Planning Your First BUDGET Eurorack Modular System (UNDER $500 DOLLARS)

In the wide world of modular synthesizers it can be daunting deciding where to start, and scrounging up the funds to take the plunge can pose an obstacle to many.
So in this video, our pal Wes shows us a few of his favorite tactics for planning a budget modular system under $500!
Check out what we used to build this rack here: bit.ly/3lNaW4F
Read more about this budget system on our blog Signal: bit.ly/3pH9AcY
ALL ABOUT QUANTIZERS: www.perfectcircuit.com/signal...
#modularsynth #budget #eurorack
Don't forget to Like and Subscribe for more synth videos.
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[@PerfectCircuit]

Check out what we used to build this rack here: bit.ly/3lNaW4F Read more about this budget system on our blog Signal: bit.ly/3pH9AcY ALL ABOUT QUANTIZERS: www.perfectcircuit.com/signal/learning-synthesis-quantizers

[@traildoggy]

Go ahead kid, the first hit is free.

[@chuckufarlie8215]

That's exactly as true with synthesizers as it is with drugs. As in that would never fucking happen in a million years and you will not only have to work your ass off for the money but also go through some effort to actually get this thing that is already so heavily prized that it doesn't need to trick anyone into anything because they're definitely already lining up and volunteering on their own in the millions. Same reason you use sex to advertise chocolate brownie mix and (almost) never the reverse. Sorry, I'm out of drugs *AND* chocolate brownie mix this morning so I'm kinda stressed out.

[@rendireinaldi3550]

😂😂😂

[@Chunda8]

Just say no. See above.

[@yeetusdeletus8565]

Say no more :D

[@dimitribarrow7]

Lmaooo this is terrifying.

[@AndrewPRoberts]

This guy. I like him.

[@gabrielgolden4336]

I think he might like you too.

[@meneerjansen00]

You're the first person to encourage buying a modular setup for external input as an effects unit. That's exactly what I'm thinking of buying.

[@BraveSirSausage]

This guy is the Bob Ross of modular synthesis

[@leebrokus5069]

Bob Ross didn't have a nails-on-chalkboard voice or annoying as fuck speech pattern. He also didn't dress & come across like a complete twat.

[@bitemyshite]

accurate

[@Ratimus_]

"A little bit of space to expand, should you feel the need..." Trust me, you'll feel it.

[@paulkisser3128]

Isn’t that always the case?!

[@Ratimus_]

@paulkisser3128 no pun intended!

[@MRTAT33]

Great video. It's nice to see someone break down what you need to get started and explains how and why. Also a plus that it is explained at a beginners pace. These videos are COMPLETELY AWESOME!!! Please keep making more videos with everything thing being used to create is in the picture...too many videos just show a module and it's misleading for people just getting their feet wet thinking that the module is creating EVERYTHING. It would be great to see more on systems without a keyboard, daws or midi controllers. Just a SELF CONTAINED FORCE TO BE RECOND WITH !!!

[@soffter]

Friggin love the sound of that DCO, so gnarly.

[@lindyxyo4254]

This dudes vibe is immaculate. Give this man a raise.

[@Toasterskirt]

These videos are getting better and better! I wish I had this before I started with modular, I made soo many mistakes haha

[@richardsaffle]

Thank you for this. I’m a noob into synths, & modular is still a little over my head, & outta my budget. But this explains a lot, & I appreciate it.

[@EleniEliades_]

Whimsical yet, intellectually educational.👄🎵💥👌

[@daneguitarist1]

this guy is super chill, yall need to stop by the arcade when you come thru kansas, its crazy ive got your first whiskey

[@PerfectCircuit]

wow we'll hold you to that ;)

[@daneguitarist1]

@@PerfectCircuit haha fuck yeah bros I book bands at a really cool arcade in manhattan ks, similar to a dave and buster's that you pay a cover and then play for free Its great

[@yewtubefayth9211]

Awesome video - to the point and informative !

[@WaveDashMagazine]

Such cool demo patches and playing!! Niceee

[@rishpanjeet7479]

This is one of the most useful videos I’ve ever seen when it comes to gear

[@aytchess]

Videos like these can destroy a marriage, yet still live happily ever after? Thank you sir. Awesome video even before the awesome performance. Glad youtube algorithm picked this up as I have the behringer 2600 on my wish list.

