Guide To Choosing The Most Suitable Synthesizers
The popularity of modular synthesizers has resulted in a n influx of modular manufacturers. Users, and especially newbies are, therefore, bound to have a difficult time choosing the best that fits their preferences. Various manufacturers have carved a niche in the modular synthesizer industry complete with a good reputation for manufacturing excellent products.
Many of them incorporate the additional tools needed to ensure that the synth is appropriately powered and housed.
Polivoks
This forms the conventional modular platforms and enables manufacturers to supply patch panels, a single component, or lunar eclipsing units. There are other production companies whose coverage does not involve all the modules provided by more established manufacturers. These have been seen to stick to both unique and peculiar designs. A company such as Harvestman offers a replica modular format from Russian Polivoks’ duophonic synthesizer. They collaborate with Vladimir Kuzmin, the Polivoks inventor to actualize the design.
Designers should not shy away from actualizing their sound production desires or even imagination. The industry is filled with different modules which can assist them achieve what they want. The good thing about the industry is that users can even develop personalized modules thanks to the readily available resources. Read more about semi modular synthesizers.
If a user is new in the modular industry, they definitely have to understand the available modular formats. Modular synths vary depending on power supply, module size, and patch lead category.
At present, there are three commonly known formats which are: Frac rack, Moog/MOTM/Synthesizers.com, and Euro rack. The main consideration that any user should keep in mind is the compatibility of different modules to varying systems.
Paul Schreiber
Going by the words of Paul Schreiber, a representative from MOTM, chances are that users can use them interchangeably regardless of the compatibility of the systems. Paul confirms that MOTM comes at an almost similar height to Synthesizer.com and Moog even though it tends to be slightly shorter by 3mm. He continues to stress that he has from time to time incorporated MOTM modules on Synthesizers.com wood closets.
Nevertheless, the fact that comprehending physical sizes, voltages, and varying power connectors as a newbie is an arduous task goes without saying. Merging varying patch cord types is even tougher. To ease the process, individuals should apply the reverse application method by first identifying a preferred module, understanding the best format for the same, and finally establishing a modular system that is compatible with that.
Sometimes users may face restrictions in the process of system selection.
It is important to understand that there are endless options which allow one to have different format units and integrating them together to develop the super‑modular, cross‑format beast.
Eurorack and Frac rack utilize 3.5mm racks to link their connections.
Another rather major though personal consideration revolves around the size of jacks. Eurorack and Frac rack utilize 3.5mm racks to link their connections, while Synthesizers.com an MOTM opt for 6.3mm jacks which are similar to those used on guitar leads. Huge connectors will require huge sockets and extra rack space whose result is a big module complete with a huge space so much so that it would be hard for people with small hands to handle.
Users who prefer the latter would perceive the Frac rack and the Eurorack constricted. Again, there are those users who prefer to use the former format considering that it is lighter and occupies little space.
