Hardware Synths & Modular

The best synths for ambient music: which hardware creates evolving pads, drones and textures, what features matter, and standout Moog,…

The best synths for techno: which hardware delivers driving basslines, stabs and acid leads, what features matter, and standout Roland,…

The best drum machines for live performance: what makes a machine stage-ready, the features that matter, and standout Roland, Elektron…

A guide to Elektron gear: how the legendary sequencer works, the differences between Digitakt, Digitone, Syntakt and Analog Four, and…

A complete guide to the Akai MPC: how MPCs work, standalone vs controller mode, which model to buy, and why…

The best grooveboxes for making full tracks in one box: how to choose, the features that matter, and standout Elektron,…

The best hardware samplers for beatmaking and sound design: how to choose, key features that matter, and standout Akai, Roland,…

The best analog drum machines for punchy, hands-on beats: how analog drum synthesis works, what to look for, and standout…

The best beginner Eurorack modules for your first system: oscillators, filters, envelopes, sequencing and utilities that patch together easily.

Learn how to patch a modular synth from scratch: signal flow, CV, gate and audio connections, and a simple first…