Building your first modular synth can be a challenge, with the range of modules available. To save you some time, and hopefully money, we’ve selected some of the best budget Eurorack modules for those starting out.
In previous posts, we’ve covered the basic essentials of modular synths and Eurorack effects – so please check these out too!
Selecting the Best Budget Eurorack Modules
The workflow of a basic analogue synth consists of an oscillator, a filter, and an envelope section. So without venturing too far from this idea, we’ve selected modules that offer plenty of value without moving too far from the $100 per module price range.
Behringer Brains
Brains is an incredibly versatile oscillator module with 20 oscillator algorithms to choose from. With each oscillator, you can tweak three individual parameters, giving you a certain degree of control over the sound you’re working with.
The algorithms range from subtractive to granular, FM, and additive. In addition, there are several drum and percussion modes so you can easily create a wide range of sounds making this a versatile choice for the price.
Behringer 182
If you’re starting out, the 182 sequencer is a great way to get a feel for creating patterns the modular way. It gives you two eight-step sequencers that you can run in parallel or in series, giving you a 16-step sequencer.
The pattern length can be adjusted with the Step Number control, and you have additional controls for tempo, delay, and gate time. Overall it’s as basic as it comes, but it gives you the feel of a hardware sequencer for an affordable price.
Doepfer A-124 Wasp Filter SE
Based on the filter from the famous EDP Wasp synthesizer, the A-124 Wasp Filter SE is a warm, colourful, and organic-sounding filter with three modes. It’s equipped with a BP filter out, and a combo LP/HP output that can be controlled via the mix knob.
Although one could argue that a filter is a relatively simple device, it’s still tough to find one that gives you such a usable sound and a simple intuitive interface in this price range.
Rides In The Storm FEG
Every modular synth rig needs one or more envelope generators to shape the structure of the sounds you create. The Rides In The Storm FEG is a basic but versatile envelope module that can be used for many different applications.
It functions in 1-shot and loop mode with two time selectable ranges to work accurately with various types of sounds. Envelopes like this can be used to shape filter or modulation contours, or the entire VCA volume.
Dreadbox Eudemonia
The Eudemonia combines LP and HP filters with a resonance control, a mixer, and a VCA in one module. Tools like these are perfect when building your first Eurorack synth because they provide essential features in a compact format and at an affordable price.
No matter what the source of your sound is, the Eudemonia allows you to merge up to three signals and shape them with the self-oscillating filter, which can also be modulated by another source.
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