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Post by tIB on Jun 15, 2023 7:10:08 GMT
The concept of 'finishing' a modular system often comes up, and the consensus seems to be that it's something often talked about but rarely carried out. My take is that it absolutely can be done, provided you are clear about and steadfast in your goals for the system...
I've been obsessive/lucky enough to finish several modular systems over the years, and find that fixing enables me to really 'know' the system inside and out, both from a functional and layout point of view - my experience is that this deep learning/understanding really enhances the patching process. Fwiw I also think that single manufacturer formats (more or less) are perfect for this kind of approach, since while there will often be new modules on release, if you're really clear about functional needs then unless things are upgraded/done better, the chances are if you're clear on your functional needs that doesn't really change.
Take my AE system - at the minute it's very near to being done (awaiting replacement TBD), and I know this because I'm at the point where, unless things are shrunken into u-module format, I need all of the functional blocks/modules in it.
I've also fixed size to be within 3 rows of 16, in order to fit the system within a portable case: my original goal of the system was to take to play out, although whether I do much more of that remains to be seen... I'm certainly less inclined post pandemic. Regardless, fixing size is a good way imo to stop things getting too overwhelming - I know it works for some but I find if I go too big it becomes too much of a distraction for me, and I'm one of those who tends to favour patching the full system: if things aren't needed over time they don't last too long in the rack.
I have left couple of spaces in my system where I have a little flexibility moving forward, though really it's going to get quite spendy replacing say my 4vca for 2 u-modules and a base to save one u-space - the point of diminishing returns here is a factor, though it's nice to have options: if something like a serge USG came about in the format I absolutely would look to shuffle things, so keep some low hanging fruit around (I'm looking at you wavefolder) and also wonder about hacking power input in a different way, since it seems a shame for that to take a whole module space - on that note a u-power might be nice if at all feasible.
So yeah, while finishing might be harder in some formats than others - there's always a new latest and greatest in euro for example - in others it's much easier, and as I have experienced in other formats, it's an extremely rewarding approach - the fluidity of patching a system that you know each component of deeply within an established layout is unparalleled imo, and is a goal well worth pursuing.
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Post by keurslagerkurt on Jun 15, 2023 7:42:57 GMT
Interesting take.
On the uPower.. m4vrick & i have found a promising chip and are designing a prototype around it. We're thinking about usb-c (+ maybe triple AA battery option) for power. Still a long way to go to a functional prototype so no promises of course! 😉
Power delivery is weird, and it's hard to test for all use cases (why do some racks get whiney noises? High noisefloor? Ground loops? Weird digital module behavior on startup? ....)
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Post by tIB on Jun 15, 2023 11:05:52 GMT
Anything u-power based would need to have a standard barrel in as well for me to be interested - I can run my system off a powerbank and myvolts lead, though there are certain modules that don't enjoy it - the effect module for example requires reboots. Not so sure on the more recent digital offerings as haven't tried that way for a while.
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Post by keurslagerkurt on Jun 15, 2023 11:20:55 GMT
Anything u-power based would need to have a standard barrel in as well for me to be interested - I can run my system off a powerbank and myvolts lead, though there are certain modules that don't enjoy it - the effect module for example requires reboots. Not so sure on the more recent digital offerings as haven't tried that way for a while. Hm, i understand your choice for a barrel. However, this means dropping 9V down to 5V, which is where a lot of heatsinking is done.. Which in turn means required space for heatsinking (Hence 1U). (unless you use a switching power supply). Using 5V from a 5V input can be more efficient, but of course it also means less 'headroom'. Wouldn't your powerbank be able to deliver USB-C voltage? |
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pol
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Post by pol on Jun 15, 2023 11:38:59 GMT
I like what you have said, and pretty much came to the same conclusions myself about 6 months ago, at least regarding my AE rack - the studio is a different question.....
I have 4x20 rack, and my original 1x16 from Kickstarter days. The latter is now a specific percussion/drum synth with the Kaestledrum, AE kick etc. in it. For many years I almost willy nilly just bought any new modules I fancied but now my rack is full..... I started planning a 1x20 u-module rack and then I thought "why?"! I spent quite a lot of time pondering what I actually want my AE to do, then stripped all the modules out and did a new layout making "voices" - oscillator(s), filter(s), VCA(s) etc. These are in rows so I can patch up and down to use a different module if I need to. This is very much a W.I.P. but part of the plan meant I've had to be ruthless about what modules are staying/going and being purchased. I have 2 more to buy after my delivery arrives (due today  ). There will be some modules on ebay in the not too distant future....
Part of this was realising which modules I don't use but may do, which modules I will likely never use and, the worst bit, any which won't fit my plan but I like....
