Getting started with modular synths - Step 1: Building a DIY Eurorack case

In this video, I build a DIY Eurorack case and take my first synth module (Plaits) for a spin.
STUFF IN THIS VIDEO
Tiptop Audio uZeus: tiptopaudio.com/uzeus/
Mutable Instrument Plaits: mutable-instruments.net/modul...
Arturia Keystep: www.arturia.com/products/keys...
Patch cables: hosatech.com/products/analog-...
Support what I do on Patreon: / dhilowitz
Find my FILM & INSTRUMENTAL music here: davidhilowitz.bandcamp.com
Find my ROCK MUSIC here: manwomanchild.bandcamp.com

[@buaidhnobas1ify]

What I like most of all in your videos is the lack of "Flash" or "How not to suck at making videos in YT". I see too many YT that look like the next YT you click on. You keep it simple, to the point and informative. Thanks!

[@starmelter-band]

I got goosebumps when the song suddenly blossomed into a fleshed-out outro for the video. Very nice.

[@AMTunLimited]

Important note: most eurorack oscillators will output +/-10Vpp (volts peak to peak), which will MESS UP something expecting a normal line out (1Vpp). This is one of the things a VCA does, so it is SUPER IMPORTANT that you only connect interfaces/amps/what-have-you to line-level outputs, which the Plaits has.

[@MichaelScottPerkins]

But... this is BY FAR the absolute best video on this subject. In fact... every video on this channel feels like a, "Bible on [INSERT SUBJECT]."

[@dixigmbh]

Man, as a composer myself, I absolutely love your videos! So grounded and honest. I love that you just with one module, very relatable! 😅 I really like your approach

[@Solidahmed]

Amazing upload. Can't wait to see the next step. Great little music you produced at the end.

This can’t be coincidence. Here I am, just planning out a couple of modules on modular grid, thinking about going modular and wondering if I really need to spend ~200 on a case. I open KZbin and this pops up - guess this settles it 🤖.

[@tclancy13]

The google machine knows.

[@elluisito000]

@@tclancy13 sometimes i think the phone is listening to what I say.

[@earkittycat5421]

​@@elluisito000it is.

[@stefansynths]

Catch fire? No way! If it's hot enough to start a fire then it's way too hot to touch. Besides, your power supply can only deliver 30W total. I think the real reason not to use wood rails is that the holes will wear out. Also not a problem for you.

[@JGHFunRun]

Plus metal is a good enough conductor that it wouldn't matter, and it would ruin most electronics. Especially digital ones like plats. And the heat generating parts are not directly attached to the face plate let alone the whole faceplate generating heat, and and and Also adding to the 30W part: the total wattage isn't as important as the amp count, which 1 A through a single component could probably start a fire depending on the resistance but that's the max your PSU could deliver, there's a reason that module draws are measured in milliamps (1000mA = 1A), and it's spread out. Amps are what matters for electricity to heat conversion, not volts/watts (watts = volts * amps)

[@MaksymMalaiko]

Awesome, nice start!

[@wonkyrobot]

Good luck on your new modular journey, exciting times ahead, I can guarantee you that. Looking forward to hear what new music that will come from this!

[@flywittzbeats4008]

The handle on the box is just too awesome 👏

[@ajmmusic3961]

The algorithm brought me here. ... Very cool content. Subbed. 👍

[@DavidHilowitzMusic]

Thanks!

[@mattallison5220]

Great little intro, welcome to the modular world! The Microfreak inspired me to purchase Plaits as my first module as well. Just on envelopes, Plaits has a built in simulated LPG (low pass gate), you can adjust the decay and attack times for it and if even you don’t have external modulation you can use the attenuvertors to apply the envelope to different parameters. It really is a workhorse module!

[@DavidHilowitzMusic]

Ah, thanks! I knew about the LPG, but I didn’t know about the attenuverters!

[@Gallanitte]

I started following you with Kontakt tutorials and I love taking this creative journey with you. You inspire me in many ways, even in your "keep it small" approach. Thank you man.

[@pepn]

impressed by how good your sine wave impression is

[@muralist_]

Nice to hear in the last seconds of the video how that basic 1st recording got transformed into a wider arrangement!

[@PhilHansonTrumpet]

been thinking of getting into modular for a while now, love the idea of starting small with a minimal set up, great video thanks David

[@MesGuided]

Ok now modular seems more accessible to me... Thank you!! 🙏🙏 Also that track is 🔥🔥🔥

[@glenesis]

Gday Dave! You showed this is so easy. Getting me closer to the edge of that rabbit hole 😂 Have a great weekend everyone!

