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Post by keurslagerkurt on Aug 16, 2023 9:17:10 GMT
Hey all!
I've been thinking about this for a while now, especially when designing modules.. I was wondering what everyone's preference is:
- A simple but effective micromodule (eg: one chaotic LFO)
- A stacked, pimped version in 1U (eg: three chaotic LFO's, or two but with some added features)
On paper, the micromodules seem like an easy winner, because 'worst case' you can even just put three of those in 1U. + you can quickswap them. But I believe there are a few less obvious downsides to micromodules, first one being that you need the base module (extra cost and extra delivery time). And three micromodules will always be more expensive than one 1U with the same , because it is just more expensive to manufacture.
What are your thoughts? I have a few planned modules that might fit in micromodule format, and i'm contemplating whether i should go for the micro format, or go for a 1U version.
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Post by rockysmalls on Aug 16, 2023 11:39:59 GMT
keurslagerkurti am, as you know, ALL IN for micro modules, especially for single function things.. but i wouldn’t want to dissuade you from some complex ‘intermodulating’ 1u version 
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Post by keurslagerkurt on Aug 16, 2023 12:00:56 GMT
keurslagerkurt i am, as you know, ALL IN for micro modules, especially for single function things.. but i wouldn’t want to dissuade you from some complex ‘intermodulating’ 1u version One in the basket for team Micromodules! Yeah, just to be clear: the BEST option from a customer standpoint would def be.. BOTH! However, it's not really realistic as of now, as i simply do not have the time to make two versions for every new module concept (like in coming up with the concepts, testing, pcb layout, testing the pcb, going back and forth,..). Also, more modules means more stock, more components and more investments, which is simply not worth it from my standpoint sadly. So for now, I'd rather do one thing right than two things 'okay'. |
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Post by pt3r on Aug 16, 2023 12:55:35 GMT
While I see the absolute benefits of uModules from a configurability point of view, in some cases it just makes more sense to go for the 1 unit module. I think one random lfo is nice but 3 independent/interacting random lfos in one unit makes just IMHO more sense, as in, once you go random don't do it half-assed with only one random modulator, when using the sloth I will inevitably run the 3 output into my patch, never have I only used one output. Something about strokes and folks... |
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Post by rockysmalls on Aug 16, 2023 16:43:13 GMT
keurslagerkurt i am, as you know, ALL IN for micro modules, especially for single function things.. but i wouldn’t want to dissuade you from some complex ‘intermodulating’ 1u version One in the basket for team Micromodules! Yeah, just to be clear: the BEST option from a customer standpoint would def be.. BOTH! However, it's not really realistic as of now, as i simply do not have the time to make two versions for every new module concept (like in coming up with the concepts, testing, pcb layout, testing the pcb, going back and forth,..). Also, more modules means more stock, more components and more investments, which is simply not worth it from my standpoint sadly. So for now, I'd rather do one thing right than two things 'okay'. but you haven’t done a micro module yet ... so there is that new territory to break . and given the size of the tidbit audio random thingy I immediately thought of this one as a micro, it just made total sense. could it be ready for Sheffield  ?? |
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Post by rockysmalls on Aug 16, 2023 16:45:38 GMT
While I see the absolute benefits of uModules from a configurability point of view, in some cases it just makes more sense to go for the 1 unit module. I think one random lfo is nice but 3 independent/interacting random lfos in one unit makes just IMHO more sense, as in, once you go random don't do it half-assed with only one random modulator, when using the sloth I will inevitably run the 3 output into my patch, never have I only used one output. Something about strokes and folks... but it may be possible to get more than one random output in a micro? eg: an inverted, a 1/2 scaled etc etc .. you never know.. |
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pol
Wiki Editors
Posts: 1,277
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Post by pol on Aug 23, 2023 23:38:04 GMT
Hey all! I've been thinking about this for a while now, especially when designing modules.. I was wondering what everyone's preference is: - A simple but effective micromodule (eg: one chaotic LFO) - A stacked, pimped version in 1U (eg: three chaotic LFO's, or two but with some added features) On paper, the micromodules seem like an easy winner, because 'worst case' you can even just put three of those in 1U. + you can quickswap them. But I believe there are a few less obvious downsides to micromodules, first one being that you need the base module (extra cost and extra delivery time). And three micromodules will always be more expensive than one 1U with the same , because it is just more expensive to manufacture. What are your thoughts? I have a few planned modules that might fit in micromodule format, and i'm contemplating whether i should go for the micro format, or go for a 1U version. My first reaction was Oh, 1 U definitley, but upon consideration I feel the following is the main factor:-
If the circuit is more versatile/better for music with more knobs/switches than can easily go on a micro module, then it should be a 1U module. Of course then it becomes what is better for music and the cost/benefit analysis also has a role....
So, in your Chaotic LFOs example it really would depend on the added features - if the user gets knob/switch/CV control of useful parameters, (I would like a sync feature to moderate the chaos), that would be major, but I can see a single, simple Chaotic LFO would be really useful as a quick/easy way to muck things up a bit! Maybe do that as an easier "intro" project and we get the 1U one (much) later?
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Post by curebdc on Aug 29, 2023 15:10:35 GMT
All in for the micromodules!
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Post by funbun on Aug 29, 2023 17:05:15 GMT
Yeah, I've been deciding what I want to do about my rack. I'd like to keep things in the MONSTA case size, but I also want to add. Best way to do that would be micromodules at this point. So, yeah, I vote for micro modules really.
edit:
Honestly I like the 1u size as well. AE format is so small anyways. I haven't used any micromodules yet, but I plan to order MODULATORS some time this year, which is a kind of micro module in and of itself.
Therefore, I'd be happy with either. Since I do so much with CV patching, either would work.
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Post by keurslagerkurt on Aug 29, 2023 21:05:59 GMT
Thanks for all the inputs already, it's all noted. For the close future I'll probably stay somewhere 'in between' with a few 1U's in the (re)works and a first micromodule in the making. I'm really glad i got the 1 micro-U in my VCase, because the ability to 'quickswap' really makes the case less of a one trick pony and more versatile (I often swap out LFO/attenuverter/drums on the fly between patches). But the added cost price and added planning (buying the base, buying the modules, buying enough modules to fill your bases).. It's not trivial imo. The bases are not as cheap as a bare rack! (which makes sense, since those are PCB's of course, this is not criticism, its just the reality). In the meantime, i'll keep an eye on this thread at all time  |
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Post by rockysmalls on Aug 29, 2023 21:18:48 GMT
looking forward to any uModule you come up with,,, today i’ve been enjoying Robert’s uDistortion with Wonky MM33 ( which obviously couldn’t be shrunk ). a base & 3 micros might come in as low as €120 ,,, which isn’t the worst thing you could do with yr money .. ironic that it’s only the low prices of the 1u AE modules that makes it seem on the pricey side maybe we need more multi function 1u stuff like “Modulators” ... ?? |
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Post by pt3r on Aug 30, 2023 5:41:17 GMT
If modulators had a looping/speed setting for the envelope section it would be a contender for most perfect 1U module IMO.
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Post by rockysmalls on Aug 30, 2023 9:29:33 GMT
If modulators had a looping/speed setting for the envelope section it would be a contender for most perfect 1U module IMO. it SURELY would .. and Robert’s proposed internal switch/jumper for the super slow LFO!! paging a reminder as requested to robertlanger |
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Post by Kyaa on Aug 31, 2023 2:03:18 GMT
Very late to the party, but I feel like in general I'm usually more drawn to the regular 1u modules. Unless it's simple module with an otherwise blank frontpanel (*cough cough* noise).
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