other basic subtractive voice... IMO the very cool thing about moog synths is moog itself, a company owned by its employees.
The Moog One is limited? The MiniMoog changed my entire approach to writing.
@@tristan7218 Well probably is - youtube compression is pretty hard on audio - they sound much nicer in person I found. But also it's quite subjective.
I'm a firm believer that you/I shouldn't have to be convinced to like something. If you like it right away then it's great for you, if not - that's also fine too!
I enjoy my Moog semi modulars and Matriarch, but they're not for everybody. Some people are 100% happy with VST's and plugins; others like interacting with hardware. Both are fine!
Five years ago watching Loopop demo the Moog stuff sold me on it enough to buy one, and now I own 6 (along with a whole bunch of other brands too) - but some people do everything they need with little korg volca's or pocket operators :)
Coil whine is as annoying itself as the fact that no one ever mentions it when they should.
Benn, I really love your videos, and I also love the attitude that you have in your videos. You have a great tone for teaching - always curious and never rude. I listened to this video as I was commuting home from work and it inspired me to attempt making an effect rack in ableton that would function similarly to that Erica synth HP/LP/BP knob. Thanks! ❤
I'm interested in modular but don't own anything myself yet, and I've got to say that your rant about the "standardised" power format is warranted! I didn't even consider that the modules I've had my eye on could have mismatching plugs, and had always assumed that one ribbon cable would fit all needs for a small rack. Don't even get me started on worrying about sourcing an adequate case... I don't think I've visited this channel before, but this video was enough to make me subscribe.
To be fair, how do you know if it's warranted if you don't actually have any modules yet? Every module you buy new will come with its own power cable, so there's really no danger of mismatching anything. Doepfer modules don't mark the power polarity on the PCB (most makers do), but they follow a convention that red stripe / -12v always goes towards the bottom of the module. His point about ribbon cables taking a lot of space under the modules is valid, but only in especially shallow cases. The only times I've ever run into noise in Eurorack is when pushing a power supply far beyond its capacity. I like Benn, and Eurorack isn't perfect, but I respectfully disagree with his assessment of the Eurorack power situation.
Could’ve been a boat guy 😂😂❤I’ve been told the best day having a boat is the day you sell it😂
you show the erica fusion vco mk1 here and this has a digital core and just runs through the analog tubes :)
When I’m not practicing to become an improved musician, I love my 270 hp module rig. Every session allows me to experience a song for the first and only time. The this will never exist again factor gets me pretty excited about the music I’m making.
This is it, it’s yours it’s original & it’s over!
Ethernet modular would be wonderful. Power supply issues is what stopped me from further expanding my modular from one small case.
That exists and doepfer makes it!
The thing you say about the softpop2 distracting you into weirdness is what happens to me any time I sit down with my synths. Always an enjoyable surprise!
There definitely comes a point, after the initial eurocrack stages, where one’s system just seems redundant and uninspiring. Especially with many multi-function, tie-your-shoes-for-your modules available today. I’m definitely a fan of the proto-utility combos approach. I don’t want one module to do 50 things. I want it to do one or two things very well, and combine it with other modules. Isn’t that more of the point anyway?I just did a massive overhaul, pulling out maybe 20 modules or so. I wanted to limit things down and see what I really missed.
I literally just finished building out an all analog studio for some of the same reasons you removed those more complex modules you mentioned. Avoiding menu diving at all costs unless absolutely necessary (sequencing), and the laptop is only there as a tape machine essentially. Creativity without distraction is a beautiful thing, and something I craved in my primary studio where I'm surrounded by a limitless possibility.
Could not agree more with the power situation in eurorack. I have a very large system (and a couple portable cases) and whenever I want to move things around I just try to turn my brain off and get through it. Which is dangerous, because then it's easier to make a mistake. So, it's this super fun combination of needing to be ultra vigilant while doing this monotonous, time sucking task.
Also, don't even get me started on modules that just don't behave together well on the same rail (not even talking noise, have had a couple situations where they won't even start up properly), or the fact that +5V is this neglected part of the "standard" that is so inconsistent many modules have a jumper to bypass the system +5V entirely. And yes the cables are super inconvenient.
One day maybe there'll be something a bit more user friendly, but I think that day is probably a long way off.
Now it all makes sense. imo We need more of that jamming chunk explained. That was rather juicy!
The power problem - nailed it.
