Building a SMALL Eurorack System

[@AntonNidhoggr]

The big advantage of a small system is what you can sit wherever you want, power it with a power-bank for example, and fiddle with it. I noticed that I spend much more time with the modular when I have a small system. One of my favourite combos was Rings + Crime + some analog filter/mixer. Rings can do fm stuff and chords, filter adds ‘analogueness’ and modulations, and in Crime I almost always use that double sequencer mode which can generate both pitches and envelopes. Add some Keystep to the mix and here’s a fully functional synthesizer and even more. For those who thinks you have to have row after row of modules to make something useful out of it - you don’t.

[@LillySchwartz]

Oh, Rings is a world in itself, definitely very cool as the basis of a small system. And if you just add one more sound source it becomes even more interesting. I tend to use Rings primarily as a resonator and I definitely want to have it in my next small system. DIYing that one is definitely on my list, after using it a ton in miRack and VCV rack. I definitely agree that you don’t need a spaceship style massive synth to get some nice music going. In fact I think that might hinder me more than help me because of option paralysis. What’s your analog filter of choice for Rings?

[@AntonNidhoggr]

​@@LillySchwartz Oh, it's nice to hear that. You should definitely build one. Lots of fun modes in there! Also... mini-elements firmware. I usually use 810 with it because it's the only shallow module with filter I have which would fit in the pod 🙂 but I guess any simple analog filter would do...

[@LillySchwartz]

Oh, yeah, mini elements is another plus for Rings! Versatile little module! Although often I wish it was proper stereo. I was just curious about the style of filter you like with it because there are so many flavours. Stereo Ripples is a great one and shallow enough for a pod.

[@AntonNidhoggr]

⁠@@LillySchwartz 810 is kinda close to Ripples, they are both Roland inspired. And in the bigger case I have Tempete Magnetique - also quite an interesting piece of gear. Yes, stereo is not an option in my case (when using the pod). However you don’t have to use Rings as a stereo source. Since it alternates voices when played, I often send odd and even to different modules and then sum them back in a mixer. You can send the even to a vca, overdrive it and reshape with an external env for example… then sum with the odd one, etc.

[@LillySchwartz]

Now tempete magnetique looks so interesting to me. Very cool module for sure. That’s how I tend to handle rings as well, sending odd and even to different places, because routing them together in a stereo way never quite gives the results I hope for. Annoying. I actually find the Monsoon much more interesting as a proper stereo resonator. That’s why I don’t have Rings yet.

[@Toxodeth1984]

always good to see you long or short videos , your voice is so nice almost like asmr , I love your music, it remains me a bit of Frippertronics(Robert Fripp from King Crimson) , also I've been doing this kind of music since 1989 , thank you, greetings and hugs from Alaska but I am from Mexico😍💛🌻🌹

[@LillySchwartz]

Aww, thank you. Unintentional ASMR, for sure 😂 greetings from Spain!

[@talldarkstrangerpr]

I love using software because I have no space to store the hardware due to space limitations, but love to watch your hardware setup and listening to your creations.

[@LillySchwartz]

I still love using software too! For me using both in conjunction is the sweet spot right now. And I can totally relate to the space issues. My old studio became absolutely unmanageable once I added hardware to my setup. It was quite ridiculous for a while. Do you have some favourite plugins? I love Puremagnetik stuff myself.

[@talldarkstrangerpr]

@@LillySchwartz Puremagnetik’s are very good. I also use PaulStretch, Valhalla Supermassive as well as UJAM’s Voodoo, Output’s Portal, Vital synth among others.

[@mikevanderheiden]

Very very smart. I like the statement Blanks do lead to gas. There's a joke or t shirt there or something. Cheers!

[@LillySchwartz]

Yeah, it could be some kind of meme, I have to think about that a bit! Completionism is definitely a reason why collectors end up buying stuff they don't need, just in this case it's empty space that creates the need to fill it somehow. I have an empty space in my big case because I took my oscilloscope module out to make space for a smaller module. It's been bugging me to no end!

[@TMeier]

Thanks for sharing the thinking behind your choices. It's helpful to hear how other artists work through the many decisions of building a modular instrument. I'd love to hear more about what you've included in the bigger system and why!

