Published
Mon, Jan 21, 2019, 16:50
- The Swedish company now offers three different modular options for musicians on a budget.
Teenage Engineering is getting into the modular synthesiser business.
The Swedish company is attempting to reduce the barrier to entry for modular synthesisers by designing an "instantly rewarding, cheaper and more portable modular system." Consisting of the 400, 170 and 16 models, each system is made from sheet metal, is battery-powered, comes in an easy-to-build kit and has the same jacks and power standards as other Eurorack modular systems. Although the actual modules are smaller than most Eurorack designs, Teenage Engineering says they can be easily modified to fit other cases.
At €549, the 400 is the priciest option and comes with three analogue oscillators, a random voltage generator, filter, two VCAs, noise source, sequencer, mixer, two envelopes, a 16-step sequencer and an in-built speaker. Next is the 170, which offers a monophonic system based on a square wave oscillator, a filter, VCA, LFO and sequencer for €399. The 16 is a standalone sequencer and keyboard for operating either system or any other synthesiser that receives control voltage signals. It will cost €159. They are available now on the Teenage Engineer website.
Another company called Tangible Waves recently released its own take on affordable modular synthesis, offering a complete system for €328.
Watch a promo video for the new synths.