In defense of Pittsburgh, if I may : they had gone much further out with the Voltage Research Lab 3-4 years before they released Taiga and even, way before that, they had the Double Helix osc, which is anything but a vanilla, run-of-the-mill oscillator.
(Please, don't take this as a finding faults type o comment. I love your channel: the way you ventured away from gear demos, always researching new fields, and also your courage to take a stance in moral issues.)
Very informative!!! And I totally share your view on “no manual “ and the power supply issues. Great work Benn!
Love this. Getting back into euro after a long break (almost 10 years) and all new modules are a huge mystery so thanks
Great little jam, making me want to keep my Minotaur which I had almost convinced myself to move on
Glad to see some Graphic VCO love. The drum mode is sick, just designed some extremely morphable hihats utilizing the drum mode and the internal FM.
I concur. Graphic is a beast, definitely a hero in my rack.
Seriously been considering getting it
Digital modules are great for learning about modular concepts, but one does tend to grow out of them. I need everything out of the box attached to knobs these days. Can't be bothered to dive a menu, but I will always think about Ornament and Crime with deep fondness.
Pittsburgh has been making oddball west coast stuff for years. Look at the Voltage Lab, or the Microvolt 3900, wavefolder and LPG on board. Overall great video, just chiming in as a person who watches closely with great interest what Pittsburgh does. ✌️
i have a 6u 104hp case and i believe it when you say it took twelve hours to rearrange your rack. it takes me 2-3 if i pull everything out and start from 0. it's so tedious and makes me not wanna make any changes after i'm "done" lol
Preach! Eurorack power is the absolute worst.
Too long? Wasn’t long enough! Wanted to see the new modules in their context - great video
I agree with your comments on Pittsburgh Modular EXCEPT for your claim that Taiga is their first major product outside “bread and butter” individual modules. Voltage Research Laboratory also went well beyond their early design pattern, IMO.
You're absolutely right, although I'd go even further and say the Microvolt was the first iteration of their experimental stuff. It has the beginnings of the LPG/Dynamics that emulates organic/acoustic envelopes, the Sine with extra harmonics.
The SV1, before that, is more bread and butter, but it's incredible (probably my favourite synth) and certainly a fully fledged instrument.
Wait... the robot arm! I want to know about the robot arm!
As a person who maintains, repairs and designs Eurorack modules and systems, the power "standard" is by far the worst part of the format. IDC/ribbon cables were designed for logic & data signals; not to carry power. Other module formats have much better power standards and I do think your PoE/ethernet alternative is quite clever.
Continually my favorite music oriented channel on YT. 🙌
I had my time with eurorack. This days i'm much more happy with the Korg Arp2600m and the Pittsburgh modular Taiga
Wonderful video Benn, I am particularly interested in seeing and hearing more on the powering of Modular systems and the DIY route of safe and adequate solutions. I have spent many months on this subject and enlisted the help of many EE folks only to be kind of frustrated.
Please let me know if you keep the black sequencer. I used to have one when it came out, but it was too tedious for me unfortunately
I already knew you some time ago, but it was just recently that I started watching your channel and I have huge respect for what you do, i love your videos and enjoy them so heavily! :)
I actually got into hardware synths because of the user interfaces (part of my day job duties involve designing UX for expert-use software). I think hardware interfaces are really interesting and can be really clever sometimes with multiple modes etc. But I 200% support getting rid of the ones with bad UX :D Life is too short for bad UX!
I’ve played with so many modular setups and I always have fun but the cons of it are not conducive to my process. Give me a regular old tracker, one mono synth, one poly and one fm and I’m good to go with any sound I wanna make
I’ll vote with you on the power vent of yours, as an ex-electronics engineer the power situation in eurorack is a massive mess/headache. I get the RJ45 idea, low cost, dummy-proof, etc but probably not great for low profile cases etc. that said I don’t have a better suggestion having not thought about it much but would welcome a new better/standard at some point. Maybe we need an open-standards group ;-/
that last track was great. been thinking about the a152 for years, but never went for it. but now my gas has cooled off over the past 3 or 4 years and im really starting to appreciate doepfer utilities. they really do bring out the best of all the shiny toys playing together.
I am constantly impressed with the UX of Erica Synths devices. I have the Black Sequencer and a DB-01 Bassline, and I was initially attracted to them because of their feature set and sounds, respectively. But within an hour of turning each of them on, I was sold on how intuitive everything was. Kudos Erica Synths!
