I have a Chromagnon pre-order but I am considering diving into some Gen3 modules now, and I was looking for some advice on the 2 - 3 modules I should buy now, if I want to get started with an HD-capable Gen3 system, and even better if those modules would be relevant when my Chromagnon eventually arrives.
I assume the one non-negotiable is an ESG3. I’m considering whether I also need a TBC2 or not, depending on whether I want to bring in external signals or just focus on pattern generation within my system. Btw I have a pretty extensive SD rig mostly focused on vintage video mixers, camera feedback, and glitch modules, so TBC2 seems like a good way to leverage what I have. I also assume both TBC2 and ESG3 would be redundant once I have a Chromagnon?
Beyond that, what 1 - 2 modules would be essential to a minimally viable system? Can I do anything interesting with just an ESG3 and a DWO3?
TBC2 and ESG3 would be useful with Chromagnon–imagine having three video inputs (and two outputs) for your other video gear. What to put in the middle? FKG3 and SMX3 would be great for combining signals. DWO3 would be excellent for making patterns and modulating Chromagnon–similarly Scrolls would be cool here.
Two module pattern making system, with Chromagnon in the future? ESG3 and DWO3/Scrolls
Two module processing system, with Chromagnon in the future? ESG3 and TBC2
Let’s call it a three module pattern making system with Chromagnon in the future. I’m settled on ESG3 and DWO3, but not Scrolls. I have several tempo-synced eurorack modulation sources that I think prefer over the free running tempo of Scrolls.
What would an ideal third module be to compliment ESG3 and DWO3?
Scrolls gives you animation possibilities not available from using external modulation sources. It allows you to move and scroll ramps around the screen in a variety of directions. But if Scrolls isn’t your cup of tea, then you would probably want DSG3. Ramps are an essential ingredient for video pattern making. DSG3 gives you the basics and many many combinations thereof. It’s really fun to cross modulate DSG3 and DWO3. Proc would also be handy, if you’re bringing in external modulation voltages.
The multi gate and flip flops might have the most utility from a functional standpoint.
I wouldn’t really recommend them for the system that you are envisioning because you would have to run them on eurorack power which would likely induce noise into the system.
As they are 4hp modules, the castle series requires a case with 7cm of depth.
DSG3 and/or a Proc seems like the best compliment for a smaller system to generate images.
For maximum pattern making in minimal system (esp. if you already have some LFOs/envelope generators from audio-land, with which you could CV Stairs), I would recommend:
DSG > Stairs > ESG
But I would really recommend, if you haven’t already, watching all the videos on the LZX channel (starting with the 3 patches ones for Gen3 modules) (and Dr. Yo also has some good videos going into depth on a few modules on his Vimeo) and seeing what is producing the results/looks that interest you.
For instance, Ribbons might be an alternative to Stairs in the minimal system above, if you really like the effects it produces. But, with only a few modules, what you can do becomes hyper-specific. So only having very specific knowledge of what looks cool to you is going to allow us to give you definitive answers.
To a certain extent, though, you might have to resign yourself to the fact that a minimally viable system is possibly going to be minimally interesting. Like audio eurorack, there is a certain buy-in threshold. Once you’re past that, though, every thing you add becomes exponentially more interesting.
Thanks for all the feedback everyone. I’m settled on DWO3 > [some ramp generator] > Color Chords > ESG3. I’ll probably add Stairs, Keychain, and Proc or SMX3 in the near future.
I’m getting different advice from people on the best one ramp module… between DSG3, Angles, and Scrolls, which would be the best single ramp module for me?
Update! Here is where I landed:
Syntonie Entrée > DWO3, DSG3, Keychain, Stairs, Color Chords, lots of modulation from my audio modules > Joranalogue Bias 2 and Cadet Scaler > ESG3. Still waiting on Keychain to arrive but everything else is racked up and endless fun for a pretty minimal set of modules.