I am plannig too to enter the modular world. I own an Analog Keys and a Octatrack.
Going the cheap way with only:
-Tip Top Happy Ending Kit
-Doepfer A-110-2 Basic VCO
-Mutable Intruments Ripples Filter. (It has a VCA built in too)
The AK will do the envelopes, LFOs, sequencer and FX.
Maybe change the MI Ripples for a cheap Doepfer filter (SEM or Wasp) + Doepfer VCA (A132-3). It cost the same, so I don’t really know what to do.
MI is a very good brand for modular.
I have a Ripple and it is awesome. You save space also.
Instead of happy ending kit, why not getting a Pittsburgh Modular Cell 90
More space in a very solid case!
Yes, that is the case.
For example with an A4 (or AK) you could control four Braids CV inputs: gate, pitch and choose two more from (FM, Timbre, or Color). You could also control a completely separate modular unit with the other two A4 CV outputs.
Then feed the output of Braids back into the A4 so it can use the envelopes, lfos, effects available for the A4 external inputs.
All of those parameters are p-lock-able, which means all settings can change per step, like any other A4 track.
I’m pretty sure the cv track also can use the A4’s arpeggiator.
When you look at all these features the CV capabilities of the A4 almost alone would be worth the price if you considered how much modular gear you’d need to buy to do the same stuff.
I’m confused by the need for this unit.
I have two $8 hosa patch cables that split the A4’s CV outputs to four outputs.
Why would I need a $125 unit to do the same thing…and still have to buy six cables to make it work.
Seems like a lot of money for 4 led lights.
Yarns looks wicked, and I may end up getting it eventually, but at least for now the Microbrute should provide me enough to start sequencing with my OT, no?
I can see why everyone says to start with 6U…I’ve already filled a 3U on Modular Grid. But as I’m looking at it, it’s only another $50 or so to add rails and bus to an HEK. I’ve got a 12U rack sitting around empty, and I figure that by the time I’m filling another 3U I may have a better idea of what my needs are in a case.
Current plan is Atlantis, Maths, Braids, and Disting. 
I’m confused by the need for this unit.
I have two $8 hosa patch cables that split the A4’s CV outputs to four outputs.
Why would I need a $125 unit to do the same thing…and still have to buy six cables to make it work.
Seems like a lot of money for 4 led lights.
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There are a couple reasons. Number 1 - the CV outputs on the A4/AK are not buffered, meaning if you want to mult them, you will need a buffered mult, say $80 depending on what manufacturer you go with; the Synapse buffers the incoming signals so you could just use a normal mult, say like $25 for that or even like $12 for one of those Intellijel mult block hubs. The other factor is often when using the split cables like you are using, they have a large jack end for the 1/8" ends(or 1/4" ends and you have to use an adaptor) which can cause issues with some modules if the jacks are close together, as well as stick out a lot further than a normal euro cable and possibly get in the way. Also, in a larger setup, if you use the split cables, say you have CVA to pitch on an oscillator and CVB as gate to an envelope, if the modules are on opposite ends of the case, that could be an issue as well.
Plus, it’s nice and neat to just have 2 cables coming from the A4 to the modular and then split it out with normal euro cables. The blinky blinkys are just a nice extra for visual feedback.
So if the buffered bit isn’t an issue for you or the jack placements/module separation, the cable option you are using would be fine.
Don’t forget the upcoming FH-1 from Expert Sleepers.
You can use the OT on this module for every modulation-madness
You hit the nail on the head.
Thats what I have, but the outputs from my (Mutable Instruments) Anushri are to low for the saturation to have any effect. I’ve tried cascading the inputs but that module seems to need a +/-10v modular signal.
I am currently using Din Sync from the my RYTM to Pamelas workout. Clock and reset from Pam’s into a Trigger Riot. This gives me mad amounts of gates to distribute into my modular. I also send midi from my Octatrack into a Qunexus with MIDI expander for 1 gate and 3 CV’s. Its been working pretty well, but I am also stoked on the Expert sleepers FH-1.
Hello koshimazaki
Trigger the MD with the Modular over the MD Inputs ? Can you please explain how this works ?
Greetz
Cortega
@Cortega in Global menu ->Routing ->Trig In A,B set the channel you want and just send gates to the inputs. While you chain the channels you can trigger sever at the same time and if you trigger MD fast enough you can use it as oscillator 
@J_C_Selector strange as I manage to get saturation on OP and it has pretty low out.
Thanx a Lot !
I cant get the clip leds to light up, ( well sometimes if I create a feedback loop). I have the expander module also , I might try disconnecting this maybe.
Does this include a case, or just rack ears?
I don’t think the Octatrack can send MIDI over USB, which is what you would need for it to work with the FH-1.
I don’t think the Octatrack can send MIDI over USB, which is what you would need for it to work with the FH-1.[/quote]
i’m talking from normal midi-pin to usb … this is possible with:
http://www.iconnectivity.com/products/midi/mio
I don’t think the Octatrack can send MIDI over USB, which is what you would need for it to work with the FH-1.[/quote]
i’m talking from normal midi-pin to usb … this is possible with:
http://www.iconnectivity.com/products/midi/mio
[/quote]
Have you tried that with Octatrack? I have read reports here from other people that simple USB-MIDI DIN adapter cables do not work with Octatrack.
I don’t think the Octatrack can send MIDI over USB, which is what you would need for it to work with the FH-1.[/quote]
i’m talking from normal midi-pin to usb … this is possible with:
http://www.iconnectivity.com/products/midi/mio
[/quote]
Have you tried that with Octatrack? I have read reports here from other people that simple USB-MIDI DIN adapter cables do not work with Octatrack.[/quote]
Expert Sleepers pointed on this one on his FH-1 page
http://www.iconnectivity.com/products/midi/iConnectMIDI2plus
how should i test it?
I don’t think the Octatrack can send MIDI over USB, which is what you would need for it to work with the FH-1.[/quote]
i’m talking from normal midi-pin to usb … this is possible with:
http://www.iconnectivity.com/products/midi/mio
[/quote]
Have you tried that with Octatrack? I have read reports here from other people that simple USB-MIDI DIN adapter cables do not work with Octatrack.[/quote]
Expert Sleepers pointed on this one on his FH-1 page
http://www.iconnectivity.com/products/midi/iConnectMIDI2plus
how should i test it?
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By all reports, it cannot function as a USB host. The 4+ model can, however.
But the fundamental issue is whether Octatrack supports MIDI over USB. Everyone else in the Octatrack forum says no.
The octatrack does not support midi over usb, but in the case of the fh-1, one would use a midi to usb cable with the midi side plugged into the octatrack and the usb side connected to the host port of the fh-1 module, just as you would connect to a computer for midi control as opposed to file transfer, which does use the USB port on the octatrack exclusively.