Modular Synthesizers At The 2013 NAMM Show

While NAMM 2013 had a big focus on newer DJ gear and the technologies behind them, one revelation that must be shared is that modular synthesizers are on a comeback.  There is this ebb and flow of instruments (as well as many other parts of our culture), where something that wasn’t cool ten years ago might be resurging into the next hot item.  The general public may have forgotten about the complexities of the Eurorack and patch synthesizers, but musicians and hobbyists have not forgotten about them.  Many of these modules were on display at NAMM, and to curious onlookers who know nothing about them, there was at least one common theme between them all.

“Cables.”

It would almost seem backward at an event that showed off the amount of wireless audio technologies that were implemented in new gear, but it is certain that wires, in this case, are a good and necessary thing.  One innovation that was seen across many of the displayed modules was portability.  Some of these synthesizers were wrapped up inside unassuming briefcases and luggage.  So, even though an old technology like this is still alive and kicking, it can still be improved in ways that don’t take from its original form.

http://www.synthtopia.com/content/2013/01/30/modular-synthesizers-at-the-2013-namm-show/