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Synthesizer composed of separate modules

Modular synthesizers are synthesizers composed of separate modules for different functions. The modules can be connected together by the user to create a patch. The outputs from the modules may include audio signals, analog control voltages, or digital signals for logic or timing conditions. Typical modules are voltage controlled oscillators, voltage controlled filters, voltage controlled amplifiers and envelope generators.

Many early synthesizer modules had height in integer inches: 11" (e. g., Roland 700), 10" (e. g., Wavemakers), 9" (e. g., Aries), 8" (e. g., ARP 2500), 7" (e. g., Polyfusion, Buchla, Serge), 6" (e. g., Emu) and width in 1/4" inch multiples. More recently it has become more popular to follow the standard 19" rack unit system: 6U (Wiard), 5U (8.75" e. g., Moog/Modcan), 4U (e. g., Serge), 3U (Eurorack). Two 3U unit standards, in particular, are notable: Frac Rack (e. g., PAiA), which uses the entire 3U for the front panel, and Eurorack (e. g., Doepfer) which has a 2 mm horizontal lip that the front panels are seated between. Further minor variations exist where European or Japanese manufacturers round a U measurement up or down to some closer convenient metric equivalent; for example, the common 5U modules are exactly , but non American manufacturers may prefer 220 or 230 mm.

Other differences are in the plugs used, which can match 1/4 inch (6.3 mm) or 3.5 mm phone connectors, banana jacks, or breadboard patch leads; in the main power supply, which is most often ±12 V or ±15 V, but can range from 2.5±2.5 V to 0±18 V for different manufacturers or systems; in the trigger or gate voltages (Moog S trigger or positive gate), with typical audio signal levels (often ±5 V with ±5 V headroom); and with control voltages of volts/octave, typically 1 V/octave, but in some cases 1.2 V/octave. In most analog modular systems the frequency is exponentially related to the control voltage (such as 1 volt/octave or 1.2 volts/octave), sometimes called linear because the human ear perceives frequencies in a logarithmic fashion, with each octave having the same perceptual size. Some synthesizers (such as Korg MS 20, ETI 4600) use a system where the frequency (but not the perceived pitch) is linear with voltage. Due to the continuously variable nature of knobs and sliders, reproducing an exact patch can be difficult.

A modular synthesizer has a case or frame into which arbitrary modules can be fitted; modules are usually connected together using patch cords and a system may include modules from different sources, as long as it fits the form factors of the case and uses the same electrical specifications. A semi modular synthesizer on the other hand is a collection of modules from a single manufacturer that makes a cohesive product, an instrument. Modules may not be swapped out and usually a typical configuration has been pre wired. The modules are typically not separable and may physically be parts of a contiguous circuit board. However, the manufacturer provides mechanisms to allow the user to connect modules in different orders and often to connect external components or modules (chosen and supplied by the user) between those of the instrument.

Matrix systems use pin matrices or other crosspoint switches rather than patch cords. The ARP 2500 was the first synthesizer to use a fixed switch matrix. The pin matrix was made popular in the EMS VCS 3 and its descendants like the EMS Synthi 100. Other systems include the ETI 4600, and the Maplin 5600s. The clean logical layout of these matrices has inspired a number of manufacturers like Arturia to include digitally programmable matrices in their analog or virtual analog synthesizers. Many fully digital synthesizers, like the Alesis Ion, make use of the logic and nomenclature of a modulation matrix, even when the graphical layout of a hardware matrix is completely absent.

The different modules of a semi modular synthesizer are wired together into a typical configuration, but can be re wired by the user using patch cords. Some examples are the ARP 2600, Anyware Semtex, Cwejman S1, EML101, Evenfall Minimodular, Future Retro XS, Korg MS 10 / MS 20 / PS 3100 / PS 3200 / PS 3300, Mungo State Zero, Roland System 100, Korg Volca Modular and Moog Mother 32 .

Reconfigurable systems allow certain signals to be routed through modules in different orders without the use of patch cords. Examples include the Oberheim Matrix and Rhodes Chroma, and Moog Voyager.

Hybrid synthesizers use hardware and software in combination to realize patches. Examples include the Arturia Origin by Arturia (fully self contained), Clavia Nord Modular and Clavia Nord Modular G2 (these need an external computer to edit patches) and Audiocubes.