Listening Tip: The Rack Pack Podcast

I only recently stumbled upon The Rack Pack Podcast, but it turns out the show has already been running for almost a year.
Hosted by five synth-obsessed friends, the podcast sits comfortably at the intersection of hardware exploration, hybrid studio workflows, and electronic music production. 

Each host brings their own perspective to the table, which makes for a dynamic mix of opinions, experiences, and the occasional friendly disagreement, exactly what you’d expect from a group deep into modular.

At its core, The Rack Pack is all about the joy (and occasional chaos) of Eurorack.
Episodes move fluidly between discussions on favorite modules, patching techniques, past and current (synth-)events and broader creative approaches.
It never feels overly technical, the focus stays on how these instruments actually function in a musical context.
Whether you’re already knee-deep in patch cables or just starting to consider your first case, this might be something for you too...

In their latest episode, the crew has a talk with Jason Lim, founder of Instruō, for a thoughtful deep dive into his design philosophy. The conversation explores how aesthetics, tactility, and musical intention come together in his work, and how that translates into the distinct identity of Instruō modules.
There’s also a closer look at his latest project; a bold quad filter that pushes both sonic flexibility and physical presence, and what it reveals about his approach to instrument design.

Along the way, the discussion opens up into broader territory: the balance between features and usability, where ideas for new modules originate, and how to maintain a sense of artistry in an increasingly crowded modular landscape. 

It’s an engaging and insightful episode, and a great entry point if, like me, you’re just discovering the show.

Video: The Rack Pack, Episode 16 - Instruo in the Rack w. Jason Lim from Instruō

Follow The Rack Pack Podcast:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RackPackShow

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ygKUp0DtKTHAztBgZYJqZ

RSS: https://feeds.captivate.fm/the-rack-pack/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rackpackpodcast/

Doepfer Spring/Superbooth 2026 Announcements

More than a month ahead of the annual Superbooth event in Berlin ( 7-9th of May), my favorite brand Doepfer has announced their latest batch of A-100 modules.
New Doepfer modules get me excited every time, it means spring is coming... ;) 

The overall theme seems to be Micro again, because they released four new ultra-compact modules that pack serious functionality into minimal space.

The A-140-3 Micro ADSR (4 HP) delivers a classic exponential ADSR envelope with voltage-controlled times and dual outputs, but only half the space of the original A-140 ADSR module

Module A-142-3 Envelope Controlled VCA (4 HP) combines a linear VCA with a built-in AD/AR envelope (switchable to LFO mode), making it perfect for quick percussive voices.

The A-180-6 Triple Adjustable Buffer / CV Source (4 HP) offers three buffered channels with individual level controls, ideal for multiples, level matching, or simple adjustable offsets.

Finally, the tiny A-190-9 Micro MIDI-to-CV Interface (only 2 HP) provides basic monophonic MIDI-to-CV/Gate conversion with multiple outputs.

All four modules emphasize Doepfer’s signature reliability and affordability. 

They’re excellent choices for space-saving (portable) compact racks or expanding any Eurorack system without wasting too much HP.

Besides these modules, Doepfer will probably have more news on earlier announced modules like the new A-198-2 Ribbon Controller that was announced last year.. 

It should be ready to ship any time, I guess...

I already pre-ordered mine and can't wait to get my hands on it and replace my old A-198 with this one. The display on the new one, the quantizing options and the additional outputs are a big step forward imho..

I've seen no actual changes announced to the ribbon controller manual though... It could use a better connector instead of that wonky USB connector.

Now that 104HP  (and 7U? high) is becoming kind of a standard case-size (Intellijel), it would make sense for Doepfer to investigate if it is worth to make a 1U high 104HP wide touch sensetive controller strip that would fit into such a case.

It's probably the best use for the 1U high strip after all, 7U never really made sense to me in the first place..

Keep an eye on the Doepfer website for further announcements and details about their Superbooth presence next month... 

New Patch-cables With Angled Plugs From Doepfer

Angled plugs 15,30 and 50cm

Nice... Doepfer now offers patch-cables with angled plugs too... in different sizes.

Completely 'in tune' with their own color coding system the new 15 cm cables are yellow, the black cables are 30 cm and the grey ones are 50 cm. It makes sense...

Angled plugs on Eurorack patch-cables can offer significant advantages for cable management, ergonomics, and portability by reducing the "spaghetti" of cables in dense setups. 

