Modular Synth Build | Getting started w/ the Arturia Rackbrute 6U & 3 Dreadbox Chromatic Modules

Down the rabbit hole I go! lol ☺️ So, I've decided to get back into Eurorack and begin putting together a modular synth. To get started, I went with an Arturia RackBrute 6U case and 3 Dreadbox Chromatic series modules: Hysteria, Eudemonia, and Ataxia.
As some of you may know, I actually attempted to build a small eurorack system a few years back, but I ended up in way over my head and ended up giving up. This time around, I feel like I have a much better understanding of what I want and need in order to build a modular synth... It also helps that there are more practical and affordable options becoming available to get started in eurorack. 😉
I am really looking forward to continue adding more modules to my case and completing my first system. I am definitely gonna try and take it a bit slow so I dont get overwhelmed... but we will see how that works out. 😏 lol
Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy this video and I hope you are all interested in joining me on my modular journey as well. 😁 Thank you guys so much for watching, littleBIGsynths
If you enjoy my videos, please be sure to LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE, and/or SHARE 😉👍
Title Song: "Pandemic" by CHRISRGMFB
Time Stamps:
00:00 Intro
00:40 Rackbrute Unboxing / Overview
01:44 Rackbrute Quick Look
02:39 Chromatic Modules Unboxing / Overview
04:53 Module Installation
06:15 Sound Demos
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Gear used:
- Arturia Rackbrute 6U
- Arturia Keystep
- Korg SQ-1
- Korg Volca Drum
- Zoom H6 handheld digital recorder
- Behringer XENYX 802 mixer:
- Boss RV-6 reverb pedal
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Explore my channel:
/ littlebigsynths
or check out some of my previous videos:
Hardware Session 32
• Hardware Session #32 |...
Hardware Session 31
• Hardware Session #31 |...
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For even more content, follow me on Instagram: @littlebigsynths

[@littleBIGsynths]

Super excited! 😁 Really looking forward to seeing what the a modular synth has to offer. Is a modular synth on your wish list as well? Interested in modular content? Let me know! Your feedback is highly appreciated.

[@jamesfindice2871]

Got into your channel when i started my synth journey with volcas. And now that I also got a first 6u 84hp case last month it‘s perfect timing! Excited about your journey tooo :) I’m eying the eudemonia as well as the new Module „antidote“ + plus the awesome delay of which I don’t remember the name :‘D

[@vprice509]

Modular is certainly on my wish list. I'm going to start with a Bastl Kastle for hardware, and stick to miRack on iOS until I figure out what direction I want to go with eurorack. Techno and sampling are areas I want to explore. Yes to modular content.

[@jonpatchmodular]

I have my NiftyBundle paired with the neutron and the two volca modulars, I am very excited to add modules one by one and squeezing their potentials. I plan to start with the Disting, to decide on future additions. Also it's tiny. Edit: also the sq-1.

[@jamesfindice2871]

@@vprice509 i just somehow had to get out of vcv and start my case. at least for me the experience of turning knobs vs using my mous on the computer screen is so very important. i just get frustrated dragging the mouse. ok, im doing music only for myself and people around me. so no pressure on productivity. edit. bastle is cool, but for me even the response of patching 3.5mm cables gives me so much more pleasure than the small bastl connectors :D

[@robthebloke]

@@jonpatchmodular skip the sq1, it's great on paper, but annoying as hell to use with eurorack. I would recommend the malekko varigate 4+ as a good place to start with eurorack sequencing (and later extend it with the voltage block when you inevitably want more CV channels).

[@EleniEliades_]

You are going to have sooo much FUN! That Arturia Rack Brute- specifically the double row version is the best Modular Rack to buy. It's got EVERYTHING you need and it looks so good with the dark gray metal and beautiful Natural Wood. I bought the same one a few months ago since I ran out of room using the Nifty Case, which is a pretty good modular rack itself. I would like to see more videos by you concerning the progress and issues + successes you come across during this wonderful journey of Modular Synthesis you've once again decided to take...💡🌌👌

[@LuisTorres-qz5kr]

Cool, like your persistence by returning to Eurorack.

