One way to go to get that 'moog'-sound without the disadvantages that Tim pointed out, is to mix System 55 modules and System 100 modules. Use VCO's, mixer, VCF and VCA from System 55 (you will need an Attenuator module as well). These are probably the most important modules to get that characteristic Moog sound. Then mix with System 100 140 double envelope module. This will solve the S-trig/V-trig problem and also give you an LFO. Then you can add a System 100 150 S&H module. This will give you not only sample and hold, but also a ring mod, a noise generator + another LFO. Not for the purist perhaps, who wants a pure System 55, but it will save a lot of space in youre Eurorack (and a lot of Euros/Pounds).
That is an awesome idea! But, if one want's to keep the B-55 "originality" they can also make their own v-trigger to s-trigger cables. Just a quick search on TH-cam "s-trigger cable diy" and you will find two videos from " markusfuller" and "Synthesizer Keith" that helps you out. It is very simple and easy to do (I made 2).
@@ChrisHenry-bj2oi Yes, the CP3A-M mixer is probably important to get that subtle moog character of the sound. Which I also stated in my original post: "use VCO's, MIXER, VCF and VCA from system 55".
Just a reminder that anyone using a Keystep can output S-Trigs by going into the MIDI Control Center and changing the type of trigger output. Very handy, that.
I've come to love your videos. The pacing is so calming. The insights to entire modular systems is a treat to have, especially from someone who spend months on getting to know them! Keep up the amazing work.
Love the way you take time to explain not only the modules function but examples of how they can be used. Also explaining stuff like regeneration being a synonym for resonance really helps with the understanding of these modules and the terminology used back in the day. Just subscribed to your channel recently and the content is very instructive, whilst being objective - keep it up!
as always, you have caught me up in the possibilities of a system i will probably never own. my grandmother and my matriarch give me so many possibilities already but this is truly a fascinating dive into “old school “ sonic sculpting. as well, you have given us a candid and authoritative breakdown of positives and negatives. thank you for your time and patience.
Thanks a lot for bringing this out. I looked at the length of the video .. more than an hour long .. ended up enjoying it all from start to finish. Your commentary leaves a lot between the lines, so what's literally a walkthrough of a range of modules turns into an hour of inspiration. Excellent!
Tim, you sold me on these. We appreciate the time you take to do these reviews. You have skills and come across as a decent human. Cannot wait till you loosen up more, we aint gonna bite you!
US Customs interfered with my 55 modules shipment from Thomann this last several days and the cables were the reason. Thomann sent the documents repeatedly upon request, 3 times. What was needed from the UPS Customs worker was a statement regarding either the length of the cables OR the aluminum content. A US Customs worker indicated to me that I may as well resign myself to a huge storage fee, court case or to realise the alternative was the destruction of all of my thousands invested. As a US disabled Veteran, this represents a fortune. long story short, Customs FINALLY agreed that the "Chinese imports" were actually not breaking two Federal laws, not smuggled goods. If this is free trade, I will eat my cat. I mean hat, all better now... customs hassles ARE real, without UPS running interference for THOMANN this sale would be a more costly affair. The storage fees are serious and amount to something like 140 a week, if you have the misfortune to have illegal smuggling charges around both exporter AND importer. The buyer would probably forfeit all that was spent in both time and cash! Now I can honestly say on delivery, that the machine has been around the world and in jail charged with a crime...I wish Uncle Sugar gave ME days to get the proof I needed to avoid a Federal RAP! A fake rap at that. Because Trump set China as some sort of big bad boogie man. The Agent at customs told me this openly, only he said policy was to be critical of Chinese imports in particular. I have an International set of gear, heck even KORG stuff from my old enemy Vietnam. I love the SQ64 and would buy another asap/ Music IS political and it cannot be helped. funny thing is Customs claimed that NO documents were attached to the shipment AND they didnt search the contents yet SOMEHOW they spotted them illegal suckers . XRAY specs? Whoulda thunk. This package was sent from Europe and managed to find it's way into a Government facility state side...unlisted contents? No Way! Now I am feverishly making a slot for my new aquisition. I like retro gear I can afford and get to own with out some police state tatics that mess with free enterprise. I JUST ordered a set of cables from CINA and it arrived with out so much as a message, so I know that this situation was political in nature. Yup! One time I wrote a song critical of military actions later discovered to be legitimate and all hell busted loose. You need to learn to play the game and pony up in order to ride the ride, to compromise , to accept failure with grace and victory with out celebrating in the infield too much. And make some noise! The Box the parts were shipped in looks very bad, gaping open and module boxes spilling out when I picked it up, the sides were ripped and the top completely open. Completely. Thank gosh no one inspected this in violation of the law as CUSTOMA said they NEVER did hahaha. Well, time to see if smoke erupts or if any harness is dangling, loose or missing. I suggest listening to KRAFTWEK or TD as you see what works for you. Good luck! Incidently , a complete system had NO MIDI module at all, is ok, just be warned its a bit erratic in style as far as shopping a few thousand miles goes. I ordered a replacement already!
Was rolling along with this video, enjoying Tim's narration, spacing out to his wonderful krauty sequences....and then he put on the flak jacket with classic British deadpan and I spit out my coffee. Well-played, my man.
Another great video Tim. I have just bought a bunch of the System 55 modules to use with my system 2500 and 100 modules, and I now have a much better grasp of how everything can fit together! Thoroughly enjoyable one hour :-)
I actually purchased the System 55 along with the large Go! case a number of months ago. Unfortunately, life intruded and I had to postpone the joy of getting to know this system by several weeks. I'm now able to give it my full attention, which coincides wonderfully with the release of this video! Although valuable hands-on time has been spotty, I did manage to get everything installed in a familiar yet logical fashion. A complete 3-Osc setup fits nicely in the bottom row of the Go! case: Osc driver, driving 3 oscillators --> 3 VCOs --> Lo Pass filter --> Hi Pass filter --> 3 EGs --> 3 VCAs. I have a 2HP RND module filling the remaining gap on the bottom row. The top row houses various utility and mixing modules from the series: 995 and CP35 attenuators, Random signal generator, Filter Bank, 923 Filters module, and 2 Mixer modules. Remaining gaps are again filled with a handful of 2HP modules, as well as DivKid Ochd module. I also picked up a 104hp Behringer skiff case to house its matching power supply module, the Sequencer and Sequential Switch modules, plus a Ladik master mix module. This marked my first-ever foray into the world of Eurorack, and I must admit... it has quite an intimidating learning curve, especially given the precious little tutorial content that exists about this series of modules. As such, I've been very much anticipating Tim's review and personal impressions, in hopes that it might clarify things further. As usual, Mr. Shoebridge never disappoints. Many thanks for this.
@@RenaissanceEarCandy Results are frustratingly mixed. I've actually been reluctant to provide updates due to an epic fail on the Behringer Go powered rack that housed my System 55 modules, coupled with an unnecessarily labyrinthine repair process that guaranteed nothing and actually suggested that I might, in the end, wind up bearing some the actual cost. As a result, I have a large chunk of euro rig that is literally unusable, until such time that can afford a suitable alternative. During the relatively short time that the Behringer rack was actually functional, I was routinely impressed with and inspired by the System 55 modules, and never regretted purchasing them.
Thanks for sharing snd sorry to hear about your eurorack troubles. Not exactly sure if the epic fail was the power supply and a set of modules. Either way I hope you get it all the workout. Kind regards.
A very well thought out and informative video. The time you put in to this to make such quality is outstanding... And the music you've created is phenomenal as well.
Another excellent video and I completely agree with you about keeping the S-Trig in Eurorack modules. To convert V-Trig (Voltage-Trigger) to S-Trig (Switch-Trigger) and vice versa requires very few components and they could have been added to the 911 and 911A modules to make them V-Trig compatible. There is an advantage with S-trig which is that you only need to short out the S-Trig input with a switch to trigger the module and Bob Moog chose it so that unpowered trigger devices could be used. I get the impression with all of the Behringer modules that they have sacrificed some usability by keeping everything as close to the originals as possible. That is probably not a good idea with these modules because some of them were the first synth modules ever created and Bob Moog was a pioneer who didn't always get them right first time. You only have to search for the 902 schematic on the Internet and you will find three or four different versions. The 911 envelope generator was designed before the terms Attack, Sustain, Decay and Release were coined by musicians and that is why it has T1 etc. on the controls. He just didn't have a better name for them.
