So you're getting into modular synthesis

The Neutron packs two oscillators, a filter, two envelopes, a VCA, a delay, and 56 patch points into a standalone synth for about $250. Make music out of the box and learn patching logic simultaneously — feed CV between sections to understand modular concepts. It integrates cleanly with any Eurorack rack later. For the money, nothing teaches you this much this fast.

Moog's semi-modular has a 32-step onboard sequencer — you can make complete loops without a DAW or keyboard. The Moog filter is legendary, build quality is bulletproof, and the Mother-32 becomes a centerpiece of any rack you build later. It's not cheap at around $650, but it's also not something you'll regret.

A semi-modular with a built-in step sequencer AND an analog Brute oscillator at a reasonable price. The 48 patch points cover most beginner exploration, and the sequencer makes evolving patches possible without any other gear. A strong alternative to the Neutron if built-in sequencing matters to you.

104 HP in a portable folding case with a clean regulated power supply, for around $200. The folding briefcase format means you can take it to jams or a friend's studio. Power is clean — no bus noise bleeding into audio. For a beginner case, this is the sweet spot of price and practical quality.

208 HP across two rows — double the space of most starter cases — with a solid power bus from a well-respected modular brand. Around $300, it's the case you buy when you're serious about growing. Lays flat on a desk, which most players find the natural patching position.

88 HP in a compact, angled desktop case with a solid built-in power supply. The angled format is comfortable to patch and the RackBrute's build quality matches Arturia's keyboard line. It connects to Arturia's KeyStep and MiniBrute via an optional link bracket — a natural pair if you're already in the Arturia ecosystem.

Brains is Behringer's clone of Mutable Instruments Plaits — one of the most beloved oscillators in Eurorack. 16 synthesis algorithms covering analog wavetables, FM, physical modeling, and drum sounds. For a beginner, this single module replaces what might otherwise be 4–5 specialized modules. At around $100, it's an exceptional deal.

A clone of the Moog 921B oscillator — the voice of the legendary Moog System 55. Five simultaneous waveform outputs (sine, triangle, sawtooth, square, ramp) with solid pitch tracking. At around $80, it's a simple, honest analog VCO that teaches you the fundamentals without digital distractions or mode-switching confusion.

Based on the ARP 2600's oscillator design — one of the most musical analog VCOs in synthesis history. Four simultaneous waveform outputs, pulse-width modulation, FM inputs, and a low-frequency mode. When you're building a serious system and want an oscillator with character rather than just accuracy, this is the upgrade.

A clone of the iconic Moog 904A ladder filter — the circuit that defines the sound of classic modular synthesis. Switchable slope from 6 to 24 dB/octave, resonance that self-oscillates cleanly, and two CV inputs. Patching an envelope into the filter cutoff with this module is the canonical modular synthesis experience.

A clone of the Moog 911 ADSR — one of the most fundamental modules in modular synthesis history. Attack, decay, sustain, release with an LED that shows the shape as it plays, plus normal and inverted outputs. For learning what an ADSR envelope actually does in a patch, this is the canonical module at around $50.

Two fully independent ADSR generators in 10 HP, with switchable linear/exponential curves and a one-shot mode for percussion. Erica Synths makes professional-grade modules at honest prices, and having two envelopes in one compact module doubles your modulation options without burning extra rack space.

Keyboard + step sequencer + arpeggiator, with direct CV/gate outputs that plug straight into Eurorack. The 37-key range is enough for real performance; the step sequencer programs patterns up to 64 steps. Every modular player we know has one or wishes they'd started with one. If you buy nothing else to control your rack, buy this.

A simple 8/16-step sequencer with a knob per step for pitch — the most tactile way to sequence a modular synth. CV/gate outputs connect straight to any Eurorack oscillator. At around $80, it's the cheapest route to proper step sequencing, and the per-step knobs are genuinely fun to twist in real time.

Four independent CV/gate tracks let you sequence four different voices simultaneously. The KeyStep Pro can run an entire live modular set — keyboard, four sequencer tracks, chord mode, polyrhythms. When you've outgrown the KeyStep 37 and want complex multi-voice patches, this is the upgrade.