Eurorack Is Expensive... Here's Why!

[@ollieengland2901]

From one teacher to another, the wellbeing aspect of synths/module to escape the workshit is huge. I didn’t need to justify it before, but now I feel even better…

[@Mavenfiction]

Amen! At least it’s half term ey haha!

[@jekanyika]

After one of your videos convinced me to get into Eurorack I've just finished filling my case. I don't think I'll be getting any new modules for a while as I've got plenty to keep me busy.

[@Mavenfiction]

Bloody hell! I can only apologise my friend haha.

[@jdanielcramer]

Great points! 🤔 in a couple of my recent vids I talk about how module designers have really taken the focus off of industry giants who build instruments with broad appeal for the masses, and moved it to unique designs, each impacting our music making in specific ways. Besides, playing guitar in a lab coat just doesn’t look as good…🤓

[@Mavenfiction]

Thanks man. Firstly- I absolutely love your cover photo on KZbin. Looks awesome! Secondly- loving the content too!

[@danieltx7066]

I don’t know the cost of the LEGOs I used to make my Eurorack case but they, and some 84hp rails were just hanging around so, to me, it’s free modular space! And who doesn’t want that.

[@jjbing3]

I have two small Modular synths (one for synths stuff) and one for sampling. I’m never changing them or need anything else. 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@Mavenfiction]

Awesome! That’s a good way to look at it. A couple of racks for specific tasks.

[@jjbing3]

@@Mavenfiction Yeah. I built a big one first and realized I didn’t/ couldn’t use of the modules. Downsizing was the greatest decision I ever made. I also taught myself to solder and built some modules. Those are special for sentimental reasons and will be in my racks forever!

[@Mavenfiction]

@@jjbing3 yeah man. I wish I could get more into the DIY stuff!

[@struxtures]

Haha I love this, man! I totally dig your humor.

[@wishbonebrewery]

Music, Gym, Modular patching really helps me keep my brain busy so it doesn't listen to my Tinnitus as much.

[@Mavenfiction]

Yeah that’s the ticket!

[@123456789tube100]

If I want to make space ambient music, would the hydrasynth be a cheaper option? I like the idea of modular synth as i really only want a synth that can be self generative with space ambient music, the hydrasynth is built to do other things as well.

[@Mavenfiction]

Hydra, especially a smaller one would be cheaper. It depends ultimately on your workflow. For me, I consider how you want to spend time getting to the result as well. I could do everything in the DAW with ease but that’s not as enjoyable for me. It’s a fortunate position to be able to use both and if less money is a motivator, then modular maybe isn’t right.

[@fakshen1973]

Experimenting in modular is fun. But integrating modular while writing a conventional tune is difficult. You have to be ready to capture your instrument at that moment in time if you ever want to hear those sounds again. So often in a complicated patch, the sweet spot on one or more pots has to remain exactly the same. One little nudge and you get sonic garbage. If there was one pot to to sweep, fine. But there can be multiples that are even contigent on each other. In terms of raw power, there's loads of things that I can kust DO with a modular set-up that standard synth designs just can't do. There are nuances that a standard synth just can't exploit. The genuis of modular is that everything is just a voltage. The output of anything can be plugged into any input: audio, gates, triggers, control voltage... it's all there to be experimented with.

[@G0nz0uk]

Great video! I’ve only got into making music the past 2 years (in my 40s), I needed something to relax to and definitely DAWless as I’m working on a computer all day, I’ve tried but they feel like I’m working. I ended up with a couple of Elektron bits, Bluebox 1010, Typhon Dreadbox and Microcosm, I love them, I normally create ambient or IDM type music for myself to relax to. However I’ve always been drawn towards modular and never pulled the plug as I just don’t know what to buy as a minimum for ambient, IDM and lots I’ve happy accidents. I guess some use VCV rack, but it’s no fun for me. I guess I need to see what are the best modules for such a job, but where do you start on that? Great channel btw mate.

[@Mavenfiction]

That sounds right up my street! There’s a million directions but I always advise sending an existing sound source into some effects modules but with some modulation into it so you can get used to how the cv works and alters things. I’m not a fan of VCV rack but it is good. Thanks mate.

