Attenuators = Mind blown

[threeoneg]

I've also recently began drinking the attenuator kool-aid. I'm now realizing my 9u is severely utility deficient! I guess I'm ok with it though, got all the "cool"/expensive modules out of the way and just need to stock up on the relatively cheaper utilities.

What's attenuators are everyone using? I was thinking of getting a triatt. I've also seen a 4x attenuator in 4hp I'd like but I can't remember who makes it.

[nostalghia]

I've also seen a 4x attenuator in 4hp I'd like but I can't remember who makes it.

This? Modular Grid is your friend-select function (Attenuator) from the drop down list and max hp width (4), hit Search and look over the results, there it is:
SSF/WMD Quad Atten

Note that it's not directly comparable to the Triatt (and thus costs less)-it's passive, so attenuates only-no switchable modes for inversion or bipolar operation, no mixing, no voltage produced with no signal patched in. Still quite useful and nice price, from great mfgr.

[fac]

In fact, I think any CV input should have at least one attenuator - no exceptions.

Is there any case where one would need *more* than one attenuator for some CV input?

[PhineasFreak]

In fact, I think any CV input should have at least one attenuator - no exceptions.

Is there any case where one would need *more* than one attenuator for some CV input?

coarse and fine?

[extra testicle]

I haven't ever needed attenuation for clock/reset, gate or trigger inputs either. But other than that and V/oct yeah I pretty much always welcome an attenuator per input even at the cost of space.

well frequency is good with at least 2 at least inputs because vibrato, swing, etc.

imo for clock and all that: comparator style. rhythmic interactions based on volume/frequency dynamics. if you're just using what modular specs decides is okay for gate or clock level you're missing out on a lot of good sources.

in terms of multiple knobs for 1 input stuff like gain, offset and min/max levels are great. really depending on the functionality you can have much more esoteric uses.

it's great to have dedicated utility modules, but depending on the complexity of the module it's also great to 'teach' how certain utility is really fun and useful with the functionality on offer.

because, imo utility stuff is probably the most alien to people coming from hardwired background and it really increases the fun when you can patch quickly from one source to another and behavioural ergonomics and you can always find a use for more, i think leaving stuff up to people to supply is kinda generally shooting yourself in the foot.

tbh, somewhat makes me question design sensibilities to a degree. what's the point of cool functionality if you make it a pain to get subtle and articulate use? what's the point of unique functionality if most people jack straight in and get same sounds? of course it depends on the designer what else they've made and the overall module, but just connecting things a to b...zzz

even when i'm using my computer/programmatically generating a lot specific values going into modules there's still the module output.

[mousegarden]

Totally agree, attenuators are the only utility module I can never have enough of, in fact, it's the only utility module I use apart from multiples.
VCA's ? Never use them, got loads, but never use them, might do one day, but seem to get what I want without them.

[threeoneg]

Totally agree, attenuators are the only utility module I can never have enough of, in fact, it's the only utility module I use apart from multiples.
VCA's ? Never use them, got loads, but never use them, might do one day, but seem to get what I want without them.

How do you get around using vca's? I use all of mine(7, in a 9u system) in every patch. I'm looking at getting another dual vca in there soon too.

What about mixers? You don't use those either?

[PhineasFreak]

Totally agree, attenuators are the only utility module I can never have enough of, in fact, it's the only utility module I use apart from multiples.
VCA's ? Never use them, got loads, but never use them, might do one day, but seem to get what I want without them.

How do you get around using vca's? I use all of mine(7, in a 9u system) in every patch. I'm looking at getting another dual vca in there soon too.

What about mixers? You don't use those either?

i temporarily have no vca's, eg's or filters and a major lack of mixers, mults and other utilities - it's really making me explore and learn stuff as a result. it's amazing how far you can get without te essential bread'n'butter of modular synths,.

that said, next time i get money i'm gonna be buying some very necessary items for my temporarily disadvantaged modular...

[mousegarden]

Totally agree, attenuators are the only utility module I can never have enough of, in fact, it's the only utility module I use apart from multiples.
VCA's ? Never use them, got loads, but never use them, might do one day, but seem to get what I want without them.

How do you get around using vca's? I use all of mine(7, in a 9u system) in every patch. I'm looking at getting another dual vca in there soon too.

What about mixers? You don't use those either?

I've got lots of mixers, never have too many of those, for audio and CV.
VCA's ? never got into them, as I said, I get all the sounds I need without them.