Focussing on what you want the system to do is a great idea to minimise "waste", or spending money on things you end up not needing  . I say "waste" as all the modules have been part of my enjoyable journey in modular synthesis I would never have done if it wasn't for Robert, AE modular 
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Post by tIB on Jun 15, 2023 12:00:35 GMT
Anything u-power based would need to have a standard barrel in as well for me to be interested - I can run my system off a powerbank and myvolts lead, though there are certain modules that don't enjoy it - the effect module for example requires reboots. Not so sure on the more recent digital offerings as haven't tried that way for a while. Hm, i understand your choice for a barrel. However, this means dropping 9V down to 5V, which is where a lot of heatsinking is done.. Which in turn means required space for heatsinking (Hence 1U). (unless you use a switching power supply). Using 5V from a 5V input can be more efficient, but of course it also means less 'headroom'. Wouldn't your powerbank be able to deliver USB-C voltage? It would, but in my experience there are modules that struggle with power over usb. 3x16 also drains quickly. If there was a way around that, I'm in! |
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Post by tIB on Jun 15, 2023 12:05:35 GMT
Another thing about finishing formats is that it's a good opportunity to move on and try a different approach.
Big shot alert: I've experience in seven formats now, each stystem honed in, though not all survived a post completion cull. Eurorack for example was not for me, so went to invest the cash elsewhere.
Finishing wise, some formats are easier than others due to the finances. AE is ideal for this, thanks to Roberts pricing strategy.
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Post by keurslagerkurt on Jun 15, 2023 12:06:58 GMT
Another thing about finishing formats is that it's a good opportunity to move on and try a different approach. Big shot alert: I've experience in seven formats now, each stystem honed in, though not all survived a post completion cull. Eurorack for example was not for me, so went to invest the cash elsewhere. Finishing wise, some formats are easier than others due to the finances. AE is ideal for this, thanks to Roberts pricing strategy. I would be very interested in reading a 'match up' or 'pros and cons' from someone who tried that many formats! |
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Post by tIB on Jun 15, 2023 12:08:35 GMT
Another thing about finishing formats is that it's a good opportunity to move on and try a different approach. Big shot alert: I've experience in seven formats now, each stystem honed in, though not all survived a post completion cull. Eurorack for example was not for me, so went to invest the cash elsewhere. Finishing wise, some formats are easier than others due to the finances. AE is ideal for this, thanks to Roberts pricing strategy. I would be very interested in reading a 'match up' or 'pros and cons' from someone who tried that many formats! Happy to share opinions - what are you after? A basic take on each's strengths and annoyances? |
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Post by tIB on Jun 15, 2023 12:20:06 GMT
And just tried my current system via myvolts and powerbank with added switch on the inlet - first impressions are it's fixed power/startup issues.
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Post by keurslagerkurt on Jun 15, 2023 12:23:05 GMT
Happy to share opinions - what are you after? A basic take on each's strengths and annoyances? Yeah exactly that!  I can see myself trying out another format sometime soon, just for fun. And Eurorack would be the most 'logical' choice in a lot of ways, but might be just a waste of money (& space).. |
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Post by tIB on Jun 15, 2023 14:36:28 GMT
I'll have a crack at it at some point...
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Post by tIB on Jun 15, 2023 17:31:11 GMT
Happy to share opinions - what are you after? A basic take on each's strengths and annoyances? Yeah exactly that! I can see myself trying out another format sometime soon, just for fun. And Eurorack would be the most 'logical' choice in a lot of ways, but might be just a waste of money (& space).. Made a start: forum.aemodular.com/thread/2674/modular-formats |
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Post by maydonpoliris on Jun 16, 2023 22:17:05 GMT
When I started out with Ae I thought that finishing would never be possible. I was overwhelmed and excited with the possibilities. After playing around for a while I've gone from trying to patch a full rack to condensing into a rack about half the size. So I use a main rack to patch and enjoy jamming with comfortably and a spares rack full of modules I don't use much or those I don't understand yet but can still patch up when the system tells me to. At this point I still love to taste that low lying fruit as you say and have them in a spares rack to learn over time but I'm happy to walk away with the condensed rack if the house was on fire....so maybe that means I'm somewhat finished. saying that I did just order some volca sized racks to set up a more portable minimal/percussion synth so did I just debunk myself........or am I condensing further.... I'll never know! |
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Post by funbun on Jun 16, 2023 23:27:36 GMT
If any of the Serge modules make it into AE, I'm totally changing my rack around. That being said I settled on four rows of 20U once the MonstaCase came out. When I first explored modular, I knew I wanted to do minimalist, Terry Riley type music with a splash of jazz fusion mixed in. Like many I went to Eurorack. Many people there said I'd need at least a 12U system. They even said 15U or 18U would not be out of the question.
A 20U AE Monstacase is about like a 100 hp, 12U Eurorack case, about the same as was recommended in the Eurorack world. My case is almost full. Once I add a proper performance mixer and a couple more bit and pieces here or there, it will be finished. My main goal has always been to compose music for my YouTube channel. As long as I can do that I don't need to get bigger, unless I choose to.
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). There will be some modules on ebay in the not too distant future....
. I say "waste" as all the modules have been part of my enjoyable journey in modular synthesis I would never have done if it wasn't for Robert, AE modular 
I can see myself trying out another format sometime soon, just for fun. And Eurorack would be the most 'logical' choice in a lot of ways, but might be just a waste of money (& space)..
