What are the basic components of a synthesizer? What is a modular synthesizer? How can I start with the Eurorack Modular System?
To understand modular systems, it is useful to start with non-modular, standalone synthesizers. When we look at standalone synthesizers, we can see that they all contain common components: oscillators that generate sounds, a mixer where oscillator waveforms are combined, a filter used to shape sounds, and a voltage-controlled amplifier (VCA) where the envelope is connected. Additionally, there are sections used for modulation such as LFOs or a second envelope.
All these components are interconnected in a specific order according to the designer's ideas. This structure forms the design of the instrument, and it's not easily deviated from. However, this shouldn't be perceived as a disadvantage. In its simplest form, we can refer to the audio signal path as OSC-VCF-VCA. Other sections form the control voltage (CV) sections. With standalone synthesizers, you can achieve your desired results more quickly, obtaining drum, bass, lead, or drone sounds. Semi-modular systems and synthesizers offer a bit more flexibility compared to standalone synthesizers in this regard.
Modular systems allow you to create your own system, design your own synthesizer, and apply a much larger variety of synthesis techniques. Setting up the right system or patching after setup is more time-consuming and labor-intensive compared to standalone synthesizers. All the components that make up a synthesizer—such as oscillators, filters, VCAs, and envelopes—are separate circuits or modules. You can place these modules in a rack in any order you prefer. Each module connects to a power source via its own power cable. To activate modules, 3.5mm TS jacks are used, and modules can be connected in any sequence you desire. This process makes the path longer and more challenging compared to other synthesizers. Sometimes, even obtaining a simple waveform may require connecting and managing numerous cables.
On the market, you can find systems of various sizes, different case designs, and operating with different power sources.
The Eurorack system was established by the German synthesizer company Doepfer. Eurorack is the most famous and preferred modular synthesizer format of recent times, known for its high-quality sound, compact size, and affordability, with many renowned companies producing modules in this format, offering the widest variety. Eurorack systems are 3U in height, with some newer systems also featuring 1U sections. They vary in horizontal width and depth. Typically, systems come in widths like 84hp, 104hp, 168hp, etc. Most modules have a depth of around 4cm, though some can extend up to 7cm to 12cm, so it's advisable to choose a deeper case to accommodate them without issues.
