My modular synth started with the theme of exploration. Even though I found particular areas of exploration that I wanted to get deeper into, I still wanted to maximize flexibility and versatility. At one point I had four LPG modules for their slightly different sounds, two complex oscillators for their different characters plus favored ways to patch modules into a similar configuration, etc.
I admired instruments like Ann Annieās, or Nathan Moodyās Blue / Red boxes, or several of the synths here ā and I would occasionally daydream about going to a couple of small, 1-2 voice synths myself (one Harvestman/Make Noise, one Mutable Instruments). But that never materialized because I kept thinking: maximum versatility.
About a week ago, I was listening to the Esoteric Modulation podcast and thinking about the focused design choices that go into instruments like the Lyra-8 or even a Microbrute. Theyāre not a kitchen sink of features, and that is their strength. They have a particular character that comes through in the playing experience and the sound, even though they are synthesizers with a wide variety of timbres and playing styles. That character helps forge an emotional connection and makes better music.
I realized: I make specific, focused music, but I have kept this āmaximum flexibilityā mindset and have, in some ways, sacrificed character, simplicity and immediacy to it.
Yesterday morning I had the realization that Iād actually been avoiding my ER-301 recently, and have been craving the modules that I tried to replace with it. Over the course of a few hours I made some sales, trades and purchases and Iām on the way to something that I think suits me better. More focused, a bit smaller, but still very versatile and with new opportunities for exploration.
This is a step along the way:
And where this is going, at least for now:
A couple of the new things will be on probation ā they have to serve the music I make without feeling extraneous or like overkill. If I donāt love the HD mk3 unconditionally, itās getting replaced with a mk2 because I know I like that one. T-Rackonizer was a trade opportunity and a bit of a whim, though Iāve wanted to try the desktop version for years now. SMR needs to at least cover some of the additive synthesis ground I was getting with ER-301. Panharmoniumās only been in my rack a few days and I think it might have a long-term place, but Iām still kind of evaluating it.