[@SimpleHold]

Nice sounds already! I’m looking forward to following the journey and hearing more. I hope you enjoy it.

[@markmiller2949]

Right on! Can’t wait to hear what you squeeze out of your system.

[@winddealer1]

Good luck to you on your eurorack journey! Thanks for the great content. Keep up the great work.

[@littleBIGsynths]

Thank you very much! I appreciate it. 👊😀

[@cybermortal1983]

yes dude! Love these modules and glad to see you jumping into eurorack!

[@josepha891]

I heard “Don’t Go” right off the bat. Sounds great!

[@t3chnod3lic]

Wow, super impressed the sounds your giving us here Close to getting myself a similar setup!

[@acefstripe]

thanks for this. Looks like the Dreadbox are proving to be the perfect gateway given the features/affordability. and colors!!

[@glennwilsonboerstlerii535]

Awesome information, and well done as always! I have been considering going this route myself. Very helpful!

[@littleBIGsynths]

Thank you! 🙂 Yeah, the Dreadbox modules and Rackbrute combo is a great way to get going into the world of modular. 👍

[@jmmesaaudio]

super nice!!!! I have a new dream now

[@jaguarvssnake]

Thanks for this! I’ve been really enjoying your videos.

[@littleBIGsynths]

Glad to hear that! Hoping to return to KZbin this upcoming year! 🙂

[@richarddufresne2683]

Nice video, bravo ! 🙂

[@chezzerp]

Thanks for this - very helpful as I consider plunging into eurorack!

[@littleBIGsynths]

Awesome! Thanks for watching. 🙂 I will definitely be doing more Eurorack videos soon. Stay tuned. 😉👍

[@TLGElectro]

Nice one fella! great vid, the Dreadbox gear is awesome. It's great syncing the little synths with the rack isn't it.

[@notaboutit3565]

Thanks for this! I’m considering the Rackbrute 3U to jump into modular with my minibrute2. Been using VCV rack and it’s just a pain to sync up with Ableton, plus no physicality. This was really helpful for making the decision. 🤙

[@yfmbeat]

8:35 great sound

[@meinkraft6293]

very nice work - arturia/dreadbox is good stuff

[@littleBIGsynths]

Thank you! 🙂

[@schnuckes9619]

Great video! I really like the Rackbrute 6U and just got my second one. Very nice quality and still portable with space for a total of 342 HP (Arturia offers a matching travel bag). It's super sturdy but also quite heavy. Another great choice would be the performance case by Intellijel.

[@scarymcclary]

I'm a 5U/MU modular guy but may delve into Euro because of some of the bonkers modules not available in 5U. This is a great way to start!

[@creativeforgery]

Great to see affordable modules. They would be so much better with knobs rather than sliders.

[@littleBIGsynths]

Yeah, these modules are pretty awesome! I think they are a great value for sure. 👍 Yeah, knobs would have been cool... but honestly, the sliders are cool too. With the sliders, I feel like it's a bit easier to see the positions of all of the settings IMO. Anyways, thanks for watching. 🙂

[@creativeforgery]

@@littleBIGsynths Yeah, no question, that's a huge benefit of sliders.

[@guiom77]

great video !!

[@littleBIGsynths]

Thank you! 🙂

[@Hellseeker1]

It's the coolest

[@jodo985]

Ok it’s 1 year later, are you still using the chromatic series? I’m torn between these or the System 100 set up. Obviously looking for affordable and fun. Just for noodling around. Btw, you always have fat amazing tunes whenever I visit your pages. And usually with simple minimal gear. Good stuff

[@garethbull5303]

Thanks for the upload and share! How've you got on with this over the years? Did modular stick this time? I only ask as I too think the rack brute 6U will be the best starter case for me. So close to getting a few more dreadbox chromatics for under £60 brand new! I bought my first eurorack module Hysteria for about the same price a week ago, just constantly doubting myself over the future cost of the system. So £100 a month to invest. Still need to get myself a Beatstep Pro.

