EURORACK MODULE BUYING GUIDE: JUST DON'T

A high level look at some best practices when buying eurorack modules.

Part "2" of this video linked below.

I reference a couple of my older videos including the GR-1. The link below is one of my earliest videos featuring the GR-1.

The mechanical keyboard is a qwerkywriter!

[surfthetsunami]

I'm lucky in that I used to be a drug addict, so spending all by money is something that I have a lot of experience with, and it doesn't bother me like it probably should. I'd rather have synth than money anyway.

[budfoon]

I have bumper sticker on my car, "my other car is a modular synth"

[canterburyaudio]

The time spent is the therapeutic fun part…it’s priceless

[Jin-Hu]

I like the spend slow approach, it bakes in the opportunity to figure out what your system needs more than what you want, over time I've learned that I can see what's "missing" and then focus on looking to fill that gap rather than just hosing Reverb for new and fancy. Good video

[stevecurcuru]

Great video, laying out some deeper truth and not just a fancy demo of the latest desirable module. I’m about 3 years and $4k into it, trying to go slooow. Biggest mistake of my path has been redundant features - having multiple devices that do the same thing. Started semi-modular with a 0-Coast and then started filling a 7u case with things that essentially did what the 0-Coast already did but on a larger scale. Another issue I run into is the trade-off between flexibility and function - for the same price I could have gotten a Moog Matriarch or similar pre-wired synth designed by experts! Instead I have a collection of modules and semi-modulars for exploring unexpected sounds, which was my goal - still question it sometimes though. Glad to see your take on these issues.

[GoofballAndi]

Not me lowballing Eurorack regretters and cannibalizing their moneypits

[BorostateBlues]

I dig finding people with info like this, keep up the good work, functional yet organized and clean

[herecomestreble]

I think It’s important to have a game plan for what you want to do going in so you avoid buying unnecessary modules. The newer semi-modular synths like the moog DFAM are amazing because they combine are essentially a whole rack combined into 1 (VCO, VCA, VCF, sequencer, envelope, etc) for a cheaper cost. Really all you need after that is some fx and a way to modulate and you can do some crazy stuff for <$1000

[Neurotypique]

Never more than 1 new module per month! If you go faster than that it's 100% certain that you are underusing your modules. Even 1 per month is pretty fast.
Another advice would be, if you like a new module, try recreating it with the modules you already have. A lot of new unique modules are just two or three simple functions blended together. Often you can achieve the same result by combining a module you already have with utilities

[theleastsignificantbit]

Excellent video.

I ordered a case and the modules to make a custom version of the Erica Synths’ Black System II…

…and while waiting for the gear to arrive (Fedex lost or “misplaced” the package containing the VCOs and filters)…

…I watched a demo on the Sequential Pro 3.

I looked at the cost for the eurorack and the cost of the Pro 3. I returned all the modules and case and ordered the Pro 3.

I’m very happy.

Follow the path that makes you happy.

[Beast]

I'm glad you talk about time as a resource/cost. Many people don't think of it that way.

[thewildclaw]

I started in modular about a year ago. I’ve gone very slowly due to budget and I’m only up to five modules, but I can honestly say I do not regret and have enjoyed every minute of it. I started out with a Rings clone and a midi to cv module to connect my Launchkey mini. That way I could play notes and use the arpeggiator as a sequencer. Then added the Behringer 140 dual ADSR and LFO and the Doepfer multimode filter. Topped it off with Disting MK4 to be able to try out all its different algorithms with what I already have. Hours of fun! 😆
All in a diy 84hp case. And currently working on my own diy dual vactrol LPG and dual attenuator module 😄👊🏽

[termsofuniverse]

While its niche and expensive there is just something about modular that feels so good to interact with. The experimentation and progressive unintentional jamming makes you feel like you're exploring sound as you go.

[samuellind]

I'm a high school teacher who got into modular when the stimulus checks hit my bank account, and I always argue for how rewarding a limited modular set up can be. I have the 6u Rackbrute and while I do occasionally replace pieces, I'm very happy with the possibilities that space provides. It absolutely is expensive, but I simply don't buy the argument that it's an endless money pit. Unless I get a crazy windfall, I won't be expanding my rack any time soon to a larger case. Of course, you need to be somewhat intentional, and I think you should always start with semimodular (my Rackbrute sits atop a Minibrute 2s, the BEST eurorack semimodular in my opinion!) But small is beautiful, and you don't need a million modules to get a great deal of fulfillment out of modular. Thanks for the vid!

[NickS]

Hit a little close to home :) One thing it took me a couple of thousand dollars to learn was to try to go with single role modules, rather than the insane “kitchen sink” modules. Eurorack controls can get pretty small and fiddley and if you add too many knobs, weird key combos or menu diving on top of that it can be overwhelming. I get that modules (like guitar pedals) all want to have their own unique selling point, but there is also an appeal to the straightforwardness of a doepfer-esque module. Ie one function per knob.

[truthlies]

I formally got into synths after stumbling upon a YT video of someone doing a modular jam. And as much as that modular jam was an initial spark for my now intense passion for synthesis, I actually didn't go the modular route. My first synth was a vintage analog keyboard. I feel more creative with fixed limitations vs endless possibilities. But I'll always credit modular for activating my passion for synths⚡

[dnarowdy]

"I'm here to actually talk you out, of getting in to it" Cracked me up 😂

[Mr.hz]

this presentation was so good to listen to. There were no distracting background sounds!

[stuartcommon]

I definitely appreciated that you touched on DIY, it can be massively cheaper if you have the skills, especially if you make your own boards. Yes it takes up a lot of time to learn and build your own, but that's a rewarding and educational hobby in itself. Not to mention the synth diy scene encompasses a whole wide array of things, not just euro, but full size motm modules, non modular, and everything in-between ☺️

[Jonas_Mikkelsen]

This is reinforcing what I'm already doing. I got an Arturia Minibrute 2s, and have planned out an entire rackbrute 6U. I know very well that plan is going to change, and it has already changed many times. I'm setting aside some money each month, and plan to spend it as it builds up, that way I have time to familiarize myself with one module at a time. And I can start with one module at a time, because the Minibrute already has all the basics covered.