Desktop Synths vs. Modular Synths

So, you’re in the market for some new synth gear – where do you begin? A good place to start is to figure out whether you want to start from scratch or get playing right out of the box.

We’re referring to the decades-old conundrum that is desktop vs. modular synthesizers – and fortunately for you, there’s no quick answer. Make yourself comfy, this might take a while…

Sam Beattie

Sam Beattie

The vibrant world of the synthesizer knows no bounds. The category has changed almost immeasurably since its earliest mainstream iterations of the ’60s and ‘70s. Digital technology has blown it wide open to more possibilities than early pioneers could have imagined. And much like just about every product category in the wider tech world, synths are smaller, more feature-packed and more available than ever before.

There are monophonic and polyphonic synths – do you want rich chordal sounds or are you happy with plucky arpeggios and ripping leads? There’s analog or digital oscillators, with their increasingly indistinguishable tonal characteristics. Presets, filters, effects, patching, keybeds, sequencers, arpeggiators – the à la carte synth menu is ever-expanding.

The mind-boggling amount of choice is wonderful, but has its drawbacks. Whether you’re looking to upgrade an existing rig or take your first steps into the synth universe, it’s difficult to know where to start. One of the most common questions for professionals and budding hobbyists alike is: desktop or modular? In this article, we’ll be digging deep into the pros and cons of each category, to help you figure out what suits you…

What we’ll be comparing:

  • Sound – how does the sound compare?
  • Versatility – is less more?
  • Practicality – how easy are they to use?
  • Price – what do you get for your money?

What are Desktop Synths?

To some degree, it’s in the name – but what we class as desktop synths might also fit a few other name tags. Tabletop synths, hybrid synths, semi-modular… you get the idea. The idea is full synth functionality in a relatively compact unit that can fit on your desk – next to your computer, keyboard, mixer, potted plants and so on. Desktop synths tend to have a pre-determined signal chain – they make cool sounds right out the box. Some have built-in keybeds or sequencers, some require you to connect your own input source. In a nutshell:

  • Full functionality in a relatively compact unit
  • Pre-determined signal chain for great sounds out of the box
  • Some have built-in input sources like keybeds or sequencers
  • Some allow external input sources like MIDI controllers, CV sequencers or USB
  • You’ll sometimes have patching options to tweak your signal chain
  • Full set of controls to adjust common parameters (cutoff, resonance, ADSR etc.)
  • Can be either analog or digital, occasionally hybrid

The Pros of Desktop Synths

Let’s expand on some of the aforementioned points. Desktop synths come with a readymade signal chain. Oscillators, filters, effects, all arranged in such a way that they make wonderful noises without any tweaking required. You’re good to go out of the box – a great way of becoming accustomed to synth sound and functionality with minimal hassle. If you’re a beginner who’s new to synths, desktop units are arguably worth considering for this reason alone.

The Arturia DrumBrute, a great desktop drum machine - Andertons Music Co.

Next up, you often get more for your money with desktop synths. It sounds counter-intuitive; if you buy a handful of ingredients and cook your own meal, it’ll usually cost less than eating out. While this concept can apply when you’re considering premium workstations and boutique offerings, it’s not usually the case with synths. By buying a desktop synth, you’re essentially cutting corners. A single power supply, a single circuit, a single chassis/casing, less inputs and outputs. By cutting these corners, you tend to save yourself a bit of money without losing out on much functionality. You can still get heaps of great sound!

Synths require an input source. For the circuitry to make noise, something needs to be controlling it. That’s where things like sequencers, arpeggiators and keyboard controllers come in. What you often find with desktop synths is that this functionality comes included. A built-in keybed or sequencer is not uncommon, making it super-easy to get creative right away. It’s worth noting that most desktop & semi-modular units will also accept external input sources like MIDI, USB and CV.

So you save a bit of money, you get easy-to-use features right away and they’re great for beginners. The best bit? While desktop synths work great as standalone units, they’re often designed to be expanded and incorporated into other setups. As mentioned above, connectivity like MIDI, USB and CV means you can easily link them up to just about anything. Your DAW, your modular setup, your audio interface – it’ll slot right in. So you’re not missing out!

The Cons of Desktop Synths

Naturally, there has to be some compromise. By cutting the aforementioned corners and gaining easy access to wicked sounds, there are a few options that you have to forfeit. First up, having a predetermined signal chain means you don’t have absolute control. Yes, you can often reroute and tweak thanks to controls and patching, but it’s still not 100% in your hands. Synth buffs may find this restrictive, though it’s not a deal-breaker for the majority!

