Cre8audio Eurorack Synth Kit (NiftyBUNDLE)

5 reviews for Cre8audio Eurorack Synth Kit (NiftyBUNDLE)

1. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   R. Minichino – 28 May, 2024

   This bundle is worth it for the case alone, which includes a power supply, dual MIDI to CV with mod wheel and clock output, and (fixed-level) output mixer. It’s metal with nice wood end caps, high grades there.

   The Chips module has two nasty, gritty VCOs with fun character, very reminiscent of the sounds of 8 bit video games. I think they only respond to positive CV but I’m not completely sure. It also has a unipolar LFO with two outputs, one at 4x the frequency of the other, very handy, and sweeps up into the audio range.

   The Cellz module is a clever 2D touch-sensitive controller/sequencer, with dual CV/gate outputs, and switchable quantization for the CV (press both tune buttons simultaneously) that steps in 1/12V (semitone) increments. I noticed on mine that the levels and ranges of the two CV outputs are different with quantization on, but they’re the same in continuous mode.

   The video documentation for the case and the modules is helpful enough to get started, but I’d prefer more complete written documentation.

   If you’re looking to get started in eurorack from scratch, you’ll probably want to grab at least an envelope generator and VCA to go with this, in addition to some appropriately-sized blanks to cover up the difference. If you’re just looking to expand an existing modular or semi-modular step, you can definitely have some additional fun with what you’ve got here.

2. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   Michael – 5 June, 2024

   Good price point for entry level eurorack. Everything you need to get started to make noise!

3. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Jacob Flynn – 7 June, 2024

   It’s lovely as a intro to modular. My one gripe is that standalone the lfo is fully dedicated to cycling cells and chips is a bit lacking in low end. But with a better filter and a passive multiple this kit will do anything from musical sequencing to a chaotic noise powerhouse. Would def suggest this to anyone

4. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   I. Marquez – 21 July, 2024

   I read some of the reviews (both positive and negative) and decided to wait to provide my comments on the Nifty Case. As of today, I own two Nifty cases attached with the Nifty ears, one of them I bought from Amazon (used) and came with two modules and two blanks to cover the cables, and the second I got it for a deal somewhere else.

   The Nifty case works fantastic. I was able to use the midi/usb interface with no problem. Once I added a VCA and a envelope generator, my experience with the case and two modules was, obviously, even better. Like I said, I was so impressed by the cost and the functionality of the case that I ended up getting a second one and I’m loving it. Mostly I control one of the cases with a beat step pro and the second case with a Yamaha DX reface.

   At some point I was using an Arturia minilab USB controller to control one of the cases (using a rasberry pi as a USB/MID/CV converting interface), but the gate for the minilab keyboard was not able to close, and thus the notes kept playing (even with an Envelope Generator and a VCA). Once I started using the Yamaha reface with (no rasberry pi, but using the 5 pin midi out) the problem went away. So yeah, note that in case you are planning to use a USB controller.

   I haven’t messed around much with the MIDI Channel 3, which is supposed to be some wierd combo of CH-1 and CH-2. The few times I tried it it sounded kind’a bad to be honest, but could be my lack of talent LOL. So I stick to CH-1and CH-2 and my sequences and melodies sound awesome 🙂

   The clock works/tracks well, and haven’t used much of the modulation output to be honest so no comments on that. I have not plugged it to a computer as of today (other than the rasberry pi for USB/midi conversion purposes), so no comments on that either…

   The case works fine for modules that are not too deep, but some modules may not fit well so keep an eye on that. Overall, it is worth buying (with modules – if you end up not liking the two modules, you can sell them and get some of your money back that way).

5. 

   Rated 3 out of 5

   Alejandro P. – 7 August, 2024

   Purchased this item 1 month ago. Initially, I chose it for its low pack price, its small size and the novelty of having a case that incorporates a midi interface within it. I added the MI Clouds, Plaits & TB TripleWavefolder modules to the nifty.

   After using the case for a month, I found 2 serious problems with the case:

   1 – The power supply died on the second day of use. Fortunately this did not affect any of the modules that mount to the case. I replaced it with a power supply for Doepfer A-100 (it has the same specifications that the cheap power supply provided with the nifty) that I had left over and solved the problem. I did not use the guarantee because I am outside USA.

   2 – I found strange behavior with the midi interface when I connect the niftycase with my Edirol PCR-500. After playing a few notes while the PCR-500 transmits the tempo via midi, the midi interface locks up forcing me to have to turn the niftycase off and on to unlock it. The WA solution to the problem was to use an Arturia keystep instead of the beloved old PCR-500

   Regarding the cells module, you can say that it is quite interesting how it works. The Chips module is like a toy, sounds very dirty compared to other osc modules, anyway can still be used to get some complementary nasty sounds for my set up.

   In short, in my experience with the Niftycase: it has quality deficiencies and midi implementation included it is not 100% reliable. Chips module is just a toy. Think twice before to buy it.

   I think I have been very patient with the nifty case, anyone else who had these problems would have returned it immediately.