Among the trends in products presented at the recent 2016 NAMM show, we’ve already remarked on the widespread use of the word “Analog” . Another key-word seen everywhere is “Modular”.

Lots of new Synthesisers, even those which are basically digital, are modular, with lots of buttons, swtiches and inputs and outputs connected between themselves with a rats-nest of cables.

If the audible results from these boxes of tricks are not always exciting, it’s usually the result of those who use them…badly.

The price of these modules is not going to encourage amateurs to experiment, much less buy. But to hope to gain familiarity with these modules, apart from money, you need time, patience and the imagination to understand the terminology used. To designate the good old functions of Oscillator, Filter and Envelope Shaper, the language used in
2016 is knowingly esoteric.
elektor
The phonogène with keyboard, from Pierre Schaeffer

We must recognise that the functions of today’s modul...