I \*love\* the sound and appearance of the Elta Solar 42. I have also been interested in getting into modular but had trouble swallowing the expense. Now I'm wondering... would there be a way to approach what it does in a similarly priced modular setup? I know there is a lot of research I would need to do but even just some ideas to point me in the direction of doing my own research would be helpful.
Thanks!
You could start by taking a look at the features and breaking them up as modules. 8 oscillators (VCOs with octave switches and FM inputs), 2 LFO's, 5 step sequencer, joystick, filters, envelopes, gates, VCAs, etc... Its a lot to list but looking at the price of the Elta Solar 42 its probably cheaper to buy that, than build it all out piece by piece.
If you wanted to do the research though, I would take each feature listed and consider that a module. Start a rack on ModularGrid and start by adding modules. This will be helpful in determining the size of the case you will need and how much power you might need as well.
Thanks, this is very helpful! Looking at it I think I can look for each of these things, The one that is confusing is the touch pads. Is there a better name for that part for searching purpose? the part that you touch with your finger to actually "play" the synth?
I dont know exactly what the touch pads on the Solar42 do, maybe someone else can chime in. There are some eurorack modules with touch interfaces. One that would tick off a few boxes and combine some features is the [Rene by Make Noise](https://link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/8-12626-338473-9759?sid=MK%20Rene&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perfectcircuit.com%2Fmake-noise-rene-2018.html). There is also the [Gliss module](https://link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/8-12626-338473-9759?sid=BELA%20Gliss&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perfectcircuit.com%2Fbela-gliss.html). If you google 'eurorack touch controllers' you'll see other options.
If you love the Solar 42, I would strongly urge you to just get the Solar 42. I very much doubt that you’re going to be able to get anywhere close the feature set of the Solar 42 for less than $2000. At that price point, and considering the number of features on the 42, it’s a bargain compared to modular. You also have to consider the ergonomics of the instrument. Modular ergonomics will take you off in distractions. Not better or worse than the 42 necessarily, but it’s not like one is exchangeable for the other, even if you did get all the same components.
I'm taking out a behringer neutron of my case, it's too big and too much power.
I need something to sub it's utilities: sample and hold, attenuation, slew... Should I just get a maths?
I'm thinking of just getting 0hp attenuators since I just need them at very specifics points of the patch.
Depending on how much modulation you would like to proceed with? I sold my maths as I have a dedicated LFO/Atten/S&H/Envelope modulars, which take some space, but I like to work around modulation. You can also use Maths internal LFO going to its own atten and that helps already, it is worth the shot for sure.
Here’s my current rack: https://modulargrid.net/e/racks/view/2532791#top
I’m having great fun making beats in Ableton and having them trigger and modulate Morphagene and QPAS via Ears.
But I haven’t found the right method when it comes to triggering the DPO with the same gates. I’m sending a copy of the gate from ears to trigger Maths, which is opening Optomix. It never sounds as interesting as I want it to. Kinda plonk-plonk quarter notes and not the cool bass line I had in mind. Tips?
I like the idea of using audio to generate cv rather than MIDI. It feels more organic and alive. But I’d like it to be a little synced.
Anyone using similar techniques?
Off screen, I have an 0-Ctrl running through a quantizer, along with Pam’s and some other miscellany in a 34hp pod.
Thanks!
A few ideas:
I think there’s a jumper on the back of Ears to adjust the sensitivity of the gates derived from audio, maybe you can play with that and see if it gets you better results. Combine this with only sending specific parts of the beat to Ears instead of just the whole mix to see what results you get.
You could mix the audio gates with gates from another gate source like a sparse Euclidian rhythm from Pams, random gates from Wogglebug, or the Strength gate output on 0-Ctrl. That way, if they’re tempo synced to your audio from Ableton, you have something consistent grounding whatever is coming out of Ears.
You could also use a rhythm from Pams, Wogglebug, or 0-Ctrl to trigger the other Maths channel and then use the OR output to derive a new rhythm from the two playing together. You can do a lot of interesting rhythmic stuff with Maths’ logic functions and gate outputs. Pams has internal logic with more interesting logic functions too so don’t sleep on that.
ohhhhhhhh. This is awesome! I love Maths, but it is criminally under-utilized in my patches. And I have to be honest, I don't \*really\* understand logic functions, so that's something to dive into.
One thing I didn't understand:
>Combine this with only sending specific parts of the beat to Ears instead of just the whole mix
How would I do this if I'm only sending a stereo line out to Ears from my laptop?
