A great video Benn, thank you. You're absolutely right - 1250 for a modular setup of this complexity and depth is incredible value. Clearly some people will embrace the hardware programming side of things and some will seek more straightforward traditional modules, but hey, I guess that's the beauty of modular and especially eurorack! Thanks once again.
to be fair, I think if Benn put the Euroburo on the other side of the Hector, it'd be less in the way of the screen. Of course, then it'd get more in the way of the Euroburo, but I suppose that's the reality of having menu/deep UI's for modules.
Wow Benn, thanks for sharing the patching ideas and techniques. I don't have the money or skills to justify the purchase of any of this hardware, but I can use all these ideas in VCV Rack!
I can't deny the power, but this is just like the deluge for me. I can see it's great. I want to like it, but it's just way too far out there for me. Such a shame too. Excited to see more things made with this setup though!
If the Deluge had a screen like the euroburo I think it would be unstoppable in the groovebox space. Its grid makes the most painful part of the other grooveboxes (actually programming in your sequences) easy. I wish the deluge and the MC101 had an illicit affair and produced a lovechild...
I use these two going into the ER-301, yes I’m greedy. So many cool options. Fiddly yes, but I like getting lost in programming whatever I can dream up. Great vid
@@elissitdesign I love it. I’ve built very nice sounding complex oscillators, Frippertronics delays with degrading tape like sound, drum modules. Lately I’ve been using it as a hub for the Euroburo and the Hector and other Eurorack effects. It’s so versatile but a bit of a head fuck at first.
Great. Idea. So much power there. I use the Poly Beebo with my Percussa SSP. I have pre ordered the hector and will now have to get the Euroburo. This might create a black hole and probably be the most complex sound programing set up around now I just have to add a teletype 🤘🏻. I already use orac connected to the Pescussa SSP. Crazy times we live in.
TBH, I think Benn does make points that contrast the two, allowing one to determine which would better suit one's needs or preferences. I think his point that the two together make for a very complimentary and powerful tool is well argued.
@@wadehathawaymusic If the two are complementary or not is a debatable question. I agree with you that Jordan has made good points. I'm just saving time for people looking for a quick answer.
This was really helpful. I've been thinking about getting into modular, but have enough outboard hardware that I'm only really interested in effects and modulation.
That’s a perfect scenario for the little palette or pod cases. It doesn’t have to be a huge investment. (But if I’m honest, you’ll probably get sucked in and end up spending lots because it’s a whole lot of fun)
WohW Senor, dig that combo but I wonder how wonderfully dangerous that would feel with PolyEnd on one hand plus that magic setup you got there maestro 🎼🎧🎼
I have been thinking about a small portable rack, less than 88 hp, for a while. I have also been using the Polyeffects Hector for a while in my main eurorack set up. I like the Hector. However I find I usually use it as largely a stand alone unit. Maybe modulate it with Maths or Utopia, but I like just using it in its own little sphere. After watching this video, I thought about using Hector and Euroburo together for that portable rack. I threw them into an extra 3U Arturia rack along with a petit mix and a Stoel mini speaker. So much fun! Now I was lucky and found a new euroburo deeply discounted. But I think Benn's point about the cost of many complex desktop units being what they are, this combo could be a good option, especially if you really love the modular concept and want ALOT of options in a very small footprint. I am not sure there are major advantages for people new to modular, both units shine when using their deep options and their interfaces have unique flows do have a learning curve. But if a maximal simplicity/size/flexibility/cost combo is what you are seeking, there are worse options you could pursue.
The Polys lack of tactility and selecting parameters from rows of lists and sliding virtual sliders looks finicky and not-nice to use, while the zoia is intuitive, it is hard to read. I got the Euroburo but I’m only very slowly getting into it, it’s quite intimidating - not in its complexity just in its possibility space.
I wouldn't say Zoia is more intuitive than the Beebo. Quite the contrary. The only onboard way that Zoia has to manually change parameters is to press the corresponding button and then twist the knob. Beebo has two knobs, but I prefer using the touch screen sliders. It also has the option to type in exact values on a virtual number pad. Of course, both devices have MIDI in ports so you can connect external controllers. Zoia also has an EXP in for expression pedals or other external controllers that utilize CV. Of course, I'm writing about the pedals here and not the rack units, which do differ in terms of control interface and connection ports.
