A couple here have sounded off on their appreciation for the modDemix, and I really love mine–one of my very first modules, actually.
That said, I learned that it is not great as a dedicated VCA or mixer. It really is, as stated previously, a ring mod. Yes, it does work to mix signals, but the Optomix is much better suited.
I use SSF modules like the PTG and Mixmode for VCA and mixer duties, respectively. Plus, the PTG can do some pretty awesome things–not quite like my Maths, but extremely useful.
Generally, like the OP, I attempted to choose modules that performed well in multiple roles. When it came to a mixer, though, I am extremely glad I selected the Mixmode. Clean or saturated, it really makes everything else play well together, and I was surprised by its utility and clear signal.
[quote=“JohnWynberg”]If you have an A4, you don’t need a mixer for just Braids and STO. You can just send them to the A4 FX inputs, one to the left, one to the right (though with the STO you can get more than 2 audio signals out). After all, they are mono, anyway. You might need an attenuator, though, especially if you want to use the A4 filters. But if you also get a Maths, you can use channels 2 and 3 for that. You can also use Maths as a mixer… Of course, in the end you should get a VCA (though Braids also includes a simple VCA) and a mixer (Optomix or Moddemix are both good choices). But just to start, if your budget is tight, you don’t really need to.
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To be sure the raw signal from an analogue oscillator is pretty hot. Much hotter than any signal from any of my other gear. Best to attenuate prior to sending to the inputs of the A4. Although you can attenuate the signal within the A4, you would still be feeding raw voltage in to the inputs and I’m not entirely sure that they are designed to handle that kind of signal. Maybe Elektron could enlighten us on that one. You could potentially damage the inputs over pro-longed usage. Sub-mixing before sending to an external source is always a good idea.[/quote]
Should be no need to worry about this. Most audio gear can handle quite hot levels without harm.
I have my euro permanently hooked to my a4 without any attenuation. The same goes if I plug it in the mixer or audio card. Just turn down the trimmers so to have adequate level and not damage speakers and/or ears.
By the way, I find that when the signal is fed through the OSC page it doesn’t need that much attenuation. Maybe it was designed with this kind of sources in mind…
Yes, yes, yes!
It is so smooth and begs to be modulated: slow, irregular sweeps of the X or Y axis, morphing Z and running it simultaneously, Pressure Points for performed variation. . . I’m really glad I went for it.
Yes, yes, yes!
It is so smooth and begs to be modulated: slow, irregular sweeps of the X or Y axis, morphing Z and running it simultaneously, Pressure Points for performed variation. . . I’m really glad I went for it.
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I really need one. The last time I had some money it was out of stock everywhere. I’ll have to wait.
It’s my understanding that it does some interesting LFO stuff too due to the unusual shapes of the wavetables
I’m just gonna throw a little more fuel on the fire Whipped this up real quick. All driven from the A4. DPO Saw output into Malekko Dual Borg #2 and Optomix. Optomix gain and Borg cutoff is controlled from an Envelator which is triggered by a simple A4 arpeggio CVB gate (which also controls the DPO pitch via CVA). Another Envelator sharply modulates pitch on the DPO Saw… I’ve switched the sync to On on the DPO saw about 5 minutes in. Delay is from a TC Nova, reverb from an Alesis Nanoverb. Every now and then I play around with the Borg’s first filter and the Envelator A/D times.
That’s a lovely setup to get going with. You’ve got it all covered. Sound sources, Filter, VCA, Lowpass Gate (nice to have both. similar in function but sound so different), Modulator and Envelope generator, Quantizer, Clock divider and Multiples.
Some things to consider, If you’re getting TipTop stackables as patch cables, you may not need a set of multiples. They cost a bit more, but the real estate saved in your case kind of makes up for it.
The 4MS Rotating Clock Divider would be an interesting alternative to the Doepfer Clock Divider. 4MS sell DIY kits for most of their modules. I have a few DIY kits here I’m planning to put together soon. Works out cheaper and you learn stuff too.
Interesting note I learned about clock dividers recently, in theory they can be used as a kind of sub oscillator. If you feed audio rate signal (for example at the pitch of A - 440 Hz) you get divisions of 220, 110, 55 Hz. All of which are also pitch of A.
Haven’t actually tried this myself as I haven’t built my clock divider yet.
That’s a lovely setup to get going with. You’ve got it all covered. Sound sources, Filter, VCA, Lowpass Gate (nice to have both. similar in function but sound so different), Modulator and Envelope generator, Quantizer, Clock divider and Multiples.
Couple of things, If you’re getting TipTop stackables as patch cables, you may not need a set of multiples. The 4MS Rotating Clock Divider would be an interesting alternative to the Doepfer Clock Divider. 4MS sell DIY kits for most of their modules. I have a few DIY kits here I’m planning to put together soon. Works out cheaper and you learn stuff too.
http://www.modulargrid.net/e/4ms-company-rotating-clock-divider-v2[/quote]
Yeah in my NEWB rush I totally bought the mult by mistake. It looked useful and it was cheap enough to fit within my initial budget. Still it’s handy to have and really cost about the same as buying some stackables.
Also as my filter can actually act as a VCA an, Because of that I may lose the vca which should leave me room for the 4ms clock divider which I originally wanted in there anyway.
I’ll look for the kits. Hopefully there are stockists in Japan. Also a genuine thank you for all your help. You’ve been really helpful as has everyone else in this thread which I’ve kinda hi-jacked
BTW just got shipping confirmation of my order. Hopefully will arrive tomorrow evening.
EDIT*
Actually losing the intellijel VCA would allow me to replace the doepfer with the 4ms and also add a uFold II or even better the new peaks when it comes out.
I normally have to wait the best part of a week ( or more) for stuff to arrive.
I usually order from Schneidersladen in Berlin.
I reckon it’s the postal service here in Ireland that slows down the process
Whipped this up real quick. All driven from the A4. DPO Saw output into Malekko Dual Borg 