[@nosleeptillhumboldt]

Saw a 3d printed SQ-1 Eurorack case on Reverb that might be worth checking out :)

[@303machine]

6:30 Yazoo - Don't Go, lead sound. 8:35 again Yazoo - Don't Go, arpeggio sound.

[@apislapis]

Even with the relatively cheap chromatic range you'll find modular to be a littleBIGexpense, heading toward $2K to fill the case. Great vlog the dreadboxes are great little modules.

[@littleBIGsynths]

Oh, totally! 🤑 lol Its crazy how fast it all adds up. The estimated cost to complete my build is just a little over $3,000! Crazy to think about... but at least it is over a span of time and not all at once. Lol I'm just glad I can begin to get some functionality out of only a few modules. Really excited to add a couple more. 😊

[@robthebloke]

@@littleBIGsynths don't worry, the expenses get even worse. I just had to move house from Sydney to tasmania (with Victoria borders shut, there's no way to drive a van there). The synth split down into 3 boxes. Looking at the insurance, that would only cover $500 per box. After a lot of backwards and forwards emails between the mover, and the insurance company, I ended up having to unpack it, repack it into 30 near empty boxes, and ship those instead. It was literally the only way to get it insured during the move :(

[@JohnTrasher]

@@robthebloke 15k lol... my whole studio

[@Lunolux]

nice

[@skiferien2010galtuer]

Cool 😎

[@littleBIGsynths]

Thanks! 🙂

[@maxmatson1578]

The one "dreadbox" module I want to get is the "Dystopia" I think it's called? the digital noise one. the demo videos I've seen on KZbin Sound killer!🎹🎧💫😵👌😎👍

[@BennosProject]

Hey its wonderful what you can do with 3 modules and a reverb. Nice Skills!!!

[@littleBIGsynths]

Thanks! Yeah, these modules are great... and sometimes a bit of reverb or delay can go a long way. Lol 😉👍

[@sundaymorningmassradioshow8624]

that reverb kills everything. hurt my ears.

[@FujiShiina]

Other then the case i got the same setup 😁

[@nebula0697]

So these modules are indeed pretty cool. How do you feel about the Doepfer modules? They seem really straightforward and reasonably priced.

[@littleBIGsynths]

Doepfer is definitely a great, cost effective option as well! And like you said... generally pretty straight forward and easy to understand. 👍

[@robthebloke]

The only thing you need to be careful of with the doepfer modules is the depth of them (picking up a case with at least 65mm depth would be wise!). The 104hp single rack, moog or behringer cases would be a bad choice! The two row 140hp behringer go, or the rack brute cases would be a better option. A bit of planning on modular grid is advisable :)

[@Si_G]

Doepfer is great. Just build your own rack. You can get the frames easily enough. Power supplies are a faff, though.

[@rmanpojo8485]

Doepfer modules are better. I have both. The Dreadbox VCO is imo not so great, hard to tune.

[@asdifasi5379]

Dreadbox modules are best buy.please make a video with mucrobrute controling your euro rack.

[@littleBIGsynths]

Yeah, they are awesome! 😁👍 Aw, I unfortunately no longer have my Microbrute 😭

[@MikkelGrumBovin]

Nice Vibe , and an easy sub,- :-)

[@zen-sufi]

For whatever reason I always thought you needed actual full synth modules to make sound. I didn't know that utility modules could do this. I'm a massive noob when it comes to synthesis though.

