Thoughts on the Current Age of Modular Synthesis
I have really been into synthesis in general for probably less than 5 years. And I can’t say that the whole time I have really been into “Synthesis” persay, but just trying to learn the MicroMoog. It didn’t take very long for me to realize that the more one persues the mystery of the circuits, the more circuits they soon need to persue.
Thinking about this, I realize that things often go in stages and I am already aware of the great analog dump-off that occured in the 80’s. Im curious to know where some of you think we are at this particular point in time.
In the mid 60’s, synthesizers were modular because they pretty much had to be. I don’t think that it was until the MiniMoog came out that we would integrate all of these favorite circuits into one portable unit and this probably was the first step that enabled the market to emerge for complex electronic workstations like the Roland Fantom series or the Yamaha Motifs. These modules in these huge systems were essential for instrument replication. It is as if the entire idea began its first revolution, Modules were created to make experimental music, then their stabillity became essential for accurate pitch replication. Then synthesis gravitated away from melodies and back towards the experimental. The revolution is continuing to this day.
So after spending many hours drooling over Modusonics price lists and dotcom module pictures, after witnessing a resurgance in analog synths of all types, the reality sets in. I am from Arkansas and we usually get things 5-10 years too late. I don’t think I was exposed to grunge until after Kurt Killed himself. So this leads me to question where we might be in this new era of analogue.
Im a week into learning about Euroracks for the first time and not a penny closer to making the plunge. But what prompted me to write this article was that talking to my cousin in California and reading module descriptions here, there is an esoteric genre deep inside the esoteric synthesizer market. NOIZE. My cousin is really big into the lunetta cmos synths. I am learning that a lot of these modules (and other eurorack units) are intentionally non melodic or not hi-fi. It is very interesting indeed. I guess it is a fad right now, probably a product of the many sub sub sub genres of electronic/techno music but it seems like making “bleeps and bloops” is where its at. And there is nothing wrong with this approach, im just commenting on me finally noticing it.
Now to the meat of this article. Im realizing that probably the rebirth of electronic music has been something steady since the nineties. Well, what used to be strictly underground is becomming more mainstream. Analogue synths are enjoying a second renniassance so to speak, partially thanks to software synths and modeling machines. The vintage market is an ebay rapist’s wet dream come true. Realizing that I usually get into things 10 years too late, where do you think we are right now? I know that modules are coming out all the time, it seems like a springtime of blossoming manufacturers and modules. Do you think the current situation with modular synths and or eurorack synths are still on the rise or do any of you who have been doing this long enough seem to think that it is reaching its plateau. Which part of the ADSR do you think this new era of modular synthesis is on? (Everything I think is one of thse self repeating envelopes, heh.)
You want to know the truth? I am secretly waiting for another eightiesesque analog synthesizer abandonnment, just so that the insane market prices can crash as software synths rule the world. Isn’t this what we are all hoping for in the back of our minds? Not to see synth companies fail but just to score some great gear on the used market for pennies, rather than a gaggle of Franklins?
Did any of you find it funny how the entire nation made the “Transition to Digital” earlier this year? I for one dusted off the fine Ash woodgrain of my voyager and with love and TLC played sweet sweet nothings on its keyboard in a sad (not) display of man-machine love taken too far (not) and I said a little thank you to Bob Moog and I cememted my feet in the foundations of analogue.
Im curious to know your thoughts on this matter.
Eric
Rhythmicons