Even though I am a seasoned synthesist, (Since the early 70's). These were the first three Eurorack modules I purchased execept that Clouds is discontinued and has now been replaced by Beads. I selected these three mostly because of CL's informative video. Highly recommend as a jumping off point. The experimentation and resulting sounds has been a delight!
Wow, thanks for sharing! May I recommend also taking a look at Typhoon? It's the most powerful Clouds clone out there and it beats the original in controls, firmwares - and sonic potential.
This is actually the first video about modular synthesis that makes me want to dig deeper instead of ignoring this whole expensive movement. I am not sure if that is good or bad, but still I thank you.
Thanks for sharing! Modular is clearly going mainstream so a nice modular doesnt require a mortgage anymore. Modular is the best thing that ever happened to me and I had a lot of hardware. If you're ever ready to take the dive, let me know. I'll help you making good decisions when you're on a tight budget. And thank you so much for the compliment. This is exactly what my channel is about. Spread the word!
Great idea for a series! Not just for beginners though - it seems like it is also a pretty common experience for "senior"-wigglers that they discover how the popular modules are popular for a reason. Often they actually are the best compromise for their functions/form/price instead of more "esoteric" options that might be more focused on a single function/part of a module type. Looking forward to the next one as usual :)!
After a long break away from Eurorack (joys of homeschooling being a headF*&%) I am ready to start using the wall that is behind me as I type this. I have forgotten so much, and rather than another head game and steep learning curve right now I need a gentle guide and push. This is EXACTLY what I need at the time I really needed it. Thank you. Please keep them coming.
Even as an experienced eurorack user, I find these sort of videos extremely beneficial and essential for learning patch techniques that I may have forgotten, overlooked or never even was aware of. Great series!
I consider myself an experienced eurorack user too, but I learn the most from small setups and often get amazing results I would not have found with too many options and a predictable workflow. Thanks for sharing!
@@CinematicLaboratory I absolutely agree, my next investment will hopefully be a second, smaller case for focused module experiments. I look back at my early experiments using only Maths, Pico Drums and a Pico DSP and I soon find myself pricing out small 48 hp cases.
I am so Happy, that You starting this amazing series. And my happiness is doubled, with (my Most & 4ever Passioned), absolutely fantastic "Mutable Instruments". Thank You a Lot)
Sounds just as cool as your videos with huge systems and lots of money involved. I really need to learn the "less is more" approach, not only in usage of modules but resisting to turn every single button on every module from one extreme to the other within a few minutes.
I often get the best results with smaller configurations because they force you to be creative and try new stuff. Indeed I wanted to create a series that would also appeal to people who are about to get lost in the eurorack rabbit hole.
I wish I had this video a few thousand dollars ago. Actually I wouldn't have minded parting with the $$ if it enhanced my productivity. I've just found things overwhelming and uninspiring. I think I'm just going to limit myself to these 3 modules, dig in, and play around. Amazing vid as always.
I've been there too! I've been very disappointed about my first system - which is likely to happen when you're comparing a modular with a PC/Mac or hardware synth. Once you let go of expectations, you're free to start the journey of happy accidents and surprises.
Very nice I keep looking and thinking I’m going to jump on the modular bandwagon this is kind of what I need.. although what I would love to see is a series on integration with multiple semi modulars and a daw.. I want to be able to integrate that random beautiful element of modular with the more familiar structured creation of music using some external synths , VSTis and a DAW if you ever get stuck on your next idea.. that would be ace 😂😂
I'd be interested to see the use of the Keystep or Beatstep for more of the beginner route or those that may be price conscious compared to the "higher end" BSP. I've been watching your videos for many months now and this series is off to a good start!
@@CinematicLaboratory René Classic, Qu-bit Surface and the Wasp filter. Maybe a little strange as a combo but it just happened. 😄 Have had a lot of fun so far though and naturally thinking of what to get next. Your new starter videos (and all of them really) are super and come w great timing!
I’ll be keeping an eye on this series. I have a 2hp Lunchbox Drum that is crying out for a simple single voice to fill out the case a bit. Plaits would be cool, but it wouldn’t leave much room for the envelope and VCA...
Perfect timing for this: just bought a tiny case and power to play with a few modules but couldn't decide which ones to start with. Ive ordered the microcell and will probably get knit (and Maths of course).
