5 Steps to your first Eurorack: the definite guide to designing your first modular synth
Starsky Carr・2 minutes read
When starting with a Eurorack system, it's crucial to understand basic terminology and plan for future expansion, focusing on unique features and avoiding duplicating functions. Researching respected manufacturers, selecting essential modules like filters and sequencers, and choosing a suitable case and power supply are vital steps in building a cohesive and high-quality modular setup.
Insights
- Understanding the basics of Eurorack systems is crucial, including terminology like u and hp, which represent height and width, respectively, with 1u being one-fifth of an inch or 5.08 mm.
- Researching and planning for future purchases is essential to enhance a modular system's capabilities, with resources like modulargrid.net offering valuable insights into designing virtual setups and exploring different modules and setups, such as Aphex Twin's 7U intelligent case.
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Recent questions
How can I start building a Eurorack system?
To start building a Eurorack system, it is essential to first understand the basics of modular synthesis. This includes familiarizing yourself with terminology such as u (height) and hp (width), as well as power consumption. Once you have a grasp of these fundamentals, you can move on to deciding the purpose of your system and selecting modules that align with your goals. It is crucial to avoid duplicating functions and focus on unique features to create a cohesive setup. Breaking down modules into categories like signal flow, control, and utilities can help in organizing your system effectively.
What resources can help me design a modular system?
When designing a modular system, utilizing resources like the website modulargrid.net can be incredibly beneficial. This platform allows you to create a virtual modular system, explore other users' setups, and gain insights into different modules and configurations. Additionally, researching and comparing modules, as well as exploring DIY options, can provide valuable information to enhance your system. Considering respected manufacturers like Erica Synths for filters, envelopes, and effects units can ensure a high-quality setup.
How do I choose the right modules for my system?
Choosing the right modules for your modular system involves careful research and planning. It is essential to consider factors like signal flow, control, and utilities to ensure a well-rounded setup. Exploring different modules like wavetable oscillators and function generators can help in selecting components that align with your creative vision. Additionally, considering future expansion and experimental modules can add versatility and uniqueness to your system.
What factors should I consider when selecting a case?
When selecting a case for your modular system, several factors come into play. It is crucial to consider the size, price, and functionality of the case to ensure it meets your needs. Factors like module depth, power requirements, and portability should also be taken into account. Additionally, details like threaded strips or sliding nuts for module mounting can impact the ease of setup and overall organization of your system.
Are starter kits a good option for beginners?
Starter kits can be a great option for beginners looking to dive into the world of modular synthesis. Kits like the Create Audio Nifty Bundle offer a built-in power supply, a synth module, and a touch CV panel, providing a solid foundation for beginners to start exploring modular synthesis. These kits can be a cost-effective way to begin building your system and experimenting with different sounds and modules.
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Summary
00:00
Eurorack System Guide for Beginners
- Purchased first Eurorack system, found it overwhelming, created guide to help beginners.
- Guide includes steps from understanding basics to building case and selecting modules.
- Step one: Understand basics like terminology, sizes (u and hp), and power consumption.
- U is height, hp is width, 1u is one-fifth of an inch, 5.08 mm.
- Step two: Decide on system's purpose, avoid duplicating functions, focus on unique features.
- Break down modules into signal flow, control, and utilities categories.
- Signal flow: Need sound source, filter, mixer, effects like delay, and modulation.
- Control: Envelopes, sequencers, sample and hold, MIDI interface, utilities like mults.
- Consider future expansion, experimental modules like function generators and quantizers.
- Research and plan for future purchases to enhance system's capabilities.
12:52
"Building a Modular System: Essential Tips"
- The website modulargrid.net is a valuable resource for designing a virtual modular system, offering insights into other users' setups, like Aphex Twin's 7U intelligent case with specific modules.
- DIY modules can save money, but require skills and patience; exploring various modules and their prices can help in decision-making.
- Choosing a rack size is crucial when starting a modular system; starting with a basic setup like the Mother 32 can be a good foundation.
- Researching and comparing different modules, like wavetable oscillators, can help in selecting the right components for the system.
- Erica Synths' modules are well-regarded, offering flexibility and quality, making them a reliable choice for building a modular system.
- Selecting filters, envelopes, and effects units from respected manufacturers like Erica Synths can ensure a cohesive and high-quality setup.
- Sequencers play a vital role in a modular system, with features like non-linear sequencing and probability functions being desirable for creating unique sequences.
- Choosing a suitable case and power supply is essential, considering factors like module depth, power requirements, and portability for the overall system.
- Understanding power supply types, like flying bus boards or onboard connections, and the importance of power consumption for modules is crucial for system stability.
- Considering details like threaded strips or sliding nuts for module mounting can impact the ease of setup and potential gaps between modules in the case.
26:10
"Expanding Modular System: Options, Kits, Cases"
- Consider different options for expanding your modular system, such as the Arturia and Tip Top Mantis, with the former being more portable and expandable.
- Starter kits like the Create Audio Nifty Bundle, priced at around 240 pounds or 270 dollars, offer a built-in power supply, a synth module, and a touch CV panel, providing a good starting point.
- When choosing a case for your modular system, factors like size, price, and functionality come into play, with options like Make Noise and Intellijel offering different features and price points.
- The importance of identifying your needs and workflow before purchasing modules is emphasized, ensuring that you select items that align with your creative process.
- Utilizing tools like Modular Grid to plan your setup, including blank panels to fill empty spaces, can help in organizing and optimizing your modular synth design.