[@LillySchwartz]

I always enjoy watching such videos too, because Modular is so personal. No two systems will look alike and that’s really interesting for me! I guess there will have to be a part 2 and 3 then 😅

[@Loneranger670]

Nothing beats Analog knob twiddling…… Nice work, thank you and keep the GREAT content flowing.

[@LillySchwartz]

Real knobs were definitely important for me. I tried around with virtual Modular for years, but it only really started to click once I had the real thing in front of me. I’ll try my best to keep it all going. Between music and photography the videos take a bit longer sometimes when I’m working on something new, but I’ll definitely keep it coming! Glad you enjoy what I do!

[@hughman8597]

I see it that way too, I just had too many options in the DAW, plugins, presets, loops, more plugins. At some point nothing worked for me anymore. Making analogue music was simply refreshing. You are limited and have to try to produce something sensible with this aspect and then you become (note the magic word) CREATIVE. It's so beautiful when, for example, you turn on the modular synth and start completely from scratch and even if you try to get that sound again like yesterday, it will sound a little different and that's the great thing about it for me.

[@LillySchwartz]

Yeah, option paralysis in the DAW is a thing. That’s why I set myself limits there too. My last album, hypnagogia centres around barely a handful of plugins for that reason. Definitely an option too. There is something special about all that hardware stuff though. I’ve been making music with a Solina style plugin for years and recently I got a Behringer Solina to expand on that and it’s so much *more* sound wise. Very good decision to go hardware with that one!

[@rayderrich]

Lovely to hear the reasoning behind the modules, and yes, I would watch a 2 hour video about the others for sure.

[@LillySchwartz]

😂 oh dear, if I had to edit two hours of this it would take me forever 🤣 I guess I could get another two videos of the same length out of the other two rows though. It’s definitely on the list now.

[@rayderrich]

@@LillySchwartz Only if you feel like it of course, never do what subscribers ask of you, it is your channel and your time. Just know that I would absorb everything :)

[@LillySchwartz]

Oh, I definitely only do what I feel like at the moment or I never would have started making music related vids in the first place. This channel started with drawing and photography in mind but at some point I felt like building a guitar pedal and modding my guitar 😅 my regular audience wasn’t interested in the least 😹 now I seem to have primarily a music audience. Oops

[@rayderrich]

@@LillySchwartz Now that is what we refer to as Happy Accidents. Embrace them.

[@LillySchwartz]

Bob Ross approves of happy accidents 😂 I was kinda reluctant to pivot for a while, because music KZbin is so gear heavy, but I have quite a bit of hardware now so it isn’t a stretch anymore. I definitely enjoy making these kinds of videos!

[@LonnonFoster]

As someone who just got into electronics over the past year, it's fantastic to see how much modular gear is DIY. I've been building my own VCO on breadboard, with an eventual goal of turning it into a Eurorack module, and I love the idea of a small, well-focused rack system. Very inspirational seeing (and hearing!) what you've put together!

[@LillySchwartz]

The sky is the limit with this stuff, you can build your entire rack DIY if you want and the only reason I have bought modules in here is because I wanted to learn them more. The rest of my system is pretty much all DIY which is really cool!

[@BottleMakesMusic]

Necessity is the mother of invention - in this situation, by introducing limitations on case-size and modules you can alleviate some of the "choice paralysis" inherent to larger systems. Certainly in my experience, having built a small 42HP single-row case, module choice becomes a lot more intentional, that is, more thought is put into the types of modules installed to achieve the desired outcome. Often the skiff contains just one voice (although it can be polyphonic), a clock source or LFO and some type of modulation. My favourite skiff contained Rings, a Wogglebug and a Turing Machine and that was it!

[@LillySchwartz]

Oh wow, I love your Rings Wogglebug Turing Machine combo, that sounds like a very fruitful combination for sure. I think my next small system might just be Rings based too. I still don’t own it although I use it a lot in VCV rack. Do you have other 42HP combos you would recommend after? Limitations really seem to help me with my creativity!

[@BottleMakesMusic]

@@LillySchwartz I've mostly based them (loosely) around this combo, occasionally throwing in another module like a quantizer inline between the Turing output and the Rings 1v/Oct input or feeding one side of the Rings output back into the WB's S&H CV in etc. To maximise the space I tend to favour a single voice within one module. Actually, thinking about it, Ears is really good for feeding back in and out of Rings too!