[@thefrates23]

This is by far my all time favorite channel on KZbin. You’re a wizard dude, truly

[@cliffords2315]

really surprized this is great

[@tescomealdeal2823]

I've been wanting to build a modular system for awhile but I found the whole process confusing, This has sparked my interest again. I might attempt to build a case at some point.

[@terrencemcmanus]

just getting started...thanks for keeping it simple.....this helped.

[@svggod7583]

Fascinated yet lost at the same time. I have no idea of what euroracks are but I am intrigued…. This reminds me of the days of tinkering with random electronics and damn near burning down the house. Got my coffee and ready to watch the entire vid. After learning bout synthesis, etc, I think it’s time to get creative. thanks for sharing

[@WasabiNoise]

Looking forward to more eurorack videos :) I also got Plaits first, it's a great way to get started.

[@TheRealTeebz]

0:46 I WANT THAT SUITCASE RACK!!!

[@beauhannant2228]

Just watched this video. Great example of getting started with very little. Thanks.

[@intender3046]

Connect your gate output on the keystep to the level input on plaits instead of trigger to be able to roll across the keys without having to fully lift one key before the next one triggers. Took me a few weeks to figure that out. Forgive me if my terminology is not correct, I just started playing keys and got into eurorack.

[@shibakaneki555]

The track in the end is soooo cool, would be good to have a full version of it!

[@thelebas6652]

Dude, you inspired me to do something similar with a wooden wine box, thanks.

[@cindy-wz9cf]

I love your videos!!! will you be posting an update soon on how you're doing with modular synthesis ?

[@onlyoneneuron]

I loved this video! Thanks

[@Delaystomper]

Thank you so much videos like this inspire

[@StephenTallamyMusic]

And so it begins!

[@xisotopex]

Indeed, that IS a cool drill

[@_goldfarb_]

Looking forward to seeing more! One thing you might want to do right away is use washers with those screws - the modules will scratch easily with just a screw.

[@DashGlitch]

This is exciting! I'm a huge fan of what you've done with the DS platform and an avid modular user myself, so it's exciting to see you dive into this world. If you haven't yet, I think you should investigate the Ornament&Crime / O_C module, particularly the Hemispheres mode - I think you will like that.

[@foxtonstreet]

Nice one dude.

[@imothy]

another reason to not screw modules into wood is for static dissipation. If you walk up to your modular and touch a component it could get fried because the ground of the module isn't grounded to a metal frame, so the shortest path it will take is the closest analog component on its motherboard. If you have rails, your system has a common ground which is much safer and will extend the life of your modular due to its grounding properties. Also choosing a solid steel case is a really good choice if you want everything to stay super clean and grounded.

[@facesdoego8405]

Great...a "PORTO" wine box is always a good choice 🙂👌!!!

[@Erliortmejurur]

I love your voice. Kind of just putting this on in the background. Sounds like a podcast.

[@michaelkonomos]

really cool! i don't do modular (yet), just semi-modular but cool to watch your journey

[@skdamico13]

Really loving your content lately man. Keep it up! We’re all on this journey with you :)

[@DL-kc2mw]

Thank you so much for that

[@LA7Rose]

I think musicians need to learn how to diy more, I have a horrible buying addiction and seeing you hand craft equipment is really inspiring!

[@williamthazard]

thanks for this insight into your process! When I was first getting into modular, I was going for this whole DAWless thing, and it was way too much - I’m way happier using a smaller system these days. Good luck on the journey!

[@coalcrackerchris]

I'm trying to build a modular synth to build background music for my channel (so I don't get a copyright problem). So far, I got a Marshall MG100fx double stack amplifier, a Kramer Focus 7000 bass guitar, a Casiotone mt600 keyboard, a Lowrey M325 Organ (which has amplifier issues and might become my modular case), a DidgiTech BP50 modeling bass processor, and a DidgiTech RP3 guitar signal processor all hooked up together with a Realistic 4 channel stereo mixer. So far i have come up with some neat musical effects and rhythms! I'm looking to expand as cheaply as possible by building modulars from 'recycled' electronic components. BTW, old suitcases make great modular cases!! Great channel!

