Modular synthesizers are synthesizers composed of separate modules for different functions. The modules can be connected together by the user to create a patch. The outputs from the modules may include audio signals, analog control voltages, or digital signals for logic or timing conditions.

What is a modular synthesizer used for?

Simply put, a modular synthesizer is an electronic musical instrument that consists of a multitude of different components (modules) that are used and combined to create electronic sounds. The individual modules are connected via cables (patch cables), switches, sliders and patch panels.

What is a synth modulator?

In synthesis, to modulate means to change or control. ... Here, the control signal generated by one synth component is used to cause a change in another component, and that's what modulation is all about. Whenever you hear a change in pitch, timbre, amplitude, duration, something is being modulated.

Who uses modular synths?

Here are eight artists who all find very different ways to express themselves with modular synthesis.

• M. Geddes Gengras. LEAVING RECORDS. ...
• Keith Fullerton Whitman. Keith Fullerton Whitman. ...
• Brett Naucke. Brett Naucke. ...
• Hippies Wearing Muzzles. Lee Evans/Hippies Wearing Muzzles. ...
• Donnacha Costello. Donnacha Costello.

Why do people like modular synths?

There are advantages to having a modular system. First, the flexibility of use: most modules have a plethora of inputs and outputs that can be patched together in any number of ways. This can open up new ways of creating and manipulating sounds that wouldn't be possible on a traditional synthesizer.

Modular synthesis EXPLAINED

26 related questions found

Who is the best synthesizer player in the world?

You might even come away inspired to create a legendary synth record of your own.
...
And with that, we give you your winner...

• Jordan Rudess. An error occurred. ...
• Dave Greenfield.
• Vangelis. ...
• Keith Emerson.
• Rick Wakeman. ...
• Vince Clarke. ...
• cEvin Key. ...
• Jean-Michel Jarre.

Are modular synthesizers analog?

Modular synthesizers can be any combination of digital or analog, just like keyboards or desktop synths. ... systems from the '60s and '70s—were mostly analog instruments, just like the keyboard synths that immediately followed them. Modern modular synths, though, are a playground of both analog and digital designs.

What is a Eurorack system?

Eurorack synthesis is a specific type of modular synthesis based on modules that all share the exact same height (128.5mm/5.06″) and varying widths that conform to units called “HP,” which stands for Horizontal Pitch (1HP is 5.08mm/0.2″).

What are the six synth families?

Synthesizer

• Monophonic.
• Duophonic.
• Paraphonic.
• Polyphonic.
• Number of voices.
• Note priority of synthesizer.
• Keyboard instruments.
• Stringed instruments.

What does FM sound do?

Frequency modulation synthesis (or FM synthesis) is a form of sound synthesis whereby the frequency of a waveform is changed by modulating its frequency with a modulator. ... As the amount of frequency modulation increases, the sound grows progressively complex.

What does a Eurorack quantizer do?

A quantizer auto-corrects the input voltage to the nearest desired target, such as the voltage that corresponds to a semitone or other note in a scale. These are occasionally built into modules like sequencers or oscillators, but quite often they are standalone modules.

What do patch cables do on synthesizers?

The cables used to connect together the different inputs and outputs in a modular synthesizer, carrying electrical control voltages and audio. The term came from the old telephone patch boards where an operator had to physically connect two callers together using electrical cables.

How do modular synths make sound?

Both types of synths have a primary sound source (an oscillator) ... The oscillator in a modular synthesizer, on the other hand, just… oscillates. This means that rather than “telling” the instrument to make sound, you have to “tell” it to not make sound, typically by patching it to other modules.

Who invented modular synthesizer?

In 1964, inventor Bob Moog introduced the first complete voltage controlled modular synthesizer, an instrument capable of producing a wide variety of electronic sounds. The Moog synthesizer helped revolutionize the face of music by giving artists and composers the capability to create a brand new palette of sounds.

What modules do you need to start a modular synth?

In this article you will learn which components you need to get started with modular synths and what the most essential modules (Oscillator, Filter, ADSR, VCA, Mixer, Sequencer) are and what they do. Some tips about cases, cables and patches are included too.

What is a synthesizer patch?

PATCH – a sound made up from a combination of OSCILLATORS and/or samples combined with FILTERS, ENVELOPES and EFFECTS that is pre-programmed into a synthesizer. This term is derived from older style ANALOG synthesizers that you had to physically patch together with cables to create a sound.

What modules do you need for a modular synth?

Here are the six basic building blocks of an incredible modular synthesizer that will give you a unique tool to use in both the studio and live arena.

• Oscillator (VCO) ...
• Amplifier (VCA) ...
• Envelope Generator (EG) ...
• Filter (VCF) ...
• Low-Frequency Oscillator (LFO)

Are all synthesizers the same?

The simple answer is no. Synths do not tend to sound the same, though they do have the capacity to generate similar sounds. All synthesizers have their own set of filters, LFOs, wave generators, all of which have an impact on the sound.

What is VCO and VCA?

Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) ... Voltage Controlled Filter (VCF) Controls whether the tone sounds bright or dull. Voltage Controlled Amplifier (VCA) Controls the tone's loudness.

What type of synth is hybrid?

Hybrid 3.0 is the next generation in synthesis. This high-definition virtual synthesizer combines the coveted warmth of analog synths with a full range of futuristic digital manipulation capabilities.

Is Jordan Rudess the best keyboardist?

Voted "Best Keyboardist of All Time" by Music Radar Magazine, Jordan Rudess is best known as the keyboardist/multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire for platinum-selling Grammy- nominated prog rock band, Dream Theater.

Who is the keyboardist for the Doors?

Remembering Ray Manzarek, Keyboardist For The Doors The mythology surrounding The Doors generally centers on its lead singer, Jim Morrison. Morrison is still considered one of rock's tortured poets, but The Doors' sound was based largely on Ray Manzarek's keyboard playing.

Is synth an instrument?

What Is a Synthesizer? A synthesizer is an electronic instrument that uses some form of digital or analog processing to produce audible sound. As their name might suggest, most synthesizers seek to artificially reproduce (or synthesize) the sounds of acoustic instruments like those listed above.