Five Absolute essential Eurorack modules for your Starter Kit
The world of Eurorack modules is vast, there is so much to choose from and newcomers often get carried away.
Websites like ModularGrid.net don’t help by providing access to thousands of modules to build your dream synthesizer. I think this is one reason that puts newcomers off, as they just don’t know what to choose. The beauty of modular is being able to build your own unique synthesizer, so these are just guidelines aimed to make those first steps a bit easier, by explaining some of the modules we feel are essential for a Eurorack starter kit.
Hexinverter Mutant Brain
What is it:
Hexinverter Mutant Brain is essentially a MIDI to CV/Gate converter with a few cool tricks up its sleeve. The Mutant Brain features four independent assignable CV outputs and 12 Gate outputs, you can easily use the software to assign which MIDI channels are sending to which outputs, and the IO is enough to power a full live performance rig.
Best feature(s):
“Set-it-and-forget-it” style configuration – there is nothing worse than having to configure something midway during a performance because you mistakenly knocked a parameter.
Final Thoughts:
A MIDI to CV/Gate converter is a pretty essential piece of the Eurorack puzzle, especially if you want to run your system alongside other synths or a DAW. The Hexinverter Mutant Brain provides plenty of channels for both synth voices and accompanying drum triggers – perfect for any starter kit!
Price:
USD $169 (Around R2400 excl. duties)
More Information
Expert Sleepers Disting MK4
What is it:
The Expert Sleepers Disting MK4 is the “Swiss Army” module, its capable of 84 different functions – way too many to go through in this article.
Best feature(s):
Some of the useful functions in this rack would be stuff like – CV Quantizer, Dual Waveshaper, Sample and Hold, Clockable Delay, LFO, Filters, Envelopes, it can even function as an oscillator!
Final Thoughts:
The Expert Sleepers Disting MK4 is an incredible addition to any Eurorack starter kit, it saves you having to buy a ton of extra modules for functions you may not be using all the time.
Price:
USD $189 (Around R2700 excl. duties)
More Information
Intellijel Dixie 2+
What is it:
Intellijel Dixie 2+ is a super versatile and affordable analog oscillator with six individual outputs and incredible tuning stability over its wide range of frequencies, from sub-audio/LFO rates all the way up to the high end of the spectrum.
Best feature(s):
The Intellijel Dixie 2+ has dual FM inputs with switchable linear and exponential modes, PWM and sync input.
Final Thoughts:
You’re probably thinking, how useful are FM and Sync inputs without another oscillator? That’s where the Expert Sleepers Disting MK4 becomes even more capable!
Price:
USD $229 (Around R3300 excl. duties)
More Information
2HP ADSR
What is it:
Envelope generators are something you can never have enough of in a modular system! from turning synth sounds into percussive elements to controlling your VCAs, they play an important role in the signal chain. The 2HP ADSR is not the most capable envelope generator on the market, however I feel it’s perfect for a starter kit because of its size – making your system expandable.
Best feature(s):
Like I said, the 2HP ADSR is quite stock-standard however it’s incredibly “skiff-friendly” at 2HP. Infact 2HP’s entire range of modules is 2HP.
Final Thoughts:
The Expert Sleepers Disting MK4 has some complex envelope modes that will complement the 2HP ADSR very well.
Price:
USD $89 (Around R1300 excl. duties)
More Information
2HP VCA
What is it:
VCAs are another piece of the modular puzzle that you cannot have enough of in your system. The 2HP VCA is another stock-standard module, however it works with both audio signals and attenuating CV signals.
Best feature(s):
Skiff-friendly!
Final Thoughts:
You will most likely end up having a few VCAs in your system, why not start off with something inexpensive and small-enough to leave space for adding more VCAs!
Price:
USD $89 (Around R1300 excl. duties)
More Information
Expandability!
Your average off-the-shelf Eurorack case houses around 80-90HP worth of modules, the above modules will only take up 24hp – leaving you with plenty of space to add more modules as you need more complex functionality. The complete system as described above will set you back USD $765 (Around R11k excl. duties) which is not bad at all considering it’s a pretty capable starter kit with the ability to expand to your heart’s content.
Keep in mind you will need a case and a power supply, Mother City Modular have some options alongside most of the modules I mentioned above, depending on stock of course. Check them out here.
If you don’t know Modular Grid, it’s an awesome website for planning your dream modular synth setup, check it out here.
