Top 10 Semi-Modular Synths in 2022

The gateway to the eurorack wormhole.

Modular synthesizers are so hot right now! More and more music producers start using modular gear to their setup as the module market has grown like never before. There are so many companies that produce Eurorack modules of all sorts and for every budget so going modular rapidly became something approachable to almost everyone.

Using modules, you can create your own unique synthesizer, sampler, drum machine, effect unit, and everything in between. The flexibility and the plethora of options make modular synths so interesting to explore. The ability to create music and tones exactly as you want them is great, but it can get expensive quickly. Very expensive to be clear.

And that’s where semi-modular synthesizers come to play. What is a semi-modular synth? It is a synthesizer that is pre-configured to generate music without any patching and at the same time, there are patch points where you can “break” those connections and re-route your signal path. They are easy to use, just like any other synth, but at the same time, they can get complex and weird as you patch your way into them.

Semi-modular synths are here to help you get started with modular since they are affordable and then you can expand by getting a Eurorack case, adding extra modules.

Let’s see the best options you can buy and start patching!

Moog Grandmother & Matriarch

Moog’s Grandmother & Matriarch are simply some of the best semi-modular synthesizers ever made. Grandmother is mono while Matriarch can also be a 4 voice paraphonic synth. Those two are great synths on their own and you can create unique sounds just by self patching. But if you also combine them with more Eurorack modules, things can get surprisingly good very soon… Having the Moog sound as the foundation of your modular setup is always a good idea

Grandmother

Matriarch

Behringer Neutron

Behringer followed the trend, as usual, and released an original semi-modular synth, the Neutron. Despite its low price, Neutron is a very capable little synth that has all things necessary to produce some great sounds, it can be mounted on a eurorack case, and has a pretty big patch bay section to self-patch or connect to your eurorack module. The best option if you are on a tight budget.

Moog Mother-32

Mother-32 was the first synth of this format from Moog. It started a new era for Moog as this project was highly successful. For a very reasonable price, you can get the “Moog” sound while having the benefits of a semi-modular synth. Powerful oscillators, Moog’s legendary filter, a sequencer, and a substantial patchbay are more than enough to make this synth, one of the best options on this list.

Dreadbox Erebus V3

Dreadbox has taken over the synthesizer market by storm. It is a Greece-based company producing some of the best desktop synthesizers right now while trying to push the boundaries of innovation and quality. Erebus was their first synthesizer that made them world-famous and since then, it was updated twice. Erebus V3 is a powerhouse mono synth with a fat oscillator that sounds huge and creamy at the same time. Like most Dreadbox synths, it is semi-modular with more than enough patching options.

Korg MS-20

This one needs no introduction. Korg MS-20 is an iconic synthesizer, originally released in 1978 and since then, Korg re-vamped it with the MS-20 Mini, in 2014 they released a full-size assembly DIY kit for a full-size MS-20, and in 2020 they released the MS-20 FS which is a full-size preassembled version. This one is a beast of a synth. It is a very capable bass and leads synth since you can get a full range of growling bass to mellow leads. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that, like the original MS-20, it accepts Hz/Volt instead of Volts/Octave for the pitch so you will need some kind of converter to play along with Eurorack modular gear.

Make Noise 0-Coast

The 0-COAST music synthesizer is a single voice patchable synthesizer. Its name reflects the fact that it utilizes techniques from both the Moog and Buchla paradigms (aka “East Coast,” and “West Coast,” due to their locations), but is loyal to neither and thus implements “no coast synthesis.”

It is highly experimental on its own and is made to expand with Eurorack. Make Noise also makes the Strega and the 0-Ctrl in the exact same format that pairs nicely with 0-Coast. If you are looking for an unconventional quality option, 0-Coast is for you!

PWM Malevolent

Brand new entry! Malevolent by PWM is a brand new semi-modular synth with 2 Oscillators, mini keys keyboard, an arpeggiator, and a multi-function joystick control. PWM is a new company and Malevolent is their debut synthesizer. Their goal is to provide a flexible and budget solution to the emerging market of semi-modular synths!

Moog Subharmonicon

Moog’s third entry to our list definitely shows that they are on to something… In the same format as the Mother-32 and the Drum machine DFAM, the Subharmonicon is something really unique and interesting. Subharmonicon is a semi-modular polyrhythmic analog synthesizer that employs a 6-tone sound engine and multi-layered clock generator to explore the world of subharmonics, polyrhythms, and the unique relationships they create.

Sounds pretty complex at first but that’s its beauty. Subharmonicon is, in a nutshell, a melody generator using polyrhythms and harmonic relations.

Not your standard synth, but a chance to explore uncharted paths of making music.

ARP 2600

Here we have another legend. Korg has released the ARP 2600 M to faithfully reintroduce the original 1972 ARP 2600. 2600 is one of the most recognizable synthesizers ever as it was a revolutionary product back in the 70s. Korg delivers the instrument’s original sound and features to a more compact size and they added a few more modern features to enhance it. Pricey but that’s what happens when you buy a piece of musical history.