ONE MODULE AT A TIME! Starting modular with a tiny case - ft. Rosci, Centaur’s Gates, and more!

[@omnitone_music]

This video is so rad!! Thanks so much for featuring us, your workflow was so nice to see and your patches were mind-blowing, especially for that little case!✨

[@turbotambourine]

@@omnitone_music 🥹 thank you! This was so much fun to make and is an idea I had for a while. I like showing process stuff even if it is a bit hypocritical. Rosci put some major waves out there that kept surprising me! Excited to get it into some jams with more module friends!

[@chinidadian]

Best small case modular video I have seen thus far. Great work!

[@turbotambourine]

@@chinidadian Woah! Those are big accolades! Thank you so much! Thanks for watching and stoked I get to make stuff like this for people to enjoy!

[@Atograph]

So many great sounds out of this solid selection of modules!

[@turbotambourine]

@@Atograph Thanks so much! Definitely a treasure trove! I was surprised how new stuff just kept coming out as I was patching. Thanks for watching!

[@simondeschamps2542]

Very interesting little skiff. I really enjoy how compact and versatile this can be. Good job!

[@turbotambourine]

@@simondeschamps2542 thanks so much! I was surprised how much I could pull from it. The thing I wished I could fit was an attenuator and Bastl just announced firmware that Neo Trinity can do that too! Wild!

[@darleneelizabethmusic]

So inspiring! I’m just getting started with buying my first eurorack modules and designing my first case, and it feels like I’ll need a dozen modules just to get started. Seeing the sounds you were able to make with just a few modules helps a lot!

[@turbotambourine]

@@darleneelizabethmusic That’s amazing! Congrats on the beginnings of your journey! It can definitely feel like that when getting started and that you can never quite fit all you need in whatever size case or budget you choose. There’s definitely big wins along the way as you find modules that you get along with and can do what you want. I’d say some people prefer modules that perform just one function while others don’t mind some thoughtful grouping. I’m a bit in the middle though where I like the control to be able to jam with whatever I have going on. Oscillators like MCO, Pizza, Banshee Reach and Rosci have all worked well for me in offering some flexibility after patching. Something I found helpful while building up a case is trying to figure out what would be the most helpful or fun to have next, something that seemed missing, similar to the way the flow of this video went. Of course for everyone and the music they’d like to make etc, that what’s next is often different. Anyway, feel free to reach out on insta if you have questions along the way. I can share from my experience if that’s helpful at all. Happy patching!

[@wgdmodular1252]

Literally ALL the patches sound so good - even the first one 😆 Neo Trinity really makes the difference in that case for me with all its power 🔥

[@turbotambourine]

@@wgdmodular1252 Agreed! Probably the MVP! Having so much output that you can dig in and change quickly was great!

[@philip6252]

Hello traveller. I am your future self. Don’t get into modular! You’ve been warned.

[@turbotambourine]

@@philip6252 😂 I can’t tell if you’re being truthful or silly. But yeah, not only does modular take money, it takes time. Ultimately the traveller decides if the result is something that’s a thumbs up or down.

[@markfish8403]

I think you should develop a module called the “turbo tambourine “ and sell thousands of them. Modulated percussion plus clocking manipulation magic = YACHT MONEY 💰

[@turbotambourine]

@@markfish8403 😂 sounds like fun! Module in development. No yacht for me though, I get sea sick!

[@markfish8403]

@ your vid was inspiring, I chose the ALM HPO for my setup. I have been liking the Make Noise XPO, but I thought I would save a few bucks, still get the XPO later. I want to save bucks AND hp. This will help make up for the fact that I want an Akemies’ Taiko early on. I think BIGLY modules are boats, so I am just wanting to work with some canoes for now. A year ago I would have scoffed at a 2hp anything, but I am just a newb, a mere pawn in the game of synths. 👌

[@moldythoughts4765]

... way too late mate...

[@Deedeo25]

What fantastic jams you got out of just a handful of modules. I was blown away by how much you accomplished with just the Neo Trinity. I didn’t realize it was capable of quantized sequencing like that too and the way you were moving around the melody was really inspiring. Great editing and great video as usual.

