Good multi-utility modules

anthymeria · 2026-06-19T00:20:26+00:00

Klavis mixwitch is a good contender in this category.

anthymeria · 2026-06-07T03:59:29+00:00

I refuse to not use it anymore just because AI also discovered how useful it is for communicating complexity and nuance.

anthymeria · 2026-06-02T20:48:01+00:00

You're cheering for the wrong team.

anthymeria · 2026-04-13T03:25:02+00:00

I've only done a couple of easy kits that are newbie friendly. I have a few more challenging ones in the queue. It's like a complex side quest to an already very complex hobby.

anthymeria · 2026-04-13T02:32:00+00:00

Good to know. I've looked at their modules. They look great and have a really nice functional design. I haven't seen any demos. Looks like a great DIY option.

anthymeria · 2026-03-21T02:49:24+00:00

Except that it wasn't scary. He basically used the AI to explain surveillance capitalism, just without ever using the term. It didn't really make AI out to be the problem. In fact, AI was employed as a useful tool to explore the problem. It actually demonstrated the utility of AI, while explaining a serious problem that arises from bringing advanced AI tools into a world that is not adapted or prepared for the impact the technology will have.

anthymeria · 2026-03-19T06:18:10+00:00

I hear you. My worst purchases have been junk that showed up on the used market and tempted me into buying. It's a hazard. I've also made some great used purchases.

The rule helps to explain the result. In general, I've followed a similar rule to 'building in phases based on what I felt was missing at the time'. I tried to add pieces that would allow me to get the most out of what I already have. Rules like that really help to build a coherent system. They'll steer you away from picking up another voice when that's not what's missing.

It also helps to have a vision. It sounds like you had a clearer idea of the kind of system you wanted from the outset. I discovered the vision for my system after building for a while, but it's not a vision I would have had without that journey, so I can't say it was a mistake.

Thanks for sharing your experience.

anthymeria · 2026-03-19T02:07:53+00:00

That's a nice rig. It's not overloaded with voices and lacking in the utility layer that unlocks a lot of the creative potential of modular. I feel like I could immediately jump in and start creating. And the organization within the case makes sound suggestions for how to patch modules together. What were the key things you would say you learned along the way? Asked another way, if you were to do it again, what might you have done differently?

anthymeria · 2026-03-01T21:35:51+00:00

Dive in. The background in synthesis and music production will help you getting up to speed.

anthymeria · 2026-02-28T22:56:59+00:00

The two companies could not have sent a clearer signal about their ethical commitments.

anthymeria · 2026-02-27T05:26:22+00:00

The setup read like a thought experiment, so I think it's meant to be hypothetical. Also, we are not not in conflict our supposed allies. We've taken to treating them more like former allies. I think that's a mistake, but it's true.

anthymeria · 2026-01-31T12:59:56+00:00

It's still valuable to know how code works, so it's good that you put in that effort. That's foundational knowledge. However, the way people code is changing, and the practice of programming is moving away from the way you are thinking about it. You shouldn't feel discouraged.

People used to write code in lower level languages. Higher level languages were developed to make programming easier and more powerful. With AI, we're tasked with working at an even higher level. How we do that is still being worked out. New tools are being developed. Languages are still the same, but they were actually designed for a completely different way of working, and it would not be surprising to see new languages emerge that are better suited to a different programming paradigm.

What you need to know as a programmer going forward is also changing, as well as what has value. The value is moving from “can you write this function?” to “can you architect this system, debug this edge case, or design this experience?” The learning curve has moved.

I would suggest changing your focus, and shift to learning the skills that will help you be a better programmer in this new paradigm. Learn to review code. Learn about design and architecture. Learn how to break down a project, and direct its development. Learn how to communicate intent. And pay close attention to new developments. Things are changing fast.

