What is a modular synth?

Modular and non-modular

A synthesizer is a musical instrument that produces sound as the electrical vibration of a circuit, processes it using the circuit, adds motion, and finally passes it through an amplifier or speaker to convert it into air vibration. By combining the functions that perform these individual roles into separate pieces and combining them as "modules" and creating the signal flow yourself, a great deal of freedom can be obtained. This is a modular synthesizer, modular system.

On the other hand, it is non-modular that sound and control signals pass through the path of a predetermined circuit. Most analog synths with keyboards are non-modular. From the beginningBecause the road is fixedThe circuit fits in a closed box, and you can play with the knobs and keyboard.

Being modular,Assemble from signal flow by patchingBy doing so, you can freely create unlimited sound and control signals. Not only the sound signal but also the control signal is extremely flexible. Thanks to this degree of freedom, modular

• Electronic music live on it
• Synthesizing sounds that are not possible with regular synths
• Intuitive or unexpected movement of patterns and sounds
• Processing of sound from PC, drum machine, sampler
• Experimental applications such as signal generation to control laptops

You can build a system for various purposes.

Isn't it too complicated?

However, it can be confusing even if the possibilities are endless! In front of you is a pile of jacks and knobs ...

But the basics are, in a sense, simpler than MIDI. This is because all signals, both sound and modulation signals such as envelopes,Voltage signal movementBecause it is made by, you can imagine the movement of electricity and set everything just by patching without having to remember the assignment contents like MIDI.

Voltage signal is either audio signal or control signal (CV)Can be classified into. The audio signal is the sound signal, and the remaining CV is the control signal.

Let's get along with the module one by one

Please try your hand and try various knobs and patching of each module, and try to find a combination that you find comfortable. If you combine and connect the "delicious usage (sweet spot)" of each module that you found, you should be able to create a palette of tones and movements with a wide range, but with your own color.

If you figure out the character of one module in your own way, try combining it with a module that seems to be compatible with it and what you can do with it. In addition, compatibility between modules is also important for modules. 1 or 2 modulesA good combinationIf you have some, you will be able to do a lot of things.

Also, for the first time, I made a configuration similar to an ordinary synth, and in one of them I could "play", that is, I bought a module that has a function that is not too simple and sells, and I try playing around there It is also recommended to find your favorite patching and sweet spot at.

I want to start modular as soon as I buy a power supply / case! For those who have a power supplyCaseIs recommended. If you buy a case with a power supply like this, you can assemble the Eurorack modular synth simply by aligning the modules and connecting to the power supply.

However, it is important to use the power supply properly.Precautions for using modular power supplyPlease read before using.

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