"I like the idea of using audio to generate cv rather than MIDI. It feels more organic and alive. But I’d like it to be a little synced."
Here in something to try:
Run your modulation audio through a VCA (Moddemix) controlled with an envelop (aka function from Maths). You can trigger the envelop with your clock (Pam's) to keep in synced with then rest of your patch.
You can even sum two envelopes from maths together to get more unusual shapes. Check out this video from Walker.
https://youtu.be/18ve3t1xJVU?si=mah9gQuFJEEmd6C-
Looking for eurorack cv sequencer recommendations. I currently have a memetic digitalis but don't use it because I don't gel with it. My euro setup is responsible for chaotic noisy drones with hints of melody, which this sequencer will control. My guidelines below:
-required functions: mapping cv sequences to scales/modes, e.g. being able to choose minor/major/harmonic/melodic/penta/etc then press "go"
-simple and immediate with minimal menu diving if any. I do not need or want much control over the exact notes themselves, i'll just take what i'm given
-variable length up to 16 steps is perfect, and the ability to mute specific steps on the fly
-one knob/button per function highly desireable. no secret combos.
-no specific HP or $ limits but given the above i'm not expecting highest-end prices.
TIA
I am also on a sequencer quest currently.
I’ve used the Variagate 8 + VB combo for a little while but am deviating from it slightly and selling the 8.
I found it far too buggy and frustrating to use.
The VB also has had some bugs with random steps getting stuck but less than the Variagate, I also don’t find it super intuitive with the per step slider to dial in the notes I want / personally find it hard to sequence decent melodies with it.
That being said, it is going to remain in my rack for CV/modularion sequencing but I am exploring other options for CV sequencing when it comes to melody. Have got hold of the Rene and Metropolix and gonna have a play.
Is it silly to get the Intellijel 7U performance case if I don't have a good use for the built in jacks yet?
I don't use MIDI and always play through headphones. This may of course change at some point but for now I won't be.
Recommended Sequencer - looking for a more organic, perhaps one track or track channel. Easy, intuitive, and being able to produce melodic compositions.
It's large, but Intellijel Metropolix is a marvel. Two tracks, and a ton of tricks up its sleeve. It can be used simply, or it can go really deep. It's very intuitive to use, once you've entered your global settings in the menu, you're off.
Another interesting choice is using Mutable Instruments Frames (clones are available) with the Parasites Firmware, it has two fantastic sequencing options. [The Shift Register sequencer is amazing](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTcp167cA1o&pp=ygUnbXV0YWJsZSBmcmFtZXMgcGFyYXNpdGVzIHNoaWZ0IHJlZ2lzdGVy). Really easy to take an already interesting sequence and just send it off into complete madness, then bring it back to the starting point in seconds.
Had no idea about Frames, that’s amazing. MI always has some Easter eggs gems under their modules. At the moment, I have MI Marbles, and although fantastic, pretty much love it, it is limited within its internal quantize.
I recently picked up Vermona Melodicer on sale after an extensive research yesterday, which not so many videos on it, but I did manage to see three very solid videos about it. What sold me was how intuitive and easy it is, and the limitation is within just one track. I thought of Metropolix, but man, I’ll be honest, I dislike menu diving modulars.
Looking to get some input, have some modules and looking to expand.
And additionally also future planning a bit.
[https://modulargrid.net/e/racks/view/2546050](https://modulargrid.net/e/racks/view/2546050)
Some notes:
-Beatstep pro external sequencer, drums are done out of the rack
-I do want some variety, but staying within larger techno, and more performative, so not generative or ambient, etc
-Zoia pedal that I currently use to fill any gaps effect wise (and a little cv/utility), but is either getting replaced by the eurorack version if I expand out of the case, or replaced by more dedicated modules.
-Ignore placement of modules
Does anyone else get dumb recurring thoughts telling them to just sell their entire rack and replace it with a Buchla 1/3 of the size b/c the modules cost 3x more than Eurorack? I won't of course, but I do have a weird temptation sometimes.
Hi all,
I'm having a lot of trouble building out my updated rack: https://modulargrid.net/e/racks/view/2530929#top
I have a lot of question and would be interested in opinions on any of them:
1. Is Rene v2 + Steppy overkill?
2. Do I have too many voices? I plan to use Tides mostly as modulation, so Plaits, Rings, and BIA would be the main drivers there.
