Modular Synthesis

Analog synthesizers (and specifically modular synths) are undeniably cool, but some people still shy away from them due to a perception that they’re complicated and expensive. Thankfully, Moog has solved both problems with the new Mavis semi-modular synth kit ($349). Mavis is a genuine analog Moog synth that you put together from pre-assembled components, teaching you the basics of electronics and synthesis while saving you money. When you’re done, you’ve got a powerful little instrument that you can play as a standalone unit or integrate into your modular rig. Follow along as we dig into the surprisingly versatile Moog Mavis! Continue reading →

There's no doubt that ambient music is currently seeing a resurgence. It could be the well-timed Mort Garson and Laurie Spiegel reissues that piqued interest or even documentaries like Sisters With Transistors. Maybe it's the fact a pandemic effectively canceled band practice for the foreseeable future. Either way, we're here to embrace these soothing sounds. If you haven't dabbled in the ambient artform, it's incredibly easy and fun to zone out making lush landscapes. Without the need for bandmates, musicians can take their own spin on beat making, sound design, field recording, looping and create something all their own. Today we’re gonna take a look at some of the popular tools that will help you create your own ambient sounds. Continue reading →

With 2021 nearly here, we're concluding our blog wrap-up of the best selling pro audio gear of 2020. You didn't think we would skip synths and pedals, did you? Fear not, filter sweepers and fuzz lords! We've got you covered! While few will reminisce about 2020 with great fondness, one positive to come from this year is an overwhelming amount of new tools for tinkering in the studio. From pedals built in collaboration between companies to synthesizers that revive classic designs, this is the gear that got our customers through the past 365 days. Continue reading →

Lisa Bella Donna is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and modular synthesist. She has many years of experience as a session musician and has developed extensive techniques with a variety of genres including musique concreté, micro-tonal music, orchestration, film composition, and more. Recently, Lisa put out two new albums, Night Flight and Orchards of Churchyard Departures. Both records are sonically fitting for the Halloween season, as they feature a number of dark and brooding tones created using a wide range of analog and digital synths. Continue reading →

The Make Noise 0-Coast is a powerful desktop synthesizer that makes it easy to quickly create complex sounds using both East and West Coast synthesis techniques. The synth fits a lot into a small package! With two channels of MIDI to CV and MIDI to gate options, 0-COAST is capable of creating complex synth sounds in any style. We recently spoke with Walker Farrell from Make Noise (you may know him as the voice of these tutorial videos) to learn more about how to make music using the 0-Coast. Read on to learn 10 different ways to use the 0-Coast synthesizer in your studio from simple synthesis creation tips to complex arpeggiated patches. Continue reading →

Building your first Eurorack rig? Here’s a checklist to make sure you have everything you need to get started!If you're reading this, you are probably in the same position a lot of us have been. You're intrigued by the idea of building your very own, one-of-a-kind modular synthesizer, but feel completely overwhelmed by the sheer amount of options and information out there. You may be wondering if it's even worth wading into the vast ocean of modular synthesis when there are already so many ready-made all-in-one hardware synthesizers on the market today. We're here to clear the air, help you decide if modular synth is right for you, and get you started down the right path. Continue reading →

The concept of modular synthesis may seem overtly complex at first glance. However, if you break it down into the most basic components, it becomes less daunting than you might think. Throughout this Buyer's Guide, we'll talk about the different formats of modular synth, the cases and cables they utilize, and the many types of modules that help your custom rig create unique sounds. Read on to enter the wonderfully beautiful and strange world of modular synthesizers. Continue reading →