Further to this, standalone synth units cram a lot of functionality into one place. In order to do so, they sometimes have to sacrifice certain functions. You may find that you have less filtering options, less effects, less oscillators to play with because you’ve gone for an all-in-one. Worth considering.

Finally, you’re getting an all-in-one. That means a one-size-fits-all unit that can’t necessarily be shrunk, folded or packed away as easily as smaller hardware. Modular systems are relatively easy to dismantle, rearrange and cart around. Eurorack cases are often designed to double-up as carry cases or flight cases.

Popular Desktop Synths

Click here to check out our selection of desktop synths!

What are Modular Synths?

Modular synths take away the bulk of the pre-determined signal chain that you get with desktop synths. Imagine taking a synthesizer apart into its individual components, then being able to freely rearrange them. It’s a similar concept to a guitarists’ pedalboard; you get to choose your individual components, and place them in an order that works for you. The order is determined by patch cables that can be freely plugged and unplugged in every direction, allowing you to reroute your signal in real-time. In a nutshell:

  • Total control over your signal chain
  • Customise your sound by adding as many modules as you like
  • Modules can take many forms; oscillators, filters, mixers, effects units – endless!
  • Designed to be totally cross-compatible with most hardware
  • Often designed with universal connections and form factors
  • Most are analog, but some digital options available (effects etc.)

The Pros of Modular Synths

As mentioned above, having total end-to-end control over your setup has proved to be an irresistible concept from day one. With modular and Eurorack setups, you can literally choose which component affects which, unlocking a near-limitless palette of sound and creativity. You can use oscillators to affect volume, envelopes to affect filters, voltages to control tempo – the works. You literally have the ability to find a sound that no one has ever found before. There’s also the unparalleled sense of satisfaction at carving out a killer sound all by yourself, from scratch. This writer can’t help but think of it as being similar to the pride of a parent with a new-born child…

…back to reality. Where desktop synths can sometimes be expanded, modular synths are designed to be – that’s the whole point. Easily add another modular to your chain at any chosen slot. You could synchronise your setup with other hardware, connect it up to your DAW to incorporate in-depth sequencing. You can choose any input source you like; MIDI controllers, analog sequencers – even sampled audio or a guitar!

Modular setups, much like a guitar pedalboard, can be tweaked with practicality in mind. Shrink it down and it’ll easily fit into a carry case or slot into an overhead luggage compartment. As mentioned earlier, many Eurorack-style cases are built to be portable and practical. Handles, padding, rugged reinforcement. This makes it super easy to take your modular setup wherever you want to go – boundless creativity is always within reach.

Finally, and once again comparable to a pedalboard, there’s the collectible aspect. Your collection of modules arranged neatly (or messily!) bleeping and blooping in spectacular sci-fi fashion can be an immense source of pride and joy. It’s this collectible aspect of modular setups that lures in so many unsuspecting gear enthusiasts. Once you’re bitten by the bug, you’ve got it for good.

The Strymon Magneto, an impressive Eurorack delay module - Andertons Music Co.

The Cons of Modular Synths

When it comes to cons of the modular approach, you can essentially turn the best bits of desktop synths on their head.

Modular synths can be fiddly and difficult to get used to – remember, you’re starting from scratch. No prefab signal chain hand-holding – you’re on your own now. It can be a steep learning curve whichever way you approach it. There are countless resources, both print and digital, to help you along the way, but there’s a lot of info to take on board. Or if you’re more of an immersive learner, prepare yourself for a real slow-burning process. The reward is arguably worth the wait – but bear this all in mind!

Again, further to the points we made earlier, modular can end up being pricey. When you compare a multi-FX with a proportionate number of single guitar pedals, it starts to make sense. Having total control of your sound and setup is wonderful – but the price of individual components, combined with their addictive collectible nature, can very quickly become costly! If you decide to take the modular path, be wary of spiralling costs and budget sensibly. Or just follow your dreams and go all-in…

Popular Modular Synths

Click here to check out our ever-changing range of modular synth modules!

Conclusion

In conclusion, it’s fairly easy to see the reasons for one or the other. It depends how comfortable you are with the idea of synthesis, your experience, the sound you’re after, and how you’ll be using it. Desktop synths are easier to use and more affordable, while modular synths offer unparalleled options and are great fun to collect and tweak to no-end.

If you’ve enjoyed reading this piece, check out the rest of our head to head content here. Want to know more about synths? Check out our full synth & workstation range here – thanks for reading!

Sam Beattie
Sam Beattie
Sam is one of our content writers, as well as being our resident southpaw and synth enthusiast. He spends his free time composing for music libraries and playing in a post-rock band. Sam's desert island gear would be his Mexican Tele, Strymon El Capistan and Teenage Engineering OP-1.

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