[@LillySchwartz]

Rings is such a versatile little module. I rarely ever use it in the way most people seem to use it on KZbin. I’m a huge fan of resonators, so feeding all sorts of stuff into Rings and other resonators is one of my musical obsessions. I will definitely have to build one of them when I have this album done I’m working on right now.

[@BottleMakesMusic]

@@LillySchwartzThere’s plenty of Rings clones and DIY kits out there! Most are well under 200 Euros too :) so budget-friendly

[@LillySchwartz]

Oh, I already have the PCBs for an SMD build, I’m just prioritising the music over DIY at the moment. The next bout of DIY is already planned though. Lots of cool SMD stuff including Rings.

[@ElSWVisitor]

😂😂 so accurate on the empty spaves encouraging more gear purchases ha I need to learn from your example and gaim some.focus on needs not wants

[@LillySchwartz]

Let’s not forget about the Pokémon factor too. Gotta have them all, which is of course impossible! Stripping it down to a minimum viable setup definitely makes the needs very clear!

[@tracyharms3548]

I like small systems but I also like combining them into a big system. Small is good for portability and distinctiveness. I agree that multifunction modules give a system more flexibility for the size. Thanks for showing us your choices.

[@LillySchwartz]

Combining several smaller systems into a bigger system definitely is an interesting approach. I can see myself enjoying a setup like that with one voice in each small case. Something to think about for sure! Thanks for watching!

[@dr.syntheo9489]

I can follow your thinking, like it

[@LillySchwartz]

Glad you enjoyed it! ✨

[@aaronparys1750]

Cool Nice setup !!.. Yes I prefer Smaller Racks ( Niftycase ) and set them according to my needs .. I like the Disting MK4 very handy for exploring different uses .. Oh and the Crave & Edge Love those Machines!! .. Excellent Video Thanks for Sharing !!

[@LillySchwartz]

Thanks Aaron! The Niftycase would probably have been my choice too if I had decided to buy a case instead of 3d printing it. Crave and Edge really give so many possibilities, especially when combined with more modular stuff. What I like about the Disting is that it pushes me out of my comfort zone by giving me always something new to explore! I’m glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching!

[@PatternRecognitionMusic]

I started with a NiftyCase, they're hard to beat for the price. I've thought more than once about getting a Disting, but always wind up prioritizing some other module.

[@LillySchwartz]

Definitely worth getting I would say, especially if you find yourself in the position of having one too few X in your case. I tend to run out of envelopes and VCAs with bigger patches, so the Disting can always save the day. But then, it’s not a module for everyone for sure. I don’t think it’s a boring utility module either though, because the effects in it are pretty cool.

[@OhHeyFergy]

This was a fantastic walkthrough of the new setup. I love hearing why people select certain modules and how they use them so I’d love more of this!

[@LillySchwartz]

I’m glad you found it interesting! I love these kinds of videos too because everyone chooses such wildly different modules. I’ll give the other two rows a go then since people seem to be interested. ✨

[@maxwellwellmax878]

I have no Clue what this thing is but I had to come give Bayonetta a big Thumbs Up!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😎

[@LillySchwartz]

Aww, thanks! 😂 it’s my attempt to build a space ship of course 😁 jokes aside, it’s a modular Synthesizer, so you plug it together, turn some knobs and music comes out! Lots of fun!

[@carltanner9065]

Great video! Very interesting to see how you've setup your system and get everything to run smoothly. The problem with bigger systems would be power requirements and heating problems, I would imagine. You might have to put in a fan and heatsink to wick the heat away. That could help. You do know that GAS doesn't exist. If you want to expand, then just do it😊 The only time it becomes a problem is when you don't have enough room in your room for all the equipment and modules!!😝 And, the heat melts planes flying at 30000 feet!! Or, starts forest fires!!😝 But, you're a long way from that happening.

[@LillySchwartz]

Fans are relatively rare in Eurorack setups. Having gaps helps for that purpose and not living in super hot climates 😂 Agree on the GAS. For me it’s not really a problem because I know where the urge to expand unreasonably comes from. I try hard not to solve my creative woes with new gear. By the way, did I mention that we have a telescope in the house now? 😅 just a nice lil thing to look at the moon and the planets because there isn’t much else to see in the city with light pollution, but it’s lovely to look at the moon!