This is great! Great idea and I'm looking forward to the next episodes. My only nitpick would be choosing Clouds (discontinued) where today really it should be Beads, the very upgraded Clouds successor. But I appreciate that you probably don't have a Beads, so maybe just at least mention it, so you don't send a thousand people out buying Clouds clones when they probably should be buying Beads :-) But great idea and concept and I love the starter choice. Instead of Maths + BSP it could also have been a Marbles perhaps.
That is just mind-blowingly beautiful. And from just three modules. Absolutely stunning. Is there any other processing for the sounds in this video that isn't from the three modules?
I had to double check and I loved to rewatch this. Indeed, it's all maths, plaits and clouds with no post fx and even after three years I think it's the best 3-module combo ever.
Awesome !!! thanks for sharing!!.... funny, I just finish watching your Endorphine series and was going to ask if you recommend the Shuttle system as a starter system.
I absolutely love the Shuttle, but it's pretty much designed as a closed ecosystem that offers a lot of east- and westcoast technology with great integration options. Furthrrr Generator is a complex oscillator which is definitely not 'beginner' material. If you pair it with a Ground Control and Queen of Pentacles you'd have a 2x84 HP dream modular and you might be able to stay clear from the Rabbit Hole. That's a combo I'd recommend, but it goes way beyond a 'starter'.
@@CinematicLaboratory oh wow !! Thanks for the quick response... good to know. I thought the price and what it offered was a good deal to start. Thank you again 🙏🏼
@@mauriciomandara5946 You're welcome. Endorphin.es offers a great 'shuttle expander' where you can turn it into a 2x84 HP system where Ground Control can power the second row and there's a power splitter cable for it.
Great series! Though I think the semiconductor shortage has greatly affected modular availability. Many will get frustrated when they discover that what they want to buy is simply not available. It seems some companies have been hit harder than others. Intellijel, for instance, has what amounts to an empty webstore. Make Noise also seems to be especially hard hit. Hopefully things will start to rebound soon.
Yes, these are hard times and I really hope things get well soon. But I found a lot of great modules on the 2nd hand market and some new 'exotic' ones. And - of course - plenty of time to take a deep dive with the modules I already have.
@@warpigs330 Thanks for your understanding! It's also that most people can't stand hearing their own voice... And most of us don't sound like @mylarmelodies. His voice is sometimes even more entertaining than his music.
Excellent. I've been trying to figure out how to get into modular without drowning and a small rack like this is perfect. I think you picked the perfect modules as well, I only wonder if, now that Beads is out, would that be a better choice over Clouds? I also wonder if Morphagene is a good starter module. I love the idea of taking "slices" and manipulating them.
Beads is a totally different module and often advertised as Clouds 2.0. I do not agree and if I had to choose between the two it would be Clouds (Parasite). But Beads (by itself, without the compare) is a better granular synth. It's just that Clouds Parasite (often installed on the clones) has six modes which all are great - where Beads has one mode. Morphagene is one of my favorite modules but the learning curve is steep and it takes a lot of practice. But it's not a granular synth, it's a tape machine that can do wonders with very short sounds. Don't forget to check out Arbhar if you're looking for a more powerful 'Clouds' idea.
@@CinematicLaboratory Thank you for your reply. I'm glad you clarified the difference between the two modules. After listening to the video again, I think I'd stick w/Clouds in the setup you demonstrated here. I almost mentioned Arbhar, as well, but I didn't want to get ahead of myself. :)
DJ Weideman, if you want to manipulate slices you can also take a look at the Ginkosynthese Sampleslicer. I think it's more hands on than Morphagene for someone setting foot into the modular world.
Hey, loved this video. I’m wanting to get into eurorack, and these three modules seem perfect for what I want to achieve to begin with. As I’m so new to this please forgive the silly question? What else does this set up need for me to start using it. Is there an extra module on the far right for input?
The module on the far right is the output module. Modulars are extremely loud and you can't connect them directly to your audio interface. This uJack module converts the super hot modular output to normal line level. If you want to bring external sounds to the modular (e.g. phone) you'd also need a module to amplify it (a pre-amp like Mutable Ears).
There will be 'marbles', but BSP can save you a lot of money while figuring out the best sequencer for your goals. Care to share a few reasons not to use BSP?
