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.
In Eurorack systems, the power supply directs energy to bus boards, and modules are connected to these bus boards via ribbon cables. Modules operate by being powered with +12V / -12V / +5V electricity. It's crucial to select an adequate power supply based on your system setup and to calculate this carefully. To assist in building your system, visit www.modulargrid.net and consider becoming a member. This site hosts nearly all synthesizer and pedal companies worldwide. Here, you can create a case for yourself and check whether the selected modules fit in your case, as well as gather data on necessary depth and required power supply. When setting up your system, calculate inputs and outputs, and consider purchasing more cables than you initially calculated.
In summary, a modular synthesizer offers you extensive possibilities to create your own synth and sound design with the modules of your choice. One of the crucial aspects here is having clear ideas in your mind before starting to build the system and having a specific purpose in mind when setting up the synthesizer. Otherwise, you may struggle to make decisions or find the right modules. Ultimately, you could end up wasting time and money. Perhaps, starting with a simple monophonic synth voice could be a good initial step; for example, a set like VCO – VCF – Mixer – VCA – Envelope – LFO or VCO – LPG – Envelope – LFO. Building a system and selecting complex modules will undoubtedly personalize your synthesizer, although some companies offer pre-built systems as well. Starting with such a system or synth voice can be a smarter and quicker approach. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to have fun, make sounds, and create music. Never forget that.
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