my plan is to use it as a live looper/mangler for digitakt,
a transition fader for changing patterns
standalone percussion and beat sketchpad
generally inspiring tactile loop box.
I’d really appreciate feedback, i haven’t dipped into modular before except for the m32.
Im set on the ears modules, and having a two line delay to either do stereo processing or to recordings of rhythms made on the MI ears. I like having the endorphins modules afterwards for dj style filtering and stereo fx.
thanks!
if anyone has better recommendation on 2 line independent delay module or any reviews of the endorphin modules that would be lovely!
If you are willing to blow your budget on modular gear, why not just save up and get a Lyra 8?
To be honest your list of gear is very comprehensive, the only thing I would suggest If I had those bits, would be an FM poly synth, since you have the Samples and Analogue bit covered.
Instruo makes some of the most beautiful looking modules for sure. Then again the Lubadh module alone is almost 600 euro unless you find a good deal on a 2nd hand one. Thinking what I’ve bought for 600€ or less (2nd hand): Octatrack mk1, Lyra-8, DFAM, Analog Four mk1… Some eurorack modules definitely look inspiring but starting with costly and fancy modules can quickly get frustrating - or lead on the downward spiral of ”expanding”.
Rhythmic you say… I’d take a long look at DFAM as I think you’ve done already, maybe with the idea of getting that now and looking at added modulation (eurorack) later. AK/A4 can already do a lot from what I understand, but for me the DFAM interface is immensely inspiring and FUN as it is.
I think the Circuit Monostation might fit the bill - you get a very tactile interface for interacting with a great sounding monosynth (well 2 OSC paraphonic actually). The mod matrix gives you lots of control. Plus it will play nice with your Digitakt. You can use a Digitakt MIDI track to add another LFO through Midi CC control (or more than one track for more LFOs) , and/or sequence notes from the DT.
The Monostation also can do a different patch per step, which opens it up as an interesting drum synth.
It’s killer feature is that literally every knob can be motion recorded, so it’s really fun to record a pattern (or sequence it from your digitakt), enter record mode and motion record all sorts of knob turning. If you sequenced the notes from the DT you can switch to a different pattern on the Monstation and record alternative motion controls for different parts of the song. It gets really creative really quickly.
Things get even more interesting when you feed something into the audio input and use the sequencer and ADSR to gate and shape the sound, plus applying and motion recording the filters.
With your $500 I think you could probably just about afford a Circuit Monostation and a Microfreak. Or a Monostation and a Reface (CP is my favourite but the CS would be an awesome polysynth too with direct control).
It’s precisely Instruo and a few others that make me think I’m going to cave in and revisit eurorack at some point. The previous time I had to be honest with myself and admit I enjoyed owning modular more than actually using it.
I’m actually way more curious about what @Aksdnt will end up buying than I should be! Yes, I do have a life of my own!
The 0-coast is a solid choice and right at your budget.
Also, this isn’t maybe the sexiest pick but I love my MiniBrute 2s. Aside from sounding great, the sliders make it a “playable” instrument, not just a knob-per-fuction tweakable synth. You can expand it with modular gear later and the sequencer is great, especially when syncopated against Elektron gear (i.e. not slaved).
@korpinen
Sorry by “cool” I mean capable
I think this small rack I have built would be incredible with a dfam.
Triggering the dfam with the ears, then looping the output in lubadh, starting another track, then adding space and some performance capabilities with the endorphins modules.
@MichaalHell
Do you mind sharing your experiences with the ears module?
Is there a lot of noise? Does the gate+envelope follower work as a velocity sensitive trigger of sorts? Do you run other audio through for use with envelope follower?
@dship, thank you for the suggestion, that is really cool that you can set up the two different “scenes” of parameter modulation between the DT and the monostation. However I believe I have these avenues covered with my nl2x and DT. I could do the same using two different midi channels! Or fill. I am looking for rhythm I’m finding.
@zhora, yeah I think I have to save up. I’m getting very excited about this instrument I’m building.
Care to give your reasoning? Getting tired of seeing me switch my mind and take up others time? Or are you just looking out for me in uncertain times?
It’s just that you already have a good setup, you’re likely only going to get distracted (as you already are with this thread) with buying new gear. Maybe buy something auxiliary like some nice pedal, outboard, or a mixer if you wanna drop some coin on yourself for your birthday.
Ears is great, I get some noise in my system but I think it’s from my current output module which is alm HPO which isn’t really made for hi definition audio.
As for ears I think it works great. Currently have a small 48hp system with filters and clouds and i basically use the Gate and envelope to trigger tides and/or clouds. Only drawback is that its mono, but having an envelope follower and audio input at same time is great for s small system.
Rad, thank you for the mini review, I would have two on my rack so independent stereo envelope following would be a thing ha
@zhora you are right, I have a very capable setup, and I am finding that I don’t get along with the analog keys. It’s super capable and versatile and I just don’t want to use it. This small rack would cover the things I use it for most, with a more dedicated interface. Contact mic + delay set to be a looper, and stereo sound processing.
I don’t use the AK for everything that it can do. I gave it two years. And I am going to try selling it. But you are right, I am getting super distracted by considering all this. I’m having fun with it, but I’m being over the top too.
And I am going to try selling it. But you are right, I am getting super distracted by considering all this. I’m having fun with it, but I’m being over the top too.