Very well done presentation with plenty of things for electro-musicians to consider. These modulars are a complex, almost labyrinthine method of generating music. But performers like Tomita showed that equally complex musical textures could be created with them. Tomita's album of Debussy music from the 70s proved that. Amazing stuff, although I think he used some non-Moog polyphonic string machines too. It takes time, labour, and insane dedication! Also don't forget the role that outboard effects played in all these older recordings.... maybe up to half of the tonal characteristics we hear. Hugely important for sound shaping. Thanks and good luck. :)
Tontos expanding headband defies any description except extensive proving that brand names are not everything! Tomita is eclectic allright. Beauty defies description some say.
Thanks for mentioning Tomita!! Nobody has come close the his orchestrations before it since. I know it’s my opinion but The Bermuda Triangle proves it😜
Really exceptional video, Tim. Perhaps one of your best ever. Timely for me as I started putting together modular pieces end of last year, and 'backed out' of getting some of the Behringer clones of the Moog and picking up pretty much what you have in your smaller system, mixed in with all the other stuff I'm doing from multiple vendors. Even though I always wanted a fully Moog Modular, ala Tangerine Dream, I don't have the patience or time to have just one such beast which takes up so much space. Esp since I ended up with four Mantis cases, and realized how much space the full system takes up. Again, great video. Thanks!
I think behringer calls the modules an authentic reproduction. That means bringing the pains of the past, including terminology and oscillator instability. Like you said, nostalgia at its best. That includes dealing with the issues of modular of the past. Nice review!
The use of VSTs to do anything like this is sacriledge I say. We are the priests of sound that seperate the digital dream generators from the threshing machines that reap what the drum samplers have sown! Use them allllllll!
Great review!!!! My modules: 6x 921 (VCO) , 2x 904A (LPF), 1x 904B (HPF), 5x 911 (Env), 1x 914 (Filter Bank), 3x CP3A (Mixer), 1x CP35 (Atten.) , 3x 902 (VCA), 1x 923 (Filters), 1x 995 (Multi). All in a Behringer Eurorack GO case. Unbelievable sound quality. I used to have 3 921B + 921A and 3 921... But the 921B had very bad tuning problems... Now I have all 6 921 and they're really stable. I don't need the 961 module, my Kenton Pro Solo mkll has S-trigger outs.
I love the honest reviews and thoughts that you share, combined with the truly inspiring demos in between. The one from 52 minutes onward shows exactly that oldschool Tangerine Dream-like sequence that systems like these are so good at producing. Also, if I can afford it someday, the Vermona Melodicer seems like magic!
I love the 3 tier "hybrid" Moog/Behringer combo.... pricing it out though makes more sense to buy the System 15 and stick the Mother 32 in the Behringer rack as of todays pricing. You get all the modules, a powered case and more for $100 more. Plus you would need $300 to buy 2 Moog powered cases and the rack system. Modules & Powered cases: $996.56 .... for $999.00 you could buy the System 35....... but its definitely and interesting combination!
I'm barely a minute into the video but I'd like to offer the following observations for people looking to assemble one. 1. Go with the 921abbb+ with a single 921 instead of taking up all that space for three oscillators. 2. Don't forget about the 914 Fixed Filter Bank. 3. Don't neglect the mixer. The intro video was lovely. Let me get back to the video...
Great Job Tim, i allways enjoy your videos. I rebuild a System 55 as close as possible with Behringer 55 Modules, and build on my own a original Design Case. If i would pay for sound and functionality the 35000€ for a 55er Moog, i would be dissapointed. I pay 3000€ for my Behringer 55 and im fully happy every day.
Absolutely excellent! I really appreciate your videos again and again. There aren't so many people on youtube who make such serious and consciencous reviews that are accurate and full of personal oppinion at once. 👍 A total contrast to those self-advertizers who praise anything they got to test. And even if I learned that the System 55 really is not what I'm looking for, after I've seen your video I'm sure that this is not simply prejudice. Thanks for that, it saved me a lot of money or made at least decisions easier. PS: By the way, V-Trig to S-Trig conversion is just one resistor and one transistor, this would even fit into a 3.5mm TS plug. I really wonder why only Doepfer is offering this ... and only with 6.35mm plugs.
Great video Tim thanks. I’ve just bought the System 55 and new to modular. The disadvantages outlined are a positive to me in that one has to do a work-around to achieve more simpler results, as illustrated by your System 100 modules comparison. This extra effort makes you think more, allowing for a deeper understanding.
Very good overview of this system, enjoyed watching thanks. I've had the Club of the Knobs 5U replicas for years that are hand built like the originals. Recently picked up a Behringer 921 VCO and it's pretty much indistinguishable from the COTK 921. 5U ergonomics make the hands on experience better, but sound-wise you can't go wrong with these low cost Behringer issues.
practice makes perfect when recreating ancient circuit designs. Whats real weird is using a half century old technology to create a dream sound based on the day after tommorow/next millenium reality. Thats downright odd!
@@TheSynthZone the reality is there are still many avenues of virtually unheard sounds we can create. Method is up to the user, both in talent and taste. But it's cool when people use these older systems to create newer sounds, I much prefer that than doing retro things all the time.
I didn't think I'd enjoy this vid. But it's pretty interesting so far. Those modules look pretty nice racked up together. The flak jackets on - Can't wait to hear the negatives!
I think the idea of being ready for any response is a great one. Now, where,s that download of that fantastic Berlin stuff I just heard again? I suppose getting a million hits is unreasonable but why not try? The sound says it all.
@@TheSynthZone i reckon you could get that OG techno sound in spades with this gear 😁 But, fot the record, I think the best value is the Broland 150 ring mod/noise/s&h/lfo module That's a lot of punch for $100
Well done and thank you. I enjoyed the music samples and especially liked the patching comparisons. Also important that you do bring up the issues one has to consider when thinking about building a 55 system.
Thank you for the excellent video, helping me to get started on the System 55. If only all TH-cam tutorials were as good as this one but that's very rare!👍👏
Thanks for sharing this - Very informative and useful information throughout. All the quirks of the System 55 makes me very happy of the way I designed my own Eurorack system a couple of years ago. My space is limited, and I wanted as much functionality as possible crammed into that space! I went for an Arturia 3U + 6U double casing, and a lot of the modules I ended up getting was from the company 2hp. They have a fairly complete selection of oscillators, filters, attenuverters, mixers, and utility modules - even a dedicated LFO module with a quite sophisticated set of waveforms. The VCO is one of the most stable I've come across yet - I rarely need to retune it. The low-pass VCF is a 24 dB ladder structure, which is a pretty cool feat in a module just 2HP wide. I have of course combined the 2hp modules with modules from Doepfer, Intellijel, Mutable Instruments and other companies as well in order to have a working system, but I would consider adding a couple of VCOs, a VCF, and a sequencer module from the System 55 collection when time, space and funding allows.
I've not tried it on moog modules but if the filters go low enough you can use them as a slew generator for control signals. One common use of slew is for portamento of course. My point is that some of the things that you say are missing are almost certainly possible, you just have to know more about the modules to get those functions.
Depuis deux ans j’hésite à me lancer dans le modulaire et principalement à cause des questions que je me posais sur la complexité du patching concernant le Système 55. je vais m’orienter sur le système 100. Merci pour toutes vos explications, vous allez me faire économiser beaucoup d’argent!
Excellent as usual Tim 👍. I'm going to build on my Neutron to increase its palette. The 110, Brains, and 904A seem a good start. However, I play it from a Roland AE-30 wind synth and the Neutron only gives me CV for pitch (which includes bite/bend) and breath (aftertouch). The AE-30 can also send other controls. What I need is a MIDI CC to CV converter and those seem to be pretty rare.
