Tech
5 of the best new semi-modular synths
Tempted to dip your toe into modular? These halfway houses are the best starting points out there
1 Squaver P1
A unique synth that can be controlled by incoming audio. Marrying the usability of a guitar pedal with the expressiveness of a semi-modular synth, it has foot switches and a knob for blending external audio with its analogue synth.
£397, buy here.
2 Arturia MiniBrute 2
The fact that Arturia chose to add a patch bay to the latest version of their MiniBrute speaks volumes about modular’s exploding popularity. There are 48 Eurorack-compatible patch points, plus two oscillators, waveform, a Steiner Parker filter, two LFOs and loads more.
£575, buy here.
3 Ants! by Plankton Electronics
This mini modular set-up has 51 patch points and no menus or hidden functions. Patching breaks up the synth’s connections and starts creating new sounds. It has four oscillators, two LFOs, paraphonic capability, sample and hold, white noise generator and more.
£485, planktonelectronics.com
4 Radikal Technologies Delta Cep A
Each part of this paraphonic synth has inputs and outputs, making it highly patchable. Its digital Swarm Oscillator is already a hit as a stand-alone module.It’s a bank of eight oscillators that can be tuned to make chords: great for detuned basslines or pads.
£tba, buy here.
5 Moog’s Drummer From Another Mother
The legendary synth makers add a second entry to the semi-modular market. The DFAM is an analogue gift from the techno gods: no surprise Moog chose Discwoman’s Umfang, DJ Haram and Stud1nt for the promo vid. With 24 Eurorack patch points it’s the ideal companion for any modular system.
£579, buy here.
