Where to grow AFTER Semi-Modular

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More Jorb :

My pronunciation of CAIXA is wrong, my apologies!

0:00 Intro
2:33 Don't Get into Eurorack just because you can
5:16 Eurorack to Pack and Power Multiple Semimodular guys
8:14 Eurorack to add / augment features (East Beast Plus)
9:30 Caixa 104 Info break
12:19 Back to the East Beast
18:43 Eurorack to add supporting architecture / define a roll (ASQ-1 and Hades)
24:05 Get that mf semimodular out of that mf case (but treat it the same)

If we're being honest, after the edit and everything I feel like this video feels pretty different to what I had envisioned awhile ago. I still think this is a fine balance between, "heres an idea" and "heres some module details" but still I think that it could've been structured a bit tighter.

But that's what I buy into when record the way that I do, some things change focus or change emphasis during the actual recording and that's just how it's going to feel.

[BRNSOP]

Really nice video, truly. But the Caixa should be pronounced 'Ka-sheh' or 'Kai-sheh', it's Catalan for 'box'

[michaelkonomos]

I really appreciate the semimodular pairings at the beginning. When you really think about it, Semimodular IS modular. Just larger modules that aren’t in the rack. Best of both worlds. Interesting combinations are very possible.

[legitimatefrenzy]

I'm really liking the use of the Pittsburgh stuff as a base for a modular setup. I'm feeling like I'd really only want an effect eurorack I need keys and polyphony. Pretty informative jorbathan

[videotrexx]

The Caixa 104 is an excellent value for the $, was just looking at it.

[CatFish]

Early mornin' Jorb'n! Coach Zee reference?

[GeorgeLocke]

This topic doesn't get enough attention. People talk about semi modular as a gateway to eurorack, but rarely is that bridge crossed (on camera).

There's another gap i personally could use advice on, which is "what first step should I take to make my room sound better? " there are good videos on how to set up monitors and baffles and so on, but how do I assess what to do first given a modest budget?

[IntiAlonso]

Jesus, just the case is worth the same price of the Taiga. Eurorack is indeed a wallet destroyer.

[thebreathalyzer]

Many thanks for sharing!!! Appreciate how much your focus is about practical application. Another option for those wishing to dip their toes in the water - virtual modular like VCV Rack or Voltage Modular. Thanks again for the great video!

[ywenp]

For a fast semi-modular expansion route, I'd really love to see someone making a eurorack case that integrates utilities not just for MIDI-to-CV but also for audio & CV digital/analog conversion. Say, a case with like half of an Expert Sleepers ES-9 integrated, so you can even totally bypass MIDI and its 7bit CCs and communicate only with CV & audio between your computer & modular gear and still pack really light, a big constraint of mine (let's say I want 3 voices with velocity control for each: that's 9 CV outputs already, try to find a remotely lightweight soundcard that does that, let alone DC-coupled so your DAW can emit/receive low frequency CV and not just audio). Because I'm totally sold on the sound shaping hands-on approach of modular, and I got a Taiga just for that, but I'm much much less sold on the idea of buying a eurorack sequencer + some utility modules that will cost more than the price of all the sequencing software & few controllers I already own and do much less... If I continue in the modular world I think that's the route I'm gonna take, that of a hybrid software/modular setup, not "the true modular way".
(And if I'm sounding antagonistic, belittling or anything, please accept my apologies, because that's really not what I want, I just want to be cost & space effective)

[grumomusic]

I live a couple hundred kilometers down the road from the lovely people at Nano, so I feel obliged to point out it's pronounced kai (like in cobra kai) shah :D
Loved the video regardless, keep up the good work!

[pooshNchums]

I find your synth content to be so distinctive because you have all these musical riffs in your repertoire that you can just whip out at any time.

As someone who isn’t properly trained, I’d love to better understand how you learn and play these. Are they simply memorized riffs on different scales? Thanks!!

