I have a DFAM and a Labyrinth in a 3 tier rack with an empty 60HP case. I’m looking to fill it to create a jamming station, but I’m not sure what to put in there. I need some FX for both. Maybe some distortion. Some modulation sources? Something to reduce the output to line level for recording? A mixer?
I’m new to the modular world so I’m sure there’s basics I’m overlooking. Any advice appreciated!
Hey, I don’t know a ton about specific modules to make recommendations, but something cool you may or may not be aware of is that modulargrid lets you make a coherent gameplan for your case without just bleeding money and then trying to compile everything.
They also list the top 100 eurorack modules and have a database with a module finder.
If you haven’t checked out the your modulars thread yet, there’s also a lot of good information in there if you have time to read it.
a seq switch
Could you elaborate what that is and why I should get it!
This video gives a thorough intro to switches:
I’m assuming that your empty 60HP case is powered?
If so, the following could be an interesting starter system, with plenty of modulation sources, VCA/mixer, effects and useful utilities. I’ve not been hands on with DFAM or Labyrinth or done a deep dive into their manuals so it’s entirely possibly that there’s duplication of functionality that I’ve missed.
I’m not going to go into detail about the individual module choices because research is half the fun and Modular Grid is essential! There are alternatives for most of these modules that might work better for your use case and budget.
Thanks. Yes it’s powered case. Lots to dig in to!
This is worth a look if you want to keep it relatively simple:
Edit: just saw you have a powered case, my bad
get a B2600 or two. Lots of good modules bundled together that would cost significantly more if you bought them as separate modules.
Without a plan, it is easy to dump infinite money into your modular setup. At the very least, you should start out with a monthly budget to keep spend under control. Better if you have specific goals and are open to achieving them with a mix of modular and non-modular gear.
Be sure to join ModWiggler and make 100 posts so you can get access to their buy/sell forum if you don’t already have access. Lots of good used modules at reasonable prices there.
But the plan is to fill a 60hp case. Not much of a plan, but at least it limits the capital outlay, unless one goes for unobtanium.
Depends on whether the plan is “fill 60hp, then stop” or “fill 60hp while shopping for a sweet 12u case.”
I’d go really slow and spend weeks doing research if I were to jump back in with a 60hp limit.
The amount of time I would spend on 60hp now is substantial.
But, you know, a third of it has to be filled with Maths, so it’s really only 40hp.
How are you going to fit a MATHS in after two QMMGs?
A QMMF-4 would actually make more sense. For small values of “sense”.
I already have a dfam and a labyrinth, so that’s a decent amount of gear to be starting a eurorack with…
May we assume your jamming set-up should work like a “groove-box”?
For this I would recommend check out some “control”-modules:
If you want to jam rhythm and melodic parts the sequencer might be the most important tool.
Why not check out the OXI One - it will not go in your rack, but it’s a great performance sequencer providing 8 trigger and 8 CV outputs. Combine this with your equipment and have a groove-box to be extended … 
Blank Panel (?).
Experiment with both units once you know (semi) modular synthesis you’ll realize what you need for your system.
Or you could add a couple of fx modules.
I don’t think you need utilities at the start labyrynth and dfam pack a lot of utilities and you can get pretty creative cross patching them
No need to reduce the output to line level.
Oxi one imho is overkill for this setup. Even a simpler sequencer is overkill, the best feature of this two little beasts is their sequencer and how it interacts with the overall design and phylosophy.
Thanks for your advice. I’m pretty ok with the 2 boxes, but you’re right, I do need to learn them more. But I do think some FX will help (delay, reverb, distortion).
Wise choice. Maybe an LFO could be handy
Unless there is a specific effect that is only available in modular, you are probably better off using an external pedal.