I Dream of Wires

A full-length independent documentary about the unique history and culture surrounding the modular synthesizer.

What the Future Sounded Like

A 27-minute documentary about early experiments and breakthroughs in electronic music and technology from the 1960s onward.

Moog Documentary

A documentary about synthesizer designer Robert Moog, produced toward the end of his lifetime.

The Delian Mode

A documentary about British electronic music pioneer Delia Derbyshire and her work with the BBC Radiophonic Workshop.

Electromotive - The Story of ARP Instruments

A documentary about the origins and history of ARP Instruments, creators of the classic ARP 2500, ARP 2600, and ARP Odyssey synthesizers of the 1970s.

Wee Have Also Sound-Houses

Daphne Oram

An audio program from the BBC about electronic music pioneer and instrument inventor Daphne Oram. Oram is one of my personal heroes!

Poème électronique ("Electronic Poem")

Edgard Varèse

Poème électronique (English Translation: "Electronic Poem") is an 8-minute piece of electronic music by composer Edgard Varèse, written for the Philips Pavilion at the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair. 

Discovering Electronic Music (1969-1983)

A Bernard Wiles documentary from 1969-70, providing an overview of the state of electronic music and electronic studios in the 60s and 70s.

Eurorack

Expert Sleepers ES-8

I use this Eurorack format audio interface module in my modular synthesizer as a means of interfacing my modular with my laptop and/or external audio sources.

Expert Sleepers ES-9
This is an alternate version to the ES-8 with 14 analog inputs (rather than 8) and added headphone and 1/4” outputs.

Intellijel Palette Case
This is my favorite tiny Eurorack case—totally possible to throw it in your backpack and/or take it on an airplane. I use this case in Module 7 with a few modules to demo connecting VCV Rack to Eurorack.

Audio Interfaces

Arturia MiniFuse 2
The audio interface that I mention in Module 7 is no longer available, but Arturia's modern interfaces have similar benefits; they are reliable, affordable, durable, and great for traveling. It's USB-powered and has MIDI I/O as well, so it's a great value.

Universal Audio Apollo x8 Interface
This is the updated version of the interface I use in my home studio for all of my recording and scoring projects, and I love it. Definitely a higher price tag than the Arturia, but the preamps sound wonderful and the available UAD plugins are incredible.

MIDI Controllers

KORG nanoKONTROL2 MIDI Controller
This is the small black MIDI controller I use for demos in Module 7. It’s a good, solid option if you’re looking for something super portable and relatively affordable. The sliders/knobs have a tendency to fall off (mine is proof!) but it has served me well for many years and across many tours.

Arturia Keystep
For a key-based MIDI controller, the Keystep is a great option. It has both MIDI and CV out, so you can use it right away with just about any synth setup. It has a built-in arpeggiator and step sequencer, the keys respond to both velocity and aftertouch, it can be powered by USB, and it's very affordable. If you want something larger or more programmable, there is a 37-key version with additional MIDI control, and a Pro version that adds multichannel control and chainable "scenes" to define different sections of a piece of music.

Intuitive Instruments Exquis
The Exquis is an MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) capable MIDI controller that allows for expressive control of individual notes with unique X/Y/Z axis control of its velocity sensitive hexagonal pads. The scales are fully programmable, and notes in your scale are backlit so you always stay in key. Here's a video I made that walks through all the features of the Exquis:
(YouTube) Intuitive Instruments Exquis MPE Controller (w/ hardware synths & Eurorack)

Semi-Modular / Virtual Analog

ASM Hydrasynth

I use the Hydrasynth (made by Ashun Sound Machines) in combination with my Eurorack and Buchla modular synthesizers for a lot of sound design and production work. It's highly programmable and its workflow has a lot in common with modular synths. It comes in a few different formats: keyboard, compact desktop, Deluxe, and a smaller Explorer version. This line of synths is easily among the most versatile virtual analog synthesizers I’ve ever worked with, and I’m a big fan. 

If you’re interested in getting started working with hardware synthesizers, but don’t feel ready to take the plunge fully into modular, here are some suggestions for semi-modular synths to help you get started:

Makenoise 0-Coast
The Makenoise 0-Coast is an affordable semi-modular analog synth that borrows characteristics from both Moog and Buchla style instruments. It can be controlled via MIDI or control voltage, but it also works great as a standalone instrument. Good for both conventional and experimental soundmaking.

Makenoise 0-Ctrl
A touchplate keyboard/sequencer designed for use with the 0-Coast, but it works great with any modular or semi-modular gear. Awesome for exploring different ways of physically interacting with your instrument. (NOTE: this doesn’t make any sound by itself, but is a blast when paired with other gear!)

Moog Mother-32
A semi-modular analog synth based on the signal flow of classic Moog synthesizers. Includes a built-in sequencer, and is great for leads, basslines, and classic analog sound effects.

Moog DFAM
A semi-modular percussion / drum machine synthesizer. Whereas the Mother-32 is great for leads and basslines, DFAM is better suited for sequences of percussive sounds and noisy textures.

I made a full video breakdown of all of the Moog semi-modular line of synths, which also includes the Subharmonicon, Labyrinth, Spectravox, and Mavis.

Erica Synths Pico System III
Another semi-modular synthesizer, this time inspired by a combination of the Buchla Music Easel and techno and acid sonic aesthetic. Available both in desktop and Eurorack format versions. Also included the ability to store presets on external plugin cards.