Tim, you are fantastic with your presentation and truthfulness. I have watched this video before I purcahsed my system 55 but with the price drop, I decided to go for it. Down the road, I will get the monster Doepfer case and start my own custom setup since as you say there are a lot of new modules out that do wonderful things and that is so true. I picture maths and Doepfer mods and so many tiptop modules, but for just getting into it with modular I'm okay with the system 55. I do have moog sound studio so my very first module will be erica's mother-32 adapter and then a sample and hold, portamento and ring mod. I enjoy your edcuational style and technique and I will be back with some questions I'm sure. God Bless - Bob
Hey Tim.... am getting into electronic music at age 60 and have a ton of gear I bought 7 years ago right before I was badly injured so never had a chance to use it. I own a moog sub 37, 7 moogerfooger pedals & cp-251 control processor. I have no clue how to use this gear as I originally bought them for pedals for my guitar but have read electronic musicians love these analog tone boxes. So really want to hook everything up but don't even know where to start. I use uses Ableton as my DAW. I have mics, converters, speakers etc, I am talking synths, drum machines, . Moog mother 32 or DFAM, Polyphonic synth, etc. I have a $5000 budget and could get this system for $3500. So still have $1500 to put towards gear. Appreciate any advice.🙏
I've not tried them yet, but I think patch cables with attenuators built in (ie. something like inline volume pot) exist Great video, cheers. Kinda surprised you settled on smaller systems with the module size issues.. that's why I'm building a monster in 19".. rack space will never run out
i meant to mention below that from 1979-1982 i worked with my university’s roland system 100m which had many features in common with the system 55 but also several Roland extensions. s & h, and ring modulation banks were the most notable.
Tim, I have to disagree a bit. You're right with S&H. But, the 961 is a wonderful module. Patch a V-Trig into column B, out to 911. You can change the length of the S-Trig, which influences the sustain of the 911. You can even patch it back to S to V-trig and you have converted a trigger to a gate. Perfect. You have a very good LFO in 921B. Set it to LO. Or apply -6 V through a attenuater and to signal in of 921B. Great LFO. The mults which are almost all over the place, can be used as unity mixers as well. They are passive. And the sequencer is insane. I love those modules. Great idea to combine M32 with system 55. Cool.
The 961 is indeed a wonderful module, I agree completely, it's just the space it takes up if all you need is V->S conversion that peeves me. I tried the 921B's as LFO's but they just don't go slow enough for me, but your idea to attenuate with a negative voltage is brilliant, I'll definitely try it out. The only problem then is the size of that Attenuators module with the fixed voltages, it's just not very practical in a smaller setup. I make these comments about rack space a lot because I see a lot of people wanting to dip their toe in the eurorack water with these modules and they are not going to be people jumping at a large Go! case as a first step unless of course they realise the amount of space they are realistically going to need...
Is it just me or do the 911 envelope generators behave differently to modern eurorack adsr envelope generators ? For instance it seems that the once the cv voltage for the maximum sustain is reached, it won’t register any following triggers until I manually turn down the sustain below a certain threshold. I may have that wrong, or I may be confused and instead it’s the attack stage that behaves differently. Thanks for your videos and your help :)
Thanks so much Tim for that great instructive video! It happens I began to mount such a mix of B. Modules from system 55 mainly the 960 sequencer, the filter & fixed filter bank with the Cp3A (well and a 921 oscillator), then from system 100 the 112 Vco's, and the 130 double VCA, with the 140 envelope module have the most features, like all of the useful inbuild attenuators. Then modules like the ARP 2500, their filters 1006 and 1047 are very interesting and also the very complete envelope generator 1033, as well as the 1005 VCA that gives a lot of extra functionalities that you can't find on the 902. By the way your bonus track 10 notes Chord is very captivating. Cheers!
Thank you so much for this video!! As an old guy who coveted those big Moog modulars back in the day, it's very enlightening to dig this deep into the details of what it really takes to make them work. I never owned a Moog modular 50 years ago, or a Roland 100m, but I was fortunate enough to own an ARP 2600. It might be interesting to compare creating this same patch on a Behringer 2600? I'll try it myself when I get a chance. My sense is that it would be also be very straightforward.
Thanks for posting,Tim.'Excellent' video,as always! I made an '8HP' module to convert the 'gate-to-switch-trigger'.The schematic was in the back of my old, 'Micromoog' manual.I also added a couple of 'push-buttons',with 1ufd.-capacitors, to 'debounce' them,for 'manual-triggering'.The 'gate to trigger' circuit is 'relatively easy'.I'm sure there is a 'schematic' on the web somewhere for this 'older-circuit'!the main advantage is that it takes' up less 'real-estate' than the 'large-panel' converter.Lord knows' when the 'midi-panel',with 'gate-to-switch' and 5-volt,C.V.,will get here? : )
great video tim..thinking about buying this..only trouble is.i dont no anything about modular..if i was to add to this id want drums and a brain and some sort of reverb.can i add the tree modules..what size would i need
Slowly but surely becoming my favorit "TH-cam Synthesizer Presenter/ Explainer Person" , you are Mr. Shoebridge - so MY kind of musicians and AND presenters (Rare !) is(just come to mind) : Jay Hosking - Loopop - Marc "Gainstage" Doti - Hainbach - Nick Batt - Jamie "Red Means recording" - Jamie "Jamiroqyai" - and You,- - Ofcourse theres around 10-15 more - or so - ultra fantastic Eurorack/hardware Synth PLAYERS , ill allways check out of new content - but as far a EXPLAINING , and feel in perfect company with - you in a very small and - exclusive, but for me - V.I.P. class - of TH-camrs ! So thankyou for being you the way you are being you !
Hi Tim, I made v to s trig cables to go between Roland MC202 and 2 Mini Moogs. You just need a 20 cent transistor, wire the v signal to the base and connect emitter and collector across the two jack terminals. Sorry cant remember if it was a PNP or NPN transistor. Just get your tech to wire up a couple. :)
Same here, built some 3.5mm patch cables with the transistor and resistor shrink wrapped into the cables. Tim let me know and I can mail some to you. I had the same beef with having to buy that large module just to send gate signals to the Envelope generators. Works like a charm.
After messing with my system 55, I can see why you say the the 961 interface in the biggest pain in the a**. For all that space you get 2 v-trig to s-trig converters, at yet there are 4 envelopes that need s-trig! I agree this is the biggest issue. I hav found AM997 Dual Trigger Converter 4HP that has 2 channel v-trig to s-trig converters but it is backordered and I can understand why. Thanks again for your great presentations. Bob
Well thought out video. I've been gassing for the behringer system 55 and wondered how it compared to the system 100. Give me a lot to think about. Thanks 😊
Just got my full System 55 2 days ago. Set it all up and plugged it in and.... realized i have no idea how to get sound out of it lol Was hoping for a Headphone output jack on the Midi module. Nope. No obvious Audio out jack either. Checked the manual and looks like you can come out of the Mixer module or an Attenuator module. But they have 4 outs. 2 positive and 2 Negative. Soooooo 2 positive outs means 2 Audio outs?! Can use as a left and right output? Obviously not real stereo but...? It says i can go out to an Interface/Mixer/Amplifier. If i go out to a Mixer, and there are 3 Mixer modules and 3 Attenuator modules, does that mean i can have 6 channels of Audio? If i put my Mother 32 into the case (there is plenty of room) can i run everything from the System 55 into the signal input of the Mother and use the Mothers audio out for Headphones? A detailed video on getting the sound out of the modules would be VERY VERY helpful for someone wanting to learn. I have been spoiled with semi-modular syths lol
Holy moly a lot of work went into this video! The editing alone with the graphics must have been tedious as shit. Really appreciate the work, Tim. Top class as always.
I really admire you so much, Tim; you make such incredible pieces of art using only one system or synth. Your music is so inspiring for me that I also tried to “copy” the patch you used in a video about the behringer 100 and the Waldorf kb37. And I say “copy” cause I did it using my microfreak lol So yeah, I’m a fanboy from Mexico xD
You can take off the flak jacket, Tim. Everything you said about the Moog 55 is simple fact (and no one loves the Moog like I do!) Excellent video. Really helped me make up my mind about making the jump from my vintage synths to Eurorack and how to do it.