[@PerfectCircuit]

Please don't destroy any marriages over synths, we cannot help you with that hahah But we got your back on all things Music and Modular ;)

[@MrGnezkewl]

Yes!! Finally!! I think I’ll get into modular now

[@antsteep]

Great perspective

[@thibz84]

Yeah super video thank you! Exactly what I was looking for my first modular experience!

[@seancraig5373]

Great video- VERY helpful! I'd love to see a follow-up going through how you set up these patches (1 by 1 cabling slowly so newbies can follow it)

[@joelsanderson98]

Really useful. When i'm ready to dive in i'll be revisiting this

[@Jin-Hu]

Really enjoyed that

[@Le100piment]

Yes more Wes please!

[@blakestevenson7261]

Bro your demos actually sounded so good dude wow such dope sounds u are sick 😎

[@stefanhansen5882]

Inspirational! Thanks!

[@danhectic5629]

those jams were super tasty! sounds good- might have to build something like it soon. i'm sure there's interesting stuff i could do with it & my Minibrute 2s (quite generous patch bay!)

[@s.fleming2441]

ok.. budget modular... April fools day is a long time from now...but right after I find a cheap jupiter 8, I will start a budget modular synth

[@thomas_dries]

I just bought a 42hp eurorack case! My plan is to add some modules over the course of a few months. I've planned out a few builds on modular grid but I think I'll be going with this one: Qu-bit Chord, Qu-bit Nautilus, Qu-bit Aurora, and the Synthrotek Head Out.

[@egils777]

Thank you!

[@VinceFinemMusic]

Wes is Bill Hader's best character.

[@rodnee2340]

That was a refreshing take on modular synthesis. So I don't have to sell my kidney to get started. Great bangers BTW.

[@seangraham9065]

Fun as heck

[@neuzethmusic131]

Good beginner video! Haha but I've got the Doepfer SEM VCF, and to be honest, it has NO character at all. Think I'm gonna get rid it soon. Doepfer is good for utility modules and that, but not for filters or VCOS. When on a budget, get some of the Dreadbox modules, they sound better.

[@ceciliavazquez5788]

So good

[@bororobo7036]

Fantastic video. I am beginner in modular and do not wish to go too far. I like two modules (1010Music Waverazor and Tasty Chip reverb) I would like to integrate into my standard synths/sequencers setup. Any thoughts what to add in order not to overcomplicate, but still make it fun. Let say, 3-4 modules that would fit nicely for filtering and modulation + in/out, eventually MIDI.

[@Sadsoft]

Wes is the best! Probably won’t visit signal though

[@leyetnin1]

Would love to take a dive down the modular rabbit hole, but it would get out of hand. But, getting out of hand is fun.

[@mastaboog749]

Pod64x powered case thank you so much for stating that! I want a mini rack like this Also thanks for the output module tidbit, that I can use my bastl dude great tip

[@freddiefranklin1]

Excellent video! Really interested in the Dreadbox Ataxia as it looks like it ticks a lot of boxes for me for the size and price. Super hard to find now though (at least in UK/Europe). Can anyone suggest an alternative (ideally with a similar pricepoint)

[@Gethinm80]

I like this guy too

[@DeputatKaktus]

I think this is an excellent intro to the modular world. Thanks for making it! So far I can only drool over mod synths and appreciate they are complicated and expensive af. Also: is that a bottle of Club Mate Pomegranate in the background? 🧐

[@jesseanderson3835]

It kinda looks like some Louisiana hot sauce. Random.

[@Chunda8]

I do like these cool little boxes and the analog sound is hi-quality. But, for about 3K or so, I get a current laptop, a DAC, good headphones, midi keyboard, microphone and ABLETON. With Ableton, I can re-create any sound that any modular produces. I also can do this polyphonically with the keyboard and multitrack plus sample, warp, mix and master. Oh yeah, and there's a TON of free VSTs that are great and really useful. That being said, I have heard people actually come up with great music using a modular- for over 20x my budget. For those on an even tighter budget, there is FL Studio. I also don't need a Master's in Acoustical or Electrical engineering to use Ableton. Lots of free tutorials and 1 or 2 classes will do it.