Dear god I'm losing my mind... I can only afford one of these, I've been salivating at the thought of having a Zebu, but I think the Poly is rapidly winning points... I think I might get one of them from Thomann and if I don't click with it I can return it within 30 days. I'm thinking that the Hector might be the best choice since I come from VCV Rack and I love the mutable stuff I already have analog modules. But the interface in the ZOIA is so charming... Oh god help As it turns out, the Hector is not sold on Thomann. Also it's kind of run out lol. I'm still considering a nice old preorder. Good night I'm tired
The Hector *really* needs an upside-down version/mode. It's a thing I'd love to have in the bottom row of my system (where all the pokey controller things live), but I think I'd be fighting with the patch leads too much. Besides that - they are *real* good friends, and I do have the space in my system...
good news! it has "flip-screen" in the settings which works. i have it upside down in the lower right of my case and this keeps the cables out of the way of the screen. :-) I just noticed Ben's Hector still has inputs on right of screen and outputs on left...which got changed in a firmware update. If you're a guitar pedal owner, the right to left makes sense but most modular folk prefer left-to-right. I've found it doesn't like some hot signals (same as Happy Nerding FX Aid) so I also have an offset/level next to it to turn down some of the inputs, otherwise you may get clicks/noise on some audio input. i've got lots of little complaints about it but happy with it all-in-all and hopeful for the future. (ALSO, having those MI modules like Grids, Marbles, Rings...which i always wanted but don't have the room for is wonderful. I may still try and get some of them because nothing replaces knob-per-function but to have them as i need them is worth the price right there)
@@alliefdxproductionservices5856 well, allow me to poor a *little* cold water. Things I dislike (but are not show stoppers): 1)It's more of a mini linux box than a module...it has a boot time of about 15 seconds. if you like just diving in once you turn your rig on, get ready to have a *little* patience. 2)it freezes/locks up more than I'd like. this usually means losing a patch you worked up. annoying! 3)CVs in and out for stuff like 1V/oct will need calibration. There are two modules which help with this but it's annoying compared to other modules where once calibrated/tuned you can mostly forget about that. 4)SOME things you feel should me modulat-able are not (i would have to dig to find an example) and so sometimes you have a fun idea which gets blocked because you can't pass one things output to another things input...which in modular feels like a sin. 5)The processor has 4 cores. It is not an AI so it's best guess on how to optimize/assign cores is not perfect. So...sometimes instead of patching a lot of stuff together (and then suddenly getting close to 100% DSP usage) you can break things into paths...route stuff to outputs and then patch the outputs back into other inputs. it's fun...but adds a little latency with each hop. CAN be disappointing depending on what you're trying to achieve. That's all my cold water. I trust most all these things can be fixed/addressed in time with updates and none of them are show stoppers for me. I bought it as an end of chain FX and mixer...and got a little disappointed because there's only 6 inputs. if you want to externally modulate with CV...you need to sacrifice inputs! MIDI helps a ton and i'm glad it has it. Once I stopped trying to force it into this duty, i really started enjoying it. Using it as a pedal and routing Pluck, or bass guitar, or anything else out...you can make some really lovely audio processing with it. I've made it a quick drum machine with 3 plaits and a grids internal. I've made weird noise generators. it is a pretty useful tool for solving some problems and for making a lot of other things in my rig sound/behave better. So, brace yourself for some imperfection but a lot of fun!
I was going to say if this is not already a thing it is a very easy feature, dev is very responsive, and it is a public repo so possible to make a pull request for this kind of function yourself.
I don’t know if Loki (Pretty much the main person behind the whole Poly company) saw my comment on the user facebook group about it, but I think if he ported over the code from the Vally’s Plateau reverb VCV module. Loki is really receptive to new ideas and constantly pushing out updates, so even in the 6 months I have had my Beebo its improved a lot.
A touchscreen with all those cables obstructing it seems a usability issue in a modular system. I think at that point it it's better to use an iPad and a cv gate module connected over usb midi or similar.
Orrrrr just get flat cables like Tendrils or any other right angle cable with some length! Tbh I’m surprised Benn doesn’t use them here. He’s got a point about 3.5 MIDI not being the full show though. It feels like the Poly was made to interface with something that has aftertouch, but it just don’t. Oh well 🤷♂️
I definitely want them both, but for me, the Hector wins as it adds a bunch of Mutable Instruments modules to my rack at a really affordable price and HP footprint :)
Thinking of getting the Euroburo with the case/power supply and using it with my semi-modular synths (Minibrute 2S and Neutron). It seems like it would be able to do the following things, but not 100% sure and can't find a definitive answer: amplify line level sounds to modular level (want to use my Microfreak as a digital oscillator with my semi-modulars, but it has a very low output level). Convert MIDI CC to control voltage (would love to be able to parameter lock 4 additional CV inputs with my Digitakt). I assume the CV inputs and outputs are perfectly happy to take in and put out audio rate signals (just at modular levels)? It also seems like the "audio" inputs and outputs are happy to accept/put out both modular and line levels?
I dunno, these things just dont inspire me at all. Maybe its my way of thinking, or, more likely am stuck in my ways, I prefer knobs because to me I mentally envisage sound graphically linear, and to me a knob basically rolls that pattern between my fingers through a range.