Nicely done as always, and confirmed for me that the system 100 was the right choice. One thing though I would like your take on is comparison of the system 55 sequencer to the system 100 one. As you said the moog sequencer is the classic TD sound, so I am thinking of going for it despite the size, and the fact I have plenty of sequencing options already. Cheers.
Hi Sean. Yes the 960 is a more flexible and powerful sequencer for sure. It also has full sized knobs and you can select the CV scaling per row so it's a lot easier to set pitches and keep them in tune compared to the 182.
@@TimShoebridge I am trying a LFO I found on a old piece of gear to see if I can use it to modify an entire system at once, I do sound design for audio research as well as some cochlear implant tech folk.I will let everyone know how the idea works sometime maybe in Jan. The idea of a master Lfo controlling Lfo's as well as a signal chain that responds to a cyclic style "pulse" modified to match my clinical target frequencies as well as being listenable makes my fingers twitch! But, the interface is very rough now.
Very nice. I'd like very much to do something like this myself but a quick (and probably incomplete) survey shows that these Behringer modules are not currently available anywhere in North America. Thomann in the EU, on the other hand seems to have almost all of them in stock. Curious as to why this might be. Has anyone here in North America purchased anything from Thomann. What are the import fee gotchas? Or, am I missing some place in North America that currently has this stuff in stock?
Great video! I have the full system 55 range and I agree with everything you said - I built this because I’m a moog modular fanboy and I wouldn’t trade it for anything else but it’s definitely missing some functionality
The 961 Interface module needs BIG space. So I modified 944 Multiples and make a V-Trigger convert S-Trigger module. This solusion has less space and this trigger converter is not required power supply. Very very smart solution,.
Excellent content, as are all your videos. The system 55 is priced very attractively, but then I keep thinking I can achieve similar sounds and much better sequencing and playability with what I already have. I'll probably not get it but gosh I want this system.
@ Tim Shoebridge, I think it's fair that you pointed out the limitations of the Moog system. It goes to show what a decade and a half of research and development will do for synthesis methods (comparing to the Korg System 100).
Hello Tim, thanks for the very informative and in-depth and beautifully produced video; I must have watched it about three times now. Since you also have a Matriarch I wanted to ask you or anyone else: Does anyone know how this system compares sonically to a Moog Matriach/Grandmother? Does it add anything to your sonic palette? Thanks a lot for anyone reading/answering :)
Thanks very much 🙏 The Matriarch is my favourite synth to come from Moog since the Voyager. It is amazing sounding and so flexible. The benefit of eurorack modules like these from Behringer is that you can create a rig as small or as big as you want. How many oscillators, how many filters, monophonic, paraphonic, polyphonic, it is entirely up to you (and your finances!)
Beautiful, pedagogical and well constructer video! Maybe, on the + side one could mention that those modules forces one to understand how things work at some lower level. This in turn may help better use more advanced modules.
Question Tim: What is the VEMONA piece (left and upright) and then the piece sitting FLAT in front of the VERMONA? My guess is that the VERMONA is a sequencer and the box (can't see the brand) in front of maybe a MIXER. Thanks.
Hi yes it's the Vermona Melodicer, I have one or two videos dedicated to that module. And in front is the mixer module from Beringer's System 100 range plus an Erica Synths effects module (Black Hole DSP 2)
I didn’t hear if you mentioned this but Behringer didn’t use any opamps in the analogue System 55 modules. They used all discrete components like in the original designs which is how it can replicate the actual tone of the old modules so well. There’s nothing wrong with opamps and all the new Moog stuff uses them but they are almost too perfect so you don’t get that slight variance in tone that older synths had. It’s a bit like the CD vs Vinyl debate although I think it’s more noticeable here. You can really hear the difference side by side with the System 100 modules which use traditional TL074 and LM13700 ICs and they sound good but different than the System 55 modules even though on an oscilloscope the waveforms look very similar. The LP filter is probably the most noticeable and I’d recommend at least getting one of those to give any oscillator more of a “Moog” tone.
Looks and sounds like great fun. I could set up my modules and complete units to make Cool Music, but I wouldn’t have the awesome English accent… so I’d still fall shorter on the scale of overall Coolness factor. Oh well… we do what we can with our own patterns and speech vibe and abilities. I’m not a snob about any of these makers or buying Behringer stuff. Prices have for many years kept people out of the game… so now more people can play and create. I think it’s important that anyone pretty much, can see the game, get excited… and join in because prices are within most people’s range. It’s also Cool that you can get a module at a time… and slowly build up. Ok… enough bla bla bla from me. Thanks for the video!
Which of the Behringer modular systems that you've demo thus far is your favorite to use, and why? My favorites have been the Roland style modules, and the ARP 2500 modules.
The System 100 is my day-to-day go-to favourite simply because it's so complete, so functional, so simple to use and so optimal in terms of rack space. But I prefer the sound of the System 55 and 2500 filters, so a hybrid setup makes more sense. The 2500 sounds absolutely beautiful, I think sonically it is my favourite overall, but it is the most limited functionally, you need to supplement the modules with others to make a full system.
@@TimShoebridge Thanks for the reply. I liked the 2500 sound the best, but I also liked the Roland System 100 sound as well. The Roland Modules seem pretty complete for a first time modular set up. Perhaps the addition of a quantizer module with be helpful.
That's a very undervalued design. The fact that it used as an inductors makes it sound quite different, as every player who uses Wahwah pedals will understand. It was critical to Wendy Carlos's albums as well, shaping the sound in such a musical way.
35:28 I have access to an original system 55 and on stage for patches we always just use two oscillators (tuning is a pain) and then run them into a vca because that has two inputs.
Remember that Moog modular were created in the late 60s. The musicians didn't know they needed an S&H or ring-mod... they smoked weed and saw pink elephants. :)
Fantastic video! I noticed that you are using 2 Behringer psu modules. Wouldn’t one psu be enough to power the limited system 55 modules you are using, then opt for another multiple on the side? I’m curious how many modules one psu could handle as it comes with 2 ribbon connectors.
Thanks a lot. The correct answer to your question is you need to determine the power consumption requirements of each module, sum them, and then make sure your power supply is designed to cope. I went with two purely because of aesthetics and that I had the spare HP on each row 😂
One way to go to get that 'moog'-sound without the disadvantages that Tim pointed out, is to mix System 55 modules and System 100 modules. Use VCO's, mixer, VCF and VCA from System 55 (you will need an Attenuator module as well). These are probably the most important modules to get that characteristic Moog sound. Then mix with System 100 140 double envelope module. This will solve the S-trig/V-trig problem and also give you an LFO. Then you can add a System 100 150 S&H module. This will give you not only sample and hold, but also a ring mod, a noise generator + another LFO. Not for the purist perhaps, who wants a pure System 55, but it will save a lot of space in youre Eurorack (and a lot of Euros/Pounds).
That is an awesome idea! But, if one want's to keep the B-55 "originality" they can also make their own v-trigger to s-trigger cables. Just a quick search on TH-cam "s-trigger cable diy" and you will find two videos from "
markusfuller" and "Synthesizer Keith" that helps you out. It is very simple and easy to do (I made 2).
@@bernardosilva7306 Marcus is amazing to watch. Very clear presentations too.
Yes, totally agree, I'm mixing System 55, 2500 and 100 modules to basically get what I need.
@@ChrisHenry-bj2oi the overdrive mistake was a “feature” of the model D. Not the system 55.
@@ChrisHenry-bj2oi Yes, the CP3A-M mixer is probably important to get that subtle moog character of the sound. Which I also stated in my original post: "use VCO's, MIXER, VCF and VCA from system 55".
Just a reminder that anyone using a Keystep can output S-Trigs by going into the MIDI Control Center and changing the type of trigger output. Very handy, that.
I must see if PWM can add that feature to the Molevolent
I've come to love your videos. The pacing is so calming. The insights to entire modular systems is a treat to have, especially from someone who spend months on getting to know them! Keep up the amazing work.