[@turbotambourine]

@@Deedeo25 Thanks so much! The grouping of modules was more capable together than I originally thought too! I had very little time with Rosci and Centaur’s Gates before starting the video so it was a real treat to end up with so many jams from just a little exploration. Moving around melody and not having static 8 steps etc is one of my fave things and it’s definitely so cool that you can do that in Neo Trinity. It’s a whole different way of coming up with melodies and I’m really digging it. Just heard about them adding attenuverting to it meaning this case would also have attenuverting. Just wild! Hats off to all the devs represented in this case!

[@Deedeo25]

@@turbotambourine I love seeing what people are capable of doing with minimal setups and you definitely killed it with this demo. It’s also inspiring for building a larger case because you can use this as just a section in a bigger setup. I just bought a simple analogue oscillator and decided I am done with voices in my rack but you make that Rosci look really appealing too. The colors are definitely a selling point too haha need something besides red and green LEDs to look at.

[@turbotambourine]

@ Exactly! I think compact patching like this is so fun and if you can bring that to larger cases, I feel like the ideas can just get deeper, more controllable and full. It’s pretty freeing patching just one oscillator as well. I feel like I learned a lot in this one. Don’t think I would have thought to patch the output of Rosci into the v/oct without being so restricted. Wild how rhythmic that was. And that zappy kick I used throughout to transition was modulated by hand. Good luck as you build up your case and let me know if you end up picking up a Rosci and how you get along with it. What are the other oscillators / voices you have atm?

[@Deedeo25]

@ Right now I have three Plaits(overkill I know but I use them to make drums sometimes too), two Rings, 2hp Pluck, ALA bOSC, and Atom(a clone of Elements). Really all I want to add now is some more utility stuff and a Bard Quartet would be so nice to have but I still can’t bring myself to buy it and the expander for it. Been looking at the Ornament & Crime but not sure how I feel about the jack of all trades kind of modules.

[@Deedeo25]

@@turbotambourineJust watched the video again by the way and man your jams were all really good but those two at the end with the Rample were some of the best I’ve heard in a while. The first jam had some Spyro vibes to it for sure. But that sample cycling on the Rample was such a sick drum beat. Hard not to groove to something like that.

[@theAwakenedOne007]

wow, this little synth became surprisingly deep and larger than its physical size. well done and great patching!

[@turbotambourine]

@@theAwakenedOne007 Thanks! And that’s a wonderful way of describing it! As you add modules without too much overlap your capabilities more than multiply. I love that about modular and so glad that it translated. Thanks for watching!

[@roundcornerless]

Small cases, my favorite topic! You squeezed a lot of possibilities into 48hp and created awesome patches - as always! Rad video 🙌

[@turbotambourine]

@@roundcornerless 😃 Thanks! Small cases are so fun! Like playing a strategy game. This is likely the best iteration I’ve had with just the 48hp. Honestly surprised me!

[@roundcornerless]

@ could have been the Neo Trinity as a gamechanger in this one? Kind of like a Maths in less hp

[@turbotambourine]

@ yeah very different flavour of course but yes for sure. And I hear they just put out a firmware update for it that has attenuverting (pre quantizer). Amazing! Especially as you can then likely use it to attenuvert external signals. Likely just cv though… I haven’t run audio through it yet but imagine that may not have results I want.

[@pablobarria296]

I love this small systems! Neo trinity its such a good option for this 48hp case

[@turbotambourine]

@@pablobarria296 I agree! Such good value for the space! They really did a lot right with the UI. Feel like it’s hard to do a dense, flexible and playable module but they really did. Some sort of magic in the Bastl hq.

[@smashedapples]

So much for curbing my GAS.... I've had a couple Omnitone modules on my list for a while, and this is the best demo of the Rosci I've seen so far........ ugggghhhhh

[@turbotambourine]

@@smashedapples 😂 Glad you liked what you heard! Sorry about the fight against GAS. You could always take it as a challenge to get gnarly with what you have. If you do end up picking up some Omnitone stuff, let me know how you get along with it.

