What Are the Best Eurorack or 500 Series Modules for Me? |
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If you’re a studio-fanatic and demand full hardware-based control over every part of the audio-signal-chain, you’re no doubt interested in modular systems. A compact, custom set-up of 500 Series modules can provide exactly the audio-editing tools you need, while a stack of Eurorack modules can be patched up to create your own ideal synthesizer. In this Buyer’s Guide, beginners will find the most important information about both modular systems. If your question isn’t included, feel free to contact us! 1. What’s a Modular System?You’ve probably seen one before: huge synths or mixing consoles littered with an impressive number of controls. While these can look daunting, all of the fitted buttons and controls come grouped in specific sections for eased, intuitive use. Synthesizers typically feature dedicated oscillator, envelope and filter sections, while mixers usually offer microphone preamp and EQ sections. It’s the manufacturer who decides which sections are included, but what if you prefer a ‘custom’ set-up? In that case, one way to go would be to work with separate pieces of 19” gear, while another, more compact and flexible solution includes the use of various modular components that, together, form a modular system.
2. What Are The Pros and Cons of Modular Systems?One of the big advantages of a modular system is that it gives you access to a custom set of functions. If you wanted to, you could easily create a modular synthesizer equipped with a single oscillator module and ten different filters. Another advantage is the freedom to hand-pick the components. Combining an equaliser from one brand with a microphone preamp from another is no problem, since the signal transfer between modules is standardised and based on either audio or CV (Control Voltage). In addition, modules are generally relatively compact. The biggest drawback is that modular systems aren’t as mainstream as ‘ready-made’ systems and are therefore more expensive in comparison. Also, you need multiple modules to build a modular system, plus a matching frame or chassis to mount them in. There’s also no such thing as a data storage module, meaning you’ll need pen and paper to save your ‘patchings’.
3. Do I Even Need a Modular System?Modular systems are mostly interesting to those who already know a lot about the underlying technology or anyone who loves to experiment or stray from the beaten path. If you’re looking for an easy-to-use synth loaded with ready-made sounds, a modular system isn’t as suited for you. The same is true if you’re already satisfied with the EQ, preamp and AUX sections of your current mixing console. In that case, building a modular system won’t provide much added value. On the other hand, if you want more flexibility, have the space and the budget for it, and you’re willing to learn, it’s certainly worth considering building your own modular system!
4. What’s a 500 Series Module?500 Series modules are a popular type of module. Originally, these modules were part of large mixing consoles built by API, until people in the industry realised their potential for ‘mobile use’ and came up with the ‘lunchbox’ - a portable frame we now know as a 500 Series rack/chassis. Take one of these frames, install a few preamp, EQ and compressor modules, and you’ve got yourself an all-in-one, studio-grade unit that can be taken anywhere! Since the whole idea is based on classic mixing consoles, 500 Series modules mainly include audio editing and processing tools like equalisers, compressors and preamps. While a power supply usually comes factory-installed with any 500 Series rack or chassis, the types and total number of inputs and outputs differ per model.
5. What’s a Eurorack Module?Euroracks are another common kind of modular system that came into existence after Doepfer started making synthesizer parts back in the 1990s. Eurorack modules can be found in music studios where they’re combined to form entire ‘walls’ riddled with buttons, faders, controls and patch cables. In fact, famous film-score composer Hans Zimmer is known for having several of these ‘walls’ of Eurorack modules in his studio. Since most Eurorack modules are based on synthesizers, they typically come in the form of oscillators, envelopes, delays and filters. In recent years, Eurorack modules have become part of the mainstream - which has a lot to do with the fact that Roland and several other renowned makers have released various new modules. Once mounted into a special Eurorack case, the modules are linked up via patch cables and collectively powered by a single power supply. Not every case comes complete with a power supply, so it’s always worth checking if yours does.
6. What About Those Patch Cables?To build a basic synthesizer, you need something like an oscillator module, a filter module, an envelope module and an amplifier module. Using patch cables, you can route any audio and controller signals from one module to the next and build as big a wall of patched up modules as you’d like. Patch cables are mainly used for connecting synthesizer components inside a Eurorack set-up, since to filter the sound of an oscillator module, the output of the oscillator must first be linked up to the input of the filter module. Here, the question is how much distance there is between any modules you want to link up. While a 40cm patch cable is enough for compact synths like the Moog Mother-32, there’s a good chance you’ll need much longer cables to build that complete wall filled with tens of modules. So you can keep your set-up clean, patch cables often come colour-coded.
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