[@knopslmodular]

hey Lilly, cool video and a great compilation of modules. very flexible indeed. :)

[@LillySchwartz]

Thanks Markus! Flexibility was really the aim here so that it would be versatile in what I can do with it. Works great stand-alone or as an effects chain!

[@acid_gray]

Great video, Lilly - thanks a lot! And lovely to see, how the system fits into your workflow! (This is the only thing that matters - no matter if 'small' or 'large'). I am also a big fan of detachable systems and built a fairly large system during the pandemic (2x104 TE synthesis, 2x104TE synthesis and drums - 2x104TE videosynthesis). One of my main constraints: having the sequencers in the case (where you can already save a lot of space, if you are choosing an external solution - like you did). Would probably do it in a more minimalistic - and more focused- approach (if I would re-start a modular journey again). Despite enjoying the modular approach a lot, I use my Elektron boxes much more than the modular system these days (as I am much faster and fluent in my workflow): Machinedrum + Monomachine or Analog Rytm + Analog 4. Super sequencing capabilities (if one likes the Elektron workflow), tons of LFOs and endless sound design possibilities (especially on the Monomachine).

[@LillySchwartz]

Now that is a fairly large system indeed! Very cool also that you have video synthesis in there too. I’m very curious about it, but haven’t played around with that yet. I think having a large system doesn’t prevent you from having a smaller system too. Several of my friends believe in the “study pod” approach, taking a few modules out of the big system to focus on for a few weeks to deep dive. I find that I’ve learned the modules in my smaller case much better now. Definitely helps to keep the option paralysis at bay and feel more focused. I’ve been curious about the Elektron boxes, because some artists I really enjoy get great stuff out of them, but it seems a rather steep learning curve that I haven’t been willing to commit to yet. My aim is definitely to get far more fluent on the modular first before I dive into those kinds of boxes. As for fluency: I’m fastest with the DAW, specifically Ableton. Having both DAW and modular really seems the sweet spot for me right now.

[@Don_Kikkon]

Great video very pertinent for me as I'm currently putting a really small system together. More of these would be most welcome. Interestingly I often do the same thing with the disting mk4, pick a utility or basic function it has, then find a way to use it in a patch - somehow? I'm gradually remembering the really useful algorithms. One stand-out is the option of playing in MIDI notes real time to set the quantizer notes for the Shift Register Random, fed from a latched arpeggiator works like a charm. Nice vid Lilly thanks. : )

[@LillySchwartz]

I’m glad you enjoyed the video! The module overview of the big system is definitely coming now, since people seem enthusiastic about the idea. I assume you’d need the midi breakout for the Disting to play in the notes for the quantiser? I have a dedicated midi to CV module so I don’t have the midi breakout myself.

[@Don_Kikkon]

@@LillySchwartz Well Expert Sleepers do that Tiny MIDI Breakout as a DIY for £25 ..? I have the FH-2 and the MIDIXO TRS-MIDI Utility. The MIDIXO TRS thing I got bundled with a Disting EX, but I use it with the Disting Mk4 cos the FH-2 and EX can be connected directly behind the panel. I'm planning to make use of FH-2's (recently added) 16 x quantized shift registers and Euclidean pattern generators! It also has a fairly advanced map-able arpeggiator. Paired most likely with the EX's Multisample algorithm, which is 3 part multi timbral. I 'hope' to achieve a more 'function driven' than sequence based generative rig. Even though there is a lot of 'digitality' beneath the surface, this should free up the the FH-2's CV outs to do the hands-on Disting and Dual Dagger fun stuff. A Minibrute 2S > Disting Mk4 will do lead duty and possibly a TR8 to keep the drums honest. This is all going into Befaco's new Output Bus - talk about a problem solver... I'm rambling.. Anyway the channel is great, I'm greatly inspired as I'm sure we all are, by the honesty and level of detail you go to in describing your journey. I'm DIYing a lot nowadays but the possibility of designing my own custom modules sounds wild, maybe someday..? This is such a great community, thanks again and really looking forward to the big system overview. : )

[@LillySchwartz]

Now that sounds like a nice setup, very interesting! The tiny midi breakout is definitely an option. When I start building again I’ll probably pick one up. I built the Befaco Midi thing myself so that I can plug in my Launchpad directly, but these days I’m using the ES-8 most of the time. It will probably change for the next album though since I’m thinking of something that lends itself better to being played live. Designing my own modules is definitely something I’m working towards on the DIY side. I can do the PCBs already, but the circuits themselves can still be a little confusing at times because I don’t really have any hardware training. There are tons of cool circuits out there though that could be adapted to Eurorack, so that’s where I’m starting. Ultimately I’m doing this to make music though, so right now I’m very focused on using all the modules I built.

