If you like building things, electronic music and want to learn about synthesizers, then modular synthesizers are the perfect choice for you. Audio synthesis is to create electronic sounds by manipulating waveforms. Modular synthesis uses each component of the synthesis and divides them into modules. This helps to customize your instrument and manipulate your signal flow.

If you are not sure where to start and what components and accessories to buy, modular synthesizer packages such as Korg Volca Modular Synthesizer Bundle are a good way to get started. It has a built-in speaker and runs on battery, so you don't need a lot of additional equipment.

The most basic signal flow of modular synthesis starts from a sound source, then connects to one or more processors, such as one or more filters, and then outputs to an amplifier. The amplifier transmits the signal to the audio output of the synthesizer.

Modular synthesis was first invented in the 1950s and became more popular in the 1960s with the invention of the Moog and Buchla modular synthesizer system. The two most common types of modules are sound sources, which have an output, and sometimes a controller synthesizer input, and a processor, which has an input and output, for multiple processors to be daisy-chained together.

Before you buy your first modular synthesizer, consider the kind of instrument you want to copy and the effects you might want to use. Some modular synthesizers are better for creating bass lines, while others are better for creating rhythmic effects, just like drum machines.

Once you start buying synthesizer modules, you need to put them in a box to protect them and keep them in order. This is especially important if you plan to take them out of your studio. You also need a power supply. Most modular synthesizers come with a power supply, but if you buy a separate module, you may need a separate power supply.

Some modular synthesizer enclosures come with a power supply, while others allow you to connect your own power supply. Some boxes are suitcase-style, while others sit upright on the table or floor. Modular synthesizer housings are usually made of metal or wood.

Some modular synthesizers are called semi-modular, and if you are still familiar with programming synthesizers, this is a good way to get started. These synthesizers are configured with preset sounds and components, but also have a jumper slot where you can insert jumpers to manipulate certain parts of the synthesizer and customize its sound.

Some synthesizers take the form of a pedal and can be used with bass or guitar and keyboard or modular synthesizer settings. If you want something simple or space is tight, this is a good choice.

To record the audio output of a modular synthesizer, if you are using a Mac, Ableton, Cubase, Studio One, or Pro Tools, you can use recording software such as GarageBand or Logic Pro X. You also need an audio interface. If your modular synthesizer has a MIDI connection, you can connect it via USB and record on MIDI.

Modular synthesizers have one or more filters to make up their oscillator, sometimes called sound. The most basic filter is a high-pass or low-pass filter, which means that it can cut off all high frequencies or all low frequencies of a certain pitch. By changing this frequency, you can create a frequency sweeping effect by changing its resonance or cutoff point.

The envelope generator on the modular synthesizer controls the volume of the amplifier that provides the audio output. It uses four characteristics to do this: attack, decay, sustain, and release.

The attack is the time it takes to hear the sound for the first time. For example, the attack time of percussion is short or fast. Attenuation is the time it takes from the time the sound is emitted to reach the sustain. If you want to make a string or pad sound, this may be very long, or it may be shorter for the bass or lead synthesizer line. Release is the amount of time between the gradual disappearance of the sustained part of the sound and the cutoff of the sound.

A voltage-controlled amplifier uses a volume knob or control voltage output to control the volume of the oscillator. It also controls the start and end of the sound.

Some modular synthesizers have a built-in sequencer that allows you to write note patterns. This is especially useful for making drum loops or bass lines that repeat throughout the song.

Some modular synthesizers have a CV input that allows you to plug in the controller keyboard. The output of the modular synthesizer is naturally much louder than most audio signals, so in order to prevent distortion, the output has a built-in limiter.

The cost of a modular synthesizer is between US$150 and US$700, depending on the specifications and whether you buy the module separately or as a pre-configured series.

A. There are a variety of modular synthesizer plug-ins and emulators for Mac OS X and Windows and mobile devices. If you don’t have room for a hardware modular synthesizer, this is a good way to explore modular synthesizers.

A. If your modular synthesizer has a controller keyboard CV output, you can connect any keyboard with MIDI, as long as you have a MIDI-to-CV adapter or MIDI-to-CV module.

Korg Volca Modular Synthesizer Bundle: Available on Amazon

Our view: This modular synthesizer package from Korg includes a Volca modular synthesizer, jumpers and power supplies for connecting modules, making it an ideal starting point for beginners.

What we like: It has a 3-note chord. It has a built-in speaker, sequencer, and can be battery powered.

What we don’t like: it has no MIDI output/pass-through. Some users find that the knob is fragile and too small.

Cre8audio Eurorack Synthesizer Kit: Available on Amazon

Our view: This economical Eurorack kit is equipped with jumpers, weighs 6.26 pounds, and is very portable.

What we like: It has USB and MIDI to CV conversion function. It has a sequencer and a touch control module.

What we don’t like: the shell is shallow, so some modules may not be suitable. Some users find that the low end of their voice is insufficient.

Arturia MiniBrute 2 Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer: Available on Amazon

Our view: This 25-key semi-modular synthesizer has a 48-point modular matrix that allows you to program your own voice through jumpers.

What we like: It has a 4-mode filter and a sequencer. The button has aftertouch.

What we don’t like is: it’s not a chord. It requires power and does not rely on battery operation.

Moog Mother-32 Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer: Available on Amazon

Our opinion: This Moog synthesizer has a 32-step sequencer and low-pass and high-pass ladder filters for classic Moog sounds.

What we like: It has an external audio input that can be plugged into other instruments. It has a MIDI to CV converter.

What we don’t like: it has only one oscillator. Some users may find the price is slightly higher.

Korg MS20 Mini Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer (MS20MINI): Available on Amazon

Our view: The classic Korg MS20 returns to the miniature with a multi-functional modular part.

What we like: Its filter includes an optional distortion effect. It has USB MIDI and 5-pin MIDI, and can be used with older or newer controller keyboards.

What we don’t like: Some users find that the keys are too small. You cannot save the patch.

Adrian Wengenroth is a contributor to BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company whose mission is to help simplify your buying decisions and save you time and money.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products, recommending the best choice for most consumers. If you purchase a product through one of our links, BestReviews and its newspaper partners may receive a commission.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.