[@G0nz0uk]

@@Mavenfiction got any that you would recommend (sorry one of those questions). I guess I’d love a small setup that can do effects, random arps, soundscapes. I’d imagine I could sequence via midi from my Digitakt. Apologies if you have already cover a small setup like this, I’m still getting through your videos :)

[@Mavenfiction]

@@G0nz0uk if you want a full voice (to arp) then maybe an A-111-6. An Ochd is amazing for modulation. I love a monsoon which is a clouds clone. You’d need a midi to cv module to use the digi. You’d obviously need a bespoke hardwood case that I’m working on haha. Then some power.

[@G0nz0uk]

@@Mavenfiction thanks I’ll look these up, What sequencer do you use? I was thinking of getting rid of my Typhon, I could use a module for some bass/303. I probably need to try VCV to get the basics though, but I don’t like it.

[@Mavenfiction]

@@G0nz0uk I have a few sequencers. If you’re wanting something more generative look at something maths based like SIG or bloom. Marbles at a push but I think that’s a bit limiting. I use a ground control for most stuff though now.

[@theleastsignificantbit4794]

I tried euro(c)rack, and while it is vast and cool, it quickly wore me down and killed my finances. I sold most of it, and bought a Moog Subsequent and a drum machine. I prefer a fully realized instrument and the ways to gain stage and overdrive the Subsequent is crazy. It’s still expensive, but I have my sanity and money.

[@promethiousb1489]

Totally agree Mav,,,,Its worth every penny,,individual,,customisable,,get lost for hours in it,,,,,oh and the music it makes is awesome,,,(sometimes),,lol....

[@Mavenfiction]

Haha I think you can claim credit for the good music part!

[@mauve_zone]

You have avenged us all.

[@Mavenfiction]

😂😂😂😂

[@treyvisqueux7973]

Totally agree -- thanks for the really useful and thoughtful videos!

[@Mavenfiction]

Thanks for watching them and for the comments :)

[@tomcullen9401]

Who need stair carpet!

[@Mavenfiction]

BRB just forwarding this to Nicole…

[@syruplease]

off white tee could not possibly be more on brand for this video

[@Mavenfiction]

😂😂 I didn’t even make the connection. All of this on a woodwork teachers salary!

[@ozhalljr]

This video didn't work to make my wife any happier about my eurorack purchases :)

[@Mavenfiction]

Apologies my friend! I’ll try again with the next one haha

[@ozhalljr]

@@Mavenfiction LOL. The thing about the physical patching being therapeutic is real.

[@chasethevioletsun9996]

Eurorack is cheap compared to some instruments. The crazy thing is, my rack has actually *appreciated* in value. Also, who can put a price on what you can learn from it? It's changed the way I think and look at music and art in general. That's worth anything, to me, at least.

[@Mavenfiction]

I 💯 agree my friend. Thanks for the comment. It’s made me a far better musician!

[@danieltx7066]

A 5k kitchen?! That’s, like, only 1-1.5 appliances.

[@walrtbstudios5430]

There’s the T-shirt slogan- “My wife said ‘it’s me or the modular’. I miss her sometimes…” It’s only really an issue if the person buying the gear is not paying the bills first. And if, like me, you are the lower earner of the two, then what you spend your money on is your own affair. Like the £250 dresses. Or the endless cut flowers…

[@Mavenfiction]

That’s another blinding tee idea! That’s two in two weeks haha. Yeah but to be honest Wal, you looked amazing in that dress at the last Meet so you had to buy it!

[@walrtbstudios5430]

@@Mavenfiction What’s more, when I retire at the end of the year I am most definitely buying the ES Syntrx II. An absolute bargain at less than 10% of my pension lump sum!

[@snörre23]

Its a luxury toy like buying a Harley or a Porsche.

