Share photos and details about your modular video synth rigs
Category: Unknown · Tags: — · Posts: 29
#1 — creatorlars · 2018-07-18
Please post photos of your setup and describe how and why you designed it the way you did.
#2 — 337is · 2018-07-19
This is my Triple Vessel Fleet currently:
You can see the modular assortment here:
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/racks/view/676185Template: Triple Vessels Mark II - Eurorack Modular System from 337is
Link: Template: Triple Vessels Mark II
The modular grid link is accurate except there’s a brownshoesonly Video Grip where the Dave Jones MVIP is shown.
I have the following additional modules on order to finish this phase of system design:
- 2 Doorway
- 3 Staircase
- 2 Shapechanger
- 3 Prismatic Ray
After that I’ll have what I feel like is a solid 3-4 voice shape generation and processing system. And this is all pre Orion!
An unusual aspect of the system is having 3 Sensory Translators which allows for true stereo processing and audivisualization. My actual use-case for three is an electroacoustic composition I’m working on for a trio of acoustic instruments, and the stereo use is just a happy accident.
The cases are set up in an odd configuration at the moment. Initially, I had the dual run of Color Chords, Polar Fringe, Mapper, and Marble Index all in one case to allow for at least six RGB paths (two per side of the Visual Cortex) to be in the mix at once. However, this left most of the signal generation modules in other cases. I wanted to try and create a setup where in a pinch, one Vessel could do a bit of everything, and that’s what the bottom case is at this time. You can see that the bottom Vessel has two Passages in it, and so does the middle case. I think a Passage per row is not asking for too much. Even though they are not patched up in this picture, when I develop a patch, I eventually need the mixing capabilities that they offer, and they do it with brilliant subtlety.
Seriously, a Passage, Bridge, and Arch in EVERY row is how I plan to roll. Especially once I relocate these modules into my Goike Studio case. At the point the idea I have is for the Goike to be like a library, and the Vessels like book bags to carry things back and forth to performances.
The one thing I feel this system currently lacks is ramps options. @creatorlars and other folk have helped me get my head around multing them from Visual Cortex (BRIDGES, I NEED MORE BRIDGES!) and then running those multed versions through processes (ARCHES, I NEED MORE ARCHES!) and this has helped. But what I really want is a Visionary Ramps. Or, maybe, I can haz Diver?!
I could also justify having a Pendulum in every row. SO useful from mixing to creating subtle movements. Sleeper hit of the whole line imho.
The Castle line brings a lot to the party, but they are deep for the Vessels and require very specific placement to fit. I’m eager to scatter them around in my studio case as they really open up interesting options with the other modules. At first I thought they all had to be used together within the Castle line. The more I break them free and intermingle them with the Expedition line, the more amazing things I see.
I’m still learning Video Grip, but the ability to mix video signals with a joystick is more fun than should be allowed. 3 joysticks in 18u isn’t too much is it?
The Malekko AD/LFO packs a lot of motion in a small package.
All of the non-video specific modules pictured do some very useful things in a video synth. The Modcan LFO is particularly useful as it can be synced, has a really wide range, and has attenuation of both incoming and outgoing signals (meaning it doesn’t need to run through Bridge to work with the LZX video voltage range.)
You can see examples of what I’m getting up to with this system here:
https://vimeo.com/337is"Making video art and all forms of video message design are investigations and notations on the changing nature of human perception." - Tom Sherman The…
Link: Leslie Rollins (337is)
Feel free to hit me up with any questions and comments you may have.
#3 — Maytoast · 2018-07-19
Love the thought process behind this system. Mine was created much more organically as I started back in the beginnings of the visionary system, and you fought tooth and nail for anything you could get.
#4 — creatorlars · 2018-07-21
July 27, 2018 (Europe: Paris), July 26, 2018 (America: Los Angeles)
#5 — jameswashington · 2018-07-27
This is a system that I’ve been building slowly over the course of about a year and a half. At this point, it is best at external video processing & shape generation. It has a couple of oscillators for pattern generation, but I wouldn’t say that is its strength. (I briefly owned a Vidiot, and that was fantastic at pattern generation.) As I expand, I’d like to continue in the shape generation direction by adding a further Navigator to compliment the 2nd Shapechanger (adjusting X/Y w/ Passage is not ideal), and in the direction of external processing with some of the forthcoming Orion series modules.So far, apart from a couple odd music video projects, I’ve used the system to do what I think of as “video parlor tricks” – very representational experiments that help improve my technique.
#6 — 337is · 2018-07-27
jameswashington wrote:
“video parlor tricks"
I quite like that phrase.
#7 — peloazul · 2018-10-16
Link: Login • Instagram
Portable setup since I travel a good bit. Mantis for now but Vessel eventually. I wanted to give a shoutout to the Blackmagic Ultrastudio HD Mini - perfect if you want to travel “light” and have both recording and monitoring to HDMI in one box. (If you’re going to bring a notebook to record anyhoo…)
(That patch is a few different Castle VCOs going into a TVMMF, and different filter types going into different color channels on either side of the VC, with a Pendulum modulating the filters. Maybe some color variation from Color Chords?)