@@saren6538 To be slightly pedantic: Most people probably start out with a Keystep, which is a great choice, both for playing and a bit of sequencing/arp'ing. Could then graduate to a Keystep Pro or Beatstep Pro, or go full eurorack sequencer.
@@CinematicLaboratory Objectively, a horrible ground loop ( they even give you a useless cable just for that instead of engineering it properly ) and fragile micro USB connector unprotected and hanging out the back. And in my opinion, CANNOT BE MODULATED :P unpleasant pads to play with, no countdown/wait for pad press on live record, inadequate to make ambient generative never ending never press stop kind of music . Ergonomically doesn't fit well with a modular rack, even my 0-coast when it was not racked was a pain ;) I think it's more for people who have those kind of semi modular synths like Moogs, Make Noise, Neutron.. etc But in the end I think it is a waste of money/time and will be replaced by most Modular people for something more appropriate like Hermod, Rene, euclidean sequencers and so on in eurorack format. psssst, cannot be modulated ;)
Another gob-smacking, simple and direct piece of edutainment. Thank you....
I'm not into eurorack yet, but really interested, so your post is fascinating to me. Thanks for sharing.
Even though I am a seasoned synthesist, (Since the early 70's). These were the first three Eurorack modules I purchased execept that Clouds is discontinued and has now been replaced by Beads. I selected these three mostly because of CL's informative video. Highly recommend as a jumping off point. The experimentation and resulting sounds has been a delight!
Wow, thanks for sharing! May I recommend also taking a look at Typhoon? It's the most powerful Clouds clone out there and it beats the original in controls, firmwares - and sonic potential.
This is actually the first video about modular synthesis that makes me want to dig deeper instead of ignoring this whole expensive movement. I am not sure if that is good or bad, but still I thank you.
Thanks for sharing! Modular is clearly going mainstream so a nice modular doesnt require a mortgage anymore. Modular is the best thing that ever happened to me and I had a lot of hardware. If you're ever ready to take the dive, let me know. I'll help you making good decisions when you're on a tight budget. And thank you so much for the compliment. This is exactly what my channel is about. Spread the word!
I appreciate the reply and thank you again.
Without knowing it, you have entered the Three Module Challenge! 😅
Bloody Brilliant Just Brilliant ! A Real Start For People Like Me With 1 foot On This Ladder
This was one of the best eurorack intro videos I've seen yet, thankyou
jesus, that hit at 0:40 is amazing :D
Great idea for a series! Not just for beginners though - it seems like it is also a pretty common experience for "senior"-wigglers that they discover how the popular modules are popular for a reason. Often they actually are the best compromise for their functions/form/price instead of more "esoteric" options that might be more focused on a single function/part of a module type. Looking forward to the next one as usual :)!
Thank you for sharing this, and sorry for the late reply. These youtube notification do not always work...
After a long break away from Eurorack (joys of homeschooling being a headF*&%) I am ready to start using the wall that is behind me as I type this. I have forgotten so much, and rather than another head game and steep learning curve right now I need a gentle guide and push. This is EXACTLY what I need at the time I really needed it. Thank you. Please keep them coming.
Even as an experienced eurorack user, I find these sort of videos extremely beneficial and essential for learning patch techniques that I may have forgotten, overlooked or never even was aware of. Great series!
I consider myself an experienced eurorack user too, but I learn the most from small setups and often get amazing results I would not have found with too many options and a predictable workflow. Thanks for sharing!
@@CinematicLaboratory I absolutely agree, my next investment will hopefully be a second, smaller case for focused module experiments. I look back at my early experiments using only Maths, Pico Drums and a Pico DSP and I soon find myself pricing out small 48 hp cases.
Awesome, looking forward to the rest of this series!
Working on it!
I am so Happy, that You starting this amazing series. And my happiness is doubled, with (my Most & 4ever Passioned), absolutely fantastic "Mutable Instruments".
Thank You a Lot)
Thanks a lot! Sorry for the late reply! I wish youtube notifications would work a bit better but sometimes they get lost in the list.
Sounds just as cool as your videos with huge systems and lots of money involved.
I really need to learn the "less is more" approach, not only in usage of modules but resisting to turn every single button on every module from one extreme to the other within a few minutes.
I often get the best results with smaller configurations because they force you to be creative and try new stuff. Indeed I wanted to create a series that would also appeal to people who are about to get lost in the eurorack rabbit hole.