Orange 50cm
Angled on one side

They can keep cables close to the module panel, which keeps knobs, switches, and screens easier accessible.

I noticed that they also also still have the 50cm orange ones with only one angled plug... That one was introduced in 2010.

Details are available on the Doepfer Website in the price list section,
and you can order them at your local Doepfer dealer right now.

More about patch-cables on my website:

 https://patchpierre.blogspot.com/search/label/Cables

Inside the Studio of Dutch Synth Legend Allert Aalders by Modulogue

Another fine video from the team at Modulogue surfaced on YouTube this weekend, continuing their mission to document the stories behind the Dutch electronic music scene. 

These are the kinds of stories that don’t always get told often enough, focusing on the people, ideas, and motivations that quietly shaped a culture around sound.

This time, Modulogue visited Utrecht-based musician and event organizer Allert Aalders of Sonar Traffic, a synthesizer and electronic music studio rooted in hands-on experimentation. The video traces his journey from performing live techno as part of Human Beings to designing presets for industry heavyweights such as Native Instruments, Korg, Arturia, FabFilter, and Kilohearts, a path that bridges underground practice and professional sound design.

Video:
Inside the Studio of Dutch Synth Legend Allert Aalders // Modulogue
" We visited Dutch synth legend Allert Aalders in his studio in the woods near Utrecht. Part of iconic synthesizer act 'Human Beings' and founder of Modular Synth event: 'Modulation' and part of the Dutch Modular Fest crew. Under the name of Sonar Traffic, Allert creates presets for both hardware and software synthesizers such as Arturia, Native Instruments, Korg, Steinberg, Fabfilter and Kilohearts."

Sonar Traffic http://www.sonartraffic.nl/ 
Human Beings https://humanbeings.bandcamp.com/
Modulation / modulationutrecht
Dutch Modular Fest https://www.dutchmodularfest.com/

Bringing modular artists, developers, makers, and creative minds together is at the core of Modulogue’s work. Earlier this year, they also sat down with Tim Nieuwenhuis of MIDI Amsterdam to talk about the early days of Eurorack in the Netherlands. Together, these conversations offer a fascinating glimpse into how a niche format evolved into a vibrant, connected community centered around electronic music and modular synthesis.

Follow Modulogue 👇 https://www.modulogue.com/ 

/ modulogue.events 

/ modulogue 

/ modulogue 

SiteTip: MiniMIDI.world, A simplified guide to TRS MIDI by @audionerd

If you’re diving into the world of hardware synths, drum machines, and (eurorack) modular gear, you’ve probably bumped into the confusing topic of MIDI connections over 3.5 mm mini-jacks.
Unlike traditional 5-pin DIN MIDI, many modern instruments use smaller TRS or TS jacks for MIDI signals but there’s no single universal wiring standard. 

Photo via ExpertSleepers

That means the same cable might work on one device and not at all on another. 

minimidi.world is made and maintained by Eric Skogen, aka “audionerd.”, a Minneapolis-based developer ,and exists to take the mystery out of this by offering a clear, practical breakdown of how these minijack MIDI connections work and which devices use which type, saving you from trial-and-error cable frustration. 

At the heart of the site is a simplified guide to TRS MIDI, explaining how MIDI’s three signal pins map to the Tip-Ring-Sleeve of a 3.5 mm plug.

Here you will find easy-to-follow diagrams and explanations of the most common Type A and Type B TRS standards (and the simpler TS variants), along with examples of manufacturers that use them.
This makes it much easier to understand why a cable works for a Korg device but not for an Arturia, and how to adapt or choose the right cable accordingly.

But minimidi.world doesn’t stop at theory, it also links to community-maintained device lists and GitHub data, encouraging users to contribute updates when they discover new gear or newer wiring quirks.

Whether you’re a synth enthusiast trying to patch together your setup, a gigging musician sorting cables backstage, or a DIY builder crafting custom MIDI interfaces, this site is a go-to resource to demystify minijack MIDI and keep your rig talking smoothly.

minimidi.world, A simplified guide to TRS MIDI by @audionerd

Also check out https://audionerd.com/

More about the MIDI standard: https://midi.org/
Top photo credit and more reference see this Expert Sleepers post on Flickr.

More PatchPierre SiteTips:  https://patchpierre.blogspot.com/search/label/SiteTip

BookTip XVII: Arduino for Dummies

In 2013, I blogged about how Electronica for Dummies gave me a head start on the basics of electronic (sound) projects. Since then, I’ve been diving deeper and gathered reasonable piles of cool projects and  datasheets. 

