There is one trick about sequencer chaining: you can combine CV and Gate outputs together:
Seq and clock modules have open-emitter outputs so they can be easily connected together. In this configuration, the resulting signal follows the module that outputs the highest level (the gate signals are effectively OR-combined).
Ok, nice! I’ll keep that in mind. I really like how the chaining connectors are lined up so they can be jumpered directly.
I’ve uploaded most of my microrack explorations as short on youtube, see if there’s any value in that https://www.youtube.com/shorts/00Ksu9yDRc8
I also removed the middle screw on my chassis and snapped the third breadboard to another and added lego posts for stability, do whatever you’d like with this information)
I love the sound you coaxed out of it there, so nice. I’d be interested to see that patch.
thank you, the patch is long gone unfortunately) It’s just an oscillator with one or two subharmonics, divided from counter modules, summed with a vca-mixer and into the lpg patched into itself, which makes it almost resonant.
The step that loops back into the counter defines the specific subharmonic. I went for the step 4 output, but I don’t remember which ones I used on the video. By the sound of it, I had the main osc and two subharmonics, so you’ll need two counters.
I received my Microrack system today, and unfortunately it is not functioning properly.
When I opened the package, everything initially appeared to be in order. However, the output module had a loose speaker that was literally hanging by its wires. That already made me question the quality control before shipping.
When I connected 5V via USB (a Samsung USB charger for my S25), I heard a crackling sound from the speaker. I then connected an oscillator to test whether I could get any audio directly to the internal speaker , but there was no sound. After that, the small speaker only makes a brief crackling sound on power-up or when patching/turning knobs.
When I connect a mini-jack cable from the output to an external speaker, the meters on the output module immediately peak. There is only noise and hiss. No matter how I connect an oscillator or adjust pitch and other parameters, there is no actual synth sound—just noise. Absolutely no usable audio is coming out of the output jack.
Using the same cable and speaker with another small synth works perfectly, so I’ve ruled that out.
I also noticed something interesting regarding the power rails. The -12V LED on the power supply did not light up initially. When I disconnected the output module from the breadboard and powered the system with only the VCO connected, the -12V LED lit up normally. I also noticed that the VCO LEDs started behaving dynamically again, changing speed when adjusting the pitch.
However, as soon as I reconnected the output module, the -12V LED went dark again and the VCO LEDs became static. This makes me suspect there may be a fault in the output module—possibly a short on the -12V rail?
Given that the speaker was loose and this behavior seems reproducible, I’m honestly concerned about the quality control. This was also the only module that was difficult to seat properly in the breadboard.
Has anyone experienced something similar, or does this point clearly to a defective output module?
I absolutely LOVE this kit! The quality and sound is above and beyond what I expected. Only drawback of the blinky lights and ease of use is that my daughter keeps shoving me over to play. Thanks so much for this wonderful instrument!!
I just got mine (southern California), and I got to play around with it. I must’ve forgotten what I ordered because there was a lot of stuff (I guess I ordered two of the extra effects, so I guess I can do stereo processing?). Overall, I’m pretty happy with how the kit sounds and how it is to use.
Positives:
Negatives:
Sad to hear that. It looks like the issue might be related to the output module. We’ll get back to you later to try to investigate the problem and find a solution.
Does the −12V LED stop working only when you insert the output module into your breadboard? Are all other modules unaffected on the −12V rail?
The tape used to hold the speaker turned out not to be the best solution, and the speaker can sometimes come loose. However, this should not affect the operation of the module itself.
Every module has reverse power protection so nothing bad should happen.
we’re working on small module just for connect power between breadboards
I totally understand you! Sometimes I play this game myself, trying to fit as much as possible into a breadboard.
Could you please send us photos of the module from the top and bottom sides?
Got my starter kit here in SoCal a couple of days ago and finally had time to play with it yesterday! It’s my first foray into modular synthesis so I’m learning as I go, but I’m having a blast. It looks and sounds great. My 9-year-old is also fascinated by it, so it may be a source of bonding time for us as well. 
As a newbie, the one thing I wished I’d had at unboxing time was some hard-copy instructions for each module, maybe something similar to the MicroRack 101 card that did come with it. I know the QR code goes to the module list, but I’m a curmudgeonly “elder millennial” and don’t like using my phone for everything. I do recognize this may be a “me problem” haha.
Thanks to the MicroRack team for this incredible project and giving a space- and cash-strapped nerd like me a path into the world of modular synthesizers. Totally worth the wait. I can already tell I’m going to be spending a lot more money on more modules, so I hope y’all are ready to ship!
I was working on a similar thing, but definitely digging the design.
I already know I want more oscillators and I’ve barely played with it
Can I connect two breadboards by using male-female jumper cables? Will it work if I connect the male ends to the breadboard power lines and female ends to the “extend” part of the power module? I would try, but it’s not obvious what should go where and I’m afraid to break something
Unfortunately, no. The “Extend” pins on the power module only pass through the input power (USB or DC) that you provide.
Microrack modules require +12 V, −12 V, and +5 V, which the power module generates from a single power source.
You can use a second power module and connect them together using these Extend pins.
Alternatively, you can place two breadboards in line and insert the power module (or any other module that fits) between the two breadboards.
I’ve been playing with my kit for a few hours today, and found that it gets HOT. The noise/s&h module was too hot to touch, so I had to unplug it for a bit. It cooled down quickly but I’m worried about using it for long sessions.
It looks like the filter/delay modules were the hottest at the time.
I contacted support and received quick help. Some basic troubleshooting showed that there was an issue with the output module. I’ve been using the “Jacket” module as the output until I receive a new output module. All the other modules are working as they should. I’m looking forward to properly testing the system once the new output module arrives. Then I can use the Jacket to bring in pitch CV, gate, and clock to control it.
I found this too, I was playing for about 20 mins and it was just starting to get pretty warm
Another update, I’m seeing odd behavior where it is almost as if the modules are losing power briefly. See video of the behavior here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRS0fsXye2M
