Ready to go modular? 10 Common Beginner Questions
I get a lot of questions regarding the (often expensive) jump into modular synths, so here’s some answers along with some example setups and tips. Nothing I have recommended or mentioned in this video is “sponsored” by any particular product, just my dumb old preference.
Modulargrid link: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/racks/command_center/84790
@prestonfisher2632
March 5, 2026 at 7:44 am
What would you recommend for getting ahold of mutable instruments modules these days? Seems like there arent many companies producing them , maybe a good time to get into the market?
@lisaleone2296
March 5, 2026 at 7:44 am
My biggest mistake was thinking that anyone who can play a synth can make a functional modular system out of the gate. My biggest a-ha moment was when I realized polyphony in modular requires intentional choices. I learned a lot from the first rack I put together, both in terms of the physical build (my baby was CROOKED!) and in terms of what you need to make "a patch" versus a full soundscape/track versus a finished piece of music. What a journey it continues to be.
@danieltx7066
March 5, 2026 at 7:44 am
Modular homes are more than storage containers.
@belushipumpkin
March 5, 2026 at 7:44 am
I will watch and rewatch this videos for years just for the intro.
@Tuvalu3
March 5, 2026 at 7:44 am
Great overview!
Regarding the money hole hypothesis: It should be considered that a single module usually increases the feature set of the whole system exponentially, not linearly.
If you buy a synth without extensive patching capabilities, you basically get the same every time, just with some differences in timbre (over-exaggerated for the sake of the argument).
When choosing an appropriate single module, it can have an effect on almost every other module in the existing setup.
So if you realise that you get 20, 50 or 100 new patch options / modulation results from one module, then it is fairly acceptable to pay a decent price on it imho.
@PorkBjork
March 5, 2026 at 7:44 am
Ready to go modular? Then forgo buying a car a house or having any kids because you will never have a spare penny ever again. But at least you can make some ambient drones and beeps and bloops so whatever, I'm sure its worth it.
@famitory
March 5, 2026 at 7:44 am
10:12 makes sense as an ethos if you already went to school for electronics and have a bunch of knowledge and tools that see no use in your excel-based dayjob itching to be used
@CtDawG77
March 5, 2026 at 7:44 am
No
@StaK_1980
March 5, 2026 at 7:44 am
Dammit, I might get a synth after this – even though I am NOT musically trained.
@TheInart
March 5, 2026 at 7:44 am
Ben I just get to module I am broken now😂 anyway is there hot here is super cold! Snow cold like Siberia
@AngusVonL
March 5, 2026 at 7:44 am
Love the video, modular synth is something i want to put my hand on as, but i have a quick question: do we also need a cute dog?
@justaghoulyguy
March 5, 2026 at 7:44 am
acid seinfeld
@wylatron
March 5, 2026 at 7:44 am
Another great vid. I'd love to se you do a smaller pallet case of just fx, to run grooveboxes through, think akai force/mpc/op1/mc707, that sort of thing. I have seen others do this to great….effect…. but your way of explaining things is so fantastic that I find myself wishing you'd do a video on it.
@HerrDext3r
March 5, 2026 at 7:44 am
passive attenuators, multiples, simple voltage dividers – things that are definetly not worth their prices on Thomann.
@JamesRamboPearce
March 5, 2026 at 7:44 am
I'm ready for Synthfeld pt 2 (a full length standup show)
@Hoptronics
March 5, 2026 at 7:44 am
Any person with an average IQ of 100 can learn the knowledge for almost any job. That being said, if you already have the knowledge of soldering and basic circuit theory, or can understand simple highschool math and physics anyone with and average IQ can build any one component for a synth and therefore an entire synthesizer.. I would say, it's not rocket science . But it is . And it's not as hard as you think.. most of the math is really v=I/r. So you don't short out you components and match the expectations of the electronics . It's funny how it's digital vs analog when really it comes down to is it the right voltage yes or no? The right current yes or no? The right resistance yes or no? Then do the thing or emit the magic smoke.. in rocket science.. you want the smoke, smoke == fire == ignition == blast off
Happy Easter!
@HeavyDutyModularSynths
March 5, 2026 at 7:44 am
and yeah. I can def hear a huge difference with VST analog synths than ACTUAL analog synths. plus, the knob turning. you cannot emulate.
@HeavyDutyModularSynths
March 5, 2026 at 7:44 am
yeah. fishing isnt cheap either. it "CAN" be cheap. but if your into it its not. good call on that one. and, it CAN be expensive with some fishing rods over 1000 a peice, reels costing over 1000 as well etc. and modular, can be "cheap" if you buy cheaper modules. or used ones. but still, they add up. 100 here, 50 there, want some new longer rails for case, etc.
@paulyearley1084
March 5, 2026 at 7:44 am
No hobby ever is cost-effective, and that's ok.
I have a modest synth setup, and it's sort of a money sink. I love it.
…but so are my RC cars and my pet tortoise. It's fine. People need to enjoy things and that's ok.
@berniedurnheim
March 5, 2026 at 7:44 am
On the 'Why not just make modules myself' question I totally agree that if all you want is a modular synth then DIY is not the way to go. I've built over half my system. If you don't already have the electronics building skills and equipment building modules just because you wanna get them cheap is a bit misguided and a recipe for massive frustration. I build because I want to expand my system AND because I want to learn electronics. Turns out that building synth modules is a great way to learn because there are a bunch of very simple and useful circuits that you can build and there is a relatively clear path to increasing complexity and unique functionality. I can now build stuff that I can't buy. That's the reward that comes from learning.
@Lord_UND_Himself
March 5, 2026 at 7:44 am
For the intro alone, you’re getting a like lol
@nicholaspennmusic
March 5, 2026 at 7:44 am
Gyro rack 😂
@prometheusboat
March 5, 2026 at 7:44 am
This channel could be improved greatly with the aid of a crew neck t-shirt and a visit to the barbershop.
@cdjwmusic
March 5, 2026 at 7:44 am
The intro with the Seinfeld theme played on a moog bass is just hilarious
Comments are closed.