Planning Your First Eurorack Synthesizer with Sarah Belle Reid

[@PerfectCircuit]

Read our companion article going into even more detail : bit.ly/3cUfzbu If you want to learn more about modular synthesis from Sarah you can sign up for her course here: www.soundandsynthesis.com

[@jacksonkerr2095]

I have to say, I love how your intros for your videos look like a 90's film logo.

[@reallivebluescat]

Try seventies. Damn zoomers think everything is nineties

[@defjeff2907]

I just sold my car so I can afford to get into eurorack.

[@joycesanders4898]

..you did the right thing,..get a bicycle,..make great Music. 👍🎶💞🤟

[@woodster909]

good plan, save the planet and make some sweet bleeps!

[@moving_gates7757]

R uss brungs the reals!!!😆🤣🙏🏾

[@robthebloke]

Next up, your kids.

[@Snuckyfication]

Only your car?,, I had to sell my wife too...(lucky was still in warranty)....

[@a773]

This is by far the most balanced small system I’ve seen, very cleverly and wisely chosen, very nicely presented! You rock, Sarah!

[@fernandomercado5519]

SBR is a wonderful teacher. This is the first time I’ve finally “understood” creating a system.

[@wackenthaljef]

Ahahaha!!! me too!! thanks to Sarah!!

[@jeffrytessier6017]

I pretty much randomly bought stuff but according to "I believe" what is NEEDED to start. I actually forgot what I bought so it'll be a surprise when it all comes in an I assemble. 👍

[@jeffrytessier6017]

UPDATE: so this is the setup as of now, (left to right). (1st case)ERICA SYNTHS pico seq2, Behringer multiples, 4ms rotating clock divider, A-110-1 VCO, erica SYNTHS black joystick 2, A-124 VCF5 wasp filter, Behringer multiples, quad vca, A-140-1 ADSR, A145-4 LFO quad, A160-5 RATCHETING MODULE, strymon attenuator. (2nd case) Behringer 960 Sequencer and sequential switch. 3rd case (unknown as of now) do have extra Behringer multiples I can use but also a ring Modulator that doesn't fit depth wise. 😁🎹

[@joshuahelmeke]

Honestly, I rely on your understanding and know how when it come to sound design. You’re on of my favorites in the field.

[@danpreston564]

I have an MS20 and a 2600. They fulfil my primeval urge to stick patch cables into things but keep the costs from spiralling.

[@fjfrancois]

Smart choice of gear 👍🏻

[@SorchaSublime]

sounds like a good comb

[@RPGould3]

That bass (intro) sounds great!!

[@crowemusic1736]

one of most informative modular videos ive seen! ! thank you so much!

[@awesomeduder]

Subscribed to Sarah's YT channel last week - great work with a Hydrasynth and that touch controller with the Buchla-style overlay, a real bracing listen!

[@bkt-n-spd]

More of this sort of thing please 😎 This is useful, well thought out advice.

[@cycL3]

Great advice and selections for getting started!

[@samuellind477]

I have an 88hp system (with Minibrute 2s) and I couldn't be happier with where it is now. There certainly is an occasional desire to expand, but I think it's safe to say I've reached a happy plateau with my modular. It doesn't have to be endless spending by any means!

[@PerfectCircuit]

Sounds like a great setup

[@FUNKINETIK]

That’s reassuring- I’ve got myself a Minibrute 2s just 3 days ago. I’m not sure if’s okay, ?… it’s making weird noises. ; ) (my new little joke). , I’m sort of new to modular, I’m finding the Minibrute complete joy and it seems very versatile for creating and performing. Any advice on what modules to expand with I would much appreciate. I was thinking of getting a RackBrute 6U as a start. I had been looking at Moog’s M32, dfam, Subharmonican but quite pricey even secondhand.

[@Anselarnold]

So incredibly helpful. Thank you Sarah!

[@Psionetics]

Very clear explanations! Thank you

[@nx01craig]

Bravo! Great information. Small and tiny modular systems are awesome!