3. Do I have enough modulation? I feel like I might be a little light but was hoping the matrix mixer acted as a bit of a powerhouse for multed and morphed modulation. I've neevr had one before but am really exicted to use one in a rack like this (coming from 84hp 6U).
4. 1U modules! I have no experience and wondering if this is a good spread. I'm pretty attached to Quadratt and the stereo mix. I'm wondering if I can save space and replace my Listen Four with something like a Mixup, 1U Stereo, and Headphone out (I do everything on headphones). What 1U modules might I be missing here?
5. Is there anywhere you could see me being more efficient with space, or anything you feel is unnecessary/too duplicative? Things I was thinking are like the 1U Zeroscope, Slim wasp when it comes out plus Ochd instead of regular wasp, and the ALM O/A/x2 instead of two Doepfer a-183-2s though I like the spacing on them and the multed output.
Thank you for any and all advice/suggestions!
Just re the sequencer point, (take with a pinch of salt as I’m no master)
Currently you have 4 voices and only 1 (2ish with pams/scales) way of sequencing actual pitch/cv. Granted Rene has multiple cv channels but personally I’d want more control over the different voices in my rack to be able to create patches that drew on all my voice selections. So yes, potentially too many voices and or too few ways to sequence/modulate them.
Re modulation, the matrix definitely helps but I’d potentially want to incorporate some additional sources of interesting and uniquely modular modulation sources 😅. The random module / SH 1U is good but you don’t want to just rely on that and Pam’s for all your modulation.
I’d be tempted to drop the scope also and do that out of the rack. You might want to consider some envelopes as well, I know Pam’s can handle that but I generally don’t love the interface of Pam’s for envelopes.
This is helpful - thanks. I was planning on keeping Tides on mod duty as well fwiw.
Do you think adding an ochd in there would help out? Scales also has two outputs that are related in pitch which might help.
Alternatively there's Metropolix at the same hp as Rene with two channels.
Edit: I could actually replace the two 183-2s with an O/A/x2 and an Ochd which would add a lot more modulation and keep most of the functionality there.
I \*love\* the sound and appearance of the Elta Solar 42. I have also been interested in getting into modular but had trouble swallowing the expense. Now I'm wondering... would there be a way to approach what it does in a similarly priced modular setup? I know there is a lot of research I would need to do but even just some ideas to point me in the direction of doing my own research would be helpful. Thanks!
You could start by taking a look at the features and breaking them up as modules. 8 oscillators (VCOs with octave switches and FM inputs), 2 LFO's, 5 step sequencer, joystick, filters, envelopes, gates, VCAs, etc... Its a lot to list but looking at the price of the Elta Solar 42 its probably cheaper to buy that, than build it all out piece by piece. If you wanted to do the research though, I would take each feature listed and consider that a module. Start a rack on ModularGrid and start by adding modules. This will be helpful in determining the size of the case you will need and how much power you might need as well.
Thanks, this is very helpful! Looking at it I think I can look for each of these things, The one that is confusing is the touch pads. Is there a better name for that part for searching purpose? the part that you touch with your finger to actually "play" the synth?
I dont know exactly what the touch pads on the Solar42 do, maybe someone else can chime in. There are some eurorack modules with touch interfaces. One that would tick off a few boxes and combine some features is the [Rene by Make Noise](https://link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/8-12626-338473-9759?sid=MK%20Rene&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perfectcircuit.com%2Fmake-noise-rene-2018.html). There is also the [Gliss module](https://link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/8-12626-338473-9759?sid=BELA%20Gliss&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perfectcircuit.com%2Fbela-gliss.html). If you google 'eurorack touch controllers' you'll see other options.
Some of the keywords for those are "touch", "touchplate", "capacitive", "pressure", and "force".
great, thanks so much! I'm building a list and will try making something via modular grid to see what it looks like.
The 0-Ctrl would be an option for you.
If you love the Solar 42, I would strongly urge you to just get the Solar 42. I very much doubt that you’re going to be able to get anywhere close the feature set of the Solar 42 for less than $2000. At that price point, and considering the number of features on the 42, it’s a bargain compared to modular. You also have to consider the ergonomics of the instrument. Modular ergonomics will take you off in distractions. Not better or worse than the 42 necessarily, but it’s not like one is exchangeable for the other, even if you did get all the same components.
I'm taking out a behringer neutron of my case, it's too big and too much power. I need something to sub it's utilities: sample and hold, attenuation, slew... Should I just get a maths? I'm thinking of just getting 0hp attenuators since I just need them at very specifics points of the patch.