[darkcognitive]

Lol….no ….somebody make it stop…..I have JUST moved from normal Synths to my first Semi Modular setup….now I’m getting the full modular itch and MY WALLET ISNT READY 😂

[NEKRWSPHERE]

You know, Jorb, one issue with this is that it's difficult for people to switch to fully modular systems when the only experience they have is of self-contained semi-modular synths. Because these synths are wired internally, and one doesn't see exactly how they're wired - one gets the "black box experience" - it's more difficult to understand the fully modular subtractive synthesis. One option if you don't know where to start is get something like Behringer's System 55. Sure, it's missing some things like portamento, or reverb or delay and it would probably benefit from something more exotic like the Victor module, but that's the point. - there is actually a lot of space for adding more modules later and they are easy to connect. Later one could get something like Eventide H90 or "Space" to have a genuinely great reverb, or, - one could simply choose to go a little cheaper and find a versatile reverb or delay module, or expand the sequencer to more steps. What often scares people is not even so much learning from scratch but the cost of putting a modular system together one module at a time? which is perceived as time consuming, expensive and tedious. Once you already have 7-8 modules it's only then when you become excited to slowly add more modules in, which is why pre-builds could be a great place to start. Something even less daunting and cheaper like system 15 could work better for someone who doesn't feel like making a huge investment right away.

[MikkelGrumBovin]

i did something else - bought a SHITLOAD of Eourorack gear, with the only reason and logic behind ....EVERY module purchasing - "How many different lights, sliders, and small holes for patchcables ?", ooh and - the NAME ! if it looked cool, and had a funny name -i BOURGHT it ! and i have been very very lucky, that the only piece of gear i havent used yet -, is my Math - i do know, its only pure luck -my good looks and drugs - that made my eurorack journey a chewy, fruitty - weaving & bobbing - wobbleing - mindopening, and hugely fun endeavour - and if it wasnt for the Moog Grandmother, id still be tango`ing away on my upright bass, blowing the occasional Memphis Horn, play the usual Zappa'eske sologuitar, and gettin all the manly girls - but i wouldt change a thing - even if i could....

[MackntheBox]

Thank you for sharing! I currently have an EB, but I want a second osc or more ways to mess with it. This has definitely help me figure on what to look for in a support skiff 💯

[danasdas]

Especially with the popularity of the Cre8 and Pittsburgh units going on, this was a great video subject!

[klstay]

Those who have been in modular even for a while can get "stuck" focused on the more core modules after a solid foundation is in place. Fully featured high quality EQ and dynamics modules can offer a LOT more possibility to something like a Taiga after a couple more VCAs and modulation are added. I appreciate your focus on "budget" options, but modular is inherently pricey and you still get what you pay for. (Good quality power is worth every penny) I guess the point is a solid semi like Taiga only "needs" a bit of modulation and VCAs added on after which a quality compressor and EQ (I know they are pricey, but L-1 are insane build quality/features) would open a world of new capabilities.

[nelsots]

I found that getting two semi-modular synths was a good way to test out how much I would enjoy a eurorack setup. In my case, the answer was quite a bit, and I decided to get a small case. I'm still deciding on modules for it. When looking at cases, I was really tempted by the Nano Caixa. It might seem a bit expensive, but I priced out the included modules and you're paying around $300-350 USD for 104hp. That's very reasonable. When you consider the extra hp you get for free from the build in modules, the deal gets a lot sweeter. You don't have to buy the case space for those modules, so if those are functions you need, then it's a really good deal. It's not the way I ended up going, but it came down to being between that and a used pittsburgh modular case with 96hp for $200 USD.

[rustyxof]

I just got the 3 Bastl Kastl units. In the instructions it mentions they are best used with other modular units but I have no clue where to go?

[GeorgeLocke]

I love the clap cut. It's a silly little thing, and it is fun. My five year old is always finding fun ways to doing things, and it's fun. It. Is. Fun.