[@mightymike1978]

Hey Lilly, thank you for your insights and your content. Personally I would love to see how you use the moonsoon or what your favorite moonsoon use case is. It sounds like it is a Clouds on stereoids ;-) Best regards, Mightymike1978

[@ZebraandDonkey]

I use an 84 hp set up and that is enough for some variation and diversity of sounds. Liked hearing the sounds of this system and curious to hear how you are getting along with it in new works. Are you currently writing for a new release?

[@LillySchwartz]

Yes, I’m working on a new album and it’s turning into two somehow because this system is so much fun and really versatile!

[@PatternRecognitionMusic]

That's a really cool little setup. I've built my own rack around the idea of getting away from relying on my DAW or separate synths, while keeping the option of using them, so it's a bit bigger, a 7u x 104hp Befaco case. It contains a pretty usable variety of modules for sequencing, modulation, voices, utilities, effects and output so I'm pretty happy with where it's at now and don't foresee having to pour too much more money into it. For your larger system, perhaps you could break it into segments, do a video focusing on certain modules, a second video focusing on others, and only lightly touching on the mundane utilities and such.

[@LillySchwartz]

The Befaco case is really cool option. Every time I reorder my modules I consider it because the 3D printed version makes that a bit tedious at times. The option to go DAWless is definitely interesting and I can do that too with the bigger case, but I find myself getting stuck with option paralysis whenever I attempt to create a bigger patch on it. I think my sweet spot at least for the moment is the hybrid workflow. I think if I do a separate video for each row it’ll become manageable. This one already took forever to edit because of all the b-roll, but if I chip away I’m sure I can get the big rack done too!

[@PatternRecognitionMusic]

@@LillySchwartz that would be awesome, count me amongst those who want to know more about your other modules! I still do a lot of work in my DAW, but I just picked up Hermod+, and that enables me to do a lot of sequencing quickly and easily without having to dig through a bunch of connections and MIDI/CV conversion. Question, how are you liking the Edge, and how are you using it? It's been on my radar since it was announced, as I really liked the DFAM but didn't want to drop $600 on one.

[@LillySchwartz]

The ES-8 makes all the DAW sequencing so easy that I haven’t really considered any hardware sequencers and when I do use one it’s usually the one in my Launchpad Pro because it doesn’t overwhelm with too many functions. The Edge is a very interesting synth for sure. The way you see it used on YT a lot is nothing like the way I use it, because my music rarely has drums and if it has it’s LinnDrum samples. I do play with that every now and then, but the kind of stuff I’ve been making recently doesn’t feature them much. I use the Edge with a quantiser and it’s beautiful for drones too. Still getting the hang of it and trying to find a place for it in my music which isn’t always easy. I really like that it pushes me out of my comfort zone. 100% would recommend beyond the obvious way of using it. I’m waiting for the Spice now because that would fit into my music much more easily I suppose.

[@PatternRecognitionMusic]

@@LillySchwartz The other case to watch if you're considering a larger case like a 7u x 104hp is the new case from After Later. It's similarly priced and has some great features including a better lid than the Befaco. Maybe I can get an Edge for my birthday next month...

[@FakthorX]

The GAS puppet 😂 hahahaha

[@LillySchwartz]

That guy is such a bad influence 🤣

[@FakthorX]

@@LillySchwartz😁

[@manumistral9522]

Thank you for sharing! I am starting a modular system which aims to interact with my Moog sound system. I was wondering whether sending voltage > 5v to the Moog would cause damages to it or not. I found contradictory information on the net (some say it would just not work normally, eg too high pitch for the v/oct). I you built a 5v limiter, you should have good reasons for that. Could you please elaborate? Thank you!

