Behringer Eurorack Rack article
Behringer Eurorack Rack for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Setting up a Eurorack modular synthesiser for the first time involves more steps than most musical instruments, but each step is straightforward once you know what is involved. This guide takes you through the process of getting a Behringer Eurorack rack powered, populated with modules and producing sound.
What You Need Before You Start
Before any module is installed, gather the necessary materials: your Behringer Eurorack rack case (with its power supply and bus board already integrated), the modules you have purchased, the appropriate power cables for each module (most Eurorack modules come with a 16-to-10 pin or 16-to-16 pin power cable), a small flathead and Phillips screwdriver, and M3 screws. The screws (called rack screws in this context) thread into the T-nuts or threaded strip built into the case rails. The Behringer Go series cases include screws in the box. Check before you start that you have the correct screws — M3 screws with a 6mm thread are standard for Eurorack mounting. For a full technical overview, see the complete guide. For buying guidance, see the buyer's guide.
Installing Modules Safely
Power off the case completely before installing any module. Connect the module's power cable to the bus board header, observing the red stripe on the cable — the red stripe indicates the -12V rail and must align with the marking on the bus board header. Installing a module with reversed polarity can damage or destroy it and potentially damage other modules on the same power bus. Once the cable is connected and seated firmly, slide the module's faceplate into position in the case rails, align the screw holes with the rail, and thread the M3 screws in by hand before tightening with a screwdriver. Do not overtighten — firm finger-tight plus a quarter turn is sufficient. Install all modules before powering on the case.
Understanding the Signal Flow
Eurorack synthesis is patch-based: you connect modules together using 3.5mm mono patch cables to build a signal path. The fundamental signal flow of a basic synthesis voice is: oscillator (generates a waveform) → filter (shapes the frequency content) → voltage-controlled amplifier (controls the volume) → output. Control signals — from envelope generators, LFOs and sequencers — are patched to the control voltage (CV) inputs of other modules to create movement. Start with a simple, complete voice patch before exploring more complex routings. Understanding what each cable in a patch does is more valuable than adding more modules.
Making Your First Patch
With all modules installed and the Behringer Eurorack rack powered on, make your first patch: connect the oscillator's audio output (typically labelled OUT, SAW or SIN) to the filter's audio input (IN or AUDIO). Connect the filter's output to the VCA's audio input. Connect the envelope generator's output to the VCA's CV input. Play a gate signal into the envelope generator's gate input (from a MIDI-to-CV converter, sequencer or keyboard). Adjust the oscillator pitch, filter cutoff, and envelope attack and release to produce a simple synthesised note. Once this basic patch works, you have the foundation for every other patch you will build.
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