master i/o or hpamp for recording?

You're completely OK with using the I/O from the MASTER module.

The HPAMP has the advantage of providing the output on one 3.5mm stereo connector (TRS), whereas the MASTER is via two 3.5mm mono connectors (TS). Using the MASTER (or 4I/O) you may need to combine into a stereo input on your recording device; alternatively, using the HPAMP, you might need to split out into two mono inputs. At this point, you can just use whichever is more convenient.

The MASTER or 4I/O connectors are the ones you should use for input to your audio interface as there are differences between how the signal is presented at the outputs of a headphone amplifier and a line level amplifier. Although, you're generally OK if you're careful with levels - just listen for distortion. The HPAMP is, in my opinion, for monitoring quick setups live without sending this to the main outputs, then once you've got it right you patch that sound into the main mix as required. Also, it's great for sitting with the AE as a standalone system and just playing or learning, especially with the MULTIFX, which will give you a sound more interesting to your ears - unless you like a dry sound 

Basically, use what works for your setup, and use your ears. Always start with low levels.

spacedog thanks

thats why i asked. i have an early system and i thought maybe the hpamp had improved output performance over the master i/o. mini xlr would probably fit no problem.

The 4I/O offers two stereo TRS sockets as well, by the way If you only plug a TRS jack into sockets 1 and 3, leaving 2 and 4 empty, they will connect to the 1/2 and 3/4 pins. They’re just not amplified for headphones.

I forgot about the stereo outputs on the 4I/O, mainly as I never use them. Everything that emerges from my AE Modular is mono, and I use a few (or CV) and only becomes stereo once it passes through the effects and then mixer on its way to being recorded.

I am always impressed when I hear someone getting a whole performance out of the AE Modular. I am quite lazy and I use a few different synths to achieve the sound(s) that I want, although it is still a live performance mixed down to stereo.

A personal challenge for me will be to create a full performance on the AE Modular... which does mean that I will need the HPAMP, and I have just enough space.

It's an interesting discussion from a good question, which proves that they are no silly questions, just interesting answers.

Mmmmm, whilst it's a nice idea, I'm not sure it would fit physcially and it wouldn't be cheap. It could take up a lot of AE real estate and could all be done outside of the modular. I do send my modular outputs to a small mixer (with external effects) and then through the audio transformer and I believe that I can get a reasonable sound quality.

Just my opinion, but I would rather buy some of those things from a third party (as indeed I do). Of course, you could always hook up some Eurorack effects and one of those modules and use that as your final output stage 

You've opened up a very interesting discussion on evolution, the future and module price points. Time for me to step aside, I think, as my vision for this system is slightly different and I'd be interested in what others think.

Apologies, this can be a blunt instrument, especially without emoticons (not sure how to get them on my phone).

What I was failing to say was that I am interested in the views of others as it is an interesting topic and rather than push a view, I am keen to know how others see the format developing.

I see it as complementary to the higher end equipment, which doesn't preclude more expensive items if the market is there.

Still on a phone, so I'll do it the old way :-)

spacedog if you are on your phone and want emoticons try switching from mobile to desktop mode and the emoticon option should show when you go to make a post.

Lugia hopefully robert will give this some consideration. i was also thinking it could be offered around the same price point as the multi fx module. mini (tiny) xlr's are the way to go since depth is limited. plus, how cool would an LED VU meter be along side the other blinking lights.

A full meter? Now that's how things get expensive! I'd be comfy with it just being a passive module, frankly, but if there WAS to be metering on it, I think you could make do with just six...ie: a pair of green LEDs for "signal present", a pair of yellows for your 0dB, and a pair of reds for "overload". That way, things are sufficiently vague that the user has to rely more on their ears, and the indicators are just simply there to let you know the overall signal state. And that "overload" is important, as you'd want to know when the transformers were being driven into saturation for that warm, fat "big iron" sound.