I wish I had this video a few thousand dollars ago. Actually I wouldn't have minded parting with the $$ if it enhanced my productivity. I've just found things overwhelming and uninspiring. I think I'm just going to limit myself to these 3 modules, dig in, and play around. Amazing vid as always.
I've been there too! I've been very disappointed about my first system - which is likely to happen when you're comparing a modular with a PC/Mac or hardware synth. Once you let go of expectations, you're free to start the journey of happy accidents and surprises.
Thanks... I needed this! Keep up the good work....
Always doing things beautifully... thank you.
Very nice I keep looking and thinking I’m going to jump on the modular bandwagon this is kind of what I need.. although what I would love to see is a series on integration with multiple semi modulars and a daw.. I want to be able to integrate that random beautiful element of modular with the more familiar structured creation of music using some external synths , VSTis and a DAW if you ever get stuck on your next idea.. that would be ace 😂😂
Hi ! What about coming back to this serie ? So much to learn in a peaceful and openmind way thanks to your efforts !
Planning some new episodes!
Yes! Double thumbs up to this new series :-D
I'd be interested to see the use of the Keystep or Beatstep for more of the beginner route or those that may be price conscious compared to the "higher end" BSP. I've been watching your videos for many months now and this series is off to a good start!
I agree, be great to see a beat step pro one tied into eurorack
the combo of these two sequencers are great, but for a small system it might be overkill.
super-lovely. I've been playing with variants of these in VCV Rack. Great idea for series - tweakerville for sure. ;)
I loved this video. Great work, amigo
So exited I found this series!
Love this! I only own 3 modules so far so very inspiring to se how far you can come w so little. ☺️
Cool! Which ones?
@@CinematicLaboratory René Classic, Qu-bit Surface and the Wasp filter. Maybe a little strange as a combo but it just happened. 😄 Have had a lot of fun so far though and naturally thinking of what to get next. Your new starter videos (and all of them really) are super and come w great timing!
I’ll be keeping an eye on this series. I have a 2hp Lunchbox Drum that is crying out for a simple single voice to fill out the case a bit. Plaits would be cool, but it wouldn’t leave much room for the envelope and VCA...
Fantastic vidéo!❤️🎵👍😃
Perfect timing for this: just bought a tiny case and power to play with a few modules but couldn't decide which ones to start with. Ive ordered the microcell and will probably get knit (and Maths of course).
Great stuff as always..
Love this, can't wait for more!
Clever done..again 🎼
Awesome channel
Great stuff. Thanks for posting.
nice concept!
This is great! Great idea and I'm looking forward to the next episodes. My only nitpick would be choosing Clouds (discontinued) where today really it should be Beads, the very upgraded Clouds successor. But I appreciate that you probably don't have a Beads, so maybe just at least mention it, so you don't send a thousand people out buying Clouds clones when they probably should be buying Beads :-) But great idea and concept and I love the starter choice. Instead of Maths + BSP it could also have been a Marbles perhaps.
Totally agree. It's just that Beads has a few bugs that need to be fixed before I can use it the way I like. Waiting on a firmware update...
...and Marbles is next! It's a series :)
That is just mind-blowingly beautiful. And from just three modules. Absolutely stunning. Is there any other processing for the sounds in this video that isn't from the three modules?
I had to double check and I loved to rewatch this. Indeed, it's all maths, plaits and clouds with no post fx and even after three years I think it's the best 3-module combo ever.
“Small steps” - coming from someone who looks like he's not buying individual modules, but entire Eurorack manufacturers' output 😊❤️
It didn't happen over night :) Even if you're able to buy whatever you want, there's still the learning curve that doesn't allow detours.
Awesome !!! thanks for sharing!!.... funny, I just finish watching your Endorphine series and was going to ask if you recommend the Shuttle system as a starter system.
I absolutely love the Shuttle, but it's pretty much designed as a closed ecosystem that offers a lot of east- and westcoast technology with great integration options. Furthrrr Generator is a complex oscillator which is definitely not 'beginner' material. If you pair it with a Ground Control and Queen of Pentacles you'd have a 2x84 HP dream modular and you might be able to stay clear from the Rabbit Hole. That's a combo I'd recommend, but it goes way beyond a 'starter'.
