simfonik's Reviews

Great starting point

The Tiptop Happy Ending Kit is a great low cost entry point into building a modular synth in the eurorack format. I quickly outgrew mine and moved on to a custom Goike 9u in walnut, but still make use of the HEK as a power source for testing the DIY modules I build.

If you have Pressure Points, you need Brains.

Enables sequential control of Make Noise Pressure Points module(s). If you have Pressure Points, there's no reason you shouldn't pick up Brains to go with it. It takes up very little space and adds a lot of functionality.

You'll want at least one.

Maths was one of my first module purchases when I got into Eurorack. It's a very useful module, especially in a small system, as it can be used for so many different functions. When my rack size inevitably expands, I'll likely add the 2013 updated version of Maths to my setup.

My Favorite EQ

This is a DIY module based on the Serge Resonant EQ. This particular build uses a CGS 202 PCB, a daughter board from Negativespace, and a panel designed by Clarke Robinson. It's an expanded version of an earlier design, adding individual outputs for each frequency.

It's a fantastic module and a relatively easy and incredibly fun DIY project. I completed my first one after building just a few other projects and the hardest part of it all was sourcing some of the components. I built mine using OP275 op amps and polystyrene caps (some values are hard to find) in the signal path.

I mostly use this for processing drums and creating feedback loops. The sound of this module is incredible.

Excellent VCA

I had a HexVCA prior to this. I prefer the increased wiggle room and linear response of Linix.

Nice headphones

I've had these headphones for 10 years now. They've outlasted nearly every other set of headphones I've owned, with the exception of the MDR-7506. I've mainly used these for casual music listening and DJing. The low end frequency response is a little exaggerated, but still pleasing to my ears.

Heart of my system

I use the Trigger Riot in every patch. It's the heart of my system, clocking everything and feeding gates to any module that's hungry for them.

Great module, but not for me.

It's a great module, and I was able to coax some incredible sounds out of it, but it's more complex than what I was looking for in a digital oscillator.

My favorite oscillator

Mutable Instruments Braids has become my favorite oscillator. Not only do firmware updates continue to be released by Mutable, expanding on the already incredible array of sounds and features, but other people are also releasing interesting alternative firmware updates –– like Bees-in-the-trees –– thanks to the open-source license on the Braid's source code. My only problem with the availability of alternative firmware modifications, is I'm no longer sure that just one Braids is enough.

Best cassette deck I ever owned

I've owned a lot of cassette decks, and none come close to the quality and reliability of the Nakamichi CR-7A. I still enjoy listening to recordings on tape with this machine. There's a reason these retain such a high resale value.

Inexpensive way of opening up your system

This is a must have module for any modular setup. I picked mine up specifically for use with 2x Make Noise Pressure Points and a Brains, to enable up to 24 step sequences, but the things you can do with a switch are endless.

Great utility module

I primarily use it for transposing sequences. It's a handy module and only takes up 6hp.

Excellent studio monitors

For my ears and budget, I haven't found better sounding studio monitors than the JBL LSR2328P.

Allen & Heath make great mixers

I've owned and played on several models of Allen & Heath DJ mixers over the years, and they have a well deserved reputation for great build and sound quality. After picking up the Zed 12-FX, I can say the same is true for their studio mixers. If you're looking for a high quality studio mixer, with a small footprint and great price, look no further.

It is worth noting that the effects aren't great, which is why I give it 4 out of 5 stars. Had I not picked this up second hand for a great price, I likely would have opted for one the models without effects to save a little money.

More than a scaled down version of the JP-8

I love my Jupiter-6. The Europa upgrade is a must if you want to fully unleash this analog beast's full potential. It gives you expanded routing, modulation, and arpeggiation capabilities, in addition to significantly improving upon the otherwise basic MIDI implementation.

Not bad for the price.

It's hard to complain about a sequencer that has CV and MIDI for around $100.

Top quality and built to last.

If you're a vinyl DJ, the SL-1200/1210 is a must. I've owned 4 in the past 24 years and each one is still working like new.