[@divinginspace9624]

Well, there are a couple of things here to have in mind when considering how much he is getting out of these modules. First is the dreadbox modules themself. They almost all serve multiple purposes so he is getting a lot of value there (like the filter having a built in VCA and mixer, something you'd usually buy in two separate modules). Second, the arturia keystep which can output both CV and gate via mini jack. This is in theory again a module saved, as you with other midi keyboards might need a midi to CV converter module like the Mutable Instruments Yarn. Another module the Keystep in theory covers for is a sequencer module. Then there is the little ninja star thingy/jack to multiple. That thing can take CV signals and output it to multiple devices, which again makes up for a whole module, a multiple. Then there is the mixer he is outputting to which can handle the hot signal that eurorack outputs. Most mixers can probably do that, but inputting directly to an audio interface without one might be problematic. Again some people have a module for handling this. And last but not least, him using some reverb on his computer to make it sound more pleasant (some would use an fx module). This is a very effective setup where he is getting the most out of all his equipment, but if you don't have stuff that functions similarly, you might have to spend more money than a case and three modules sadly. I do recommend getting a semi modular like the Behringer Crave to start out though, it has all the utilities you need.

[@Si_G]

Top tip : get knurlies! Much easier without needing a screwdriver. You’ll need more cables in more lengths than you ever thought possible. Check out Erica Synths stuff. And maybe get a Disting module? It’s like a Swiss Army knife in like 4hp.

[@littleBIGsynths]

Dude! Yes! 😀 Knurlies are on my wish list. I got a few more modules recently... and I feel like I have rearranged them 100 times already. Haha so those knurlies would make swapping out modules a breeze. Distinj MK4 is on my list as well. 👍 Thanks!

[@MikkelGrumBovin]

Also, they look Rocker on the DreadBox modules ,-

[@dariusmorgan8302]

Awesome video! And great choice of modules! Appreciate it. Your videos have helped me immensely on my sonic journeys. I just recently got the same 3 Dreadbox modules. I also have a Kastle and I was trying to figure out how you patched it in. I see you're running them into Ataxia but I couldn't tell how you patched the Kastle itself. Did you just patch the oscillators to the out on the Kastle?

[@littleBIGsynths]

Thank you very much! 😁 Congrats on the Dreadjox modules. They are awesome! 👍 The Kastle has an I/O connection that can be used to receive or send CV. You will need a 3.5mm stereo breakout cable to use both outputs. That cable will allow you to send up 2 signals from a single output. From there, just patch whichever parameters you would like to send from the Kastle to the i/o pin connectors. Eg. Triangle LFO out to the I/O input on the Kastle. Whatever is connected to those pin connectors will be sent out to the 3.5mm output. Hope this makes sense. Might make a quick mini tutorial on this real soon. 🤔 Thanks for watching!

[@dariusmorgan8302]

@@littleBIGsynths Gotcha. Really appreciate the reply and advice. Gonna rock out today and experiment. Look forward to your next videos!!!

[@palindromeAU]

I really don't want to start this... but if you make more rack content i may have no option

[@goodboid]

Check out Tim Shoebridge's review of the Behringer System 100 modules as well. They sound huge.

[@littleBIGsynths]

Those look and sound great! Super affordable as well! 👍 I'll check out that video for sure. Thanks!

[@simondebrun]

It would be great to get thoughts on how the system 100 modules compare to the chromatic series

[@dlvnmedia]

The BEHRINGER 110 I think is the part number which is a synth voice for 79 would get you a long way towards a beefy system - their prices for mixers and sequential switches and the like are unbeatable actually

[@dlvnmedia]

It might be 99 I forget but still

[@littleBIGsynths]

Those behringer modules look and sound great! Great value for sure. I already have a pretty set plan for this case, but ... perhaps my next case will include some Behringer modules. 🙂 Thanks for the suggestion and thanks for watching! 🙏

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

Interesting you came back to modular. I am considering semi-modular with an Arturia MiniBrute2, Behringer Neutron and a Pitsburgh or Dreadbox semi-modular. Did semi-modular interest you, and/or why did you decide not to?