[@TockTockTock]

Really digging these videos, though I will say there's an interesting tension that takes place between the musician and a pre-defined instrument that's tricky to find with bespoke instruments like modular synthesizers. As a cellist and an Easel Weasel, I welcome the restrictions that come with those instruments. It forces me to be creative in unique ways. Not that this contradicts what you said. I like how you've influenced folks to stick with the modules they have and work within those parameters, which is definitely in line with what I'm saying.

[@Mavenfiction]

Thanks. I actually totally agree. I usually write more traditionally with the guitar around 99% of the time for that very reason. I find the limitations to be an asset when it comes to completing songs.

[@rodnee2340]

Now you tell me...😭

[@Mavenfiction]

Haha no Rod, I think it is worth it!

[@rodnee2340]

@@Mavenfiction the good thing about modular is you can spread the cost. I doubt I will end up with a monster machine like Wal but I will definitely end up with something unique. And that's all I can ask.

[@Mavenfiction]

@@rodnee2340 yeah that’s a really good point. I didn’t think of it that way!

[@rodnee2340]

@@Mavenfiction still Aaron my system will probably cost a good 4 or 5 grand when it's "finished" I'm basically trying it make a monster synth that will fit into my Niftykeyz case so I will have to think long and hard about it. I might get another small case as a supplement to it, but I would like everything I need in that one case if I can. But you know how it is. The more VCAs LFOs and VCOs the better not to mention effects. I haven't thought too much about that though.😆

[@walrtbstudios5430]

@@rodnee2340 Oi! Do you mind? This has been years accumulating. And I probably sell as much as I buy…

[@simonjefferytaylor]

Great Post.

[@Mavenfiction]

Thanks Simon :)

[@simonjefferytaylor]

@Mavenfiction call it as I see it. Keep.up the good work.

[@DF-eg8vl]

Now you are realizing why we trashed all that back in the 80s... unpractical and expensive. A waste of time and money. But hey! You people never listen to adults, you know best.

[@Mavenfiction]

Dad? It’s hardly been trashed has it. It’s more popular than ever. Plus most of my viewers were making a lot of music back in the 80’s so its potentially not just us young handsome daydreamers.

[@DF-eg8vl]

You are mentioning "features", "imagination is the limit". So... you are just day dreaming and buying features. You can buy all those features by just paying $250 for Logic Pro. The sad reality is that you do not want to write music, you are searching for a reason to waste time.

[@Mavenfiction]

I also mentioned people would come in with this boring argument but you did it anyway. I use a DAW. I love working in the DAW (which I also mentioned). Who doesn’t want to write music? I write music every day. I’ve had a music career that I’m immensely proud of, purely off the strength of my song writing. I’ve wrote for myself, others, tv. I’ve not wasted a second of my time in regards to music and I’ve played all over the world. I’d love to know why you’re so angry about it? Is it because your music is dogger? Book a meeting if you like and I’ll help you out!

[@jdanielcramer]

@@Mavenfiction I’m in the same boat, I use Logic lots to record, edit, and mix albums, but the source material is usually my modular! 🥹

[@Mavenfiction]

@@jdanielcramer exactly! There’s loads of commercially successful, hardware based musicians that utilise modular. In fact, I can’t stop watching them on Thomanns KZbin channel instead of making music 😂😂 (sadly a true story this week!)

[@kellysereda4961]

Sadly, the mind that could justify the time to choose hate as a response to love is in fact only exposing the trauma they have yet to face in their owns lives. I hope DF comes around and accepts your offer of lessons, ha. Keep doing you Maven, I've just embarking on my fully modular journey and I've never been so sure about spending the money. Aside from a perhaps a neurolink eurorack interface (someday), taking the time to build an engaging interface that inspires, entertains and surprises us musically is extremely satisfying.

[@DF-eg8vl]

@@kellysereda4961 Are you gay?

[@roncoots3800]

cre8audio and Doepfer prove they can be alot cheaper , main problem is manufacturers seem to think we live in the 70's and should pay the same as the cost of a house for a musical instrument. This is proved no more so than the cost of a box with a power cable.. utter joke.

[@snörre23]

In the 70s this equipment actually cost as much as a house, but now you cant buy a house for the 5, 10 or 30 k you spend on modular. More like 500 K for a house, right ?