Other function generators to consider: Quadrax, Delta-V, Falistri, Contour 1. General purpose FX units mentioned above are FX Aid, ALM MFX, Versio. Modules which are primarily delays are more specialized, so you have to think about what sort of sound and capability you might want.
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sealegs, mimeophon on the more “experimental” side or chronoblob, 4ms dual delay for precise and pristine delay and cool feedback patches but the list is infinite. I would avoid multi-fx dsp modules and get a pedal instead. They don’t make much sense to me—they’re lower quality and don’t lend themselves much to experimentation.
as for envelope maths, rampage 4ms peg, after later audio qarv (ui a bit messy, but you get 4 function generator plus vcas), delta-v if you want to have some nice utilities and always discover new way of patching… otherwise if you want simple env. anything from doepfer is good.
I have stages and quadrax but I’m considering selling them coz I don’t like multi-modes modules.
I prefer Maths because it can do envelopes and a whole lot more besides. But I used to have a Delta-V and that is a respectable envelope module. Three strengths of the Delta-V are
- It has built-in VCAs (Maths does not and therefore you need a VCA for each distinct envelope you produce with it)
- It is relatively low hp
- It is relatively inexpensive
So I need a module that allows me to send triggers to my labyrinth, dfam and Swarm to get me out of their 8 step limitations. I only have 15 hp space left. Suggestions? A Pam’s looks a good option but it doesn’t look very playable for on the fly jamming.
Can you be more precise on your requirements?
Do you already have a clock source in your system? If so, Intellijel Steppy (https://intellijel.com/shop/eurorack/steppy/) is a good choice as a gate sequencer. 4 tracks, 64 steps, 8 hp.
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I’m using the labyrinth as the clock source (with the labyrinth taking it’s clock via midi).
i recommend starting at the cheap and easy route just get a(nother) small buffered mult. then you can thereby multiply any signal coming from your clock and trigger source (labyrinth). everything will be in time and in tune (after you do some knob tweaks)
i do this a ton, and occasionally my melodicer saves me the 15 mins of tuning 
get more fx with all that space!
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Hey everyone!
I’ve been a pianist for years and have spent plenty of time in the DAW world, but I’m ready to dive headfirst into Eurorack. I’ve just put together a budget‑friendly starter setup that I’m really excited about. Here’s what I’m planning to grab:
- Doepfer A‑100 LC9 case + PSU3 – a solid, low‑cost 3×84 HP home for all my modules
- Doepfer A‑110‑2 Basic VCO – my main sound source (saw, triangle, square, PWM, soft‑sync & FM)
- Doepfer A‑120 24 dB Low‑Pass Filter – classic transistor ladder filtering to carve out tones
- Doepfer A‑132‑3 Dual VCA – two VCAs for both audio and CV mixing
- Doepfer A‑140 ADSR – basic envelope shaping with normal and inverted outputs
- Doepfer A‑111‑3 Micro Precision VCO/LFO – flexible low‑frequency modulations or extra VCO functionality
- Doepfer A‑138a 4‑Channel Mixer – to blend audio and CV sources with built‑in attenuators
- Doepfer A‑190‑2 MIDI‑to‑CV/Gate – so I can sequence everything from my DAW or MIDI keyboard
- Patch cables – a mix of short (3") and medium (6") leads to get experimenting right away
I think this rig covers all the essentials: a solid sound engine, filtering and dynamics control, modulation sources, mixing, and external sequencing. It should let me whip up bass lines, leads, percussive drones, and play around with rhythmic patterns—all without breaking the bank.
So, fellow modular enthusiasts, what do you think? Does this look like a coherent “first rack”? Any tips for swapping in even better budget options, or things I’ve overlooked? I’d love to hear your thoughts before I hit “buy.” Let the patching begin! 
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First, I suggest you check ModularGrid for second hand modules, it’s the cheapest I’ve found and I’ve never been disappointed.
I would personally start with a semi-modular such as the 0-Coast or a little Moog like the Labyrinth.
The list you describe is a bit too “classic” to my taste, you would have more fun with something more esoteric, maybe.