I happen to have both euroburo and hector, and this sounds fantastic! Thank you - I tried to replicate the setup, but I run into two issues; (1) the clock filter needs to be set (5,5) in order for drum pattern (grids) to drive the sequencer and (2) somehow the euroburo sequencer does not produce proper gate signal to strum the resonator (rings) when it's driven by the drum pattern. 🤔I am wondering if I missed something?
I can't think of any reason anyone would use the hector instead of something like a disting es-9 with a computer and VCV Rack or Cardinal. Even live, even if you need portability. It's a neat module, but I really don't get it.
Hey I was looking into both and I'm trying to ask someone intelligent whose used both- how does the latency impact the work flow? Extra time/ work arounds?
@@BennJordan Awesome. Funny enough I have been looking at both these devices to augment my matriach. The fact that they both are so powerful together kind of blew my mind !
I wanted the euroburo so bad... But now it turns out the Hector has the good quantizers and Mutable Instruments stuff... Why must you forsake me modular overlords
Now I have the money to buy one of these... The Zoia is the one I've dreamt about, and I have a monsoon and a Penrose quantizer. BUT The Hector looks so cool, seems more intuitive to use, and it still has Rings on it. I don't have Rings yet. What can I do?!
I just started my eurorack journey and one thing that drew me over was the hands in an feel of using cables and turning sliders and knobs. I dont See me going back to screens and crammed Interfaces.....maybe than I could integrate my pc with vca rack instead as these two also seem to be quite pricey
Good ideas...I just got the Polyend Tracker and I am in love,so I'm going to set aside some time to master it.I have always wanted to record with the most flexibility for the least gear,and these products can make that happen.I mean,if someone WANTS to have 10 keyboards with presets/limited functions,it's their money,yet if you want to CREATE,it takes a bit of learning,exploring,and less complaining.Instead of worrying and crying about what something does NOT do,or the learning curve,take some time and think outside the box,and you'll be surprised...
Yeah, those differing midi protocols are a bitch. Even worse, different serial number ranges of the Beebo and Digit use different protocols. Hector is all type A in and out, according to PE's site. You should really label those adapter cables... ;)
Hm I do see the potential. But drambo + ipad + irig interface is way smaller, also very portable and probably more powerful. but then again, i dont know.
I cannot imagine a single instance where I would recommend either of these devices over a laptop. Both interfaces are just terrible. One is obscure and with a microscopic display, the other is likely to be quickly covered with patch cables and, as a screen, misses all the physical interaction that makes HW appealing. I suspect that all of this could be replicated quite comfortably with a laptop, an expert sleepers interface, and a copy of max or reaktor. If there is truly unique DSP in either, it might be more interesting. Make Noise do a great job at making digital modules that fit nicely into the euro workflow, they don’t feel computers with 1/8” ports attached. These kinda devices just don’t mesh with me..
Some people are into modular because they can tweak sounds on the fly and actually play their setups, but some are into it because they want the ability to really dial in anything they can dream up. Also presets really excite people in the later category because they can reference old ideas quickly which is one of modulars greatest weaknesses.
I’m looking for something like these to offload some computing for a smoother sound/more options and to reduce latency on a headphone mix when I use amp/cab sims and other effects when tracking. Plus these would fit nicely on my rack next to my interfaces, workstation, and preamps. Full modular tracking solution on a single rack.
I guess the real question is, "what is the joy of modular?". I honestly think the Zoia is a really good entry point for people to get into modular without breaking the bank. The Euroburo or pedal version are essentially a portable, small yet powerful modular environment for only 500-650 USD new and cheaper on the used market. Sure you don't have cables going everywhere and plugging things in, but the way you setup things is essentially the same type of workflow.
I am not a fan of the idea of bringing a modular setup to live shows, and I refuse to use a computer in my live music setup. Everyone has their own needs, and these would be perfect for me.
I have both ( pedal versions) and I find The Poly sounds closer to an Eventide H9 pedal which is brilliant quality. I find the Zoia to be a little lower in quality but you can do so much with both. Ive made loads of synths, wacky fx etc on both see here ru-vid.comvideos
As someone who thought I would likely never get into Eurorack because I'm really a fan of recalling patches for consistent live performances, I love this setup. When I next have a couple grand to blow on gear, I might get this exact rack. It would be incredibly fun and inspiring.
@@inthefade imo most of the appeal of eurorack is that it is transient. you make a thing, you break a thing, you never get that thing back. it's weird to break out from the computer only to arrive back there again in some other form. may as well bring a laptop with VCV rack installed and a couple of midi interfaces to control things with. might look less cool but will sonically (short of that empress reverb) get you to about the same place.
@@toiletfriend420 I want the euroburo as a modular groovebox (and also as a centerpiece for weird eurorack setups). If there was VCV for Android or Ipad I'd consider getting a tablet instead. Also polyphonic sequencing, I could sequence my Deep Mind from the rack, which I currently do with VCV. But Hector has mutable!! I'm sad upon discovering that Hector has Mutable, but I want the ZOIA...