WTF is a modular synth?

  • a machine with lots of wires, knobs and lights for making music.
  • a musical instrument for experimenting!
  • made up of modules, each designed to perform a single function or group of functions.

A modular synth is an instrument made up of modules, each designed to perform a single function or group of functions.

The musician selects the modules and then connects patch points together to make a coherent instrument, or even a complete music production system.

There are a bunch of different standards and formats, but by far the most popular one is Eurorack.

You typically start with a case and power supply and then add modules – most people find they keep going and experimenting with their setup.

An example modular setup (unpatched):

Why would I want a modular synth?

For many reasons! But a few stand out:

  1. It’s physical. If you like the idea of connecting things together and working with something hands-on, then modular ticks that box.
  2. You can create a unique instrument. Your system will be completely your own and no-one else will have the same thing!
  3. Experimentation and expression. Modular synths invite and reward experimentation – with so much emphasis on flexibility, it’s perfectly normal to come up with something new by connecting things together perhaps not even intended by the manufacturers.

If you like the idea of being able to create and continuously refine your own electronic instrument, or if you enjoy exploring sound then modular could be for you!

Why wouldn’t I want a modular synth?

I feel like in any introduction to modular synths this is needed too as modular can be a giant hole to sink time, money and energy into!

  • Modular synths typically cost more than using software or even other hardware synths (though there are second hand and DIY options).
  • It’s not the quickest way to make music. All that flexibility comes at the price of having to create your instrument every time you start a new patch.
  • They aren’t the best for all types of music. Ok you could create orchestral music with samples in modular, but you’d be mad if that was your focus.

Caveats aside I’ve found modular synths have opened many doors for me as an electronic musician and I’m totally passionate about it. It can be addictive though. You have been warned!

Actually… now I’ve written the above I want to load a bunch of orchestral sounds into a sample module and then manipulate them in all sorts of experimental ways and see where that leads me musically… (this thought probably sums up what modular is all about better than anything else I’ve said!)

Ok, where should I start?

I recommend you first try it out in software with the free VCV rack software: https://vcvrack.com/

These are also some great free resources – start by looking at: modwiggler and modulargrid

https://www.modwiggler.com/forum/index.php

this is a guest WTF by electronic musician TDC Tunes

TDC Tunes improvising live on Brixton Radio:

TDC Tunes is a Modular Artist and Producer. He plays a live improvised modular set every Monday night on Brixton Radio and gigs around London.

Check out his work: https://www.tdctunes.com/

Follow him: https://www.instagram.com/tdctunes/

Watch live streams: https://www.twitch.tv/tdctunes