Maybe you can\u2019t wrap your head around how you could ever play a melody on one of those machines, or maybe the art of the patch is like second nature to you. Hopefully, by the end of this article, you\u2019ll feel at least a bit closer to the latter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The principles of synthesis are basically the same between modular and non-modular. In fact, a lot of software synthesizers, (Serum,<\/a> Astra,<\/a> and Massive,<\/a> to name a few) are somewhat modular in their design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That said, one of the core differences that makes modular so exciting is that you can pick and choose exactly which oscillator, effect, or other module will suit your needs, rather than being limited to the choices that a synth\u2019s manufacturer made for you. You get to build your own unique synth from scratch, and the building blocks are nearly limitless. Some modular systems are specialized to perform live techno music, some are sound design powerhouses for studio use, and some are generative ambient machines that will perform new and unique melodies for hours if you let them. Your ideal rack might be a combination of all of those things\u2014or it might be nothing like any of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond module selection, modular synthesists have an added level of customization and control thanks to the way components must be patched together. Unlike most standalone synths with fixed signal chains, modules are not connected until you use patch cables to connect them exactly how you\u2019d like. In doing so, you get to choose exactly which signals are sent to which inputs, making the world your oyster; the more complex a module is, the more endless its patching capabilities can be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even with just two interesting modules, you might be able to create dozens of different patches with unique sonic characteristics. I know that might seem a bit overwhelming at first, so let\u2019s dive into the origins of all this and get some more context. The different ways that people have approached modular synthesis throughout its creation can help explain how it\u2019s used in the present day, and can help you discover what you might want to do with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a few types of modular synths out there, designed with different philosophies and priorities in mind. Some of the first were built by Bob Moog on the east coast in the 1960s; they were pretty big, and used similarly large \u00bc\u201d patch cables. Moog was very interested in creating approachable and performable devices for mainstream artists, so his devices were usually tailored for recreating acoustic sounds like brass and strings.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe history of modular synthesis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n