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There's a day every synth enthusiast fantasizes about—the day their modular setup all gets twisted together, a gorgeous mess of cables, knobs, and flashing LEDs, vibrating with possibility.
That day arrived for me a few months back, largely thanks to Perfect Circuit. I'd been designing my modular synth setup for years, meticulously doodling out concepts, binge-watching YouTube videos for hours on end, and obsessing about which modules would provide me with the greatest amount of creative liberty.
But it wasn't until I found Perfect Circuit that I finally felt prepared to get started.
Finding the Right Starting Point
As with most modular beginners, I began with a straightforward question: Where do I start? There are an infinite number of ways to go about modular synthesis, and it's easy to be paralyzed. My idea was to construct a small but capable system that could expand in the future. I required a good case, a power supply that wouldn't limit me, and a handful of essential modules to begin with.
Intellijel Designs 7U Performance Eurorack Case
Perfect Circuit's website was my new best friend. Their extensive product descriptions, excellent photos, and—most importantly—their handpicked module bundles made it easier for me to get my head around what I really needed. I settled on the Intellijel 7U Performance Case, a choice that proved to be one of the best I've ever made.
It provided ample room, a rock-solid power system, and 1U utility modules built right in, which spared me the trouble of installing those later. And it shipped quickly, arriving on my doorstep mere days after placing my order.
Selecting My First Modules
After Later Audio Pixie Macro-Oscillator
With my case in place, I needed a solid starting point for sound generation. I did a lot of research before deciding on the Pixie Macro-Oscillator Mutable Instruments Plaits because of its amazing versatility. It is ideal for a small system since it covers everything from traditional waveforms to percussion that is physically modeled.
Make Noise Maths Function Generator
I then picked up the Make Noise Maths, a versatile modulation source that can be used as an oscillator, LFO, or envelope generator. Its utility made it an easy choice for maximizing my setup without adding too many modules too quickly.
Intellijel Designs Quad VCA
To deal with levels and modulation, I included the Intellijel Quad VCA. Having four VCAs housed in one unit proved to be incredibly useful, whether dynamic shaping of audio or control signal modulation was needed. It soon became a go-to tool within my workflow.
Perfect Circuit simplified the process of selecting seamlessly. Easy-to-grasp explanations on their website of what each module contained enabled me to make smart decisions, and their speedy shipping allowed me to start patching not long after.
Expanding My Setup
With the oscillator, I needed something to form and direct my sounds. I added the Make Noise Maths, a module that I'd heard dozens of modular musicians rave about.
XAOC Devices Zadar Quad Envelope
It's a Swiss army knife for modulation that can generate envelopes, LFOs, and even some wacky audio-rate hijinks. Having a flexible modulation source like this opened up so many creative possibilities for me.
Another must-have was the Xaoc Devices Zadar, a powerful four-independent channel envelope generator. Zadar enables you to create complex, evolving shapes that turn a patch from static to dynamic with minimal tweaking instead of the more linear ADSR envelopes.
Intellijel Designs Tangrams Dual ADSR Envelope Generator
Again, Perfect Circuit's detailed description of what it can do educated me on why it would be perfect for integration into my system. Their quick shipping also meant I didn't have to wait long to start messing around.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Building a modular synth is as much about learning as it is about music-making. Along the way, I picked up some highly valuable lessons:
- Prioritize Power and Space: It's tempting to focus only on flashy oscillators and effects, but without a reliable case and power supply, you'll run into headaches fast. The Intellijel 7U case saved me from having to upgrade too soon.
- Start with Multifunction Modules: Plaits, Maths, and Zadar each do more than one thing, so they're great choices for a compact system. Modules that do more than one thing keep your system versatile and exciting.
- Don't Rush the Process: It's easy to get caught up in needing everything at one time but waiting to learn every module before adding more results in a tighter, more unified system.
Why Perfect Circuit?
Though there are plenty of sources for buying modular equipment, Perfect Circuit impressed me the most for a number of reasons. Their selection is unparalleled—both the big-name brands and more obscure boutique modules so that you can quickly find whatever you're looking for.
Their website is also one of the most functional I've ever used, with in-depth descriptions, video samples, and specifications that don't provide you with a huge amount of information but actually help you make informed choices.
Aside from that, their customer service is superb. When I was in need of some information about power needs for my case, I emailed them and was presented with a thoughtful, detailed response within under a day. It's this sort of support that truly makes the difference when you're navigating the complexities of modular synthesis for the first time.
The Dream Continues
Creating a modular synth isn't a project—it's a journey that keeps on growing. My rig is still growing, and each new module I add is like opening another piece of the puzzle. Thanks to Perfect Circuit, that journey started with solid ground underneath me, with the right tools to fuel my creativity.
Whether you're building from the ground up or looking to expand your system, I couldn't recommend them more. If you're a skeptic like me and are apprehensive about making the jump into modular, trust me—it's worth it.
Just be prepared to invest a few hours (or days) browsing all the possibilities Perfect Circuit has to offer. And who knows? Your dream setup might be just one module away.