3 years into Eurorack - What changed, what was added, and some sounds 

BoredBrain INTRFX is a pedal sized box made to do that too, for people like me who have zero hp remaining in the case.

Do you know if the Xaoc Tallin is amplifying as well (beyond 12 o'clock)? Seems like it is but I don't have an oscilloscope.

@@nelen_co Well i do Not own a Tallin but in the manual is stated that it has up to 18db of gain. So it definitely amplifies and can also be used as a preamp!

@@anastasia0zardonova oh right on, thanks

I just got an antumbra dvca (half of a veils) and i’m loving it! Clips beautifully and very useful for bringing line level devices into the modular environment.

Cheers!

Thanks so much!

Thank you!

Glad you enjoyed it!

Thanks so much!

Cheers!

Thanks!

Thank you!

Glad you liked it!

Glad you enjoyed it!

Glad you enjoyed it

I appreciate it, thank you!

Hi, yeah, I remember this was added, but it was too late for me I think...

Yeah, Eurorack is a ride indeed :) Cheers!

Cheers!

Hey, thanks so much! Yeah, sometimes things just don't click and that's also ok.

Cheers!

Yes, having different cases set as different instruments is a great idea!

Have fun!

Cheers!

Cheers!

Yeah, that sounds about right

I’ve got 12…. Gulp! Not getting any more though. 2x rackbrutes stitched together is pretty ideal for me. (4x80hp)

Thanks :) I guess that what I meant is that I'm overwhelmed by modules with many modes like Plaits, and the Disting, but I'm happy to explore modules that can do different things depending on how you patch stuff like Neoni, Rampage, Planar, and so on. It's not about clicking a button and getting a different module, it's by finding paths and exploring the voltage itself. Does this make sense?

@@OmriCohen-Music It makes sense to me and I have somewhat the same thing as you Omri but a bit different. I think the keyword here is: Immediacy! Or hands-on, or patchability or one-knob-per-function. The direct experience of manipulation rather than programming a computer. In that sense Rampage is actually the perfect module. It's completely hands on and immediate, but also like an analog computer that can do so much just by patching, not changing a menu. It's interesting what you learn about yourself when you have used the modules, that you could not have forseen beforehand. For example, I have learned that in modular I don't like menu-diving, the feeling of programming a computer, for me it's "anti-modular" and takes away the fun. Also I have learned that I hate trimpots for knobs - they are simply too small and uncomfortable and feel hostile to use and it takes away the pleasure. I think Make Noise and Befaco have the right idea where proportions go. It's so tempting to get the smallest modules that can do the most and cram as many of them as possible into a case, but I have learned that I don't actually like that, it would be better doing it on a computer, it takes away the point and pleasure of modular, but it's a real conflict, especially economically. But I think I have learned that it's better to have a few great modules with great feel and ergonomics than lots of tiny ones, because you'll enjoy it much more and therefor use it and patch it much more, you just want to touch it. So if I would have any say in the industry (which I obviously don't at all) it would be: Resist the smallness, keep it human, tactile, immediate, comfortable and enjoyable. Sorry about the rant :-) Anyway, interesting to follow your journey Omri and thanks for sharing!

@@OmriCohen-Music Yes indeed! Thanks, Omri.

Yeah, I'm also excited to see where this is going :) The patch at the end, by the way, is the piano generative piece.

@@OmriCohen-Music Ah yes.... so it is :P

Yeah, it's working quite well :)

Yes, having multiple smaller cases might be a good option. It's funny because I can really dive deep into VCV and explore and enjoy my time with it without feeling overwhelmed. But then again, it's all inside a screen so it's maybe visually easier to follow? I don't know...

VCV has a "blank page" problem where you have to start from ~nothing~ and build something with practically limitless options. But, unlike a big modular, you can copy and paste, move big blocks of modules around for clearer signal flow, etc., so many of the logistics are easier. But the work flow of hardware is really different. You start with a limited set of options that is physically right in front of you. Adding a patch cord feels so much more deliberate. And, of course, it's playable in a way that software can never be.