As for the sequencer, if you’re into Elektron maybe a used Analog 4 could be a nice way to sequence your modules…
The Labyrinth generative sequencer can also be used to sequence other modules, btw.
Best cases I’ve seen are from Ikocase on Etsy. Cheap and solid, you can close it with your cables plugged, really nice.
https://www.etsy.com/fr/shop/Ikocase
If you’re comfortable with the DAW world, spend some time with free VCV Rack, there are plenty of modules to discover there, that can be found for hundreds of euros in the real world.
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Looks like your modules would make for a pretty standard synth…my recommendation, just get a Matriarch 
Awesome synth, no patching needed, if you don’t want to (can be nice if you don’t have much time), has a keybed…or any other semi modular that tickles your fancy.
I just think this module selection doesn’t have too many advantages over a semimodular.
Of course just imo
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Labyrinth would have been my second pick!
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Thank you.
I didn’t know Ikocase. I’ll check that as well as A4.
I’ve already some experience in VCV. I started there. I’ve a quite good understanding of DSP but I’d love to start putting my hand on a real hardware.
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Thank you!
I’ve already tested the Matriarch. Great synth indeed.
Thing is I’d like to go deep into eurorack. This list is the start. I have a long term plan.
I wanted to see here if I didn’t make any incoherences or stupid choices.
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Rather than populating your case with standard modules, it could be more fun to get modules that do several things.
For instance, Mutable Instruments Stages can give you 6 LFOs or envelopes, or even sequence other modules.
Maths can do plenty as well, even if there must be other modules now that offer more for a lower footprint.
A Low-pass Gate would be nice, to get some nice alternative for LPF + VCA.
Check Make Noise DXG for instance.
I love Mimeophone for FX, gives you a delay and a reverb, but also can put you in ambient territories in no time.
I was talking about 0-Coast because it gives a lot of functionalities!
“A4” was referring to “Elektron Analog 4”, that offers CV sequencing and modulations, but also filters and FX
Rather than going all in on a case composed of basic modules, getting a few more elaborate modules than do their own thing very well would, IMO, be a better move.
Anyway, every journey into modular is very personal.
Just take your time.
If you know someone in your city that has some modular, talk to them.
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i think it’s a good idea to start slowly because going for the fancy crazy beautiful module is not a good idea. so from a learning point of view your selection is nice . But from an artistic and creative point of view, you will be bored in max 2 weeks. i suggest you test your build in VCV rack before spending any cash and learn.
i second the semi mod choice , why ? the real thing is absolutly nothing to compare even with VCV rack. you don’t know if you will really like it or maybe even hate it. no patch memory means you will be totally unable to recreate the patch unless you specifically note every knob position and every patch cable. And even if you do this be aware some analog components react to the room temperature and may not behave exactly every day. And then with semi mod you usually get a good set of fonctions that work well together for the price asked.
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also be aware the case you choosed is good for studio use and i’ve seen a lot of guys with this kind of cases like to put one onto the other in gigantic walls that cost 15000 to 20000€. it’s very cool to be able to move your case to a concert or a gig with friends and this kind of case don’t look nice to carry away.
personnaly i have a tip top audio mantis case and the official carry bag and it’s already a big type of case i don’t want to carry around so much
i agree that 1-2 more ‘patch programmable’ modules like stages, maths or the doepfer a-138m matrix mixer would open things up immensely for exploring possibilities. nothing wrong with patching up a classic monosynth (doepfer vco/vcf/vca can get quite beefy ime), but the more esoteric offerings can lead to a lot of fun, new places.
maths can give you subharmonic divisions of a vco, vc portamento, envelope follower/comparator, rudimentary low pass gate, etc.
modules like erbe verb and morphagene can add a ton of life to patches as well, but i’m guessing more of that is part of your long term plan. best of luck!
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From my admittedly skewed point of view, it feels ironic to criticize the conventionality of a set of first module choices and then suggest the usual suspects from Make Noise and Mutable. An orthodoxy too far, I suppose.
I’d like to hear @Clara’s “long-term plan”.
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