Background Information:
Music synthesizers, traditionally, have been monolithic systems, essentially large black where a user gives it an input, and are given an output waveform. This is because these traditional music synthesis systems have fixed signal paths. For instances, below is an example signal path of a generic frequency generator:
Modular synthesis is different from this traditional approach, as it allows users to, instead of having a single black box with a fixed signal path, break each of the modules inside that black box up and reconfigure them in any way, allowing users to alter a synthesizer’s signal path by simply plugging an audio jack into a different module. One common standard for these interoperable modules is referred to as Eurorack. Electronic music production featuring modular synthesizers challenges producers to explore complex musical relationships to create unique sounds. Independence of these modules creates unlimited potential for music creation. However, a drawback of building a complex system from simple blocks with limited functionality is the necessity of owning many unique blocks (also known as modules).
Problem Statement:
Driven by the urge to explore, modular synth producers face the same initial obstacle without exception, absurd costs for limited utility. With some individual modules costing upwards of $2,000, a basic off the shelf system is virtually unattainable for less than $1,500. A common system building tactic used by producers today is to create barebones systems and add more modules as their needs expand. However, the current module market consists of limited functionality modules which are predesigned and non-customizable, so producers are forced to settle with a single new functionality to explore in their new system.
Aims and Objectives:
Our capstone project addresses this issue by creating a Eurorack hardware platform which maximizes functionality while minimizing cost. Acting as a high performance module development platform, producers and programmers alike can develop digital signal processing applications to fit their needs.
Utilizing knowledge of analog circuit design, digital signal processing, and embedded computing system design, we aim to build a production-ready Eurorack module capable of facilitating user-designed signal processing applications. To enable user-focused design, we plan on developing 5 example firmware applications to accomplish some of the basic functionalities expected in a barebones system.