[@swampflux]

The folks at Omni-tone are pleasant and talented! I hope you get to hang with them. I don’t have a Rosci myself but I feel like I do if that makes sense. It’s just so immediately intuitive. Ace jams and editing mate. 🎉

[@turbotambourine]

@@swampflux agreed on the kind folks at Omnitone and their talents! Knob per function and cv per function? Simple and so wonderful! I feel like you’d get a kick out of the LFO mode! I was messing with it using it to sequence pitch and it makes for an interesting time. The complexity knob works the same way in that you’re selecting the number of random values fit within the same span of time (which is v/oct). Next patch I’ll do here for fun is sending the output through Bard Quartet and have Bard send a trigger out to envelope > filter > etc each time the pitch changes to a new note. Then I can mess with what is sequencing v/oct (time span of the whole sequence) and complexity (how many notes fall within that time). Plus with smooth, you’re introducing slew to the values or if running through a quantizer it would be glissando. Look out for that somewhere in Jamuary!

[@tracyharms3548]

My first case was 48 hp. I think I worked within it for about a year. Definitely enough to get my feet wet. I remember being shocked at the difficulty of getting the modules and their power cabling to fit. I expected it to be much more Lego-like than it is.

[@turbotambourine]

@@tracyharms3548 That’s awesome! Glad it was a good pick of a case size for you too! I still struggle a bit to get things in and out with different orientations of cables and whatnot. This case can definitely get squishy with the cables in behind as it get’s full. Sometimes a bit like a strategy game. 😄 A lego like experience sounds awesome! I think Crey Emporium was working on something like that. Only problem is that the depth of your module would have to be the same. What size case are you running now?

[@tracyharms3548]

@ I have accumulated cases rather than swapped them. That first case now houses a single module. My largest case is 7u 104hp and I am thinking of buying a second one.

[@turbotambourine]

@ sweet! I think I’d do the same. I’ll eventually save up for a 7u but don’t think I’d get rid of either of my cases. Just gives more options of scale for travel or setups.

[@jeejeeBlaps]

Very thoughtful video, as usual. That Rosci seems cool!

[@turbotambourine]

@@jeejeeBlaps Thanks! Yeah! It’s a treat! I’ll be keeping it around. 3 oscillator patches are gonna be fun!

[@MichaelFurtak]

Nice selections, and nicely jammed with~

[@turbotambourine]

@@MichaelFurtak Thanks so much! This was a very fun setup to patch and jam!

[@patrikveltrusky]

Such a nice combo there! I love the sounds!

[@turbotambourine]

@@patrikveltrusky Thank you! Same! These modules work really well together!

[@scottadams7820]

Smol cases are da best. Love the 4ms pod cases, but have had to take a Dremel to the excess metal under the top screws to get some modules to fit. Mainly for 4ms modules lol

[@spectrumunit]

Very cool case idea! Thanks for sharing!

[@turbotambourine]

@@spectrumunit You’re so welcome! Hope it gave some inspiration!

[@tafonyreynolds]

Well done as always!

[@turbotambourine]

@@tafonyreynolds Tafony! Just doing my thing. Thanks so much for the support!

[@BounceChord]

Neo Trinity is definitely my next purchase. The motion recording kind of thing is the only thing I miss about my old dawless setup.

[@turbotambourine]

@@BounceChord Awesome! It’s an absolute treat for that! Lots of bonus features to keep things interesting too!

[@thestinkyweasel6297]

this was great. nice patching, great selections!

[@turbotambourine]

@@thestinkyweasel6297 Glad you enjoyed it! So fun to put stuff like this together. Thanks for watching!

[@nkozi]

Nice work on this one, man!

[@turbotambourine]

@@nkozi Thanks muchly! Thanks for watching!

[@nanocyde_artist]

A tour de force - thanks for sharing your music with us. We need an encore video with a 64HP case so you can fit Rample and Ghost at the same time!

[@turbotambourine]

@@nanocyde_artist Sadly I’ve got nothing between this and a 4u104hp but there’s a whole “Modular Groovebox” series I’ve slowly been adding to. Buuuut, if you’re wanting to see the new friends like Rosci and Centaur’s Gates there too, you can look out for Jamuary videos. I’m thinking I’ll try to get as many days as I can.

[@turbotambourine]

@@nanocyde_artist also, thanks for watching!

[@nanocyde_artist]

@@turbotambourine I'll keep an eye out. I did Jamuary in 2023 and 2024. Made the mistake of only uploading to instagram in 2023.

[@turbotambourine]

@ cool! Why was that a mistake? You planning to do Jamuary again this year? How many days did you get out of the month?