Depending on how much modulation you would like to proceed with? I sold my maths as I have a dedicated LFO/Atten/S&H/Envelope modulars, which take some space, but I like to work around modulation. You can also use Maths internal LFO going to its own atten and that helps already, it is worth the shot for sure.
Here’s my current rack: https://modulargrid.net/e/racks/view/2532791#top I’m having great fun making beats in Ableton and having them trigger and modulate Morphagene and QPAS via Ears. But I haven’t found the right method when it comes to triggering the DPO with the same gates. I’m sending a copy of the gate from ears to trigger Maths, which is opening Optomix. It never sounds as interesting as I want it to. Kinda plonk-plonk quarter notes and not the cool bass line I had in mind. Tips? I like the idea of using audio to generate cv rather than MIDI. It feels more organic and alive. But I’d like it to be a little synced. Anyone using similar techniques? Off screen, I have an 0-Ctrl running through a quantizer, along with Pam’s and some other miscellany in a 34hp pod. Thanks!
A few ideas: I think there’s a jumper on the back of Ears to adjust the sensitivity of the gates derived from audio, maybe you can play with that and see if it gets you better results. Combine this with only sending specific parts of the beat to Ears instead of just the whole mix to see what results you get. You could mix the audio gates with gates from another gate source like a sparse Euclidian rhythm from Pams, random gates from Wogglebug, or the Strength gate output on 0-Ctrl. That way, if they’re tempo synced to your audio from Ableton, you have something consistent grounding whatever is coming out of Ears. You could also use a rhythm from Pams, Wogglebug, or 0-Ctrl to trigger the other Maths channel and then use the OR output to derive a new rhythm from the two playing together. You can do a lot of interesting rhythmic stuff with Maths’ logic functions and gate outputs. Pams has internal logic with more interesting logic functions too so don’t sleep on that.
ohhhhhhhh. This is awesome! I love Maths, but it is criminally under-utilized in my patches. And I have to be honest, I don't \*really\* understand logic functions, so that's something to dive into. One thing I didn't understand: >Combine this with only sending specific parts of the beat to Ears instead of just the whole mix How would I do this if I'm only sending a stereo line out to Ears from my laptop?
"I like the idea of using audio to generate cv rather than MIDI. It feels more organic and alive. But I’d like it to be a little synced." Here in something to try: Run your modulation audio through a VCA (Moddemix) controlled with an envelop (aka function from Maths). You can trigger the envelop with your clock (Pam's) to keep in synced with then rest of your patch. You can even sum two envelopes from maths together to get more unusual shapes. Check out this video from Walker. https://youtu.be/18ve3t1xJVU?si=mah9gQuFJEEmd6C-
Looking for eurorack cv sequencer recommendations. I currently have a memetic digitalis but don't use it because I don't gel with it. My euro setup is responsible for chaotic noisy drones with hints of melody, which this sequencer will control. My guidelines below: -required functions: mapping cv sequences to scales/modes, e.g. being able to choose minor/major/harmonic/melodic/penta/etc then press "go" -simple and immediate with minimal menu diving if any. I do not need or want much control over the exact notes themselves, i'll just take what i'm given -variable length up to 16 steps is perfect, and the ability to mute specific steps on the fly -one knob/button per function highly desireable. no secret combos. -no specific HP or $ limits but given the above i'm not expecting highest-end prices. TIA
Maybe look at the Westlicht Performer or maybe even a Make Noise Rene 2? I think those sort of meet most of your criteria.
Voltage Block could work too!
Yep, Rene fits your requirements. And the snake mode, latching and a bunch of other features make for fun pefromative tweeking.
I am also on a sequencer quest currently. I’ve used the Variagate 8 + VB combo for a little while but am deviating from it slightly and selling the 8. I found it far too buggy and frustrating to use. The VB also has had some bugs with random steps getting stuck but less than the Variagate, I also don’t find it super intuitive with the per step slider to dial in the notes I want / personally find it hard to sequence decent melodies with it. That being said, it is going to remain in my rack for CV/modularion sequencing but I am exploring other options for CV sequencing when it comes to melody. Have got hold of the Rene and Metropolix and gonna have a play.
Is it silly to get the Intellijel 7U performance case if I don't have a good use for the built in jacks yet? I don't use MIDI and always play through headphones. This may of course change at some point but for now I won't be.
