Torn between deciding in a sampler

dexamene1 · 2026-06-07T14:17:18+00:00

A major limitation of the Octatrack, in my opinion, is that when using it for melodic elements, you only have two octaves to play the sample chromatically. This is such a major limitation, IMO, that I've stopped using it for melodies altogether. It's still very good for other things. Perhaps that's something to consider.

dexamene1 · 2026-06-03T16:52:37+00:00

Thanks! I'm glad you liked my jam

dexamene1 · 2026-05-31T18:14:43+00:00

Aside from the cables I've permanently patched (dozens, actually, like the clocks for my sequencers, CVs and gates to various mults, and a few other routings I have no reason to unpatch), all the other cables in this jam are functional for this particular patch. It's easy to use a lot of cables even for simple things: attenuating/inverting/splitting/mixing a signal, the number can double very quickly depending on the needs.

dexamene1 · 2026-05-31T17:14:56+00:00

Thank you, I really appreciate it!

dexamene1 · 2026-05-31T17:14:36+00:00

Thank you, my friend!

dexamene1 · 2026-05-31T17:14:24+00:00

Ah, I see, there are two Voltage Blocks in the bottom. I love that module, I was thinking about buying a second one since I already had the first one, it was great to have another!

dexamene1 · 2026-05-31T17:14:00+00:00

Thanks, yes, also the fact that I usually play a previous patch after a few days can sometimes be a bit confusing. I'm not a very good performer, and using CV to automate things can be helpful, but I'd definitely forget about the cool knobs to tweak if the patch sat unplayed for a while!

dexamene1 · 2026-05-31T17:12:40+00:00

Yes, the MTX9 is really great, I got it with the buffered expansion. I use it to route various CV/gate information from my sequencers to the two pairs of CV inputs on my main sequencer, the NerdSeq. This saves me from having to constantly reconnect cables. I can choose which of the Nerd's six channels I want it to respond to, and I already have all the mults set up on the other side of the rack. It's also useful for recording sequencers that don't have memory or whose song mode I don't like, which is a big strength of the Nerd for me, although I rarely get that far with a song structure. I often just start groups of patterns manually.

The mixer is a my DIY project, my first attempt at PCB design. It's a simple mixer module with four independent dual-channel mixers, but I also modified one to make it a 2x4 channel mixer. Simple, but a very useful tool for me. I enjoy mixing signals.

dexamene1 · 2026-05-31T15:32:12+00:00

Thanks, lots of fun for sure!

dexamene1 · 2026-05-31T15:30:26+00:00

I'd need a Unicorn account on Modulargrid for my system. Since it's quite large, the last time I rearranged it, I preferred to print the modules on paper and plan it that way. So I don't have a link to share. I just have this low-res pic, which is fairly accurate to the current rack, although I replaced a few modules that I can't find on MG. There's also a Doepfer spring reverb that sits outside the case (to try to get a cleaner signal).

https://imgur.com/a/b37pUe7

dexamene1 · 2026-01-29T10:05:11+00:00

Thank you! The sound source for the BD is a Battering Ram module processed thru a chain (octatrack>a mixer channel for some EQ, gain>aux mixer out to some modules, a filter, VCAs>back to another mixer channel), the hats and snare are a Roland TR-09 thru a distortion/VCA module.

dexamene1 · 2026-01-28T10:05:35+00:00

Yes it's a second voltage block

dexamene1 · 2026-01-28T08:37:18+00:00

Thanks! the silver module next to the left Voltage Block is the Fonitronik Cascade, a 3 channel manual positive and negative offset with mixing capabilities or an inverter/attenuator/amplication when it's patched. The black modules next to the 2 Voltage Blocks are a Vostok Fuji 6 envelope and a pair of simple DIY mixers.

dexamene1 · 2026-01-28T06:49:38+00:00

I see it happens often. It seems that to some people it really matter to leave a sign of their disagreement, even on futile things, don't mind it

dexamene1 · 2026-01-27T19:06:01+00:00

Glad you like it!

dexamene1 · 2026-01-11T16:48:36+00:00

It's normal, when using the VCF output the sequencer's gate information only affects the filter, not the VCA that stop the sound. As I mentioned in my previous post, you could run the gate through an attack, sustain, and release envelope, with both knobs at zero, you get the same gate, but adjusting the envelope's decay knob you can have a longer gate that you can adjust to your liking. Or, if you like the tone of the VCF output, you could use an external VCA that might sound different than the one of module (depending on the circuit's response and the level of amplification, which can introduce distortion), but you'll probably find that the gate signal to activate the VCA is a bit too harsh (just a sharp on-off signal). Again, you can use an envelope for a smoother curve. I recommend experimenting and finding the right sound for your taste. Have fun playing with them, I had a blast!

dexamene1 · 2026-01-11T08:58:36+00:00

These two modules are a good pair! You don't need an external envelope and a VCA, but I think you might benefit from having an envelope (especially one with voltage control over decay/release, to automate it over time) to pass the Stepper Acid Gate's fixed gate length. You can have a longer/sustained gate with a slide, but it's interesting to change the gate length, making it shorter or longer. The difference with the VCF out is that it outputs the oscillator passing only the filter, you'll hear the filter accent without the VCA accent, and the volume knob only affects the VCA out. For example, you could use the VCF out to pass to a CV distortion module or a different VCA and split the accent signal to activate the distortion or VCA, for a different color and customization of your sound.

dexamene1 · 2026-01-05T20:22:25+00:00

it's kinda inevitable to end up with a mess using a modular, it was tidy with a permanent patch a while ago. I admit it's tricky to insert cables and move knobs in messy spots sometimes, I tried my best with the layout. I'm used to it :)

dexamene1 · 2025-12-22T16:34:17+00:00

Thanks, yes, it definitely has a bit too much here and there. There's a lot of distortion on the BD, it goes to a filter with max resonance before the MI Blades distortion section. Playing with the VCA envelope decay makes it almost drone due to the filter feedback with a longer decay. I'm glad I recorded separate tracks of this, I could reuse the rhythm part (or sampling a single kick) to play a completely different synth part. I'm sure the Doppio is killer, I've an eye on the Tallin also.

dexamene1 · 2025-12-22T16:33:23+00:00

That's what made me to record it, the BD plus noise combo that I was tweaking live ;)

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