[@nanocyde_artist]

@@turbotambourine I got more interaction on KZbin. It wasn't just about views but the discussions as well. I'll do Jamuary again, I get almost the full 31 each time

[@geusensdriesmusic]

Great advice and a very nice patching with such a small system 👏

[@turbotambourine]

@@geusensdriesmusic Thank you so much!! I kinda got surprised at how well this little case hung together. I love that I got to show this progression of and empty case to a full one - had it on my mind for ages.

[@defjeff2907]

Great video! My case is small and has 3 of these, hpo, rosci, trinity. 4:37 I was just thinking, Turbo needs a Korg NTS-2.

[@turbotambourine]

@@defjeff2907 so fair! I’ve thought about scopes for a while and not exactly sure where I landed. Other modules seem to win out. Might get a zeroscope though at some point. I was eyeing the vpme one then realized the zeroscope was a collab!

[@turbotambourine]

@@defjeff2907 and thanks so much! Wow good choices for your small case! Value her hp is so so high! How are you enjoying Rosci and Neo Trinity?

[@defjeff2907]

@@turbotambourine I can't say enough about Neo Trinity! I love everything it does but making melodies is especially interesting on this thing. I haven't used Rosic that much yet but it certainly produces inspiring waves and colors.

[@turbotambourine]

@@defjeff2907 I totally agree! With Neo Trinity you can just poke and tweak little bits of the melody and then offset up or down and get something pretty quick! It’s stronger at that then I thought it would be actually!

[@dontspamkoth]

Great video! I'd like to see another one with beginner gear that has a maximum price point.

[@turbotambourine]

@@dontspamkoth sounds fun! I have a “first patch” kinda video in mind. Something like that maybe? Price points are hard to meet just because eurorack is mostly small manufacturers from all over the world but what do you have in mind? I think the brilliance of modular is you can navigate the price bit as you’re seeking out modules. Like if you need an oscillator, there are lots to choose from in so many sizes and flavours, same with filters, fx, sequencers, mixers, utilities. I’m happy with module decisions I’ve made but also hope that the same concepts like cv sequences, attenuation and offset, quantizing, delays, envelopes all translate to most systems. I actually learned a lot about patching melody stuff while watching the videos on Rene 2. I wanted a Rene 2 but also decided to patch up something as close as I could get with what I have. The result was that I can utilize some of those ideas without having the exact modules. In the end, workflow becomes a bit of a thing and where you make decisions. Anyway, long explanations sorry. I feel like the most cost effective way is something that does a but of a hybrid approach like a sequencer to the 0-Coast to an effect. Something like Bastl’s FX Wizard or a stomp box etc probably. All eurorack, I could probably put together something, I just don’t have an inexpensive fx module. Thought about an fx aid a bunch of times but also don’t think I’d pick one up just for a video. I have a Bib and maybe someone’s made a tiny 1u case with power for it that could work. Hmmm. I’ll look into that!

[@turbotambourine]

@@dontspamkoth I could also just have the video sans fx as well or use something simple in post. What do you think?

[@tracyharms3548]

My main advice to first time case buyers is: • case depth is valuable; deeper cases are easier to put modules into, open back is easiest. • rail type matters; I recommend threaded strips for M3 screws, or at least consistency among all cases.

[@turbotambourine]

@@tracyharms3548 That’s smart to have consistent among your cases! I too like the threaded strips with m3’s but also sometimes would love to not have any gapes between modules. Maybe I’ll dabble with sliding at some point.

[@tracyharms3548]

@ My advice derives from owning two different types of rails that require three different types of screws. It’s extra headaches.

[@turbotambourine]

@ Ouch! Good to know. So far I have two cases with the same rails, hasn’t been an issue so far so who knows, might be good to stick with it too.

[@fleximarvellous]

Great video, very informative. Btw, that tiny case reasoning only works if you are limited on budget. In my case, I started out with a 64hp 4U, but quickly turnt it into 15U 104hp 😅.

[@ericmosh]

Yeah that's why I had to sell a kidney.

[@turbotambourine]

@@fleximarvellous Thanks so much! Glad the info was good! You’re right! You’re case size should adapt to many variables for sure. The 48hp worked well for me and with modules now, it’s even more possible to have a compelling and jammable set of modules in that space. I think budget is something that keeps people away from modular so this little vid serves almost like an experiment as to how it could play out for them. I like how the restriction of just having the modules seen at each stage played out in how I approached the patching too. 15U 104HP! Woah! 😮 That’s awesome! How are you finding things now vs when you first started?