[@yosotattoo]

Thks!

[@tomlavelle8340]

Am considering the plunge

[@jamesthelemonademaker]

Sensational 💢💢 Love that you thru the PO in there, would live to see something with more info on incorporating those funky gadgets

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

I recommend buying a larger case than you think you will need to have room to grow later on and plenty of support modules like VCAs, attenuators/attenuverters and so forth. Another option is a prebuilt system like the Doepfer A100 Basic system or Erica Synths Black system.

[@PerfectCircuit]

tru tru!

[@dijjidog]

or get a small case to avoid buying too much

[@michaelmclovin5098]

It's under 500 dollars without the case and the patch cords, if you add in everything used in the video, you're looking at around $1200 bucks give or take. If you really want to dabble with synthesis on the cheap, just get a used Arturia MiniBrute 2 and a good pair of headphones. This can be had for under 500 bucks, unlike what is suggested in this video.

[@someonewhobitthedust9124]

So, if I'm understanding correctly, since I've spent money on other synths and music making machines, they can more or less connect and be altered with/from the modules? I can't wait to have no more money.

[@cjbcarr1]

Hey, cool Craig Gleason shirt

[@chycor]

The three categories at the beginning, the triangle of power.

[@hjones4922]

excellent intro. Could I ask what is the mixer in the background? looks ideal!

[@politesociety]

Looks to me like an Allen & Heath ZED-10FX

[@PerfectCircuit]

@@politesociety Spot on !

[@JSprayaEntertainment]

0:00 cool studio ... Whats the Must Have Modular that VCV RACK doesnt have ?? any tips guys ?

[@aarshraja846]

Might be a dumb question but how did u connect your case to an audio output? And what audio output did you use?

[@tysonsaner2527]

This is a very helpful video! ... Does anybody have any suggestions for a comparable alternative to the dreadbox Ataxia? Specifically, another dual modulator that is nearly as good, just as good, or better? Thank you!

[@sumchi3690]

Just one question. Why wouldn’t the modules be placed in a logical order. ie Oscillator-Amp-Filter or whatever from left to right …I’m not an expert but I’m sure you get what a mean. Thanks.

[@thekanehall]

✨dope✨

[@NNLean]

Great choices!

[@yunggaucho3534]

Help me build my first euro rack pod lol I want to use the nerdseq or something like that to give me a production center vibe but I’m still unsure if I need a sampler or extra vco

[@migiel111]

Quack!

[@elluisito000]

Hi! Thanks for putting together this nice system. What is the model and price of the case and the power supply? 😀

[@brettprice527]

4ms pod 64x

[@elluisito000]

@@brettprice527 thanks youtube extranger 😀

[@brettprice527]

@@elluisito000 😄cheers.

[@VictorSteiner]

9:15 What mode is that on the SQ-1 that lets you push buttons to chose output voltage (it seems)?

[@PerfectCircuit]

It's the step jump mode in random sequence, so when you hold down 1 - 3 buttons it kinda jumps and generates a random sequence, it's fun try it!

[@skeletonmodel]

Thanks for this. I am such an idiot, but I really want the 960 sequencer, cause all my other sequencers are just too fancy... I could connect it to my Model D, buuuut. I have to ofcourse power that module. So why not a rack? And then maybe fill that rack up with some small modules. This video will make me take the plunge and be broke forever

[@PSILOCYBINISTHEWAY]

We got Big eurorack trying to sell me on eurorack. I see whats going on here

[@Nuke_Skywalker]

so i have bought a diy rack with power, i bought the disting mk4 to expand on my arturia minibrute 2s. what else for low budget? :S

[@PerfectCircuit]

It's totally up to you! but our Signal article has some expanded choices for other budget options, might be a good place to start planning!

[@Nuke_Skywalker]

@@PerfectCircuit thank you. :)

[@hlgglh]

Does the Club Mate have any effect on the eurorack?

