5 of the best modular gateways

One of Namm’s other show stealers was a budget modular range from Sweden’s Teenage Engineering. A split off from their Pocket Rocket series of compact synths, it comprises three self-assembly kits, all Eurorack compatible.

£139/£329/£469, www.teenage.engineering/products/po/modular

Korg’s Volca mini synths have long been the go-to option for bedroom producers on a budget. Now it’s gone modular. A portable analogue box with eight internally routed modular and 50 patch-points, start patching cables and your routing takes precedence.

£179, buy here.

Electronics engineer Robert Langer’s Tangible Waves began as a Kickstarter-funded hobby. Its format eliminates costly parts and much of the patching is done via a pin system or print stamps. The starter rack includes 12 modules in an extendable wooden case.

£340, buy here.

Semi-modular devices were a big story last year, and the trend continues. Behringer’s delivered a few budget showstoppers (notably last year’s Neutron); the Crave is rumoured to be under £140. Out later this year, it has one VCO, 32-step sequencer, a classic ladder filter and 16-voice poly chain.

£tbc. buy here.

If you’re the kind of person who has an RV to themselves at Burning Man, your entry to modular probably starts here. The Techno System has 15 modules that cover every base. Modular buffs might turn their noses up, but if you just want to patch cables and make tunes, your conscience is clear.

£3,899, buy here.

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