[@turbotambourine]

@@ericmosh 😂 goodness, that kidney never made such sweet sounds though!

[@TheDoctorM0]

Skiffs are where it's at!

[@turbotambourine]

@@TheDoctorM0 on a graph of fun/time, they score really well!!!

[@meip_does_ai]

Great video!

[@turbotambourine]

@@meip_does_ai Thanks so much and thanks for watching!

[@ukbloke28]

I love these little setups, tempted to get involved. How much would I pay for a set up like you have here?

[@turbotambourine]

@@ukbloke28 it get’s a bit pricey for sure! I can sort that out on modular grid for ya. The trickiest bit is that cost is often based on circuits, components and function so dense modules tend to also mean dense in cost. That’s sort of why to start slow and figure out what you need or want within the budget. So far, I’ve found getting the module that is nice to use in function is better than just filling the space. K, the case is about $155 USD then the total of the modules is $1598. Ouch! That’s due in part to effects as Ghost is $475. Centaur’s Gates is $410 Neo Trinity is $320 Rosci is $180 And switchblade is $119 Budget is different for everyone though. For me that’s a cost that takes over a year to save for one module at a time, for others, they’ll just pop out and ring it up. If you’re interested in giving it a go, try to go slow and just like you’ve seen in this video, try to get to a spot where you’re able to make stuff relatively quick. If you’re more interested in bare bones modules, you’d need a bigger case but they also are in general less expensive. Plus if you look at used stuff (as I have) you can find lots of great deals. Just don’t go too far on the side quests 😂 Feel free to jump into the dm’s on my insta if you ever want to chat about it and ask any questions you’d like.

[@jjbing3]

Damn you! You popped back up while I’m trying not to get back into modular. 😢

[@turbotambourine]

@@jjbing3 I apologize. 😂 But also you can live vicariously through jams in future. Hopefully many jams for Jamuary.

[@irok81]

Birds of a feather, we should stick together you know

[@liamg6328]

Nicely nice!

[@turbotambourine]

@@liamg6328 thanks so much and thanks for watching!

[@Tofu_Pilot]

I reckon ya patched the absolute pants off that 48hp case there, bud.

[@turbotambourine]

@@Tofu_Pilot Thanks muchly! Yeah, I honestly just kept getting more little ideas to explore. That’s one thing that’s really fun about modular for me. You start with a small idea and build on it and each time it comes out a bit different.

[@sonicspecter]

Tiny case with 1 oscillator and 3 filters. Why not? 😂

[@turbotambourine]

@@sonicspecter I know right! Defies logic! If I had 7 ports in the case, I probably would have had a slightly different setup. But yeah, sometimes a lot of fun to go with control over signals instead of introducing more.

[@jwright7174]

NO STOP IT I DONT NEED A MODULAR I DONT I SWEAR.

[@turbotambourine]

@@jwright7174 you’re absolutely right! Definitely not a need! Honestly, make music on whatever is inspiring and the right tool for what you’re doing, or even the absolute wrong tool on purpose would even be interesting. I’m very much a do the most with what you have kinda person. Sometimes I see shiny rocks that I explore though. What are you using currently?

[@jwright7174]

@turbotambourine this is all great advice! The problem is, this little box you've made IS inspiring! I currently use a Digitakt and Digitone II because I think this combo is so powerful, its almost everything I need and I dont want to lean into the GAS. But a small modular sequenced by an elektron box... NO NO NO I DONT NEED IT.

[@turbotambourine]

@ fair! I agree, having a small modular case along side the digi boxes would be kinda sweet especially because of the way you can mix in the digitakt and add effects even. Definitely not needed at all but an interesting idea to explore if funds are available and you have something in mind that you’d want more knob per function type stuff for. The tricky bit will be how you’ll stop the GAS from presenting the idea of having an all modular setup after that. If you’re locked into the Elektron boxes, you’ll probably be alright though. Ihor always had great workflows with the digi boxes. I was originally going to have a Circuit Tracks with an 0-Coast and a microfreak but I got the 0-Coast before the Circuit so it was game over 😂 Any ideas what you’d want modular to do? An interesting monosynth maybe? Figured you’ve got samples and fm covered with the Digi’s.

