Modular synthesizer

Modular synthesizers are electronic musical instruments, which consists of a plurality of different components (modules ) are made, which are used in connection with the generation of electronic sounds.

There are modules for sound production (eg VCO) modules to change the sound (about VCF - filter ) and those for the control (about ADSR ). The individual modules are via cable ( patch cable) or switch, sometimes slider and patch panels, joined together. Thus, for a given number of modules with outputs and inputs a variety of connection options is available. The final signal is usually delivered via a loudspeaker or transmitted to a recording device.

An essential feature of analog modular synthesizer is the voltage control of individual parameters of a module. The control voltage (. CV for eng "control voltage " ) can be - generated, for example, from a keyboard or a sequencer, - are placed on the CV input of the VCO, a change in voltage, a change in frequency generated result. Other essential parameters are the cutoff frequency of the VCF or the gain of the VCA), which are driven in conventional patches mostly of the ADSR ( often referred to as EC for engl. " Envelope Generator "). As an industry standard introduced the Moog control voltage range has been established from 0 to 10 volts. For the control of the VCO and VCF an exponential characteristic of the control voltage was applied in addition, which results in a frequency doubling per volt. There are also different control voltage standards such as in KORG (MS -10, MS-20, MS -50, etc.) or Yamaha.

Other control voltages are referred to as " gate " and refers to " trigger " and have no continuous parameter change to the sequence, but are intended for switching of events. The gate signal influences the duration of the event, by holding the connected parameter for a certain period it. This period may be, for example, the time during which a key is pressed on the keyboard. The trigger signal is a time- always the same long pulse, which triggers a signal once, without influence on the further course. This can be, for example, the start parameter of a sequencer, which after a single " triggering but " independently starts its function. These control voltages are usually generated by a change from 0 volts after 5 volts.

Modules

Basic elements of a modular synthesizer include:

• VCO - ( Abbreviation for: voltage controlled oscillator) - voltage controlled oscillation generator
• VCA - ( Abbreviation for: voltage controlled amplifier ) - voltage controlled amplifier
• VCF - ( Abbreviation for: Voltage Controlled Filter ) - voltage controlled filter
• VCP - ( Abbreviation for: Voltage Controlled Phaser ) - Voltage Controlled Phaser
• LFO ( Abbreviation for: low frequency oscillator) - low frequency oscillator
• ADSR - Envelope Generator (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release)
• Sample and hold - periodic scanning ( for example, a noise signal for generating random sequences)
• Noise generator (german Noise) - produces colored noise, mostly white noise
• Mixer module - for mixing various control voltages or audio signals

Each electronic module which processes tensions in theory ( assuming appropriate modifications ) can be used in a modular synthesizer. Modular synthesizers are suitable, depending on quality, even for the development of analog computers.

In practice, the modules are often mounted in the rack. The outer dimensions of the modules corresponds then usually the standard 19 ".

Famous modular synthesizer

In addition to the Moog Modular, which was used, for example, inter alia, of Emerson, Lake and Palmer, the systems Roland System 100M, system 700, E-Mu Modular, Arp 2500, and the Buchla modules were known. Popular also the modular synthesizer called " formant " whose instructions was - by Cyril Chapman written - was published in several subsequent articles in the electronic magazine " Elektor " in the 1970s. This popularity was due to the fact that commercial systems for hobbyists and beginners at the time were almost unaffordable and homebrewing promised some cost savings, even if we had to accept compromises in quality.

A new edition of the formant synthesizer under the name " formant per MSS2000 " from the pen of Hans -Joachim Helmstedt took again in 2000 the theme and brought the blueprints with various adaptations to temporal realities - many components were not now available - out in a new edition. However, this project only less been successful because the publication was printed by " Elektor " publishing house with many errors, making error-free construction of circuits for electronics novice almost impossible. The project was therefore set now.

Modular software synthesizer have greatly reduced the hardware synthesizers. Only specialty firms provide more complete analog modules forth.

Currently manufactured Modular Synthesizer

There are a number of manufacturers that again and still offer analog modular synthesizer. Many of the product lines from different manufacturers are compatible with each other.

• Analogue Systems RS- Integrator [ Eurorack ]
• Analogue Solutions: Concussor [ Eurorack ]
• Instruments.de anyware - [ TINYSIZER ]
• Bananalogue [ Eurorack, Fracrak ]
• Blacet Research [ FracRak ]
• Buchla
• Club of the knobs
• Curetronic
• Cwejman [ Eurorack ]
• Cyndustries Modules
• Doepfer A-100 [ Eurorack ]
• Intellijel [ Eurorack ]
• Livewire [ Eurorack ]
• MFB [ Eurorack ]
• Modcan
• Plan B [ Eurorack ]
• PAiA Corporation USA
• Serge
• Synthech ( MOTM )
• Synthesizers.com
• Technosaurus Synthesizer
• Wiard

DIY

The self-made modular synthesizers by kits or instruction has become common among both lay and under productive musicians. In the Internet there are numerous websites that offer guidance and assistance to the self such modular synthesizer. Partly provided by the exposure templates for PCB layouts on wiring diagrams up to the bill of all documents required for reproduction. Frequently, this hobby is in these circles S- DIY or synth DIY (DIY stands for Do-It- Yourself) abbreviated.