@@OmriCohen-Music In VCV rack you'll only have the modules on screen that you actually want to patch, so I think that can be a bit of a help. With a big case there is always this pull to patch as many modules as possible simply because they're right in front of you. Turns into a mess really quickly. And of course option paralysis on top of that. Separating it in different smaller racks definitely helps me keep things focused.

@@GeorgeLocke Yeah, blank page syndrome is pretty annoying. It helps to have habits or presets. I tend to use VCV rack more as a set and forget effect that slowly modulates itself. The hardware modular I actually play, twist knobs etc. More of an actual instrument for me. Of course there are ways to get that with VCV too, but I just can't be bothered to do midi mapping and then the order of knobs always changes which messes with muscle memory. I just don't find it as enjoyable and I have less of a connection with it.

Thanks :)

Thanks :) It's a generative patch I created a while ago with mostly piano sounds. Lots of granular and looping.

Thanks so much!

Great tip!

Yes! That's the one :) I have to give it a try! Thanks so much :)

Cheers!

Yeah, these things need time but it's never too late :) Try concentrating on one module or aspect for a few days and see how it goes. For example, try exploring the idea behind a subtractive voice, try exploring what you can do with VCAs, try different uses of the Mimeophon. I'm sure you will find inspiration by limiting yourself to one module or aspect. Oh, and most important, when you do this, don't be in the mindset of building a full patch or creating a track. Just consider this as practicing like you would practice scales on a piano. Have fun!

It's good to know I'm not alone in this :) Cheers!

Yes, exactly, it's quite comfortable having an additional small case 🙂

I like this idea too and will out it to a pod eventually, maybe along with the semi modular hogging up room :D

Yeah, using a bigger case as a library is really helpful. It makes it easier to switch things without dealing with boxes all the time. And that's a great idea with the rubber feet! Thanks :)

Thanks so much! That's probably two sine LFOs

Thank you!

I'll see what I can do :)

Glad you enjoyed it!

Yeah, I would love to have a Chornoblob2 once as well. I hardly use the Mimeophon as a delay, to be honest. I usually use it either as a voice or for looping.

Funny enough, this doesn't happen to me with VCV Rack... But yeah, Limitations are always good.

Yeah, I think that being able to play chords can open up so many possibilities

I was looking at the 112 but ended up getting Lubadh. I find myself still attracted to the 112 but I was surprised that it (to my knowledge) doesn't have separate outputs for the loops and the grains, if it had those I would probably have bought one. I'll make do for now with Lubadh and Beads (which I absolutely adore by the way).

I also really enjoy my Lubadh. How do you use it? Do you have any tips or tricks?

Well, compared to the Intellijel 7U, for example, it's much less power. But yeah, depending on your needs, it might be enough.

Yes, it seems like 6u\7u is a great size for staying focused.

It can add +6db of gain on any of the channels, so this is one that can actually amplify sound. Up to +24 if you chain them all together.

Yeah, things can get overwhelming pretty quickly...

@Cucker Tarlson yea that would fun to read that book. Good idea.

@Cucker Tarlson ordered!

Thanks! Plaits can do so many different things, it's hard to find one module that can do it all... What do you like about Plaits? The VCOs? The drums? The noise?

@@OmriCohen-Music I would not need drums, I try to get that from some ther external place or use what I have so VCO and noise would be next priority.

@@Tim.Traveler Oh, ok. For a VCO, I have Neoni for quite some time, and I really like it. I also got the AfterLater Cascades recently, and it's also very unique, and probably more affordable. Both have multiple wave outputs, and various ways to change the timbre. For noise, I would definitely recommend the Befaco Noise Plethora. You get three sources, and three filters, which is pretty amazing.

@@OmriCohen-Music Thanks! Love your work! Very Inspiring!

@@OmriCohen-Music Have you done anything interesting with polyphony yet? or is that external like Tasty Chips still?

Hi! I actually took a break from hardware last year, so that's why there's no "4 years into Eurorack" video, but I did go back to it eventually and composed quite a few tracks, so I hope to make another video this year with an update :)

You know something, I'm thinking of this for quite some time now. Having sorts of systems or instruments to work with and experiment with instead of one ever changing instrument. I think that it will create a more focused workflow. We'll see :)

@@OmriCohen-Music Definitely works for me! Shared System, Shuttle System, Black & Gold Easel, Techno System, Grainstation, etc. I will never get a big modular wall where you can't reach the other side without ethernet :)

@@CinematicLaboratory how often are you swapping modules? how many duplicates do you have?