Also I wonder if it would be possible to make a modular format that just uses magnets instead of screws for racking.
braindancing it hard in "my first patch" section. love it! I will always have my Disting even though I only use it for midi io/conversion stuff and to patch my ms20. Disting is real nice when using an old korg ms20 with eurorack. Easy solution for korg tracking issues (sq1 works well for that too).
As to your hot-pluggable module vent. AE Modular (yes, the little guys) now has live, hot-pluggable modules and cases. Just yank out modules mid-performance and move them around or plug something into that slot. No ribbon cables to custom-fit.
OMG, the physical act of mounting and un-mounting and god-help-me re-mounting eurorack is enough that I don't even want to think about altering my setups, even if that would be the best thing. And the power situation... arrgh. Maybe PoE is the "right thing", maybe not, but something has to be better than the ribbon cables.
About 39 minutes in, talking about modules that require you to read the manual: "Those are exactly the type of modules that I'm removing from my rack." Then pans over a row of nine Mutable Instruments modules, and I wonder, is he taking the piss here?
The function junction seems quite usable, but I can’t get past the graphics(be sticking with maths). I feel the same about the West Pest. They have a 90s look. Not good 90s, but eXtream 90s. I do like the sound of the wavefolder. I always wanted a buchla easel.
+1 for cat5/6. Works very well with balanced multichannel audio. TP has better cancellation/suppression than ribbon.
I couldn't live without my ExpertSleepers ES-6/ES-3 - it makes my Eurorack feel like an integrated part of my DAW. But I imagine this is DAW dependent
Wow the automatic CC during your Analord jam is hilarious... "no no no no no no no no"
I was laughing at this too loll
Hey Benn, I just read an article about copyrighting rules for AI generated art
This is part of it
When it comes to works that contain material generated by an AI, the USCO looks at whether the model's contributions to the work are the result of "mechanical reproduction" (i.e., generated in response to text prompts) or if they represent the author's "own mental conception." Current rules state that the USCO “will not register works produced by a machine or mere mechanical process that operates randomly or automatically without any creative input or intervention from a human author.”
Wondered what you would think of this as it relates to self-generating music.
Now that's a very interesting comment. My first reaction was "wow, I never thought of that - it's a bit scary." But I think it must be possible to draw a distinction between the sort of AI that is currently in the ascendant (pulling massive datasets from the internet to use as models) and the sort of "AI" that mostly consists of controlled chaos through cable insertion and knob twiddling - which isn't really AI at all. I feel there's an obvious line between these two, and hopefully the courts will agree.
thank you for this journey! i thoroughly enjoyed all the segments.
for the last 25 years i've wanted hardware, but always turned to daw.
even then, not sure i could afford it. or if it would be for me.
i wish knew someone locally with a setup similar to check out.
I think with careful design of the case (I made my own 168 HP x 6+1 case with multiple Doepfer power supplies all sharing common ground) and modules from well known manufacturers the noise issue is pretty much non-existent. The only time I had a noise issue and had to carefully find a suitable place in the case was a less known manufacturer Radical Frequencies that sells a SH-101 VCF replica. The module sounds great though so I want to keep it.
BASTL SP2 is pretty much the brains of my current semi-modular hell setup due to its excellent sequencer. It’s incredibly zany and I love it to bits. It usually takes gates from my Kick, then controls my Neutron and has the clock passing through the Microfreak.
Had similar experience with the Expert Sleepers Disting and ES-6/ES-3. But, I like the Disting EX much better. I settled on the FH-1 instead of the ES-8 in the end. Because, I can do all the random generation, slow moving or stepped modulation or sequencing on it. And it integrates really well with Elektron sequencers, as a kind of CV/Gate breakout expander. (or with VCVrack or Ableton Bitwig).
I'm curious about this. What went wrong with ES-8? It seems perfect
@@snowmanplan Sorry, my bad, it was ES-6, ES-3. Not the ES-8. I get confused with Expert Sleepers numbering. The ES-3 is a lot more limited, no USB/MIDI/Inputs. Just ADAT. The ES-8 is much more powerful. But FH-1 was cheaper, and does what I need. Which is mainly to act as bridge between Elektron sequencer and Eurorack.