[@DJSoSadRN]

Good to know my digitakt is at least two extra modules, so I shouldn’t sell it to fund this set up.

[@MrCoyoteculler]

KeepIt!

[@vlasuhiro_eth]

crazy

[@ethix123]

This guy reminds me of the highschool teacher from Bevis & Butthead. David Van Driessen. So this is where he went.

[@orchestratedpassage9468]

speaking of Signal: are there alerts to new articles like via e-mail? No? well I don't take calls from numbers I don't recognize

[@PerfectCircuit]

we do send out updates on Signal in our weekly emails!

[@orchestratedpassage9468]

@@PerfectCircuit thx, must be a problem on my end I'm checked box for the news letter but the last on I see is from july. i'll sort it

[@mjazz3674]

How did you Sync the TE PO?

[@PerfectCircuit]

By using sync mode 4 ! the pocket operator will sync to an incoming clock or gate signal !

[@mjazz3674]

❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥 I did not know that was possible!

[@daniel2622]

Does this dude have a channel?

[@_P3_]

q u a c k

[@last_rizla]

quack!

[@TheModularClubhouse]

If you need more info on the Super Synthesis PHRSR: Here's a deep dive video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rITHZmapjp5mfqs And ATAXIA: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHe5dnxrn8mbZ7M

[@dvnc-music]

The first patch made me want to play doom

[@arhythmatek-1683]

TEMPT ME NOT, SATAN!!

[@supersynthesis]

👀👀👀🎉❤️👍

[@madmac66]

Keystep ‘pro’?

[@gcode_]

quack > 🦆

[@NicholasNorway]

This guy Reminds me of the hipie teacher in Beavis and butthead but cooler 😎

[@JoshIsMakingMusic]

Very cruel of you to publish this video right before I'm getting my holiday bonus.

[@sodothehivesonhisleg]

Honestly at this level of the game, a semi modular is still a better choice for the skrill

[@hyderhydra3269]

i feel like this is an add for heroin and now i'm hooked

[@basshoundrecs]

big eurorack won’t tell you you can put ANY stickers on your blanks….even feet 🦶🦶🦶

[@mpmi7588]

This dude should do tutorials

[@PerfectCircuit]

kzbin.info ;)

[@Gritsmitten]

I just want to be friends with this guy

[@marufulislam9406]

"Quack" .18 ;)

[@MRTAT33]

Meant RECKONED WITH... MY BAD.

[@andrewcinefro9839]

is that a craig gleason shirt

[@laehnoj]

I've avoided eurorack modular for the very simple and obivious reason that it will eventually lead to bankruptcy. So instead, I've nickel and dimed myself half to death with semi-modular: 1. Neutron 2. 0-Coast 3. MicroGranny 4. The two Bastl Kastles 5. Crave 6. The two Koma Field Kits Do I want to add up the cumulative costs of those now? No, but OK, let's see ... according to Bing Chat, I've invested $1700-1800 (I've tried to hit sales where I could). To make matters worse, I am just a noodler. Nothing substantial has come from any of this. And now ... I still crave some modular items. But to make matters REALLY worse, it's not the "budget" stuff Wes is peddling here. No, I want a friggen Morphagene and a Noise Plethora. F me. I wish I'd taken up knitting instead.

[@blakejaeger154]

I got beads and zoia Euroburo for my first system. Having zoia in eurorack feels like cheating

[@sullyman72]

this must be Paddy's brother from Tally Ho

[@gabibboquinto129]

What Is this rack?

[@thelivingmanpart2]

QUACK!

[@excaliburtheholysword1771]

quack

[@jungstrauma4]

what is this "subliminal" ultrashort displaying stuff goin´ on at the beginning?

[@PerfectCircuit]

just a baby ad to remind people we have a cool showroom in Burbank they can come to and try this stuff out!

[@jungstrauma4]

@@PerfectCircuit controverse. in fact :illegal.

[@slowpunkforslowpunks2050]

"After all, it wouldn't really be modular synthesis if we weren't modulating things." Good video, and thank you. But now go to your room and think about what you've done.

[@jordanWAH]

Maaann, I am very tired of reading, "out of stock. Pre-order now! Back order."

[@hugolozza1]

quack¡