#8 — Farmer · 2018-10-27
What started as a row of video modules in the Pittsburgh enclosure quickly took over the whole case. With the release of Orion I will have the case filled and would like to switch to two stacked vessel cases. I have everything jammed into the corner of my office until renovations are finished, then I will have a projector wall and more outlets in the work area.
I spend more time in the eurorack audio world and only dabble in the video. A Sensory Translator looks like my next addition. Orion modules are pre ordered and I expect to be spending a lot of time this winter in their warm embrace.
#9 — alexpelly · 2018-11-20
Is that the Pittsburgh Modular Structure EP-360 case? Have you had any issues with noise? I’m thinking about getting the same one, but saw that the structure EP-420 is noisy.
#10 — Farmer · 2018-11-20
Yes, that is the case I am using. The power supplies used in both the 360 and 420 can make some noise if there are no modules plugged in but I have never had problems with sound from the 360 when loaded. Mean well power supplies cab make noise when no load is attached or if no 5v is being used from what I understand.
#11 — alexpelly · 2018-11-20
Thanks for the response! I’m actually wondering about video noise, not audio noise - see this thread.
#12 — pbalj · 2018-12-03
Here’s my modest set up.
A set of Castle, visual cortex, cadet scaler, cadet ramps. Lots of diy modules. Three of my adders, a dual buffered mult, dual enhancer, two multipliers, two video amps, and the mhzxer from akiras rebirth.
I use this rig mostly for scan processing right now, tek 620 as evidence. I’ve got a preview monitor magic armed to the case for raster preview. Not seen its a pile of diy, castles, and cadets. This is an example of the scan processing I do:
#13 — Jesse · 2018-12-03
SURE IS A LACK OF TVFKG IN THIS THREAD…
…
…
…
How y’all do without is beyond me
- cough 2019 RESTOCK cough *
#14 — cinema.av · 2018-12-22
Lol, I got one and I love mine. Every time I get doubtful, I take two outputs from some end of my system and key them in one channel and fade in another. Doesn’t sound like much, but it’s a world of difference.
#15 — Strutter · 2019-01-12
This is my current setup. I´m interested in shape generation and cross-patching audio and video modulars, and I´m really looking forward getting the shapechanger and sensory translator into my system.
#16 — nerdware · 2019-01-12
I see what you did with the knobs.
#17 — Strutter · 2019-01-12
Hehehe yeah, its fun to customize a little bit. Also the color coding helps to prevent knob-blindness.
#18 — 337is · 2019-11-22
I’ve just completed a case reorg and design.
Current State of the Video Synth Racks (11/22/19). As I begin a push towards my thesis show & publication, I’ve made some adjustments to my video synth setup. This spalted maple case is my original Matthew Goike (2012) with @officialtiptopaudio Zeus Studio power. 15u and 150 hp is a sweet spot ergonomically for me and I love patching in this layout. A recent addition that I’m thrilled about is a custom Lone Vidiot SolaChromatron colorizer. A Drew Pauper Fluxus Duo and an Erogenous Tones Structure round out the more recent additions to the signal flow, joining an Dave Jones MVIP and the mighty Castle DIY set from Philip Baljeu. The single LZX Industries Vessel is serving as a control skiff and is loaded with Nick Ciontea’s brownshoesonly goodness along with much of the #lzx#lzx Orion line.
You can see details about the particular modules included at these two modulargrid links:
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/racks/view/1055807Goike Video Synth Rack - Eurorack Modular System from 337is
Link: Goike Video Synth Rack
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/racks/view/1054590Single Vessel Controller Skiff - Eurorack Modular System from 337is
Link: Single Vessel Controller Skiff
#19 — Temp_hill · 2019-11-23
Wanted to go full DIY but screwed up the Cadet Sync and RGB encoder, so I had to buy the Visual Cortex and I am not regretting it so far.
Just trying to find out what’s right for me and what’s in my budget range. Next stuff I’m going to build is the whole Castle range and reverselandfills matrix mixer.
My dream would be to experiment with rutt ettra, scanning and maybe laser stuff, but this is far from being close.
BTW loving the stuff pbalj is doing.
#20 — joem · 2019-11-23
Is that Befaco Excalibus working alright for you? Have you noticed any noisy power issues with it?
#21 — Temp_hill · 2019-11-24
So far i haven’t noticed that much noise but keep in mind that i can’t really compare it to a laboratory grade power supply, since this is my first rack ever built.
I don’t have a permanent setup atm but maybe i can get some pictures/videos for you later this week.
#22 — Temp_hill · 2019-12-05
So i finally had the time to experiment, and as you can see there are like 2 horizontal bands of “noise” which are moving very slowly downwards. It does not really annoy me and i came to like it, but you have to decide for yourself.