[@VictorSteiner]

Loving the frap tools cases. Have the 4MS Sperhical Wavetable Navigator, Hermod + Stereo Filter + Clouds in there with a Polyend Anywhere so it is fully mobile.

[@johnsuggs3952]

The Behringer Neutron is a good system to start with. It comes with everything you need to get started and it's under 350 dollars. Doesn't sound bad at all from the demos I've seen of it. With that and the Arturia Keystep or (Behringer SWING) You literally have a complete setup for Under 500 Eurorack systems aren't cheap. I would recommend doing something like the Behringer Neutron-Keystep/SWING setup. Or even better download Cherry Audio's Voltage or VCV Rack and practice on them. They're both free and you can get an idea of how to setup and use a Eurorack system before you spend 1000s sometimes north of 10-thousand dollars .

[@vonehrenheim]

Thanks for the great advice!

[@zenithpinch]

that lofi intro is kino

[@tgeo2880]

My (planned) starter system consists of Pam and an Intellijel Plog for logic gating, Basimilus Iteritas Alter, Verbos Noise & Filter + Make Noise LxD (primarily for high hats) XAOC Tirana sequencer, Erbe-verb, X-Pan, Mutes, Shakmat hi pass and Alm PE-1 eq for mixing 84hp, primal-techno powerhouse 🔥

[@benhavey4107]

This is an excellent guide! From my experience starting from a smaller case can be frustrating because if you find a new module you want to try you have to swap something out. I started with a 60hp case and upgraded to a Mantis quickly!

[@stefanhansen5882]

Oh yeah! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@hfos]

This is an excellent, insightful and clear video, which isn't great because it takes away a reason to keep away from it modulars. I'm down for to my last two reasons, namely money and time...

[@VJFranzK]

Hey, Sarah B R ! Good discussion.

[@MrMarcLaflamme]

How to descend into madness and crippling debt in 3 easy steps :-)

[@bak4320]

The best advice I’ve heard is only worry about the case and take it from there. Case prices can be daunting but you only have to do it once. Then just add a module or two at a time once you get your bearings 🤷‍♀️

[@MrMarcLaflamme]

@@bak4320 Until you need a bigger case :-D. But I guess it's the nature of an open ended hobby.

[@dwilsonsscott8333]

@@bak4320 Agreed. Imo the best place to start is a semi modular and a case, then just slowly add modules that you think will supplement your semi modular in interesting ways.

[@BubbaSatori]

Behringer: Hold my beer.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

love MDLR cases- heavy but portable and can hold massive amounts of modules and look great lots of power.

[@sliceofsparta8985]

The Roland SYR-E84 is an incredible beginner case. Definitely not the cheapest 84hp case out there, but it's insanely overpowered so power is all but a concern, and the power is built in so you get the full 85hp. Got a lid with a handle on top, looks great, wood cheeks, nothing to really complain about. Maybe just that the rails are too recessed to use Knurlies, which aren't long enough.

[@ericjohnson2965]

So with a small system I can still get as many modules as I want and just swap out from time to time as needed well here's my problem I don't have room for a monster system and my budget is tight I'm looking at the Cre8t Audio nifty bundle for $269.00 sounds expensive well it has built in cv gate output power supply midi and two modules cells and chips they do a ton of stuff

[@et4able]

amazing vid thanks!

[@Stefaneff]

i have started with Behringer Neutron and i'm fixed :-D

[@massimookissed1023]

Good move.

[@galenbaby]

Really great teacher. I bet a class would rule

[@Twicrumbles]

Finding my way around Eurorack for a few months myself now, I'm beginning to doubt the value of 'starting small' when this means that you start with these complex modules like a benjolin and morphagene, which certainly offer loads of variety per HP and are fun to mess around with, but are also opaque when you try to actually control them or try to make something specific (and musical) and you're just starting out. You could also get twice or thrice the HP of more basic building blocks for the same price, and then you can actually see what's going on. This is a great small setup, but I doubt it's a smart starting point. Get some more rails, hang them in a cardboard box, buy some second hand doepfer utilities and one or two modules you're drawn to, and develop from there?

