Eurorack for Beginners: The Best Modules to Start With
· re:union Radio editorial · 3 min read
Eurorack is the open platform for modular synths. We show you which modules to start with and how your system can grow.
Mutable Instruments Plaits and Make Noise Maths are among the best-known Eurorack modules for getting started with modular synthesis. Both manufacturers openly document what their modules do in detail – the basis for a sober look at two classics.
At a glance
- Plaits bundles 16 synthesis methods – eight tonal and eight for noise/percussion – in 12 HP, according to Mutable Instruments
- Maths is an analog function generator for envelopes and LFOs from 25 minutes to 1 kHz, 20 HP wide, according to Make Noise
- Plaits operates internally with 32-bit floating-point precision and has a built-in low-pass gate
- Maths can add, subtract, or OR-combine up to four signals, according to the manufacturer
Mutable Instruments Plaits: 16 Synthesis Methods in 12 HP
According to the official Mutable Instruments documentation, Plaits is a macro-oscillator that unites 16 synthesis methods in a 12 HP wide enclosure – eight for tonal sounds and eight for noise and percussion sounds. The manufacturer lists virtual analog oscillators, FM synthesis, formant and additive synthesis, wavetables, and speech synthesis algorithms among them. The module features two outputs (OUT and AUX), an internal decay envelope, and a built-in low-pass gate with its own CV input for level. Signal processing occurs with 32-bit floating-point precision and is band-limited to avoid aliasing at 48 kHz, according to the documentation. Current draw is 50 mA on the +12 V rail and 5 mA on the -12 V rail.
Make Noise Maths: The Analog Function Generator
Make Noise describes Maths in its own technical documentation as an analog computer for musical purposes that generates linear, logarithmic, and exponential, triggered or continuous functions. The 20 HP wide module can be used as a voltage-controlled envelope generator or LFO in the range of 25 minutes to 1 kHz, according to the manufacturer, and can process up to four signals through addition, subtraction, or an OR operation. Also noted is its use for modulating the company's own DPO oscillator. Current draw is 60 mA on the +12 V rail and 50 mA on the -12 V rail; maximum depth with power cable is 32 mm.
Technical Specs Compared
| Module | Mutable Instruments Plaits |
|---|---|
| Function | Macro-oscillator, 16 synthesis methods |
| Width | 12 HP |
| Current Draw | +12V: 50 mA / -12V: 5 mA |
| Module | Make Noise Maths |
| Function | Analog function generator / Envelope / LFO |
| Width | 20 HP |
| Current Draw | +12V: 60 mA / -12V: 50 mA |
If you're generally into studio and DJ gear, you'll find more context in our piece on the Sennheiser HD 400S and in the roundup of current Dark Techno Releases.
"16 deep synthesis models" with "two detuned virtual analog oscillators", FM, formant and additive synthesis as well as wavetable and speech synthesis algorithms – that's how Mutable Instruments describes the sound engine of Plaits.
Make Noise calls Maths an "analog computer for musical purposes" that works as a "voltage-controlled envelope generator or LFO from 25 minutes to 1kHz".
FAQ
How wide is Plaits and how much power does it need?
According to the Mutable Instruments documentation, Plaits is 12 HP wide and requires 50 mA on the +12 V rail and 5 mA on the -12 V rail.
What is Maths used for according to the manufacturer?
Make Noise lists its use as a voltage-controlled envelope generator or LFO and for processing up to four signals via addition, subtraction, or OR operation, for example to modulate the DPO oscillator.
