How did Eurorack come about?

Playing with LEGO 🙂

Eurorack module synthesizers are essentially a type of modular synthesizer that you can compare to LEGO blocks for music production. They have evolved from a long history of synthesizers and electronic music.

Let’s go back to the 1960s and 1970s. During that time, the first synthesizers were developed. These were large, bulky machines that could generate sounds by manipulating electronic signals. They were mainly used by artists in the avant-garde and experimental music scenes.

Then, people began to realize that they wanted more creative control over their sounds. They wanted to customize and expand their synthesizers to create unique sounds. This led to the concept of modular synthesizers, where you could connect various modules (small electronic components) to build your own sounds.

Eurorack module synthesizers as we know them today actually originated in Europe, hence the name “Eurorack.” In the early 2000s, various European companies began standardizing the dimensions and connections of these modules, allowing people to combine modules from different manufacturers into a single system.

This led to a revolution in the world of electronic music. Musicians could now assemble their own unique synthesizer configurations by choosing modules that suited their style. It was as if they had their own musical toolbox.

Today, Eurorack synthesizers are more popular than ever. They are used by both professional musicians and hobbyists to create a wide range of sounds, from classic synthesizer tones to experimental and abstract sound art. It is a creative and open approach to music production that continues to evolve with new modules and ideas.

Many brands and manufacturers have contributed to the popularity and diversity of the Eurorack format.

Some well-known names and brands that have played a role in the development and expansion of the Eurorack community:

• Doepfer: Doepfer is one of the pioneers in Eurorack and is often seen as the founder of the Eurorack format. They produce a wide range of modules, including oscillators, filters, and sequencers.
• Mutable Instruments: This brand, founded by Olivier Gillet, is known for its innovative and highly regarded Eurorack modules such as “Plaits” and “Clouds.”
• Make Noise: Make Noise is a leading brand that produces modules with a focus on experimental and generative music. Modules like “Maths” and “Morphagene” are popular.
• Intellijel Designs: Intellijel is known for its high-quality and versatile modules. They offer a wide range of options, including oscillators, filters, and sequencers.
• TipTop Audio: This company produces modules and drum machines in the Eurorack format. The “Z-DSP” is a notable example of a digital effects module.
• WMD (WMD Devices): WMD produces modules for both audio processing and CV signals. Their “Metron” and “Arpitecht” are some examples of popular modules.
• Waldorf: This German company, best known for their synthesizers, has also released Eurorack modules, such as the NW1 wavetable oscillator.
• ALM Busy Circuits: ALM is known for its innovative and compact modules, like the “Pamela’s New Workout,” a versatile clock generator and modulator.
• Erica Synths: A manufacturer from Latvia that produces a wide range of modules, from traditional to experimental, such as the “Black Wavetable VCO.”
• Endorphin.es: This brand is known for its unique approach to Eurorack modules and has popular modules like the “Blck_Noir” drum module.

This is just a small selection of the many brands and manufacturers active in the Eurorack world.

October, 2023