[@AntonNidhoggr]

Great video! The balance in a small case is a tricky thing. When I try to assemble a small setup I usually end up screwing and unscrewing everything infinite number of times.

[@PerfectCircuit]

That is the hard part about small cases, but planning them on modulargrid makes it a little easier

[@AntonNidhoggr]

@@PerfectCircuit haha, indeed however in my case it's the dilemma: there's always some module definitely not meant for a compact setup but... it looks so cute and tweaks so nice and I just can't leave it :-D

[@Algoritmarte]

Small system, but powerful sound !!!

[@stephenparry6811]

All sounds fantastic but I see the mini system there & it probably costs more than my mini wall of second hand modules

[@trevormalcolm4328]

I just sold my kidney to get into eurorack

[@PerfectCircuit]

dang you got 2 of those right ?

[@milododds1]

Of course I have dreams of building a Mutable Instruments based Eurorack (Elements, Ears, Rings, etc.) but you're right that I need to start small plus a system of my dreams would cost a lot and I don't know yet if I am really going to be good at this and throughly enjoy it. Does anyone have experience with Koma Elektronik Field Kit (& FX model)? Was sort of digging their DIY kit because that would give me the what's under the hood knowledge. Currently I'm a Garage Band Junkie who uses digital instruments such as the Orba and a mini keyboard and hopefully soon the Joyst JV-1 and later on the Chordmonger, yeah I'm a Kickstarter Junkie too. I'm into creating music that helps me tell stories. I work in the corporate education field and my background is primarily in graphics, video, and web sites. I am really having fun learning how to create digital audio, got two playlists up on Soundcloud. What happened is I was a backer for the Artiphon Kickstarter project thinking it would be something I could give our son to play with, only to discover he had zero interest and then I started playing with it and got hooked. Prior to all of this I played the guitar and a little piano but never in a million years thought I would be composing and producing music. Life's a trip. I signed up for your class wait list, I can tell that you (Sarah) have a great depth of knowledge that I would love to tap into plus you seem very pragmatic.

[@obshaky]

That modular is about ~$2100 and If you add the CTRL thats $400+... That's if you can find any of the modules in stock. For now I'll just continue with VCV ipad to narrow things to "most depth per dollar".

[@MakingSoundMachines]

Loved this, great introductions to each of the modules! Can relate to much of the reasoning here, while mostly using other modules to do similar things. Cool sound rexamples also. Perfert Circuit, could you add links to the modules in the description?

[@Nokanmusic]

Very good

[@WxkR]

Very useful! But I will still stay away from monstroular. It’ll keep being a platonic relationship.

[@jonny26281]

the bass at the beginning has a similar vibe to inertia creeps by massive attack

[@vincentprimault4380]

Very nice intro music :)

[@Dogboy73]

'Take your time with this process' ............ ah, too late!! :-/ Dove straight in, bought a Tip Top Happy ending, filled it and bought another. Filled that and upgraded to a Tip top Mantis. Have probably spent about 10-15 minutes total with manuals for all the modules I have. Oops!

[@mikenoface]

yeah I did the same. Got the TipTop HEK, built my rig... immediately was like.. well now I need drums (I have grooveboxes and such, but those aren't modular now are they?).

[@bassofuol]

How is this being recorded/heard? Is it through them two black wires coming out of the one on the right going into an interface or speakers?

[@AndreRuschkowski]

I'm wondering what's the advantage of using two Make Noise Function modules instead of a single Maths?

[@WillemZenhorst]

Yeah, as far as I can tell it just saves 4HP space, but a single Maths is SOO much more valuable than 2x Function. Heck, it's also cheaper even.