Cool vid! Regarding PSU noise, I've found that Linear power supplies works best for older analog designs as that is what most older hardware was designed to run on back in the day. The digital modules run cleaner on switching power supplies. Cheers
nice one Benn - I met you with Noir and Jamie Liddell at Perfect Circuit last year after NAMM 🙂 I go to PC at least once a year, love it
I hope to go to NAMM next month, I'll say hi if I see you
anyway, nice module choices - some are already on my list
I started with modular a few years ago and finally took a year break from it to change my mindset on it while using more normal synths and grooveboxes - I came back to it much happier and with a new approach and many ideas
and don't get me started on power and case issues - what a mess, I already fried a few modules (cheap ones) due to confusing power labeling and non-shrouded headers (keyed) - thanks Doepfer 😛
re: Large systems and multiple pwr supplies ..
(Power Supply options in Eurorack are still limited. I'm surprised some manufacturer hasn’t filled that void.)
I use a mixture of Tiptop bricks with their Zeus Breakout boards and also low noise Power-One linear supplies (also connected to Zeus Breakout boards) As my system grew (and grew...) so did spurious noise and intermittent *glitching.
I noticed that there was a DC difference measuring DC voltage on the ground pins from one Zeus breakout board to another (even with patch cables in place that I thought would have sufficed for a common ground).
I read up on this and then installed the suggested common 'ground' to each breakout boards ground pins using a heavy copper conductor and all the issues where fixed.
If you have numerous power supplies, I’d suggest installing a common ground, a copper wire used in AC wiring is good. I read that the heavier the conductor the better.
Please use caution before linking up all your power supplies adding this common ground (e.g.: unplug modules, measure DC values before and, after and once all looks solid, -reconnect modules)
*I’d also recommend adding a cheap ammeter on each pwr supply (these are cheap these days) or having a quick way to check the current draw ..power is critical for audio and starved modules will drive you nuts.
my favorite video you've made in a while :) really helped open my mind to some modules and perspectives I wasn't familiar with!
As a long time synth lover who's never gotten into Eurorack this was a great video Benn! I'm still not sure if I want to dive into that workflow though. But love your modular videos!
I like it. I also chose parents really well, so I can afford it.
@@GeorgeLocke lmao
@@GeorgeLocke Good fortune is an impediment to good character. Enjoy your toys!!
I wouldn’t bother, unless you’re really into pretty mindless bleeps and bloops. Yeah, I’ve done some interesting things with modular and my Matriarch and Pro3, but it really can be a distraction from crafting actual music. The sounds from your OB-X8, Pro2, 3rd Wave, etc, craps all over the bleeps and bloops of modular, imho. 🤷🏻♂️
@@kierenmoore3236 thank you sir may I have another?
I'd have to disagree that modular "is all about" happy accidents. I'm very intentional with my modular rig... roll your own synths😊 and design workflows with hardware
Also, I'll be stweaming this rig shortly! ua-cam.com/users/livel8LGHt6cZbw?feature=share
wig stweaming is tight!
is that a 'Pitch Meeting' reference?
This was a nice rundown, thank you. I would definitely be interested in hearing more about how you put that patch together, and/or just how you approach composing on modular in general.
Great video! The crush knob on the black hole DSP2 reminds me of the Permut8 VST from SonicCharge, if anyone's looking for a similar-ish VST experience
43:39 you can pot the offending transformer/inductor in wax or ESD-safe epoxy to eliminate or severely reduce coil whine. coil whine often happens later in the life of one because its own wax/epoxy/whatever has come loose over time.
Minor complaint about funct junct: I find the LEDs to be so bright that I can't read the module. Painfully bright in a dark room.
Put a coat or two of permanent marker on them
Really a helpful video! I think a lot of us are always evaluating the keep it / chuck it gear decisions. Also I do now want a cre8 West Pest 😍. Currently unemployed thi, so I’ll have to wait 😭 but at least it’s on the list.
I know Andrew Huang has a maaaassssivve euro-rack - if yall did some collab about modulars and your journey with them...well i'd lose my mind
Lets fix my eurorack mistakes by getting stand-alone synths...brilliant!
Halfway through the video, "where's all of this going?" First patch, "Ooooohhh damn."
I’m just making a stereo audio processor build limited myself to an 84hp case and it’s already cost more than the Erica perkons sat behind you 🤦🏻 I’m OUT!