[@deadlinkofficialartst5592]

i start it with the grandmother moog modules synthesizer and i just got it today

[@madmac66]

Just what I was looking for. I have a ton of scrap wood laying around and am well capable of building a box, so no way did I want to spend $300 for something that doesn’t even make a sound. My first module I think would be a Poly Hector. I love my Beebo but the idea of using it with CV on my Neutron. Killer tiny FX box

[@KongTown]

Let’s Go 🔥🔥 👏

[@bitFetcher]

This is excellent! And a bit of a study in delayed gratification! 😄

[@hulkslayer626]

Have watched a lot of videos on beginner modular. Ordered a Behringer System 55 and was expectantly waiting for it to arrive. Watched even more videos so when it finally came, i could dive right in. It came! ...then i realized no one ever talked about getting sound out of it! Everyone just says "I hooked it up to such and such". So here i am with a System 55 and no idea how to HEAR it. Now, after several days of research, i am waiting until next week for the correct cables to come 😐

[@alanphil]

Hi David - do you have a video showing how to build an Ableton Live template like the one you use in this video? This is a great video and has me wanting to build a small modular system too. How does your modular system look one year later?

[@DeltaXMusic]

Dope video! Thanks for all the info

[@timdanyo898]

You inspired me to start a euro rack. I am totally with you on wanting to hook it right into a DAW with a controller. Starting super small it a great way to go!

[@channelite]

Building boxes is fun. Check the Liquid Foam DIY synth. An interesting synth and another opportunity to build a box.

[@andmoreagain]

mutable is such a curious popular choice amongst people who aren't familiar with eurorack. you are essentially paying for a hardware controlled piece of software that is freely available to you via vcv rack etc.

[@noisetrust]

cool stuff

[@djformalin]

Well done...thx 🎼

[@chateautemp]

Just bought the MF..feel a sense of an unavoidable fate careening towards me after seeing the simplicity of that rack. Nice work and especially nice tunes-that's what this is all about, right?

[@Chunda8]

Also for those on a low budget, it appears that the Behringer Brains module is a cheaper clone of Plaits, so you could give that a try as well for the main voice. $149.00. If you are in a hurry and don't have access to a workshop- maybe the NiftyCase for 199, plug in the Brains, good to go under 400. I don't know if it's possible, maybe just rails and cheeks plus the Brains and the uZeus, under 250 probably.

[@wizewizard1840]

I can't believe your channel doesn't have more subscriptions yet. All your videos are perfectly executed and a delight to watch (and listen).

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hello

[@furcloud2450]

Nice vid! ;)

[@qwertgert7000]

Who clcked the synth button on the left top corner ?

[@kabaczan8215]

Do this intro piece (around 0:05) has it's full version??

[@maximevandamme8763]

Damn it now I might just start it as well, thanks for the explaination ! I could use some help on one topic, but since it's a video addressed to beginners I'm not sure someone will have an answer aha. I have the Launchkey Mini from Novation, which has a mini jack midi out. However, I understand it's not the same as a CV's out. If I understood correctly based on what I read, if I want to use my Launchkey Mini for a eurorack, I would need to buy a MIDI to CV interface beforehand which 'splits' the MIDI signal into the different CV's signals ? Thanks in advance for anyone who can help :) and thanks David for the introduction !

[@osten5419]

PSA: The uzeus is designed to be mounted to metal rails for heat dissipation/heat sink.

[@mrsulcus674]

A very good point! Maybe ok with such a small load in this instance?

[@osten5419]

@@mrsulcus674 Yeah, you're probably okay with a small load.

[@BillyElkins-on5gf]

@@mrsulcus674 my phone

[@BillyElkins-on5gf]

3:27 3:28 3:28 3:29

[@johndean5860]

What cable are you using for the output?

[@adistef]

box hoarder comes in handy

[@hanaloginstruments8930]

Hi, how ableton capture the sound from plaits?

[@coilcoil5009]

Hello! I would love to build one myself but the case isnt easy to build since I dont have enough tools. So I'd really love to buy this (the eurorack case with built-in plaits) if it's available! Thank you!

[@massimookissed1023]

You could become a master carpenter for the price of a couple of Eurorack modules.

[@SpeccyMan]

Current is actually expressed in Amperes!

[@simonburns1055]

just keep a fire extinguisher handy

[@Jens.Peter.Nielsen]

5:41 - The metal clips on that rope looks like they could short a module.

[@josezuniga3747]

Idk if anyone will respond but can this module run standalone with a keystep? I have a laptop but wanted a eurorack that isn't accompanied by a laptop.

[@DavidHilowitzMusic]

yes, it can!

[@josezuniga3747]

@@DavidHilowitzMusic interesting, have you added anything else to it since the vid? If so, what pairs nicely with it?

[@michaelmccullum7952]

I'm just gonna hit capture and hope ableton was listening anyway.... what? how do i do this

[@JeromeProductions]

Yup

[@TCJTBoyz]

🎉

[@spaaarky21]

What's the song at 2:00?