[@dawlessstrolling5306]

Hi, I was in about the same boat: owning a Grandmother, MiniBrute 2S, and having owned a Neutron and Nyx. Almost bought a small used Pittsburgh System. But...decided to go modular with a Rackbrute 3U. I found that using multiple semi-modulars is interesting since they also are standalone. But I also found that, to expand, I always have to buy a complete new instrument. Which will probably have some overlap. Plus in Eurorack you get access to all kinds of exotic modules. I.e., I don't know a hardware instrument that does the same as Rings, or what about just adding a tiuch sensitive sequencer with the Pressure Points module? In my case, I am going modular because i find the extreme possiblilities of customization quite ultimate to further develop my own taste of synthesis, "out of the box" of existing complete packages and the sound of a specific brand. Is that insightful in a way? Besided, if you still go semi-modular, I would recommend checking out Sismo Synths from Portugal. The Tapbum is a crazy little fun machine (I own one, paired up with a SQ1), and on Reverb their Samba Desktop is perhaps still available: a really killer cool percussion machine. Or Peruvian synthmaker Atomo Synths: a bit Moog-like sounding semi-modulars they build and they look cool. Good luck :D

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

@@dawlessstrolling5306 Thank you. Yes that makes sense. So maybe a little of both mod and semi-mod.

[@dawlessstrolling5306]

@@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene yeah, i'm doing that , too, at the moment...it's great ro have a semi modular as a start...you already have some of functions/oscs/etc....

[@dejanslak8972]

Can you put sliding rails into rackbrute? Best D

[@littleBIGsynths]

I don't know for sure. But I believe the end cheeks can be removed, so I am assuming the rails will slide right out, allowing you to replace them with sliding nuts. Again, not 100% sure though. Hopefully you find your answer. 🙂 Thanks for watching.

[@GuillaumeLudwig]

Where did you find these patch cables ?

[@littleBIGsynths]

They are from a company called, Mutable Instruments. I think I got them here, www.perfectcircuit.com/mutable-instruments-braided-cable-pack-20-cables.html

[@GuillaumeLudwig]

@@littleBIGsynths thanks. I love braided cables ! :-)

[@lordviksta]

what mixer is that?

[@littleBIGsynths]

Behringer XENYX802. 👍

[@simondebrun]

@@littleBIGsynths Do you need a mixer to plug the output into your daw? Can you plug directly into an audio interface?

[@scottarmstrong8585]

IKEA™ rack.

[@CybreSmee]

I love the look of modular synths, but they all sound so garbage. I cant imagine where youd use one except on the most avant-garde music, or really experimental stuff. If I had one it would be gathering dust in the corner 2 days after I finished messing with it.

[@littleBIGsynths]

It really just depends on the individual and what they are trying to achieve with their system. If you want to make LOFI hip hop, you can definitely do that… just pick and choose modules that would help achieve that goal eg. Samplers / sample based modules. If you really like acid, purchase the oscillator(s) and filter that’s going to give you that “acid” sound. Honestly, the possibilities are immense… the modular synth is the ultimate sound design tool IMO Check me out on instagram @modmaquina … A have some really great examples of how great a modular synth can be. 😉👍

[@sundaymorningmassradioshow8624]

this reverb is annoying dude.

[@littleBIGsynths]

Damn. Which reverb are you referring to? The room reverb? Or the effects on the modules?

[@sundaymorningmassradioshow8624]

@@littleBIGsynths the combo is dope! for 450$ you can get lots of sounds and I love how many palets you are able to show but the reverb omg it sound like a 10$ amazon made in china pedal...

[@sundaymorningmassradioshow8624]

exemple 6:56

[@littleBIGsynths]

Lol It’s from a Zoom MS-70CDR. It might have been a lot of decay and wet mix … idunno. 😅 It was a kind of the fly, raw demo anyways. Not meant to be a finished, polished track. Thanks for the feedback. 👊