My soldering skills, however… well, let’s just say they’re still as shaky as in my early DIY projects. Some things take time.

Last months I have been reading  

Arduino for Dummies by John Nussey.

 The book is a beginner-friendly guide to the Arduino platform; a programmable circuit board that can turn my ideas into working creations. 

A few months ago also my Arduino R4 WiFi arrived, and I’m already slowly sketching out possibilities. 

Next on my list: the ADDAC 210 Open Heart Surgery module.  

I wanted to have this module since it came out in 2014, and it is specially designed to host the Arduino UNO right on its backside while bringing all the pinouts to the front in a slim Eurorack module. 

A perfect bridge between my modular world and my new coding adventures.

My lovely new little Arduino

With a little help from ai and ChatGPT, understanding and writing code for the Arduino already feels a lot less intimidating.

It’s like having a patient tutor on call, guiding me through the logic step by step. 

And I know there are always friends who can help out.

I can’t wait to dive in deeper, even if free time is scarce. Consider 2026 as the start of a new chapter. 

Stick around, because I’ll be sharing my progress, my experiments, and maybe even a few happy accidents along the way.

Find all my other BookTips HERE

Even though I only bought the Arduino Uno R4 a few months ago, I’m finding myself drawn to the Arduino Uno Q because it feels like a better match for how I actually work.. What also makes it appealing is the ease of adding a proper user interface to my projects, like buttons, displays, simple controls — without things becoming overly complex. It’s less about upgrading for power and more about choosing a board that supports thoughtful experimentation and projects that grow slowly and intuitively over time. 

Leave a comment with your thoughts about the new Uno Q

WMD Announces Clutch: A Hi-Hat Sample Player Module Many Have Been Waiting For

After several years of ideas, testing, and improvements, WMD has released Clutch, a new digital hi-hat module for Eurorack. It is designed to make expressive, detailed, and performance-ready hi-hat sounds.

 Originally it was planned to be released under a new brand called AMMT, but WMD later decided not to continue with that name. The AMMT logo is still printed on the module as a tribute to the team that built it.  

Clutch is a dual sample player made especially for hi-hats and layered percussion. It has two separate sample parts, so you can mix simple, classic hi-hat hits with a large collection of sounds stored on an SD card.

Layer A can be fully controlled with CV, which lets you create moving, changing rhythms.
Layer B stays steady and reliable, giving you a solid base for your beats.

A CV Disable switch lets you quickly return to your basic settings. Clutch also includes built-in effects and a “Feel” control (inspired by the WMD Chimera) that helps create a more human, natural playing style by changing velocity, attack, and release based on triggers.

Clutch will be available worldwide through WMD dealers and directly from wmdevices.com today

WMD, based in Denver, Colorado, has been building electronic instruments and Eurorack modules for almost 20 years. 

They are known for creating creative, performance-focused tools trusted by musicians around the world for their sound quality, reliability, and play-ability.

Video by WMDevices

more:

https://wmdevices.com/products/clutch

More WMD on PatchPierre: 

https://patchpierre.blogspot.com/search/label/WMD

Glitch

I'm Still Here... Not complaining, just explaining.

I’ve been dealing with severe headaches and migraines since I was around 12, as far as I can remember. It hasn’t always been easy, but over the years I learned how to live with it and adjust my life around the pain.
The last five years have been a little more manageable thanks to a painkiller that usually kicks in after about an hour and fifteen minutes. Even so, I still rely on it at least eleven times a month.

But what happened about a month ago was different—outside of my “regular” routine.

glitch/ɡlɪtʃ/

A glitch is a temporary, often minor malfunction or defect in a machine, plan, or system. It can also refer to a brief surge or interruption of voltage in an electrical circuit. Examples include a computer error that causes a temporary malfunction, a physical problem that stops a machine from working successfully, or an unexpected interruption in a plan.  

I was almost asleep when I suddenly felt an extreme, sharp pain, as if something snapped in my neck and the side of my head. Almost immediately, the tip of my left ear and the left side of my head went numb for a short while. The next morning, I woke up with pain in my left arm, and that pain hasn’t fully left me even now, more than a month later.

We’re still not entirely sure what happened. It seems likely that a blood vessel, internal or external, was temporarily blocked. There’s also a small chance it was a minor bleed. We’re still investigating and trying to find a clear cause and solution.

