1U & 3U Eurorack Modules • Would appreciate some help with my processing rack

(Not sure if there is a separate forum or thread for these kinds of posts; if so please let me know).

I managed to change my firm resolve from a few weeks back from "I'm not going to venture into Eurorack" to working on my first rack. Don't tell the people in the Bark Filter thread But recently I've started to run around in circles and would appreciate some help.


The basic idea is this:

• I will continue to compose in Ableton Live with a few select instruments and plugins that I've slimmed down to a nice and focussed workflow. This means I don't want to create an entire synth but rather a focussed processing unit to complement my digital sound design and compositional workflow. It also means that I won't have to be able to do everything live in one giant instrument; I can record things, do various takes, arrange in the DAW. I assume this affects the amount of functional modules I need.

• All FX are done ITB. This is mostly about filtering, creating movement, imparting some color and heft to the sound, modulation.

• I want to buy two 64hp 4msPods which will fit perfectly on my outboard desk to my right.

• I have some outboard and a bunch of guitar pedals and as such I wasn't looking for saturation units. But I've changed my mind and want to include 100 Grit so that I can get rid of my guitar pedals.

• I will use two channels of my Ultralite MK5 DC-coupled interface to send CV out to the rack.

This is where I'm at:

• The modules in the rack are more or less certain. The items below it are options (the Koma VCA graphic isn't in Modular Grid, hence the webpage).
  • The L-1 DD VCF, Serge Variable Q VCF, 100 grit and Bark Filter are definitely going to be in there, I'm confident about what they will bring to the table.
  • I'm pretty confident about the Scan & Pan as well but I might take it out of it's really necessary for HP's sake. I want to use it to increase line level signals and for mixing/scanning purposes, and I'm fairly certain that the sound it imparts when driven is what I like. (Btw, I spent quite some time figuring out if I should use I/O modules for the line-eurorack-line conversion but I've since confirmed that, among others, Scan & Pan is perfectly capable of boosting line level and my Ultralite MK5 is perfectly capable of handling Eurorack level).

• Beyond that things became murky, especially regarding the functional modules.
  • I know I at least want a good random module and the ability to create snappy envelopes. I started with a Verbos Random Sampling and the Xaoc Zadar but exchanged the Random Sampling for the Ultra Random Redux because of space (and costs) and put the Delta-V in instead of the Zadar because I want to be able to create the snappiest envelopes possible. I read that Maths is good for this but it's too big. Zadar seems great for longer variety but I have some doubts about it's abilities with short, snappy percussion.
  • I'm unsure if just the Delta-V and Ultra Random Redux are enough in terms of utilities/envelopes/LFO/etc. (considering that I will also use CV tools for some of that work). I could add the Zadar for extra modulation options, but I could also add the Tallin VCA and fill the rest of the space with things like Mults, Clock Dividers, perhaps the Divkit Ochd LFO.
  • I'm unsure about the Delta-V vs the Boundary. I've read that Delta-v is considered better in a small system because you get two sets of envelopes and two VCA's, but Boundary is deeper, can create equally snappy envelopes and has better VCA's.
  • Of course I could also just put another VCF in The Belgrad seems awesome but since I already have three great filters it seems excessive and I'm probably better off with a different kind of module.
  • The Koma VCA impressed me for being both clean and colouring, and for it's ability to 'snap' using the curve control. The Tallin doesn't have the latter but is smaller, and perhaps the Delta-v or Boundary are enough to create that snap regardless of which VCA I use.
  • The L-1 Discrete Blacksea Quad VCA isn't really a rational option tbh. It just looks amazing and Aleksei described it well when I emailed him. If I decide to keep the Scan & Pan which also functions as a Quad VCA the L-1 is definitely excessive.
  Soo yeah.. thoughts are appreciated! Also would like to know if I'm completely overlooking an essential function for this idea to work.

Statistics: Posted by 1pauluzz1 — Wed Aug 21, 2024 8:28 am — Replies 6 — Views 197

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