Modular & Semi-Modular Synths
Patch-cable and pin-matrix instruments, from full modular systems to compact semi-modular boxes.
How to read the icons: A knob and patch cable glyph — every item in this category is played by patching, not a keyboard.
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Real diagrams and steps for 15 patchable synths in this category — ARP 2600, Buchla, Moog Mother-32, and more.
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Find out exactly what kind of converter bridges gear in this category into a modern MIDI setup.
Browse 31 modular & semi-modular synths
- ARPMono
2600
1971 · Semi-Modular (Keyboard)
Sound designers and experimentalists wanting deep semi-modular patch-cable synthesis.
$$$$Collector-GradeCompare - Korg2-voice poly
MS-20
1978 · Semi-Modular (Keyboard)
Producers wanting an aggressive, biting analog lead/bass tone with semi-modular patching.
$$$PremiumCompare - KorgMono
MS-10
1978 · Semi-Modular (Keyboard)
Producers wanting the MS-20's biting filter character in a smaller, more affordable patchable synth.
$$$PremiumCompare - EMSMono
VCS3 (The Putney)
1969 · Modular / Patch-Only
Sound designers wanting the distinctive pin-matrix routing behind classic early electronic music.
$$$$Collector-GradeCompare - EMSMono
Synthi A / AKS
1971 · Modular / Patch-Only
Musicians wanting VCS3-style pin-matrix synthesis in a genuinely portable, travel-ready case.
$$$$Collector-GradeCompare - MoogMono
Modular System 55
1973 · Semi-Modular (Keyboard)
Studios and collectors wanting the original, unlimited patch-cable modular synthesis experience.
$$$$Collector-GradeCompare - BuchlaMono
100 Series
1966 · Modular / Patch-Only
Experimentalists wanting the original West Coast generative/touch-plate modular synthesis approach.
$$$$Collector-GradeCompare - RolandMono
System 100
1975 · Semi-Modular (Keyboard)
Players wanting an accessible, more affordable first step into real patch-cable modular synthesis.
$$$PremiumCompare - RolandMono
System 100M
1979 · Modular / Patch-Only
Modular enthusiasts wanting a genuinely expandable, rack-based patch-cable system on a budget.
$$$$Collector-GradeCompare - SergeMono
Modular System
1970s · Modular / Patch-Only
Experimental modular patchers wanting Serge's uniquely flexible slope-generator-based West Coast synthesis.
$$$$Collector-GradeCompare - MoogMono
Mother-32
2015 · Modular / Patch-Only
Modern producers wanting an affordable, patchable Moog with a built-in sequencer and MIDI. (Modern semi-modular, not vintage.)
$$Mid-RangeCompare - MoogMono
DFAM (Drummer From Another Mother)
2018 · Modular / Patch-Only
Producers wanting a dedicated analog percussion synth for patchable, evolving drum textures. (Modern semi-modular, not vintage.)
$$Mid-RangeCompare - MoogMono
Grandmother
2018 · Semi-Modular (Keyboard)
Players wanting a playable, keyboard-equipped semi-modular Moog with built-in reverb. (Modern semi-modular, not vintage.)
$$Mid-RangeCompare - Moog4-voice poly
Matriarch
2019 · Semi-Modular (Keyboard)
Players wanting the most powerful, chord-capable synth in Moog's modern semi-modular lineup. (Modern semi-modular, not vintage.)
$$$PremiumCompare - MoogMono
Subharmonicon
2020 · Modular / Patch-Only
Generative and ambient producers wanting subharmonic tones and polyrhythmic sequencing out of the box. (Modern semi-modular, not vintage.)
$$Mid-RangeCompare - DoepferMono
A-100 System
1995 · Modular / Patch-Only
Producers wanting to enter true modular synthesis through the format that became the industry standard.
$$$PremiumCompare - DoepferMono
MS-404
1997 · Modular / Patch-Only
Acid and bass producers wanting a genuine self-oscillating analog filter in a compact semi-modular format.
$$Mid-RangeCompare - RolandMono
System 700
1976 · Modular / Patch-Only
Collectors and institutions wanting one of the true flagship large-format modular systems of the analog era.
$$$$Collector-GradeCompare - EMSMono
Synthi 100
1971 · Modular / Patch-Only
Institutions and serious collectors wanting one of the rarest, most historically significant modular systems ever built.
$$$$Collector-GradeCompare - Make NoiseMono
0-Coast
2017 (modern semi-modular, included for its influence on the format) · Modular / Patch-Only
Producers wanting a self-contained gateway into West Coast synthesis concepts alongside familiar subtractive tools.
$$Mid-RangeCompare - ARPMono
1601 Sequencer + 2600 System
1970s · Modular / Patch-Only
Collectors wanting a genuine vintage analog step sequencer to pair with an ARP 2600 or similar modular voice.
$$$$Collector-GradeCompare - BuchlaMono
200 Series
1970 · Modular / Patch-Only
Serious collectors and institutions wanting one of the most historically significant West Coast modular systems ever built.
$$$$Collector-GradeCompare - Cwejman2-voice poly
S1 MkII
2000s · Modular / Patch-Only
Producers wanting exceptionally clean, boutique-grade Swedish semi-modular synthesis in a self-contained box.
$$$PremiumCompare - Analogue SystemsMono
RS-Integrator
2000s · Modular / Patch-Only
Producers wanting an accessible modular starter system with MIDI-to-CV already built in, no separate interface needed.
$$Mid-RangeCompare