[@58ipam]

Id love to hear more about mutable ears. Im very very very intrigued to route a guitar into a modular. Any experience you might want to share about guitar > ears? Thanks :)

[@LillySchwartz]

Ears is practically a piezo with a boost, so you can plug a guitar straight into it or anything coming from a guitar pedal and the level will be enough to be boosted to Eurorack. You can also plug in other stuff, Kalimba, steel tongue drum and it works really well like that. My favourite combo in that regard is guitar into looper pedal and then through Ears into granular or modular reverbs delays etc. if you can’t find Ears look for Music Thing Mikrofonie. Which version depends whether you want an envelope Follower or not. Definitely a module I can recommend, but there are alternatives too, like Befaco InAmp with two channels.

[@dillipphunbar7924]

I like the small , detachable system idea but I can;t afford anymore.....my medium sized system is complete and so I have no more excuses..although I always find ones to tell myself...(e.g: was trying to interface the eurorack with the mpc one last night, via a Doepfer A-138d CFX...several hours wasted! Your builds look really good! Mine are no-way near as complicated, nor as well-finished. Looking forward to the new album.

[@LillySchwartz]

The good thing about my modular 3D printed Eurorack case is that I only had to get two new modules and the rest was already in the big system which I made smaller. 2x104HP vs 2x78 + the small system which doesn’t quite amount to a full row 19” rack row. I think just taking a few of your modules out of the big rack and getting creative with limitations really helps to get the creative juices flowing. The Doepfer module you mention leaves me a bit puzzled just from the descriptions I find online. That does sound like a time sink. I find the ES-8 excellent to bring all my gear together with the modular in the DAW. Although of course if you’re trying to do the dawless thing, that might not be an option. The new album is turning out very experimental so far, which is really cool. Not quite there yet, but I’m starting to see the red thread running through it. There will probably be another release in between though, something I wrote on the iPad. Just needs mixing and mastering, really.

[@hughman8597]

Hello from Kassel :) Super cool system you have there! My point of view is that it's better to have a little less equipment, but know how it works! How long did it take to print? I told you a while ago that I also have an Anycubic Mega S. That would definitely take ages...I got a Creality K1 2 months ago and what can I say? My Mega S needs 3 hours and 27 minutes for the benchy. I stood for the K1 for 16 minutes with a really stupid grin and mouth open and thought the thing was about to take off 😁. An absolute asset! By the way, if you come to the gig with a square rack and leave with a round one, then you should definitely think about ABS/ASA 😆🤣🤣. Wish you a good time! Best regards! ❤❤❤❤

[@LillySchwartz]

Definitely agree on less gear and more deep diving! I think I can combine both with this approach of having a smaller system within the bigger setup. The speeds of current 3D printers are mind boggling! Really cool. I'm getting ready to do some more serious modding on my Anycubic, to speed it up with an external Raspberry Pi, but I don't think it will get quite as fast as the K1. I definitely don't print enough to justify a whole new printer at the moment, but it's on my radar for a time when I dig deeper into 3D modelling stuff. As for print times on the Anycubic: One section of 26HP takes about 10h, so it's not too bad and it's printed out of PETG because Eurorack can get quite warm.

[@hughman8597]

@@LillySchwartz Honestly, printers are so cheap these days. I also love my Mega S because when it's set up well it gives really fantastic results. BUT I got my K1 for €365, I think that's a no brainer! In my opinion it's not worth buying a Pi and tinkering around with it. (even though we love crafting but the little buggers are sooo expensive at the moment) The only thing that really bothers me a little about the K1 is that it sounds like a jet turbine, my Mega S was able to run comfortably at night and I slept well. This is really only possible with the K1 if you print at the same speed as the Mega S. For me personally it was still the best decision because I'm just more into the 3D thing at the moment and my synths aren't set up properly yet because I've just moved. Now I know what I wanted to print again - a pretty little stand for the Behringer Pro VS Mini which also happens to be an incredible sounding little box!

[@LillySchwartz]

@hughman8597 well, that’s a good point. It definitely matters for me because I have the printer in the studio and I definitely can’t work on music even while my modded to be quiet Mega is running. Is the K1 even louder than than Mega without any mods?

[@hughman8597]

@@LillySchwartz Oh Lilly, it's a jet turbine🙉🙉🙉🙉! That's the only annoying thing about this printer, even when the doors are closed (which I wouldn't recommend with PLA) it is super loud! With the door and lid open it is around 75dB. Unfortunately, this is the case with all high-speed printers. The BambuLabs A1 Mini (idk if the normal one has it too) has volume suppression that should work pretty well. Conclusion: It is not possible to make phone calls, watch TV or sleep in the same room! I haven't seen any fan mods yet, so I'll have to do some research.

