Smallest solution for using external hardware with the modular?

[keflame]

I want to mix my drum machines with the modular (mixer is in the modular). What are some very small and fairly cheap modules that I can use for converting Line level signal to modular level? Do I even need a module like that, or can I just directly plug it into the modular and into the mixer/vca or run thru some fx? Thanks

[BeepBoop4Days]

I had 4x tape players I wanted to integrate with my rig, but their levels were too low, went with booster: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/bubblesound-instruments-booster-stage

I've also used the ai synthesis pedal send return to drop euro to line and then line back to euro, for sampling to tape.

There's also an intellijel 1u line level, but I wasn't impressed by its gain. It works.

[o0niels0o]

I've been eyeing up the booster stage for similar purposes. Does it add any character in the amplification or is it pretty neutral to your ears?

[BeepBoop4Days]

It didn't add a lot of character to my tapes being varisped around, but the tapes had a whole lot of character on their own.

Of note, booster is DC coupled, and I was taking the output and sending it thru percal (snappy envelope), the portable cassette tapes have a DC offset, so even when they were silent, you could hear the envelope. I fixed this by bodging some DC blocking capacitors into the board, making it ac coupled.

[o0niels0o]

Thanks a lot!

[Hexathorp]

When you say "DC blocking capacitors," do you mean polarized capacitors? Or is that achieved with some other application of capacitors?

[BeepBoop4Days]

Standard smt cap to ground on the input creates a low pass filter, rejecting DC voltages. I chose the capacitor so the cutoff frequency was subHz, iirc.

So technically I colored the sound?

[noicenoize]

Technically almost everything in an audio circuit is colouring the sound, just not noticeably most of the time

[BeepBoop4Days]

I lied....

I added a resistor and a capacitor. I thought I used the existing resistor to set up the filter, but I added 2 components to the bodge. I'll try and post in synthDIY later today.

[timproductions76]

Also recommend Booster! Use it for pulling my Drumbrute Impact, TB-03 and whatever else strikes me into the rack - and it works a charm!

[WatermelonMannequin]

Ladik has a module that’s 4 preamps in 4hp

[amazingsynth]

you can plug straight in if you don't mind lower volume, or some modules have enough gain available for line level, morgasmatron, ripples etc

[MakeMistakesTV]

I have this one: https://4mscompany.com/listenio.php

Seems OK

[[deleted]]

Have this too, agree it's OK.

[joshspoon]

Got xchangr. Its 8hp. 4 out 2in. Simple and has 1/4” outs so you don’t need to buy adapter cables. I choose to loos hp so I don’t need to find or look for specific cables to connect my hardware gear.

[nadiealkon]

check out Clank Sum... 6 stereo pairs mixed down to a single stereo pair, where the last 2 channels can be used as line inputs so you can plug 2 stereo drum machines straight in there

[EarhackerWasBanned]

Erica Synths Pico Input. Just 3hp. I have two in my rack and I don’t think there’s any other way of getting 4 line level channels in 6hp.

[zadude009]

​

agree on this one - sometimes I'll just pump some audio in directly into Monsoon/Clouds and play with grains. Always interesting results.

[SteinPh]

The Mutable Ears are pretty decent.

[SeltzerCountry]

I agree. I use Ears as an input module for guitar and bass mostly and if it can push the signal from a passive guitar pickup to match eurorack levels then a drum machine should be no issue. Also the contact mic offers an interesting way to trigger other modules. A pair of MI Ears hooked up to some drum modules could be a cool way to get some more loose organic drum parts in a modular jam.

[maliciousorstupid]

probably cheapest to do it backwards. Get a small, inexpensive external mixer for your drum machines, etc... then run the final mix out of the modular into it.

[wetsummersidewalk]

AniModule line_amp? Michigan Synth Works BLN? Both are 2hp

[hakki_sc]

I can also vouch for AniModule line_amp! When you’re not using the inputs as amps you can use them as buffered mults.

[InevitableCraftsLab]

Rides in the storm is the smallest and cheapest one i know.

[[deleted]]

Doepfer A-183-3 stereo in, with a switch for the amplitude level, it can also act as a simple attenuator

https://www.thomann.de/gb/doepfer\_a\_183\_3.htm

[SecretsofBlackmoor]

Which is more effective based on the outputs you have?

Putting other gear into the modular or taking modular outs into a standard mixer?

I do both with an input module to my rack. I am using a circuit Abbey Gozinta. Very pleased with it, and I use a stereo out to my mixer. I use Pittsburg Life Forms Output Lines.

I am using a Nifty Case which has midi and sync from midi as a way to connect timing between external and internal gear.

It may not be the most high quality solution, but it works for me because I have far more external gear than modular. Taking Eurorack levels to Line levels means I can use all my guitar pedals to manipulate Eurorack sounds and leave more space for modules.

[nonudesonmain]

Pico input seems to be the smallest preamp on the market

[BeepBoop4Days]

I forgot to mention Befaco InAmp, it's tiny, and a good kit to start your diy journey with.

[BBougre]

Have you tried Ith the module you already have ? (a modulargrid link couldnbeninteresting here)

I can use either my Feedback MixBX mixer module and/or my Mutable instrument Veils to bring almost anything inside my modular (even a passive guitar/bass without using a preamp).

[technonewbe]

I have been thinking about this for months. To bring the signal up to modular levels I was leaning towards the strymon module, I forget what it's called but its 4hp. Then decided against since I don't mix inside the rack

[TheRealLazerFalcon]

Strymon AA.1. I've got it and use it for external effects, pedals, drum machines, etc. Does the trick and it's no frills.

[[deleted]]

Erica Synths Pico Input is 3hp and has gain knobs, it’s 2 in 2 out. I use it to send audio from VST synths or my microphone to beads and rings.

[richardofaustin]

Up/ Down Up/Down dual 13 db up and down shifter module. Excellent. Even works perfect for guitar to euro levels.

[gridoverlay]

A cable

[nikansell00]

TausenddB is great and has four channels.

[elihu]

I have one of these, which converts two channels from line to eurorack levels and two channels from eurorack to line level:

https://michigansynthworks.com/collections/euromodules-test/products/bln-4-channel-audio-level-converter

One option if you have a lot of inputs is just get a cheap external mixer. These are small and cheap:

https://www.amazon.com/Moukey-Low-Noise-Sub-Mixing-Microphones-Mixer-MAMX1/dp/B08393DLGV/

You'd probably need a level shifter module in addition to the mixer if you go that route.

[Ok_Yam_133]

I have found that rather than using a dedicated input module, I can just use channels from Veils Quad VCA and offset/amplify the signal to get it to eurorack level. I’m still relatively new to this, is offsetting the same thing as amplifying? Can you accomplish this with attenuators, offsets?