[@madmac66]

Can you still get Maths. I thought they weren’t making them any more

[@mr.apartment]

might be a shot in the dark but was wondering if you could tell me how to get the type of signal decay on time stamp 1:32 of a lorn song called all corrupt everything, cheers!

[@wickeddubz]

I actually don’t want big setup. More modules - less focus. If you want to make lab at home - go ahead. To stay focused, IJ Palette or 6-7U and 80-110 hp case will be good compromise. More modules you can have to swap them, but focused small to medium setup is important, because things can get complicated very quickly

[@PercivalThe23]

exactly,take the whole fun out of the equation!

[@tragicbeatzs8183]

So how much would this setup itself cost?

[@RobertSaxy]

I’m a brass player (never mind my name hear I’m no saxophonist although it would apply there to I guess) starting me journey into modular eras works, any tips on using eurorack with my horns? Great video and info too many thank yous

[@mikenoface]

Check out Sarah's instagram. She does really cool stuff feeding the sound of her trumpets into synths and such.

[@RobertSaxy]

@@mikenoface thanks for the heads up will definitely check it out

[@sichtbeton]

Get an ipad and Drambo. To master this will take a looong time and be more then a lot of beginner Modular systems.

[@VictorSteiner]

PS: Seeing the strain on that power supply cable makes me cry.

[@thebarf9235]

I'm looking for a grand piano sound. Can it do that?

[@brandonharkins6900]

Just buy a grand piano, it'll be cheaper

[@robekbery4505]

Noob question here but... The module with the four sliders (presumably volume) - does that mean you could have 4 separate sounds playing at once?

[@philzerkel3486]

You got it. That is mutable instruments Veils. It has 4 VCAs which can be used to mix four sound sources.

[@robekbery4505]

@@philzerkel3486 wow - so you could have four different sequences going and use the vcas to mix them?

[@PerfectCircuit]

@@robekbery4505 Yes, you can combine any four sounds together and control their volume manually with the sliders as well as with a CV envelope or LFO etc.

[@robekbery4505]

@@PerfectCircuit amazing! Thank you for your helpful replies for someone who has never gone past a more traditional synth :)

[@sutusmihaly]

"..starting small.." and with the first two models breaking the 1k € mark..well then..

[@thorsoundsystem-doct6103]

how much would a rack like this cost? like...this one xd

[@SorchaSublime]

they should sell a function with an inverted interface.

[@HoveyKraft]

put it in your case upside-down

[@SorchaSublime]

@@HoveyKraft but then the controls are flipped.

[@bryantwalley]

Modular synth and trumpets.... Some patient parenting right there...

[@BubbaSatori]

How much are kidneys going for these days?

[@PandaPotPies]

If youre reading this dont go too crazy. Make sure you have a basic oscillator, filter, vcas, and sequencer. Youll regret not having a standard flexible synth

[@scopsmusicproductionandcom3926]

It's all about the Benjolins baby.

[@pablowentscobar]

Laptops? Laptops!? We don't need no stinking laptops.

[@another_alex8738]

Step 1: Have money ... Damnit...

[@Lewp77]

hot

[@HrafnNordhri]

Ok so, you showed us some sounds that at first do not come across as musical, then some nice tasty bass.. an ad for your course.. but why not offer an example of how these modules perform in a live setting? Can it create something that people can dance to?!

[@dictabeat]

I bet all of this sounds great with a good sequencer so you can actually make melodies and coherent beats instead of random noises only stoners space out to. Cos the sounds are really cool and spaced out.

[@Otocol]

Ive never done drugs in my life other than the adderall i was forced to take from a very young age

[@dictabeat]

@@Otocol Sorry to read that. Eitherway it's a cool vid and even though I refuse to dive into modular world, it's inspiring.

[@speakshh.1302]

That’s exactly what I was thinking. I still need to find more modules that do what I want but I think I’d go with modules that add onto my synths. Giving my synths more flexibility and character. I think I’d be pretty happy with that rather than random bleeps and boops

[@andyjohnson9714]

why nobody speaks ridiculous prices per module?