Love the way you take time to explain not only the modules function but examples of how they can be used. Also explaining stuff like regeneration being a synonym for resonance really helps with the understanding of these modules and the terminology used back in the day. Just subscribed to your channel recently and the content is very instructive, whilst being objective - keep it up!
as always, you have caught me up in the possibilities of a system i will probably never own. my grandmother and my matriarch give me so many possibilities already but this is truly a fascinating dive into “old school “ sonic sculpting. as well, you have given us a candid and authoritative breakdown of positives and negatives. thank you for your time and patience.
Thanks a lot for bringing this out. I looked at the length of the video .. more than an hour long .. ended up enjoying it all from start to finish. Your commentary leaves a lot between the lines, so what's literally a walkthrough of a range of modules turns into an hour of inspiration. Excellent!
Tim, you sold me on these. We appreciate the time you take to do these reviews. You have skills and come across as a decent human. Cannot wait till you loosen up more, we aint gonna bite you!
US Customs interfered with my 55 modules shipment from Thomann this last several days and the cables were the reason. Thomann sent the documents repeatedly upon request, 3 times. What was needed from the UPS Customs worker was a statement regarding either the length of the cables OR the aluminum content. A US Customs worker indicated to me that I may as well resign myself to a huge storage fee, court case or to realise the alternative was the destruction of all of my thousands invested. As a US disabled Veteran, this represents a fortune.
long story short, Customs FINALLY agreed that the "Chinese imports" were actually not breaking two Federal laws, not smuggled goods.
If this is free trade, I will eat my cat. I mean hat, all better now... customs hassles ARE real, without UPS running interference for THOMANN this sale would be a more costly affair. The storage fees are serious and amount to something like 140 a week, if you have the misfortune to have illegal smuggling charges around both exporter AND importer. The buyer would probably forfeit all that was spent in both time and cash! Now I can honestly say on delivery, that the machine has been around the world and in jail charged with a crime...I wish Uncle Sugar gave ME days to get the proof I needed to avoid a Federal RAP! A fake rap at that. Because Trump set China as some sort of big bad boogie man. The Agent at customs told me this openly, only he said policy was to be critical of Chinese imports in particular. I have an International set of gear, heck even KORG stuff from my old enemy Vietnam. I love the SQ64 and would buy another asap/ Music IS political and it cannot be helped.
funny thing is Customs claimed that NO documents were attached to the shipment AND they didnt search the contents yet SOMEHOW they spotted them illegal suckers . XRAY specs? Whoulda thunk. This package was sent from Europe and managed to find it's way into a Government facility state side...unlisted contents? No Way! Now I am feverishly making a slot for my new aquisition. I like retro gear I can afford and get to own with out some police state tatics that mess with free enterprise. I JUST ordered a set of cables from CINA and it arrived with out so much as a message, so I know that this situation was political in nature. Yup!
One time I wrote a song critical of military actions later discovered to be legitimate and all hell busted loose. You need to learn to play the game and pony up in order to ride the ride, to compromise , to accept failure with grace and victory with out celebrating in the infield too much. And make some noise! The Box the parts were shipped in looks very bad, gaping open and module boxes spilling out when I picked it up, the sides were ripped and the top completely open. Completely. Thank gosh no one inspected this in violation of the law as CUSTOMA said they NEVER did hahaha.
Well, time to see if smoke erupts or if any harness is dangling, loose or missing. I suggest listening to KRAFTWEK or TD as you see what works for you. Good luck! Incidently , a complete system had NO MIDI module at all, is ok, just be warned its a bit erratic in style as far as shopping a few thousand miles goes. I ordered a replacement already!
why you putting this dude on the spot fuh kinda comment is this
Was rolling along with this video, enjoying Tim's narration, spacing out to his wonderful krauty sequences....and then he put on the flak jacket with classic British deadpan and I spit out my coffee. Well-played, my man.
Another great video Tim. I have just bought a bunch of the System 55 modules to use with my system 2500 and 100 modules, and I now have a much better grasp of how everything can fit together! Thoroughly enjoyable one hour :-)
Your presentation is so good. It's like watching a TV show.
I actually purchased the System 55 along with the large Go! case a number of months ago. Unfortunately, life intruded and I had to postpone the joy of getting to know this system by several weeks. I'm now able to give it my full attention, which coincides wonderfully with the release of this video! Although valuable hands-on time has been spotty, I did manage to get everything installed in a familiar yet logical fashion. A complete 3-Osc setup fits nicely in the bottom row of the Go! case: Osc driver, driving 3 oscillators --> 3 VCOs --> Lo Pass filter --> Hi Pass filter --> 3 EGs --> 3 VCAs. I have a 2HP RND module filling the remaining gap on the bottom row. The top row houses various utility and mixing modules from the series: 995 and CP35 attenuators, Random signal generator, Filter Bank, 923 Filters module, and 2 Mixer modules. Remaining gaps are again filled with a handful of 2HP modules, as well as DivKid Ochd module. I also picked up a 104hp Behringer skiff case to house its matching power supply module, the Sequencer and Sequential Switch modules, plus a Ladik master mix module. This marked my first-ever foray into the world of Eurorack, and I must admit... it has quite an intimidating learning curve, especially given the precious little tutorial content that exists about this series of modules. As such, I've been very much anticipating Tim's review and personal impressions, in hopes that it might clarify things further. As usual, Mr. Shoebridge never disappoints. Many thanks for this.
A year on, how are you doing with it?
@@RenaissanceEarCandy Results are frustratingly mixed. I've actually been reluctant to provide updates due to an epic fail on the Behringer Go powered rack that housed my System 55 modules, coupled with an unnecessarily labyrinthine repair process that guaranteed nothing and actually suggested that I might, in the end, wind up bearing some the actual cost. As a result, I have a large chunk of euro rig that is literally unusable, until such time that can afford a suitable alternative. During the relatively short time that the Behringer rack was actually functional, I was routinely impressed with and inspired by the System 55 modules, and never regretted purchasing them.
Thanks for sharing snd sorry to hear about your eurorack troubles. Not exactly sure if the epic fail was the power supply and a set of modules. Either way I hope you get it all the workout. Kind regards.
I just bought the System 55 today, this series is amazingly helpful! Thank you for sharing your experiences Tim!
A very well thought out and informative video. The time you put in to this to make such quality is outstanding... And the music you've created is phenomenal as well.
Tim, all your music in this video was exceptionally beautiful. You definitely were inspired!
Another excellent video and I completely agree with you about keeping the S-Trig in Eurorack modules. To convert V-Trig (Voltage-Trigger) to S-Trig (Switch-Trigger) and vice versa requires very few components and they could have been added to the 911 and 911A modules to make them V-Trig compatible. There is an advantage with S-trig which is that you only need to short out the S-Trig input with a switch to trigger the module and Bob Moog chose it so that unpowered trigger devices could be used. I get the impression with all of the Behringer modules that they have sacrificed some usability by keeping everything as close to the originals as possible. That is probably not a good idea with these modules because some of them were the first synth modules ever created and Bob Moog was a pioneer who didn't always get them right first time. You only have to search for the 902 schematic on the Internet and you will find three or four different versions. The 911 envelope generator was designed before the terms Attack, Sustain, Decay and Release were coined by musicians and that is why it has T1 etc. on the controls. He just didn't have a better name for them.
I am sure some nice fellow will make a sticker set of sensible names
Very well done presentation with plenty of things for electro-musicians to consider. These modulars are a complex, almost labyrinthine method of generating music. But performers like Tomita showed that equally complex musical textures could be created with them. Tomita's album of Debussy music from the 70s proved that. Amazing stuff, although I think he used some non-Moog polyphonic string machines too. It takes time, labour, and insane dedication! Also don't forget the role that outboard effects played in all these older recordings.... maybe up to half of the tonal characteristics we hear. Hugely important for sound shaping. Thanks and good luck. :)
Tontos expanding headband defies any description except extensive proving that brand names are not everything! Tomita is eclectic allright. Beauty defies description some say.
Thanks for mentioning Tomita!! Nobody has come close the his orchestrations before it since. I know it’s my opinion but The Bermuda Triangle proves it😜
Really exceptional video, Tim. Perhaps one of your best ever. Timely for me as I started putting together modular pieces end of last year, and 'backed out' of getting some of the Behringer clones of the Moog and picking up pretty much what you have in your smaller system, mixed in with all the other stuff I'm doing from multiple vendors. Even though I always wanted a fully Moog Modular, ala Tangerine Dream, I don't have the patience or time to have just one such beast which takes up so much space. Esp since I ended up with four Mantis cases, and realized how much space the full system takes up. Again, great video. Thanks!
