Eurorack question - Do I need an output module?

pinky_blue · Post by **pinky_blue** » Fri Jul 08, 2016 10:39 am

Hi everyone,

Bit of a noob question here - I have one of the Doepfer mini cases which contains an MFB sequencers and a Doepfer sample and hold module which I would use to send CV to my SEM Pro.

I recently bought a Dave Smith Curtis filter module, thinking I would be able to use it with whatever line level signals I put through it. I tested it with a drum machine and it was working for a bit - now nothing.

From what research I have done I think I may know the answer to this already but I'm not sure. I need some way of converting the input and output signals so I can go into the module and out of my mixer? What would be the best thing to do this with? I'd ideally be running other synths, guitars, drum machines etc into it.

Thanks

Post by **meatballfulton** » Fri Jul 08, 2016 5:09 pm

No, you do not need anything...any audio output is fair game. When I had modulars, I just patched from the VCA output to my mixer.

Keep in mind that the amplitude of modular audio is quite hot (can be +/-10V) which can overload line level inputs. The output modules offered by some makers add a volume control and in some case resistors to lower the level.

Post by **Stab Frenzy** » Sat Jul 09, 2016 5:19 am

You don't need an output module really, I used to use a pittsburgh outs but now just run straight out of my L-1 stereo mixer. Going in you'll need a preamp to boost the signal up, particularly with guitar.

pinky_blue · Post by **pinky_blue** » Sat Jul 09, 2016 11:57 am

Thanks for the responses guys. I haven't tried it with the addition of a preamp but will do so today. Its worth noting that I'm using adaptors to convert 1/4inch jacks to 3.5mm (and vice versa out of the module and into the mixer) - would this cause any issue? I'm also using unbalanced cables.

So this (in theory) should work?

Drum machine > Preamp > DMS01 > Mixer

Post by **meatballfulton** » Sat Jul 09, 2016 6:39 pm

Yes, but the kind of preamp you want would be a preamp module designed to take audio line level (about 1V) up into the +/- 5 to 10V range.

Something like this, the Pittsburgh In/Out which boosts the input 10x to 100x in voltage.

Cables are not an issue.

You wrote "I tested it with a drum machine and it was working for a bit - now nothing" explain working for a bit. If it worked once, it should still work

pinky_blue · Post by **pinky_blue** » Mon Jul 11, 2016 1:47 pm

Ah! That Pittsburgh module was actually what I was looking at before I started the thread.

As I said, I'm not really clued up on the Eurorack thing. I wasn't sure if I needed an output module/attenuator or mixer and my research didn't really help clarify the situation!

But yes, it was working. I was using an old cable which was crackling a bit. I decided to switch it for a better one and then it stopped working. My concern was that I'd overloaded it or something. Maybe I have a fault module?

Post by **meatballfulton** » Mon Jul 11, 2016 2:38 pm

I'd guess the cable you switched to is the problem, not the filter. When you went back to the crackling one did the sound come back?

If you can post a picture of the plugs on each end of both cables, that would be helpful. Everything should have only two conductors, what are known as TS (tip/sleeve).

pflosi · Post by **pflosi** » Mon Jul 11, 2016 3:25 pm

...Regardless of that cable issue, you want to have a preamp going into the modular. To boost up the levels. Personally, I use an Intellijel Audio Interface for line level stuff (and output), as well as a Pulp Logic Entry Point for instrument level things. Mics are a bit more difficult, I don't really have anything with enough gain in the modular itself - but just use a standard mic pre in that case.

Going out, you don't really need anything. Levels are hot so you might have to bring them down a bit before hitting the next stage. Attenuators, VCAs, mixers - they all do the trick. Sometimes, if what you connect to has enough headroom, you don't need anything at all (most semi-decent mixers should be able to take the typical Euro levels).

pinky_blue · Post by **pinky_blue** » Mon Jul 11, 2016 4:20 pm

Thanks guys. I'll take some photos of my connections tonight and post them here.

Changing the cable didn't fix the issue. I've tried several cables and tested them with a cable tester to ensure that wasn't causing the problem.

The only pre-amps I have currently are 500 series (Chandler TG2-500).

pinky_blue · Post by **pinky_blue** » Tue Jul 12, 2016 9:38 pm

Hi everyone,

I've recreated the setup when it was working:

Here are the connectors (I used the black ones)

Here is the cable (I've tried several of these)

Here's how I'm connecting:

Clap Trap > DSM01 > Mackie CR1604

Am I doing anything wrong here?

Eurorack question - Do I need an output module?

Eurorack question - Do I need an output module?

Re: Eurorack question - Do I need an output module?

Re: Eurorack question - Do I need an output module?

Re: Eurorack question - Do I need an output module?

Re: Eurorack question - Do I need an output module?

Re: Eurorack question - Do I need an output module?

Re: Eurorack question - Do I need an output module?

Re: Eurorack question - Do I need an output module?

Re: Eurorack question - Do I need an output module?

Re: Eurorack question - Do I need an output module?