[@snorrevonflake]

Because a lot of people can afford to spend a few thousand for a hobby.

[@johnsuggs3952]

@@snorrevonflake No they can't.

[@MattLab-wr2eu]

Just say No to Drugs Kids.

[@id.unknown1283]

You need the money for eruorack modules

[@jessihawkins9116]

I have to poop ☹️

[@johnnymidnight2982]

Sarah used to be such a nice girl... until she got a Benjolin.

[@lesvolga1355]

sorry! your "music" sounds like a diesel engine on a start

[@zoolygreb7885]

I was really curious, but sorry, this is just noise.

[@GoodAfternoonDave]

it's for sound design

[@zoolygreb7885]

@@GoodAfternoonDave Yes, Ok. And your point being? It's still sound design that results in noise.

[@GoodAfternoonDave]

@@zoolygreb7885 my point being you can design whatever sounds you want with a good modular setup. Sarah Belle Ried is a noise artist and trumpet player. she does entire concerts of abstract ambient noise/glitch soundscapes.

[@zoolygreb7885]

@@GoodAfternoonDave With all the beautiful, melodic music that has been created over the years, it's hard to believe that some people find "noise" creation entertaining. Music is supposed to brighten your spirit, lighten your troubles and worries, and instill optimism - not grate at your senses!

[@krazywabbit]

So is the comment section.

[@MrBeen992]

"We all dream of that wall of modules that can make any sound in the world..."... Could it make the sound of her voice ?

[@fjfrancois]

No, thank you.

[@3DEddie]

sorry but 2.30 intro before you get to the main..... I had gone

[@psyswordrizvi131]

Modular is crap. Grow up kids

[@nolies1378]

?

[@aeropilot4419]

Downvoted for balance

[@GoodAfternoonDave]

said no sound designer ever

[@larryellingson2435]

Give someone a fish and they'll eat for a day. Teach someone to fish and they'll eat for a lifetime. Teach someone to play electronic instruments and buy eurorack modules and they'll be impoverished for the rest of their life!

[@jasondonahoe6727]

This was probably the best intro to modular system building I’ve seen. Great hosting, great length. Super easy to understand, and very level-headed.

[@Ritual_Gaze]

Eurorack doesn't have to be expensive people! You can start cheap and small, after getting a semi-modular. There's also DIY! The Plankton Electronics Ants! has all kinds of utility and flexibility to get you going beyond a 0-coast or something.

[@robthebloke]

DIY isn't as cost effective as it used to be. It's hard to beat the behringer system 100 modules.

[@milododds1]

Thanks Danny - I will check them out.

[@AtlasMvm]

@@robthebloke people say this and I don't know why. If you are smart about your mouser orders, you can get a lot of modules for under 50 bucks. Some NLC modules have less than a dollars worth of parts.

[@butsukete1806]

@@AtlasMvm And if you don't mind waiting a bit, there's Aliexpress. Digital is fairly cheap too; STM32, ADC and DAC boards can all be gotten for $2-5 each.

[@godfreyfunklord5340]

@@butsukete1806 can you send me some resources ? I’m looking to get into this stuff but I’m on a bit of a budget

[@clonn]

Looks and sounds great, but buying a >500€ module for beginners doesn’t seem like a very common situation.

[@snorrevonflake]

Well i began with filling about 480 HP within a few months before thinking where this should go...

[@stephenbier8722]

Her presentation style is most admirable. Her information on how to build a small system is invaluable: extremely pragmatic and simultaneously very artistic. Excellent job!

[@joel_holzapfel]

my goodness those sounds are incredible. brand new to modular synths but I love learnig about them. Thanks for the video Sarah!

[@ddmaxx3]

Is she using the Morphagene sampler as an Audio I/O module!?