The second image was moving, so thats why its kinda blurry.
#23 — phosphenes · 2021-07-14
BUMP!
Show me your rigs!
#24 — FranzKappa · 2021-07-15
After giving up on a 84hp-12u case with mw psu that i’ve bought,i wanted to see how much noise my two obsolete pittsburgh modular cell 90 skiffs produce and to my surprise i found out they work great with video synth modules.So i’ve decided to use the pittsburgh skiffs for my system and just add another 84hp-6u in shape of a acl evz1 84 case.
Those are the pittsburgh skiffs.Structure is going to be replaced with the upcoming modules spritechild and matrix.
Acl skiff.Chromagnon is a placeholder for the upcoming solarium and instead of the four arch modules,there will be move,mask,scroll and trace.This is going to be my video system (if everything works out as planned) and i’ll call it VC 348+.Edit:
Of course there’s also an audio system in my little studio.
My first modular synth.I took the pittsburgh modules from the 2 cell 90 skiffs and put them in a mantis case,which gave me additional 28hp’s for a double helix osc.It’s a little monster now and i call it “silver machine”.
There sure are bigger systems out there,but i think this is one hell of a synth.I’m calling it model 400 a/d.
#25 — bebop · 2021-07-15
heres my current setup. the video rack is still kinda basic, but its operational! i had my VC in the box for a couple years because i couldnt realy get it to gel with the audio rack; spent some stimulus money on the rackbrute, bridge, & crossfade then picked up the rest from spare modules & spare dollars
got a syntonie quad inverter onhe way, & planning to add a bso vmix, mystic Ana, new sport mod and maybe a mapper , then maybe someday getting another 6u & goin castle crazy or something. realy digging the
osc, and im sure the quad inverter will play nice with the logic circuits
its a lota fun to draw on the tv with my friends, and i hope to end up with some vcrs & such so that some day i can put out an a/v album, but not much in the way of specific plans otherwise atm
#26 — Boneoh · 2022-11-14
Here is the work in progress. There will be a TBC2, SMX3, Chromagnon added as they arrive.
I plan on processing three external video streams from my Mac and NVIDIA Jetson Nano into the LZX modules. These will be for foreground, background, and key.
My goals:
-
Process the video using the Chromagnon for fun effects, and SMX3 + FGK3 for mixing and keying. The resulting video will be processed using DaVinci Resolve. This may take more than one pass to get to the result.
-
Add more modules over time to get into analog video synthesis. This will be in 2023, no $$$ left for this year
I have 12U of eurorack audio gear, it will be a learning experience to see which modules can be used with the video synthesis. I’m guessing I will need to build or buy a conversion module to get to the 0 - 1V range from the eurorack.
I have a fair amount of digital software for fun stuff like fractals, effects, etc. It will be fun to learn and see what I can come up with!
Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks!
#27 — meudiademorte · 2022-11-21
this is dope! can you explain how you send multiple layers over this nvidia jetson nano? really looking for a way to send out multiple synchronized video tracks into the system without buying expensive video broadcasting gear.
#28 — Boneoh · 2022-11-22
Hi meudiademorte!
The Jetson Nano provides one video stream and my Mac provides two more through the ThunderBolt ports.
The Jetson Nano has both HDMI and DisplayPort, running Ubuntu. Unfortunately they are unobtanium. They have a great GPU and tons of sample source code. I’m not a Linux guru by any stretch, but they have a great dev kit that is very easy to install.
I have the Nano displays mirrored so I can watch what I’m doing on the old Dell monitor and send the other into BMD Up Down Cross. The UDC goes into a HDMI to Analog converter, then to the patch panel in the rack.
On the Mac, its a similar process using ThunderBolt to HDMI cables, then the BMD Up Down Cross and HDMI to analog.
I’m patiently waiting for the TBC2 and Chromagnon. I have the FKG3 Keyer, SMX3 Mixer, and ESG3 waiting to go! This will give me three streams into the process. The results will go into the BMD Analog to SDI converter and get recorded on the BMD HyperDeck Studio HD Mini recorder.
All of this will be 1080p29.97 using ProRes. I use DaVinci Resolve for processing, which support alpha channel for transparency levels.
There is a thread on ModWiggler that goes into the software side of things here
I’ve got a bunch of videos and some alleged ‘music’ on YouTube here
I’m very excited about the LZX Gen3, as I’m sure many others are! I’m a little late to the party, so I’m down the preorder list aways. But a lot of fun is coming soon!
Feel free to ask any questions, I don’t want to turn this post into War And Peace LOL
edit: corrected typo.
#29 — Boneoh · 2023-01-13
In case anyone is interested, the NVIDIA Jetson Nano developer kit is available once again, $149 on Amazon. It is a quick and painless install of their JetPack, which has a lot of fun sample programs that take advantage of the GPU. Highly recommended, not a lot different than a Raspberry Pi if you are familiar with those, but with a lot more GPU horsepower.