Very nice, Tim. You always put so much time and care into your videos.
I think behringer calls the modules an authentic reproduction. That means bringing the pains of the past, including terminology and oscillator instability. Like you said, nostalgia at its best. That includes dealing with the issues of modular of the past. Nice review!
The use of VSTs to do anything like this is sacriledge I say. We are the priests of sound that seperate the digital dream generators from the threshing machines that reap what the drum samplers have sown! Use them allllllll!
wow absolutely wow , your videos are always such a joy to watch
I watched this a dozen times and it never gets old😎
Amazing! Once again, really well done, detailed and amazing music!
Great review!!!!
My modules: 6x 921 (VCO) , 2x 904A (LPF), 1x 904B (HPF), 5x 911 (Env), 1x 914 (Filter Bank), 3x CP3A (Mixer), 1x CP35 (Atten.) , 3x 902 (VCA), 1x 923 (Filters), 1x 995 (Multi). All in a Behringer Eurorack GO case. Unbelievable sound quality.
I used to have 3 921B + 921A and 3 921... But the 921B had very bad tuning problems... Now I have all 6 921 and they're really stable.
I don't need the 961 module, my Kenton Pro Solo mkll has S-trigger outs.
I love the honest reviews and thoughts that you share, combined with the truly inspiring demos in between. The one from 52 minutes onward shows exactly that oldschool Tangerine Dream-like sequence that systems like these are so good at producing. Also, if I can afford it someday, the Vermona Melodicer seems like magic!
Brilliant stuff Tim👌💯‼️. Plenty to mull over there....hmm🤔
Thank you👍
I love the 3 tier "hybrid" Moog/Behringer combo.... pricing it out though makes more sense to buy the System 15 and stick the Mother 32 in the Behringer rack as of todays pricing. You get all the modules, a powered case and more for $100 more. Plus you would need $300 to buy 2 Moog powered cases and the rack system. Modules & Powered cases: $996.56 .... for $999.00 you could buy the System 35....... but its definitely and interesting combination!
I'm barely a minute into the video but I'd like to offer the following observations for people looking to assemble one. 1. Go with the 921abbb+ with a single 921 instead of taking up all that space for three oscillators. 2. Don't forget about the 914 Fixed Filter Bank. 3. Don't neglect the mixer. The intro video was lovely. Let me get back to the video...
Totally agree, I (we) can always dream. If I can get somewhere near what I remember of the originals from my younger days then I will be very happy.
Great Job Tim, i allways enjoy your videos. I rebuild a System 55 as close as possible with Behringer 55 Modules, and build on my own a original Design Case. If i would pay for sound and functionality the 35000€ for a 55er Moog, i would be dissapointed. I pay 3000€ for my Behringer 55 and im fully happy every day.
Absolutely excellent! I really appreciate your videos again and again. There aren't so many people on youtube who make such serious and consciencous reviews that are accurate and full of personal oppinion at once. 👍
A total contrast to those self-advertizers who praise anything they got to test.
And even if I learned that the System 55 really is not what I'm looking for, after I've seen your video I'm sure that this is not simply prejudice.
Thanks for that, it saved me a lot of money or made at least decisions easier.
PS: By the way, V-Trig to S-Trig conversion is just one resistor and one transistor, this would even fit into a 3.5mm TS plug.
I really wonder why only Doepfer is offering this ... and only with 6.35mm plugs.
Great video Tim thanks. I’ve just bought the System 55 and new to modular. The disadvantages outlined are a positive to me in that one has to do a work-around to achieve more simpler results, as illustrated by your System 100 modules comparison. This extra effort makes you think more, allowing for a deeper understanding.
Very good overview of this system, enjoyed watching thanks.
I've had the Club of the Knobs 5U replicas for years that are hand built like the originals.
Recently picked up a Behringer 921 VCO and it's pretty much indistinguishable from the COTK 921.
5U ergonomics make the hands on experience better, but sound-wise you can't go wrong with these low cost Behringer issues.
practice makes perfect when recreating ancient circuit designs. Whats real weird is using a half century old technology to create a dream sound based on the day after tommorow/next millenium reality. Thats downright odd!
@@TheSynthZone the reality is there are still many avenues of virtually unheard sounds we can create. Method is up to the user, both in talent and taste. But it's cool when people use these older systems to create newer sounds, I much prefer that than doing retro things all the time.
I didn't think I'd enjoy this vid. But it's pretty interesting so far.
Those modules look pretty nice racked up together.
The flak jackets on - Can't wait to hear the negatives!
I think the idea of being ready for any response is a great one. Now, where,s that download of that fantastic Berlin stuff I just heard again? I suppose getting a million hits is unreasonable but why not try? The sound says it all.
@@TheSynthZone i reckon you could get that OG techno sound in spades with this gear 😁
But, fot the record, I think the best value is the Broland 150 ring mod/noise/s&h/lfo module
That's a lot of punch for $100
Well done and thank you. I enjoyed the music samples and especially liked the patching comparisons. Also important that you do bring up the issues one has to consider when thinking about building a 55 system.
Thank you for the excellent video, helping me to get started on the System 55. If only all TH-cam tutorials were as good as this one but that's very rare!👍👏
Thanks for sharing this - Very informative and useful information throughout. All the quirks of the System 55 makes me very happy of the way I designed my own Eurorack system a couple of years ago. My space is limited, and I wanted as much functionality as possible crammed into that space! I went for an Arturia 3U + 6U double casing, and a lot of the modules I ended up getting was from the company 2hp. They have a fairly complete selection of oscillators, filters, attenuverters, mixers, and utility modules - even a dedicated LFO module with a quite sophisticated set of waveforms. The VCO is one of the most stable I've come across yet - I rarely need to retune it. The low-pass VCF is a 24 dB ladder structure, which is a pretty cool feat in a module just 2HP wide. I have of course combined the 2hp modules with modules from Doepfer, Intellijel, Mutable Instruments and other companies as well in order to have a working system, but I would consider adding a couple of VCOs, a VCF, and a sequencer module from the System 55 collection when time, space and funding allows.
I've not tried it on moog modules but if the filters go low enough you can use them as a slew generator for control signals. One common use of slew is for portamento of course. My point is that some of the things that you say are missing are almost certainly possible, you just have to know more about the modules to get those functions.
Depuis deux ans j’hésite à me lancer dans le modulaire et principalement à cause des questions que je me posais sur la complexité du patching concernant le Système 55. je vais m’orienter sur le système 100. Merci pour toutes vos explications, vous allez me faire économiser beaucoup d’argent!
Excellent as usual Tim 👍. I'm going to build on my Neutron to increase its palette. The 110, Brains, and 904A seem a good start. However, I play it from a Roland AE-30 wind synth and the Neutron only gives me CV for pitch (which includes bite/bend) and breath (aftertouch). The AE-30 can also send other controls. What I need is a MIDI CC to CV converter and those seem to be pretty rare.
as always, top notch and informative stuff Tim
I added a Behringer 921 to my AJH setup.
It sounds good. And it's easier to go in the very low frequencies.
Tim, you are fantastic with your presentation and truthfulness. I have watched this video before I purcahsed my system 55 but with the price drop, I decided to go for it. Down the road, I will get the monster Doepfer case and start my own custom setup since as you say there are a lot of new modules out that do wonderful things and that is so true. I picture maths and Doepfer mods and so many tiptop modules, but for just getting into it with modular I'm okay with the system 55. I do have moog sound studio so my very first module will be erica's mother-32 adapter and then a sample and hold, portamento and ring mod. I enjoy your edcuational style and technique and I will be back with some questions I'm sure. God Bless - Bob
Hey Tim.... am getting into electronic music at age 60 and have a ton of gear I bought 7 years ago right before I was badly injured so never had a chance to use it. I own a moog sub 37,
7 moogerfooger pedals & cp-251 control processor. I have no clue how to use this gear as I originally bought them for pedals for my guitar but have read electronic musicians love these analog tone boxes. So really want to hook everything up but don't even know where to start. I use uses Ableton as my DAW. I have mics, converters, speakers etc, I am talking synths, drum machines, . Moog mother 32 or DFAM, Polyphonic synth, etc. I have a $5000 budget and could get this system for $3500. So still have $1500 to put towards gear. Appreciate any advice.🙏
Thanks for sharing this I had a spare hour; the time was well spent and very enjoyable.