[@night_speed]

Best bang for buck case is the niftycase. Get one without two module bundle. Find one used and you get a perfect sized case with power supply, flying bus and built in outputs and midi for less than 200 bucks. I also disagree with this choice of modules for a beginner. This would frustrate most people. 10 different people will recommend 10 different module combinations. Trial and error is the only way to find what works for you and your style of music and performance. If i had copied this setup out of the gate i would've given up after a couple days of frustration. Get a beringer neutron and arturia keystep and add a few modulation or effect sources. Clouds, full Maths,and maybe an interesting probabilistic sequencer or clock divider/multiplier. Start there and in less than a year you'll be running out of room for new modules and cases.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

pamela new workout, queen of pentacles and mixer/vca/attenuator really all you need for most dance/techno/edm type music in small setup and on budget too.

[@robthebloke]

@@GuitarsAndSynths don't go queen of pentacles, the QC is terrible. On mine, the FX knobs don't work, neither do 3 of the sample triggers. endorphines support is non existant (worst purchase I've made so far). Get a hexinverter bd9. Seriously.

[@madmac66]

That’s where I’m at. Had the Neut for a couple of years and want to expand the modulation options. Would love a Maths but heard they are hella rare. Really want a wavefolder and clock divider, some VCAs and LFOs in about 40hp or so. Want to build my own case but finding solid info for any of this that MAKES SENSE to an absolute noob is impossible. Most modular nerds assume you already know about power and voltage and polarity and everything else. I mean listen to the girl in this video. Uses so much terminology that an absolute beginner will just be lost. So much modular advice is basically preaching to the converted.

[@stephenkyburz6529]

Thanks for explaining in such an easy and calm way. Got yourself a new subscriber ^^

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

I started with a Doepfer A100 Basic system then got a new case and had fun. Love the 0-ctrl in your video a great little sequencer.

[@robertobreve8623]

I might afford the case for now

[@pongtrometer]

Didn’t realise you could manipulate sound without having to sample directly with Morphagene . Thanks Sarah, clear teaching as per usual.

[@quoudten]

Is building these from scratch yourself any cheaper???

[@olw4196]

Seems impossible to start small and plan things out when you have no idea what your doing... I started medium. Every "small" eurorack seems connected to an external sequencer or keystep keyboard... :) I ended up with a tip top 240hp and a nifty case ~86hp. I assumed I'd just try a bunch of different modules and resell ones I don't think I need. But so far I love every module.

[@KimbleMcCann75]

Sage advise & badass sounds 🌟🤙🏽

[@lucianobuccero]

Thanx a lot!

[@snorrevonflake]

I don't think the idea of eurorack is to keep it small. Look at what Sarah or others use in their videos, that stuff might cost more than your car (or house). Don't start if you are can't afford to spend 5 K (will be 10 soon). Unless you know exactly what you want, then you can put together a small setup like this for 2-3 K. But thats hardly the case with beginners, you would want to try many flavours thats what eurorack is about.

[@johnsuggs3952]

I'm out. Was building the system that I've seen in a few of these videos. The cheapest was 1700.

[@ErikEkholm]

First!! And I didn’t plan a thing!

[@Brendalo1]

Waiting list for classes check, Brute 3u rack check.. Benjolin 2v,.. check , 0 control ,,, check , Patch cables ... check MATH on the way, Sample Drum on the way, how to hook up to Guitar amp, where is the sound coming from >? Sarah shows everything but the amp & speaker...

[@jj-icejoe6642]

Can you do something melodic with all that money ?

[@massimookissed1023]

Just about. That _Make Noise 0'ctrl_ with the gold touch pads can be tweaked to send control voltages that would result in something tuneful. The _Expert Sleepers ES9_ she mentioned can take MIDI data and output control voltages, but it ain't cheap. A simple option would be the _Arturia Keystep,_ with its 2½ octave keyboard outputting CV.

[@blaythessteuer]

cool video but two functions over a maths...

[@mikehawk9461]

You can also start by connecting the power cable properly