[@jwright7174]

@@turbotambourine You're right, Ihor's stuff is fantastic. I think I'd be able to limit the GAS to just a small modular rack; it's funny you mention the 0-coast because that is what I was thinking of getting (I still am actually) before I started thinking about small fully-modular set ups. As you say, the Elekron boxes cover a lot of what I want to create, but really I'd like a modular rack for creating odd generative textures, that I could then turn into pads or leads through sequencing on the elektron boxes. How did you get into modular? I'm probably going to binge watch all of your videos now that I've stumbled upon your channel; I love your presentation!

[@turbotambourine]

@ thanks so so much for the kind words! Glad you liked the vid! The 0-Coast is great and if you already have a sequencer from the takt, it’s a good pairing. For sound design and patch experimentation and learning some more synthesis type stuff it’s great. The downside is if you’re looking for a big moog sound, you won’t find it there as that’s the other camp. But if you’re looking for something different than the synthesis you can do on the takt, I’d say a cool choice. East Beast and West Pest are also cool options. Aesthetically, the 0-Coast fits with the takts. 😂 Feel free to comment or dm on insta if you have any questions. Happy to help and I’ll try to offer a fairly level opinion (as level as a lover of modular can).

[@systemG3000]

"just try a tiny bit of crack!"

[@turbotambourine]

@@systemG3000 haha yeah. I didn’t say you need to get into modular but if you’re already in line to do it, or if you have tons of modules. This vid’s for you.

[@ThedjAwesome]

Dang sounds great. Your cables are too big for that case. :P

[@turbotambourine]

@@ThedjAwesome Thanks! And yeah, a tad big but I actually like draping the cables around the case. Often makes it easier to get in there and cables can group together. Feel like if I were playing a show I’d need a pretty large lid on my case to allow for folding up of all the extra cable.

[@AirZeee]

Can i interest anybody in my kidney? I have one to spare, selling to fund a burgeoning interest I’m modular synthesis…

[@turbotambourine]

@@AirZeee don’t do it!!! Haha. Honestly, save and go slow or do VCV Rack. Birthday and holiday money and small savings over months helped me put things together. I actually sold a fixed gear bike to fund this exact case and a Mimeophon. That’s all the modular I had to pair with my 0-Coast at the time.

[@TR-707]

DONT START!!!!!!

[@turbotambourine]

@@TR-707 also solid advice. May the adventurers choose their paths wisely! 😃

[@TR-707]

@@turbotambourine adventurers, also know that you can borrow stuff or just go to jam at a store or get together/workshop. And bring your recorder. Also DIY..because that is the true spirit behind eurorack and modular.

[@turbotambourine]

@@TR-707 agreed! I’m sadly not close enough to a shop. There’s one about 5 hours away in Ottawa. Meet ups would be sweet but I’m not super in the know and a parent so I go out much less than I used to. I have been able to hang with one friend a couple times this past year though!

[@nr7975]

I started with a tiny case, upgraded to a bigger case within the return period of the smaller case, did that again, and then within a year had an 840hp monster rack. Don't get into modular. Okay actually, do get into modular, but don't do what I do. I would personally start with something a little larger than a 4ms pod, maybe an Intellijel Palette case of either 84 or 104hp. Gives you more headroom, solid power supply, mults, 1U for utility and a built in output/midi bus. Still, even a single module can give you all the fun and enjoyment in the world, so don't feel obligated to get more than you can/want to afford.

[@turbotambourine]

@@nr7975 Brilliant advice! I feel like my brain would explode with a monster rack especially if I had that within a year! I basically had no budget except birthday money or money from things I sold for the first while, then I eventually had a $100 Canadian budget per month. Actually, I’m still sub 7u104hp in modules and I’ve been at this a while. For me, a tiny case fit my budget and worked well. I still use it as an extension for the 4u104hp case I have and sometimes like in this video, all by itself. I think if you have much more of a budget, starting with a 4u or 7u 104hp case would be great if you went slow as you learned so you didn’t double too much functions up unless you wanted that intentionally. I don’t think it’s a smart strategy to buy a full case basically and then figure out how to use it. There might be minor exception in manufacturer cases like the Make Noise Black and Gold. They all have their vibe but for the most part are complete in their own rights. Well, now that you have the monster, have you parsed out a smaller case to get focussed with lately or do you mostly patch the monster? Also, is it related to what you do for vocation or just as a hobby?