@@CinematicLaboratory oh wow !! Thanks for the quick response... good to know. I thought the price and what it offered was a good deal to start. Thank you again 🙏🏼
@@mauriciomandara5946 You're welcome. Endorphin.es offers a great 'shuttle expander' where you can turn it into a 2x84 HP system where Ground Control can power the second row and there's a power splitter cable for it.
well done!
Great series! Though I think the semiconductor shortage has greatly affected modular availability. Many will get frustrated when they discover that what they want to buy is simply not available. It seems some companies have been hit harder than others. Intellijel, for instance, has what amounts to an empty webstore. Make Noise also seems to be especially hard hit. Hopefully things will start to rebound soon.
Yes, these are hard times and I really hope things get well soon. But I found a lot of great modules on the 2nd hand market and some new 'exotic' ones. And - of course - plenty of time to take a deep dive with the modules I already have.
Would love to hear a voice over. A lot of the reason to watch these videos is to get an idea of your personal experience with the modules.
Not going to happen. This format is easy to produce and I am not a native english speaker.
@@CinematicLaboratory Fair enough!
@@warpigs330 Thanks for your understanding! It's also that most people can't stand hearing their own voice... And most of us don't sound like @mylarmelodies. His voice is sometimes even more entertaining than his music.
Excellent. I've been trying to figure out how to get into modular without drowning and a small rack like this is perfect. I think you picked the perfect modules as well, I only wonder if, now that Beads is out, would that be a better choice over Clouds? I also wonder if Morphagene is a good starter module. I love the idea of taking "slices" and manipulating them.
Beads is a totally different module and often advertised as Clouds 2.0. I do not agree and if I had to choose between the two it would be Clouds (Parasite). But Beads (by itself, without the compare) is a better granular synth. It's just that Clouds Parasite (often installed on the clones) has six modes which all are great - where Beads has one mode. Morphagene is one of my favorite modules but the learning curve is steep and it takes a lot of practice. But it's not a granular synth, it's a tape machine that can do wonders with very short sounds. Don't forget to check out Arbhar if you're looking for a more powerful 'Clouds' idea.
@@CinematicLaboratory Thank you for your reply. I'm glad you clarified the difference between the two modules. After listening to the video again, I think I'd stick w/Clouds in the setup you demonstrated here. I almost mentioned Arbhar, as well, but I didn't want to get ahead of myself. :)
DJ Weideman, if you want to manipulate slices you can also take a look at the Ginkosynthese Sampleslicer. I think it's more hands on than Morphagene for someone setting foot into the modular world.
Thank you!!
Wish I had this as a beginner.
So true!
Hey, loved this video. I’m wanting to get into eurorack, and these three modules seem perfect for what I want to achieve to begin with. As I’m so new to this please forgive the silly question? What else does this set up need for me to start using it. Is there an extra module on the far right for input?
The module on the far right is the output module. Modulars are extremely loud and you can't connect them directly to your audio interface. This uJack module converts the super hot modular output to normal line level. If you want to bring external sounds to the modular (e.g. phone) you'd also need a module to amplify it (a pre-amp like Mutable Ears).
Nice demo! would prefer to see you go another route than the BSP tho, for many reasons.
There will be 'marbles', but BSP can save you a lot of money while figuring out the best sequencer for your goals. Care to share a few reasons not to use BSP?
no the BSP makes sense, this is a euro starter series and most people start off with the BSP :)
@@saren6538 To be slightly pedantic: Most people probably start out with a Keystep, which is a great choice, both for playing and a bit of sequencing/arp'ing. Could then graduate to a Keystep Pro or Beatstep Pro, or go full eurorack sequencer.
@@LarsBjerregaard lol ok thanks for clearing that up
@@CinematicLaboratory Objectively, a horrible ground loop ( they even give you a useless cable just for that instead of engineering it properly ) and fragile micro USB connector unprotected and hanging out the back. And in my opinion, CANNOT BE MODULATED :P unpleasant pads to play with, no countdown/wait for pad press on live record, inadequate to make ambient generative never ending never press stop kind of music . Ergonomically doesn't fit well with a modular rack, even my 0-coast when it was not racked was a pain ;) I think it's more for people who have those kind of semi modular synths like Moogs, Make Noise, Neutron.. etc But in the end I think it is a waste of money/time and will be replaced by most Modular people for something more appropriate like Hermod, Rene, euclidean sequencers and so on in eurorack format. psssst, cannot be modulated ;)
So I have watched this 3,597 times now, what does the other viewer think?