Modular synthesizers are the original analog synthesizers, originally developed by Bob Moog and Donald Buchla, among others, in the 1960's. A modular synthesizer is a collection of discreet components, each with a specific sound generating, modifying or controlling function. The components, called Modules, are interconnected by patch cords to create a synthesizer voice. The advantage that modularity provides is that the design of the voice is only constrained by the number of modules available, the modules can be connected in almost any way and can create an amazing variety of timbres. The disadvantage is that the sounds cannot be easily recalled, and the synths tend to be bulky, fragile, and intimidating to use. While modular synths fell out of favor for a while, replaced by prepatched analog and, later, digital, synths, they are now back in a big way. Classic Moog and ARP modulars are fetching exorbitant prices on the used market. This demand has fortunately inspired a number of new manufacturers to make modulars. In fact, I think that now, there are more modulars available than ever before.

Pictured here, top to bottom: JKJ CV-3 MIDI to CV Converter, Peavey SPAF Analog Filter, PAiA Vocoder, PAiA frac-rack with Blacet Mixer-Processor, Frequency Divider and 2 Dark Star Chaos.

First row of MOTM modules: MOTM 320 VC LFO, MOTM 100 Noise/Sample & Hold, 2 MOTM 300 VCO's, homemade patch panel with CV/Gate outputs of Doepfer MAQ 16/3, inputs and outputs for Peavey SPAF.

Second Row: MOTM 120 Sub-Octave Multiplier, 2 MOTM 420 VCF's, MOTM 410 Triple Resonant Bandpass Filter, MOTM 440 Lowpass Filter.

Third Row: Homemade patch panel for dual joystick controller, MOTM 700 VC Router, 2 MOTM-800 Envelope Generators, 2 MOTM 110 Ring Mod/VCA's.

Synthesis Technology MOTM Modular Synth: I really can't say enough good things about the MOTM, the modules are built to last forever, reasonably priced (more expensive than budget modulars like Doepfer or PAIA, but much cheaper than "boutique" systems like Serge or Wiard), and assembling the kits has been a great learning experience. And the customer service from SynthTech is the best I have ever found. The modules are available pre-assembled, but if you have any soldering experience, don't be intimidated by the kits, I had little experience beyond building patchcords and a few PAIA kits that worked intermittently, and I've had no major problems building the MOTM. And I have learned so much in the process. There's a real sense of connection to an instrument that you have built yourself.

Blacet Dark Star, Frequency Divider and Mixer Processor: John Blacet was designing synths back in the '70's heyday of DIY synthesizers, and he's recently resurrected some of his designs as kits. The Dark Star, of which I have 2, is a chaotic noise generator, capable of a range from pitched sounds to total noise, with every parameter voltage controlled. Definitely a unique module. His other modules are pretty innovative as well. I'd like to build more of his kits as time and money permits.

Doepfer MAQ 16/3 and A-100 Modular Synth: Long before the invention of software sequencers, step sequencers were used to create repeating patterns in modular synths. The MAQ is a MIDI/Control Voltage step sequencer. It can play 3 sequences at once, each up to 16 steps long, and the values at each step can be modified from the front panel. It's a very flexible piece of gear, and the primary controller I use for the modulars.

The A-100 Modular was my first modular. There are things I don't like about it: the panels are tiny, the jacks are right next to the knobs, so it's very hard tweak the knobs once a module is patched, and the build quality is not great, I've replaced a number of the 1/8" jacks already. And I generally hate 1/8" cords for patching anyway.