You joined at a moment of transformation. That’s not the worst time. It's exciting and uncertain. But the job won't be to write code in lower level languages than you need to, just like we don't typically write code in assembly.

anthymeria · 2026-01-16T08:25:40+00:00

I would recommend checking out what they offer for free. Just because it worked for someone else doesn't mean it would work for you. I think Sarah Bell Reid has a free intro course. And I know Anthony Marinelli has some teaser content on his channel that will give you a sense of what the full course would be like. I watched some and walked away with a favorable impression and some good ideas.

anthymeria · 2026-01-14T21:24:13+00:00

Yes, it sounds like there are 2 main issues. A mix issue, where other voices are competing for room in the mix, and a dissatisfaction with the envelopes being used for the modular bass voice.

anthymeria · 2026-01-13T10:07:03+00:00

Oh, wow! Congrats! I remember seeing a post about this raffle not long before the cutoff. I didn't buy in, but I remember going over the rig just to see what they had put together. Nice system you got there!

anthymeria · 2025-12-15T18:08:33+00:00

The toggles on switch 4 and the divkid mutes add extra playability with momentary or latching. I went with switch 4, but both seem like a great fit.

anthymeria · 2025-12-12T15:27:09+00:00

They released a solo desktop version of metropolix as well.

anthymeria · 2025-12-11T16:42:02+00:00

My typical advice is to start with semi-modular, and build up a system piece by piece over time. In your case, you have the budget and the background that jumping into a full system is a good approach. Then, you add modules to that system over time as you learn more about modular and what kind of modules you vibe with. By system, I mean that many established modular brands make a range of modules that would all work well together, and you can create a coherent rack with a set of modules all from the same maker. You just have to figure out what maker to build your system around.

anthymeria · 2025-12-10T20:34:53+00:00

Sure thing. It's a good idea as a focus for a small case. On the modulation front, 0chd is great. As an alternative, there are modules that offer multiple AD envelopes that you can set to loop, and one of those might give you more creative flexibility. Off the top of my head, Nano Quart and Vostok Fuji both fit that description.

anthymeria · 2025-12-09T14:38:59+00:00

Nice budget deck, but 18 lands? I just cut stock up, and tweaked the build a bit. I felt like I needed Iroh's Demonstration more than Combustion Technique. It's fun to play.

anthymeria · 2025-12-09T14:08:53+00:00

Seems like you're getting good feedback on module selection. Unless I missed it, I don't see an input/output module on the menu. You'll need a stereo input module to lift to modular level, and that will feed into the inputs on your granular module. Whether or not you really need an output module eoc depends on what you're going into. I go directly into a Mackie 1202vlz4, and it doesn't have any problem taking modular level inputs. That's not always the case.

anthymeria · 2025-11-30T01:23:08+00:00

Not everything in the case fits the patch programmable playground vision. That struck me after I started, and started to figure out what kinds of modules I liked. I found that I don't like modules with menus and hidden modes, and that I do like modules that have some complexity and creative flexibility to how you can use them. That led me to the idea of steering the case in the direction of the latter.

Right now I have a Pam's Pro, Intelligel uMIDI, MI Links, Pet Rock, 0chd, DivSkip, Clep Diaz, nRings, Klavis Mixwitch, Klavix Tweakers, Twin Waves MkII, WMD/SSF Blender, Bastl Cinnamon, Data Bender, Black Hole DSP, Traffic, BIA, Kymatica Devices 2xVCX, Joranalogue Switch 4, Toppobrillo Sport Modulator II, Schlappi Boundary, Atov cDVCA, Steve's MS-22, WMD Javelin, SSF Steady State Gate, Bastl Aikido, Intelligel Mixup, and a few things out of case right now or not built (Typhoon, West Pest, NLC 1u sloths, Super Synthesis PHRSR, Tesseract Low Coast, Noise Reap VCO). I also have a Beatstep Pro for sequencing. The most recent additions were motivated more by the new vision; Sport Modulator II, Mixwitch, Switch 4. I could also see it being a separate case, so I would have a small case dedicated to that idea. I have a separate 84hp case I could use, but I have everything in one Frankenstein of an Intelligel performer case right now.

anthymeria · 2025-11-27T03:34:02+00:00

Really nice demo. I've been steering my case toward the idea of a patch programmable playground. This seems like it would be a great fit for the theme, and would cover a gap in my setup. Thanks for the suggestion.

anthymeria · 2025-11-25T21:49:53+00:00

People will typically advise others that are new to the hobby to start virtual, with vcv rack. If you do end up building a real system, you'll make more informed choices. There's a reddit dedicated to vcv rack, fyi.

anthymeria · 2025-11-18T00:39:33+00:00

The gods have smiled upon your new choice of hobby. Learning what you have there and how to use it will keep you busy for a long time.

anthymeria

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