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

2:18: "Before you get started you wanna measure your rack." Women with a bigger cup size: "Excuse me??!!!!"

[@sonicsupersam7793]

£10k car vs £10k modular Sounds bad. Sounds amazing Old. New Low quality. knobs feel good 100hp. 500hp Requires. Does not require Going outside. Outside

[@GoatFelon]

lol, this gave me a good laugh.

[@TonyThomas10000]

That is one expensive rabbit hole!

[@DavidHilowitzMusic]

No kidding! 😂

[@soundmapper]

I wish power manufacturers would offer something that has a rear connector so you can drill a hole in back.

[@DavidHilowitzMusic]

yes!!!!

[@perrypelican9476]

With a modular setup, you can't recall a setup that you like that you did last year. I mean it's one at a time. So you can spend days to create something and love it, but when you decide to create a new setup, the previous one is gone forever. That's the deal breaker for me. If there was a system that could save, save as, etc, I would order it yesterday. Why does that not exist? Or does it exist?

[@atetraxx]

That's what sampling is for

[@guillermoelnino]

I'm just glad the group of videos being promoted aren't ch ild gr ooming on es.

[@JJan953]

why is this video a youtube event? i had a huge banner with a button saying plug in that led me to this video. anybody got answers?

[@DavidHilowitzMusic]

Honestly? I'm as confused as anyone. The analytics chart was a flat line until yesterday.

[@GARDENVITA]

@@DavidHilowitzMusic good for you regardless!

[@JJan953]

@@DavidHilowitzMusic ah hopefully it helps you on your youtube journey! It seems kind of cool of youtube to feature smaller communities and some of the cool videos the algorithm makes people miss out on

[@AkkiSan23]

loooool

[@MichaelScottPerkins]

This may seem like a total "Uh doi!!!" question, but... how does the output from the Plaits module become audible? Obviously there are speakers involved, but... do you have to own like a PA with a pre-amp/amp and loud speakers? I know you mentioned going into your DAW, so I imagine you plugged it into some kind of audio interface with whatever pre-amps or line inputs you'd need. But... if you wanted to just have a stand-alone modular synth situation... Hmm... I want to get started so badly with this same kind of set up, but... shit like impedance and line-level... blah... it all just gives me a stroke.

[@jeffryarchambeau5441]

Porto today, TONTO tomorrow.

[@byganza8060]

wood and electricity doesnt always mean instant fire hazard

[@uniworkhorse]

Is it just me or does anyone else feel that on first glance David looks British

[@ronrodriguezboston]

what about a cheap computer case

[@DavidHilowitzMusic]

It might work if the dimensions are right. :)

[@ke0kie]

I think step 1 is making peace with mega bucks leaving your wallet, perhaps a loan :P

[@SanFranciscoFatboy]

very cool. but the whole rabbit hole of 500 series devices is a wasteland....... not really for music, it is an expensive sound toy for your bedroom

[@DavidHilowitzMusic]

Is that right? I haven't delved into 500 series yet. :)

[@SanFranciscoFatboy]

@@DavidHilowitzMusic i love your vibe and how u make your own sounds ...... 500 devices are expensive and not exactly for jammin w/ your friends...... and to tell u the truth i have never heard one song that i know was done on this stuff ........ carry on mr H :). if anyone can make songs outta 500's its you :). for me, maybe an 1176 type compressor at a much lower price would make sense....... like 2 good buss compressors for under 200 eacxh..... or a bass drone synth to fill out my songs? hava great music day :)

[@vincentprimault4380]

Don't plan to much. You really need time to learn your modules. A beginner planning a entire rack of modules will 1) find its plan never happens or 2) will be frustrated and sell everything a few months later.

[@xisotopex]

sounds a little bit like music is math

[@FastRCToys]

Why using a cheese box to put a Plaits ? Mutable Instruments are from France bot don't use cheese box everywhere !

[@k.s.8959]

Don't listen to this Hilowitz guy - all you need is 1000 VCO's which you slightly detune for a nice drone and then just lay there and melt.

[@zoned7609]

How to start your eurorack journey: don't

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

Probably easier to make a sythersizor digitally then making it physical, there is no benefit sound wise to making a physical unit. While it would be a interesting and good achievement it's not necessary with today's daws and digital plugins and midi keyboards/ controllers.

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

@@jasonk125 Yes I have seen that and its dope.

[@AlexanderCook87]

I talked like this before i tried meth.