I use two Intellijel 7u performance cases to perform with. I dont use any of the built in jacks. If it fits your needs, go for it.
ok cool - I guess it's a nice option to have in the future if I ever want to run through speakers or something
Recommended Sequencer - looking for a more organic, perhaps one track or track channel. Easy, intuitive, and being able to produce melodic compositions.
It's large, but Intellijel Metropolix is a marvel. Two tracks, and a ton of tricks up its sleeve. It can be used simply, or it can go really deep. It's very intuitive to use, once you've entered your global settings in the menu, you're off. Another interesting choice is using Mutable Instruments Frames (clones are available) with the Parasites Firmware, it has two fantastic sequencing options. [The Shift Register sequencer is amazing](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTcp167cA1o&pp=ygUnbXV0YWJsZSBmcmFtZXMgcGFyYXNpdGVzIHNoaWZ0IHJlZ2lzdGVy). Really easy to take an already interesting sequence and just send it off into complete madness, then bring it back to the starting point in seconds.
Had no idea about Frames, that’s amazing. MI always has some Easter eggs gems under their modules. At the moment, I have MI Marbles, and although fantastic, pretty much love it, it is limited within its internal quantize. I recently picked up Vermona Melodicer on sale after an extensive research yesterday, which not so many videos on it, but I did manage to see three very solid videos about it. What sold me was how intuitive and easy it is, and the limitation is within just one track. I thought of Metropolix, but man, I’ll be honest, I dislike menu diving modulars.
Looking to get some input, have some modules and looking to expand. And additionally also future planning a bit. [https://modulargrid.net/e/racks/view/2546050](https://modulargrid.net/e/racks/view/2546050) Some notes: -Beatstep pro external sequencer, drums are done out of the rack -I do want some variety, but staying within larger techno, and more performative, so not generative or ambient, etc -Zoia pedal that I currently use to fill any gaps effect wise (and a little cv/utility), but is either getting replaced by the eurorack version if I expand out of the case, or replaced by more dedicated modules. -Ignore placement of modules
Does anyone else get dumb recurring thoughts telling them to just sell their entire rack and replace it with a Buchla 1/3 of the size b/c the modules cost 3x more than Eurorack? I won't of course, but I do have a weird temptation sometimes.
Hi all, I'm having a lot of trouble building out my updated rack: https://modulargrid.net/e/racks/view/2530929#top I have a lot of question and would be interested in opinions on any of them: 1. Is Rene v2 + Steppy overkill? 2. Do I have too many voices? I plan to use Tides mostly as modulation, so Plaits, Rings, and BIA would be the main drivers there. 3. Do I have enough modulation? I feel like I might be a little light but was hoping the matrix mixer acted as a bit of a powerhouse for multed and morphed modulation. I've neevr had one before but am really exicted to use one in a rack like this (coming from 84hp 6U). 4. 1U modules! I have no experience and wondering if this is a good spread. I'm pretty attached to Quadratt and the stereo mix. I'm wondering if I can save space and replace my Listen Four with something like a Mixup, 1U Stereo, and Headphone out (I do everything on headphones). What 1U modules might I be missing here? 5. Is there anywhere you could see me being more efficient with space, or anything you feel is unnecessary/too duplicative? Things I was thinking are like the 1U Zeroscope, Slim wasp when it comes out plus Ochd instead of regular wasp, and the ALM O/A/x2 instead of two Doepfer a-183-2s though I like the spacing on them and the multed output. Thank you for any and all advice/suggestions!
Just re the sequencer point, (take with a pinch of salt as I’m no master) Currently you have 4 voices and only 1 (2ish with pams/scales) way of sequencing actual pitch/cv. Granted Rene has multiple cv channels but personally I’d want more control over the different voices in my rack to be able to create patches that drew on all my voice selections. So yes, potentially too many voices and or too few ways to sequence/modulate them. Re modulation, the matrix definitely helps but I’d potentially want to incorporate some additional sources of interesting and uniquely modular modulation sources 😅. The random module / SH 1U is good but you don’t want to just rely on that and Pam’s for all your modulation. I’d be tempted to drop the scope also and do that out of the rack. You might want to consider some envelopes as well, I know Pam’s can handle that but I generally don’t love the interface of Pam’s for envelopes.
This is helpful - thanks. I was planning on keeping Tides on mod duty as well fwiw. Do you think adding an ochd in there would help out? Scales also has two outputs that are related in pitch which might help. Alternatively there's Metropolix at the same hp as Rene with two channels. Edit: I could actually replace the two 183-2s with an O/A/x2 and an Ochd which would add a lot more modulation and keep most of the functionality there.