I've not tried them yet, but I think patch cables with attenuators built in (ie. something like inline volume pot) exist
Great video, cheers. Kinda surprised you settled on smaller systems with the module size issues.. that's why I'm building a monster in 19".. rack space will never run out
Hi Wagoo ;-)
i meant to mention below that from 1979-1982 i worked with my university’s roland system 100m which had many features in common with the system 55 but also several Roland extensions. s & h, and ring modulation banks were the most notable.
Tim, I have to disagree a bit. You're right with S&H. But, the 961 is a wonderful module. Patch a V-Trig into column B, out to 911. You can change the length of the S-Trig, which influences the sustain of the 911. You can even patch it back to S to V-trig and you have converted a trigger to a gate. Perfect. You have a very good LFO in 921B. Set it to LO. Or apply -6 V through a attenuater and to signal in of 921B. Great LFO. The mults which are almost all over the place, can be used as unity mixers as well. They are passive. And the sequencer is insane.
I love those modules.
Great idea to combine M32 with system 55. Cool.
The 961 is indeed a wonderful module, I agree completely, it's just the space it takes up if all you need is V->S conversion that peeves me. I tried the 921B's as LFO's but they just don't go slow enough for me, but your idea to attenuate with a negative voltage is brilliant, I'll definitely try it out. The only problem then is the size of that Attenuators module with the fixed voltages, it's just not very practical in a smaller setup. I make these comments about rack space a lot because I see a lot of people wanting to dip their toe in the eurorack water with these modules and they are not going to be people jumping at a large Go! case as a first step unless of course they realise the amount of space they are realistically going to need...
@@TimShoebridge Tim, agree with rack space. But, as the eurorack rabbit hole goes along, rack space comes with it...
Is it just me or do the 911 envelope generators behave differently to modern eurorack adsr envelope generators ?
For instance it seems that the once the cv voltage for the maximum sustain is reached, it won’t register any following triggers until I manually turn down the sustain below a certain threshold.
I may have that wrong, or I may be confused and instead it’s the attack stage that behaves differently.
Thanks for your videos and your help :)
Thanks so much Tim for that great instructive video!
It happens I began to mount such a mix of B. Modules from system 55 mainly the 960 sequencer, the filter & fixed filter bank with the Cp3A (well and a 921 oscillator), then from system 100 the 112 Vco's, and the 130 double VCA, with the 140 envelope module have the most features, like all of the useful inbuild attenuators. Then modules like the ARP 2500, their filters 1006 and 1047 are very interesting and also the very complete envelope generator 1033, as well as the 1005 VCA that gives a lot of extra functionalities that you can't find on the 902. By the way your bonus track 10 notes Chord is very captivating. Cheers!
Great great demo!!! A s trigger is only an inverted v trigger, so a little logic modul should work
Thank you so much for this video!! As an old guy who coveted those big Moog modulars back in the day, it's very enlightening to dig this deep into the details of what it really takes to make them work. I never owned a Moog modular 50 years ago, or a Roland 100m, but I was fortunate enough to own an ARP 2600. It might be interesting to compare creating this same patch on a Behringer 2600? I'll try it myself when I get a chance. My sense is that it would be also be very straightforward.
Thanks for posting,Tim.'Excellent' video,as always! I made an '8HP' module to convert the 'gate-to-switch-trigger'.The schematic was in the back of my old, 'Micromoog' manual.I also added a couple of 'push-buttons',with 1ufd.-capacitors, to 'debounce' them,for 'manual-triggering'.The 'gate to trigger' circuit is 'relatively easy'.I'm sure there is a 'schematic' on the web somewhere for this 'older-circuit'!the main advantage is that it takes' up less 'real-estate' than the 'large-panel' converter.Lord knows' when the 'midi-panel',with 'gate-to-switch' and 5-volt,C.V.,will get here? : )
great video tim..thinking about buying this..only trouble is.i dont no anything about modular..if i was to add to this id want drums and a brain and some sort of reverb.can i add the tree modules..what size would i need
Slowly but surely becoming my favorit "TH-cam Synthesizer Presenter/ Explainer Person" , you are Mr. Shoebridge - so MY kind of musicians and AND presenters (Rare !) is(just come to mind) : Jay Hosking - Loopop - Marc "Gainstage" Doti - Hainbach - Nick Batt - Jamie "Red Means recording" - Jamie "Jamiroqyai" - and You,- - Ofcourse theres around 10-15 more - or so - ultra fantastic Eurorack/hardware Synth PLAYERS , ill allways check out of new content - but as far a EXPLAINING , and feel in perfect company with - you in a very small and - exclusive, but for me - V.I.P. class - of TH-camrs ! So thankyou for being you the way you are being you !
AGIN ...!!! This was a Great Breakdown of the Euro Rack System ..I think I may start with the Roland System 100 ....Thank you for this Great Info ..!!
love the intro music made on the System 55. Brilliant review
Hi Tim, I made v to s trig cables to go between Roland MC202 and 2 Mini Moogs. You just need a 20 cent transistor, wire the v signal to the base and connect emitter and collector across the two jack terminals. Sorry cant remember if it was a PNP or NPN transistor. Just get your tech to wire up a couple. :)
It’s a NPN.
See the second post:
modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=213362
No wizzardry. Did the same to connect my MS-20. Its just inverting the output signal.
Same here, built some 3.5mm patch cables with the transistor and resistor shrink wrapped into the cables. Tim let me know and I can mail some to you. I had the same beef with having to buy that large module just to send gate signals to the Envelope generators. Works like a charm.
After messing with my system 55, I can see why you say the the 961 interface in the biggest pain in the a**. For all that space you get 2 v-trig to s-trig converters, at yet there are 4 envelopes that need s-trig! I agree this is the biggest issue. I hav found AM997 Dual Trigger Converter 4HP that has 2 channel v-trig to s-trig converters but it is backordered and I can understand why. Thanks again for your great presentations. Bob
Well thought out video. I've been gassing for the behringer system 55 and wondered how it compared to the system 100. Give me a lot to think about. Thanks 😊
Just got my full System 55 2 days ago. Set it all up and plugged it in and.... realized i have no idea how to get sound out of it lol Was hoping for a Headphone output jack on the Midi module. Nope. No obvious Audio out jack either. Checked the manual and looks like you can come out of the Mixer module or an Attenuator module. But they have 4 outs. 2 positive and 2 Negative. Soooooo 2 positive outs means 2 Audio outs?! Can use as a left and right output? Obviously not real stereo but...? It says i can go out to an Interface/Mixer/Amplifier. If i go out to a Mixer, and there are 3 Mixer modules and 3 Attenuator modules, does that mean i can have 6 channels of Audio? If i put my Mother 32 into the case (there is plenty of room) can i run everything from the System 55 into the signal input of the Mother and use the Mothers audio out for Headphones? A detailed video on getting the sound out of the modules would be VERY VERY helpful for someone wanting to learn. I have been spoiled with semi-modular syths lol
Fantastic Tim! Your videos/reviews are really a cut above.
Holy moly a lot of work went into this video! The editing alone with the graphics must have been tedious as shit. Really appreciate the work, Tim. Top class as always.
I really admire you so much, Tim; you make such incredible pieces of art using only one system or synth. Your music is so inspiring for me that I also tried to “copy” the patch you used in a video about the behringer 100 and the Waldorf kb37. And I say “copy” cause I did it using my microfreak lol
So yeah, I’m a fanboy from Mexico xD
some absolutely beautiful sounds there.