@@OmriCohen-Music I now have four cases with permanent modules and three cases which often change content depending on a video subject or experimentation. I have a duplicate Shared System (black & silver) and many duplicates of Mutable stuff (plaits, tides, marbles, stages, clouds). It never feels out of control, but actually, it is... I have way more modules than space. It's really strong when you're capable of selling stuff and making choices. I am not that strong and very often a new module breathes new life into the old ones... I am screwed but loving it.

@@OmriCohen-Music Insider tip: Miso Cornflakes.

Amazing

Yeah, I'm sure there will be an update for this at one point but I just couldn't connect with it anyway. I very much prefer my Microcell :)

@@OmriCohen-Music I saw that (Microcell), and indeed it looks very interesting indeed, in fact it's exactly what I'm looking for. However, if you know where to buy one (without ordering from the states), I'd be very interested to know. All the listed stockists don't sell it - which is a bit odd.

@@cardboardmusic It's quite an interesting module. I especially like the in\out VCAs. Super handy. I also couldn't find it anywhere so I ended up ordering it from them directly. I had to collect it from customs and pay extra... :( But, I use it a lot also after so long so it was worth it I guess.

Yeah, I can relate. I always have to double, triple, quadruple check everything before I shut down the case so I know I don't lose anything. I also started writing notes of things I have to set up to go back to the same point I left off.

Well, the thing about vinca is that it's voltage controlled unlike quadratt that you have to move the knobs yourself.

Oh yes, such a neat little module! Cheers!

Great tips!

Yes, I am. I love Arbhar and I think it's an amazing instrument but as I mention in the video, I built this case for a series of videos I was working on so I had Arbhar in a different case :)

If a circuit has an input of 0 - 5V and an output of 0 - 5V I think it's quite a stretch to call it amplification; attenuation is the right word because it describes what it does unless it's a VCA which actually CAN boost the signal beyond the input level, in which case it starts to make sense to talk about amplification. So I'm with "in general VCA means Voltage Controlled Attenuator".

The signal is by electronic convention controlled by precision of voltage. Amplification is a power gain. Watts is volts times amps. If there is no voltage gain there can still be a power by current gain. In fact current gain is necessary to hold accuracy of the signal voltage.

​@@SimonJackson13 There is no current gain. At the most there is a "voltage repeater".

Well, yeah, as I mentioned, technically, it can be an amplifier but I'm more interested in the practical result and, most of the time, the result will only be attenuation.

There is a current gain hence the "power supply". But yes there is precedent for naming in an example of power amplifiers. It does not make communicative sense to have "power power amplifiers" instead of small-signal power amplifiers as a contra. I think the "Vortex" effects unit demonstrated there is precedent for renaming complexity on front panel labellings.

I haven't used the granular mode at all. Based on your description, I doubt you'd enjoy owning it unless you really want one of its modes. For myself, I am perfectly happy to go back and forth with the manual while patching, so I am more or less the ideal market for it. Even so, I am not at all sure I'd like the mk4 - having an actual screen is key. It is definitely not for everyone.

אהלן! אני לא כל כך בטוח אם יש פתרונות זולים יותר. אפילו אם תקנה רק יד שנייה ו\או תבנה מודולים לבד, עדיין, לאט לאט, אתה תוציא די הרבה כסף. רק הכבלים זה כבר עניין יקר... אבל זה ככה עם כל כלי נגינה. אני בטוח שמערכת תופים נחמדה עולה אפילו יותר. גם גיטרה עם אפקטים והכל, אם אתה קונה משהו איכותי, זה יעלה די הרבה.

I cannot afford to join the Patreon so I have no problem watching a few ads to support this incredible free resource

Have a look here - ru-vid.com

A nice guitar setup with an amp and a few pedals will cost you quite a lot of money, and that's just one instrument. I believe that if you stay focused and know what you want, you can get a really nice modular setup for not a lot of money.

Yeah, but that's a sort of a library I have and I don't use all of them at once. The number of modules I use at once is a lot smaller then with the 13U.