Modular synthesizer

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Sine, square, triangle, and sawtooth waveforms

The modular synthesizer is a type of synthesizer consisting of separate modules which must be connected by wires to create a so-called patch. These synthesizers are very flexible. Every output generates an electric current of variable voltage. All inputs expect a voltage, so that almost any combination of connections between the modules is allowed and valid.

There exist many different modules and even the modules with the same function have different inputs and output on various models. But there are some standards which manufactures followed for their range of synthesizers. Connecting synthesizers from different manufactures often requires converters however.

Some standard modules found on almost any modular synth are:

VCO - Voltage Controlled Oscillator, which will play a note in a simple waveform (most usually a square wave or a sawtooth wave, but also includes pulse waves and sine waves.
VCF - Voltage Controlled Filter, which cuts away all sounds below (high-pass), above (low-pass) or both below and above (band-pass) a certain frequency.
VCA - Voltage controlled amplifier, which controls the amplitude or overall volume.
ADSR - Envelope generator that is used to modulate a VCA to change the overall volume of the sound. This simulates the volume contour of natural decaying sounds like a piano. The modular structure of the synthesizer makes it possible to use the envelope generator for modulating other parameters like the cutoff frequency of the filter, so the timbre of the sound can be changed while the sound progresses.
LFO - Low Frequency Oscillator, from which the output is a low frequency waveform, most usually a sine or triangle wave, usually used as a control for some other module (for instance, to modulate the frequency of the VCO's output).
Ring Modulator - Two audio inputs are utilized to create sum and different frequencies. This gives the sound a "robotic" quality.
Mixer, a module that combines multiple signals into one.
Sample and hold, which takes a snapshot of the input voltage on a trigger pulse and keeps it steady even when the input voltage changes.
Sequencer, which produces a sequence of notes, usually a music loop.
Slew Limiter - smooths off the peaks of voltages. This can be used to create glide or portamento between notes. Can also work as a primitive low-pass filter.

Modular synthesizers were largely replaced by highly integrated keyboard synthesizers, racks of MIDI-connected gear, and samplers. However, there continues to be a loyal following of musicians and manufacturers who prefer the physically-patched approach and flexibility of traditional modulars.

The first modular synthesizer was the Moog modular synthesizer, which was created in 1963. The synthesizer broadened the spectrum of possible electronic music, which before was made via tape splicing and the theremin. ARP, Serge, Buchla, and EMS versions were soon to follow. In 1976, the Japanese company Roland came out with the System 700.

Contents

1 Modern manufacturers of modular synthesizer hardware (alphabetical)
2 Modular synthesizer software (alphabetical)
3 Hybrid modular synthesizers
4 External links

Modern manufacturers of modular synthesizer hardware (alphabetical)

Computers have grown so powerful and inexpensive that software programs can realistically model the signals, sounds, and patchability of modulars very well. While potentially lacking the physical presence of knobs, sliders, cables, and LEDs, software modular synthesizers offer the infinite variations and visual patching at a more affordable price and in a compact form factor.

Modular synthesizer software (alphabetical)

ChucK
CreamwareAudio Modular III
Csound
jMax
MaxMSP
Moog Modular V by Arturia
pure data
Reaktor
SpiralSynthModular
SuperCollider
SynFactory
Tassman by Applied Acoustics Systems
Vaz Modular

Hybrid modular synthesizers

Hybrid synthesizers use hardware and software combination. In alphabetical order:

Clavia Nord Modular and Clavia Nord Modular G2 by Clavia

External links

[Synthfool.com]
[120 years of Electronic Music] has information on classic modular synths.
[Vintage Synth Explorer] Information on vintage synth gear, including Moog and other modular synths.
[Synthmuseum.com]
[Modular Analog Synthesizers Return!] Article about new modular systems.
[Current listing of analog synthesizer manufacturers]
[Using the Moog modular synthesizer]
[Sound samples from classic synthesizers like the Moog Modular]
[Retrosound - Nord Modular]
[Ken Stone's Do-It-Yourself Page]
[Music From Outer Space] All the information you need to build your own modular.
[Wavemakers: kb electronic music instrumentation] History of Wavemakers modular synthesizers 1970-1980
[ModularSynth.net] Analog Modular Synthesizer discussion forum

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