I love the way the letters almost say moog very smooth Tim i double taked it the first time lol round
You can take off the flak jacket, Tim. Everything you said about the Moog 55 is simple fact (and no one loves the Moog like I do!) Excellent video. Really helped me make up my mind about making the jump from my vintage synths to Eurorack and how to do it.
[BTW Bob Moog was indeed a musician - he played the piano quite well.]
Love the original tune towards the end.
Nicely done as always, and confirmed for me that the system 100 was the right choice. One thing though I would like your take on is comparison of the system 55 sequencer to the system 100 one. As you said the moog sequencer is the classic TD sound, so I am thinking of going for it despite the size, and the fact I have plenty of sequencing options already. Cheers.
Hi Sean. Yes the 960 is a more flexible and powerful sequencer for sure. It also has full sized knobs and you can select the CV scaling per row so it's a lot easier to set pitches and keep them in tune compared to the 182.
You can use the 921Bs as LFOs by putting them in Lo mode, and you do not even need the 921A with it when you use it as an LFO.
Very true but low mode is still not very slow, at least for my needs...
@@TimShoebridge I am trying a LFO I found on a old piece of gear to see if I can use it to modify an entire system at once, I do sound design for audio research as well as some cochlear implant tech folk.I will let everyone know how the idea works sometime maybe in Jan. The idea of a master Lfo controlling Lfo's as well as a signal chain that responds to a cyclic style "pulse" modified to match my clinical target frequencies as well as being listenable makes my fingers twitch! But, the interface is very rough now.
The generous width of some modules (mixer, attenuator in particular) can also be a big relief in a crammed, fiddly rack
Very true
Very nice. I'd like very much to do something like this myself but a quick (and probably incomplete) survey shows that these Behringer modules are not currently available anywhere in North America. Thomann in the EU, on the other hand seems to have almost all of them in stock. Curious as to why this might be. Has anyone here in North America purchased anything from Thomann. What are the import fee gotchas? Or, am I missing some place in North America that currently has this stuff in stock?
Fantastic video, I love your demo pieces.
really excellent tim. i might treat myself to some of these. big tangerine dream fan!
Excellent music. I love the final jam.
Great video! I have the full system 55 range and I agree with everything you said - I built this because I’m a moog modular fanboy and I wouldn’t trade it for anything else but it’s definitely missing some functionality
Layers are like onions, no parfait. =)
Great video. I'm invested in 5U modules but after your videos the Behringers sounds fantastic :) I have old Moogs and Korgs which needs S-trigg :D
Dear Tim, Thank You just a great video 🙏🙏🙏
The 961 Interface module needs BIG space. So I modified 944 Multiples and make a V-Trigger convert S-Trigger module.
This solusion has less space and this trigger converter is not required power supply. Very very smart solution,.
Excellent content, as are all your videos. The system 55 is priced very attractively, but then I keep thinking I can achieve similar sounds and much better sequencing and playability with what I already have. I'll probably not get it but gosh I want this system.
@ Tim Shoebridge, I think it's fair that you pointed out the limitations of the Moog system. It goes to show what a decade and a half of research and development will do for synthesis methods (comparing to the Korg System 100).
Hello Tim, thanks for the very informative and in-depth and beautifully produced video; I must have watched it about three times now.
Since you also have a Matriarch I wanted to ask you or anyone else: Does anyone know how this system compares sonically to a Moog Matriach/Grandmother? Does it add anything to your sonic palette? Thanks a lot for anyone reading/answering :)
Thanks very much 🙏
The Matriarch is my favourite synth to come from Moog since the Voyager. It is amazing sounding and so flexible. The benefit of eurorack modules like these from Behringer is that you can create a rig as small or as big as you want. How many oscillators, how many filters, monophonic, paraphonic, polyphonic, it is entirely up to you (and your finances!)
Hi, I am thinking of going down the Behringer modular 100 system road, do system 55 modules work with the 100 system? cheers Tim.
Yes they do, all eurorack modules are compatible. With the exception of the specific S-TRIG requirement which I talk about in the video.
@@TimShoebridge cheers I will watch again and listen more closely. :)
This the kind of the video where I know that I have to lock away my credit card before pressing play. Nice presentation.
excellent video. thank you for the helpful explanation and demo.
Beautiful, pedagogical and well constructer video! Maybe, on the + side one could mention that those modules forces one to understand how things work at some lower level. This in turn may help better use more advanced modules.
I love that these are all on eurorack voltage
Question Tim: What is the VEMONA piece (left and upright) and then the piece sitting FLAT in front of the VERMONA? My guess is that the VERMONA is a sequencer and the box (can't see the brand) in front of maybe a MIXER. Thanks.
Hi yes it's the Vermona Melodicer, I have one or two videos dedicated to that module. And in front is the mixer module from Beringer's System 100 range plus an Erica Synths effects module (Black Hole DSP 2)
Excellent video and music. Thank you. 🙂
I didn’t hear if you mentioned this but Behringer didn’t use any opamps in the analogue System 55 modules. They used all discrete components like in the original designs which is how it can replicate the actual tone of the old modules so well. There’s nothing wrong with opamps and all the new Moog stuff uses them but they are almost too perfect so you don’t get that slight variance in tone that older synths had.
It’s a bit like the CD vs Vinyl debate although I think it’s more noticeable here. You can really hear the difference side by side with the System 100 modules which use traditional TL074 and LM13700 ICs and they sound good but different than the System 55 modules even though on an oscilloscope the waveforms look very similar. The LP filter is probably the most noticeable and I’d recommend at least getting one of those to give any oscillator more of a “Moog” tone.
Looks and sounds like great fun. I could set up my modules and complete units to make Cool Music, but I wouldn’t have the awesome English accent… so I’d still fall shorter on the scale of overall Coolness factor. Oh well… we do what we can with our own patterns and speech vibe and abilities.
I’m not a snob about any of these makers or buying Behringer stuff. Prices have for many years kept people out of the game… so now more people can play and create. I think it’s important that anyone pretty much, can see the game, get excited… and join in because prices are within most people’s range. It’s also Cool that you can get a module at a time… and slowly build up. Ok… enough bla bla bla from me. Thanks for the video!
Great video, Tim! Thanks for taking the time to put together this video. It has certainly been worth the wait!
Which of the Behringer modular systems that you've demo thus far is your favorite to use, and why? My favorites have been the Roland style modules, and the ARP 2500 modules.
The System 100 is my day-to-day go-to favourite simply because it's so complete, so functional, so simple to use and so optimal in terms of rack space. But I prefer the sound of the System 55 and 2500 filters, so a hybrid setup makes more sense. The 2500 sounds absolutely beautiful, I think sonically it is my favourite overall, but it is the most limited functionally, you need to supplement the modules with others to make a full system.
@@TimShoebridge Thanks for the reply. I liked the 2500 sound the best, but I also liked the Roland System 100 sound as well. The Roland Modules seem pretty complete for a first time modular set up. Perhaps the addition of a quantizer module with be helpful.
The most attractive synth youtuber.
tonaly the moog fixed filter bank was vital to the moog sounds of TD and Schulze, plus some good phaser
That's a very undervalued design. The fact that it used as an inductors makes it sound quite different, as every player who uses Wahwah pedals will understand. It was critical to Wendy Carlos's albums as well, shaping the sound in such a musical way.
35:28 I have access to an original system 55 and on stage for patches we always just use two oscillators (tuning is a pain) and then run them into a vca because that has two inputs.
Tim what is the tan camo jacket vest thing? Some serious analog pocket action going on on the front.
Remember that Moog modular were created in the late 60s. The musicians didn't know they needed an S&H or ring-mod... they smoked weed and saw pink elephants. :)
Another useful video thanks Tim 🙏….their ARP2600 is on my radar but after seeing this I’m on the fence but this video helps
Excellent work ethic .
Fantastic video! I noticed that you are using 2 Behringer psu modules. Wouldn’t one psu be enough to power the limited system 55 modules you are using, then opt for another multiple on the side? I’m curious how many modules one psu could handle as it comes with 2 ribbon connectors.
Thanks a lot. The correct answer to your question is you need to determine the power consumption requirements of each module, sum them, and then make sure your power supply is designed to cope. I went with two purely because of aesthetics and that I had the spare HP on each row 😂