Sound module

A sound module, also Expander is an external electronic sound generators without playable interface such as a keyboard. To play it, it is therefore necessary to control it with a MIDI - enabled device, either with a controller - such as a master keyboard - or a sequencer.

Many synthesizers, hardware sampler, E-Drums or instrument emulators are (also) available as sound modules, which mainly is for studio musicians of advantage because they already have a MIDI keyboard, and can save the money and space sound module version.

Most sound modules have a standardized width and screw thread so that they can be batch, rack mounting, a special stand for musical instruments. Occasionally there are also sound modules that can be integrated into conventional computer personnel, such as the Synthesizer Waldorf Microwave PC, which is inserted into a bay for floppy or CD drives. Some models are also optimized for live performance and therefore provide function-specific regulator and control elements, such as the Hammond organ emulator by Roland VK-8M.

Your most widespread had the sound modules in the first half of the 90s. After that, the production shifted increasingly to the computer itself ( Native Processing). In many cases, hardware sound modules are now published as software versions because of the ever-increasing computing power, which offer almost the same sound production.

Partly also so-called hybrid systems come on the market, both allow the integration into the computer setup, as well as separately - can be used for example on the stage - without a computer. An example of a hybrid system is the Roland Fantom series, which can be connected using a USB connection to the computer and thus also allows total recall.