Because of the pain in my upper spine and neck, it’s difficult to sit upright for long or keep my head straight. My migraines have been almost daily, and my energy levels have been low. Slowly, though, I am recovering. It hasn’t been great for my overall mood, obviously, but I’m working my way through it.

Luckily, I was able to spend a week in the German Eifel region, taking things slow for a month. I even managed to finish building my DIY Eurorack case (the one I wrote about earlier).

I also ordered an Arduino UNO R4, so I’ve been diving into Arduino programming,because even when my head hurts, it’s still full of ideas.
Maybe that’s what caused all this in the first place…

And yes... my AKAI MPC Live 3 arrived! A worthy successor to my old MPC Touch, which needed replacing after Akai stopped supporting it.

A lot of my time was spent on diving deeper into my This Is Not Rocket Science Bopp and Steve eurorack module. This is no ordinary reverb, the range of possibilities keeps fascinating me.

Blog posts will return soon. I’ll catch up on some of the important instrument releases and events from the last few months, and I hope to get back again to a more regular posting rhythm.
I also still have a few people I look forward to meet and/or interview before the year ends.

Thanks to the ones who reached out. I don’t want to sound dramatic, but honestly. I’m glad I’m still here.

Glitches happen for a reason, i hope to see you all soon again

ZeepLAB Crowdfunding: Celebrate bleeps, bloops & beams!

In Nieuwegein (NL), ZeepLAB has slowly become the place to be for many live electronic musicians... real “knob-twisters” and “cable-patchers” with synths, grooveboxes and modular gear.

To continue the good work they started a crowdfunding campaign and need your help to maintain the location and support the performing artists...

Entrepreneur and musician René Voorberg turned part of the old Persil/Ecolab soap factory into an immersive stage where visuals and live sound meet. Sitting on cushions, visitors experience unique performances across ambient, downtempo, IDM, cinematic, glitch, melodic techno, drone and synthwave, a celebration of creating your own sound in an age of AI.

Together with CKV teacher Marco Tenkink, René transformed 140 m² of former locker rooms into a venue built from reused factory parts, theatre curtains and metres of cable. 

Since October 2024 ZeepLAB has hosted concerts, album launches and community events such as Patchworks, Modular on the Spot and Bring Your Own Synth jam nights, with livestreams making the experience accessible to a wider audience.

ZeepLAB is a heartfelt investment, but it costs time and money. 

Your support helps it survive until at least 2028/2029 – and hopefully beyond, as the area develops new creative spaces. 

With your help the team can continue to:

– organise 10–15 shows per year

– keep hosting concerts on a donation basis

– host meet-ups and showcases

– run Bring Your Own Synth nights

– cover part of the maintenance costs

– give musicians a small expense allowance

Every contribution – large or small – keeps this unique venue for electronic music alive. 

You can find the crowdfunding campaign H E R E

For a taste of the vibe check ZeepLAB on Instagram, Facebook or their YouTube channel.

Dit bericht op Instagram bekijken

Een bericht gedeeld door ZeepLAB, Beats & Beams (@zeeplab.studio)

Video: DUTCH MODULAR FESIVAL 2025 by DivKid

Yeah… I’m honestly a bit bummed that this year I had to miss what would have been my first Dutch Modular Fest.
But luckily, DivKid made the trip to the Netherlands and captured it all in his own unique way.

One of the people guiding him around the venue was Bart Wolff from Voltage Control Amsterdam. 

Bart is not only one of the hosts of Dutch Modular Fest, but he also organizes inspiring modular music events at Paradiso Amsterdam. In the video you can see how he leads DivKid through the WORM space, sharing the spirit of the festival.

DivKid’s report is a quick walkthrough of the festival location WORM in Rotterdam. It really gives you a feel of the atmosphere: the modular makers, the synth and soldering studios, and of course all the lovely people who make this community so inspiring.

Video:DUTCH MODULAR FESIVAL 2025 

// a wondrous collection of modular makers, synth studios + lovely people, by
DivKid

"Here's a video all about the Dutch Modular Festival for 2025 that's just happened with a huge collection of modular makers, synth studios, great people and plenty more. This is the first year the festival moves to Rotterdam into the venue WORM which is a cultural spot in the Netherlands with a whole range of related activity already going on before the festival moves in for the day. Check out some of the gear, people and stories in the video and links below to things mentioned in the video."

More DivKid videos at 

https://www.youtube.com/user/DivKidVideo
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/divkidvideo/
DivKid on X: https://x.com/DivKid