It’s going to be a real nice fancy effects box but it cost more than my prophet 12 😮 lesson learnt… 😂
great realization that menu diving, tiny buttons & tiny screens are not fun, neither manual memorization. the song at the end is great. yes, you can do this with a daw too. or with virtual modular. or with free software too. if you want to.
I'm starting with a ES and only adding some functions I'll need. Nearly went your route and was going to add the expert sleepers later, but think I'll make better use of space and funds starting with my main units ES 8 or 9 and a Poly2 and go from there, just have to wait a bit longer for some fun and forget the PAM's or O&C I was tempted with for immediate shenanigan's. ES9 took my mate ages to work with vcv and live and push, some time later he got it working sample accurate, He said its easy when you know.
Man, the bit at the end about the need for a better power and rail system is so true! We're playing with Erector Set over here.
45:14 you are not alone, i have not decided to even start with modular yet for exactly this reason
Love it! Now I’m paranoid about having a coil whine. Would be a bummer cause I love my qpas so much
Yeah - wtf, Make Noise … ?!!!
Power is huge and relatively fubar. Linear power supplies will fix a lot of humps you mentioned in regard to noise but they’re huge and get pretty hot. I’ve only ever bought one assembled module (a grids expander) but I’ve built 200+ modules at this point. So much terrible documentation from companies that actually build/design these things for sale.
Nice ... Modular is so much fun... much more than any other synth in my opinion. Even if it is more expensive and more complicated in handling the direct access makes it worth for me.
There are some great choices, but I can't understand the love for the Softpop 2. I've had it for months, but I feel it just lacks depth and range and doesn't have a lot of sweet spots. Everything ends up sounding the same.
please make a video so I can see how you make it sound less shitty 😊
It was really nice hearing some of the melodies from piety of ashes in this video. Such a great album
You, I’m not here to sell you stuff...
Me, hmm that’s cool! Ooh I like that too. Nice heads up of cre8 gear. That’s an insane amount of module in the west pest! Let’s me know I need wavefolding! Sorry you failed your no sell mision😂
"It's kinda like giving a beggar money and then selling him a meal afterqards" 😂😂😂 funniest thing i've ever heard
Would you consider making a video that explains the details of setting up a modular rack? The whole issue about varying power amongst models is something I, as a complete noob to it, know nothing about.
power-over-ethernet (PoE) seems doable, although I suspect the voltage supplied is pretty noisy and needs to be re-regulated and filtered to be usable. the madness would be ethernet-addressable CV and audio in and out, although this would obviously require extra support on the modules themselves...
I *NOW* have so much more understanding of that black hole dsp and black sequencer in my rack...
so after a year you just can't use the morphagene and mimeophone? for real?
Nice, I just bought the Taiga, it was about time that i got a synth from Richard and Michael. They really are breaking new ground. I missed the batch of the Voltage Lab just not having the money for it at the time, so there. I will receive it in a few days. I have a big system already consisting og half east and half west coast. So the way I see it the Taiga will be the centerpiece, kind of an Easle only far better and more capable.
thanks ben for showcasing the westpest, I somehow just shudded it off, and lately have been thinking about wavefolding.. the labyrinth is just not doing it for me.. so I'm gonna get this and proton.
trying to budjet build something useful, because im poor :D lone mod per month, so it eaves me some money for food also :D
Quite surprised you kicked the Expert sleeper interfaces, I llike them with VCV rack ( or even just general interfacing ) and Bitwig.
Never had coil whine with the Make Noise stuff in the UK either ( never even heard of it until now, maybe I've been lucky ) love my Moprhagene though wouldn't want to part with it.
yo that patch at the end was killer!
the demo sounded like a new take on some acidwolf, loved the video! imagine being able to plug in a link cable from a pioneer cdj and running it into a modular setup to load songs or samples from rekordbox! lol
I think one of the other reasons why people don't get started is also pricing. I've tried a few time to get started on a system, but the investment quickly goes out of hand. I just can't justify to myself to spend that much money on a system.
I love modular, but sticking with virtual modular.
Oh to have your ‘mistakes’. 🙃
I am always temped to dive into hardware but those prices man ^^
700$ for a sequencer is like two entire DAWs or like 14 software sequencers. 200$ for an amplifier can get me reaktor plus like 700 blocks from toybox audio. 300$ for an oscillator is like 3 fully featured softsynths. I think I will just stay with software forever.