[@LillySchwartz]

That alone would be a reason not to upgrade for me. I think adding the Raspberry will already give me plenty of speed increase, but I can keep using my quiet fans. I actually bought a Pi for my printer already years ago, before the pandemic, so I don’t have the price issue now.

[@markhayward9764]

Thank you for this. You mentioned performance and I was wondering if you take your music out and do live shows? The small size of the system would certainly seem to help here.

[@LillySchwartz]

Hei Mark! For now I don’t play live, but that’s definitely on my mind lately because people keep asking for it. I used to suffer from crippling stage fright when I was younger, but that was so long ago I don’t even know whether that would still happen. I think I’ll start developing a set to livestream soon. If it’s not a stage I might be ok 😅

[@markhayward9764]

Ooh, a live stream. Now that is a good idea... Something that has always interested me about live music is how it can give the performer the chance to expand arrangements and improvise. Modular synthesis, in my limited experience of it at least, would seem to be very good for that.

[@LillySchwartz]

The problem with modular is that re-patching between tracks isn’t really feasible so I would have to think up a fairly standardised patch with a good range that I would have to change through clever sequencing and perhaps samples. Certainly doable but not normally how I develop tracks. I tend to play in my arrangements live, so I’m not entirely alien to the workflow, but it will need some careful planning so that improvisation doesn’t turn into complete chaos which is definitely a danger with modular too 😅 accidentally grabbing the wrong knob can go quite wrong if it’s a frequency knob for example 😹

[@PatternRecognitionMusic]

@@LillySchwartz I was TERRIFIED when I first started playing out, sitting in on guitar with guys on Bourbon St and such. After a few times, I started to gain confidence. For performing with eurorack, perhaps something like a Catalyst would help with making it easier to change sounds up during or between tracks...I've been looking into them myself, but waiting for now as I've pretty well blown through my budget and I kind of want to see how others are using the Catalyst. Traffic is another one that's on my radar for similar reasons.

[@LillySchwartz]

That’s actually an interesting idea for using a CV recorder module. I have a Neo Trinity so that could be something to explore for me with the CV recording functionality. The Traffic demo by the manufacturer had me scratching my head a bit 😂 some modules are so clever, it’s hard to follow what exactly is going on. Definitely looks like a cool option! I’m sure playing live is just a matter of practice before it becomes less scary. It’s definitely something I’d like to explore, although not necessarily to be on stage. I think live-streaming might suit my constraints best.

[@chriscard6544]

Very impressive

[@LillySchwartz]

Thank you so much, Chris! ✨

[@ivanivanovichinfinity8311]

nice!

[@LillySchwartz]

Thank you ✨

[@julienhennion7802]

Awesome ! Good Job ! ... I wish a video with you manipulating this, haste to listen it XD

[@LillySchwartz]

Thank you Julien! Turns out there is such a video already: A track I wrote with this system and Ableton m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKObp2ODbtKkeKs

[@julienhennion7802]

@@LillySchwartz Thanks ! I watch it ! :)

[@CircularMirror7]

What's your timelines on making a album.

[@LillySchwartz]

It really depends on the album. If it’s something very focused I might be writing just a month, like it was the case with my album hypnagogia, but with this one it’s already been a good few months and I’m going much more slowly. Finishing everything up in the realm of mixing and mastering takes me a lot longer usually too and getting promo started is a whole other can of worms entirely. I’m trying to get a bit faster now, but it’s difficult when you’re a bit of a perfectionist like me. Still learning to let go.

[@DIYaudio84]

You're so beautiful... 😍

[@LillySchwartz]

☺️ thank you.

[@303otto]

i love the way how deeply you explain all your modules and why they are there in your rack. Very nerdy 🤓 ..like myself😅 Did you ever tryed the benjolin module by Rob Hordijk? Ive build one by myself, it was my first module, and i want to feed it into MI clouds because this combo is so out of this world

[@LillySchwartz]

Definitely on the nerdy side myself 😂 I haven’t tried the Benjolin, but I have a rungler circuit in my Vortex generator, so I can play around with some of the principles. Don’t quite know what I’m doing with that yet, but it’s good fun nevertheless!