Digital Control ideas for Modular Synths

Motivation

Modular synths are increasingly coming out of the studio and into performance settings, and not just for experimental music. For pop, rock, and even dance related genres, the ability to switch context quickly between songs would expand the range of use for modular synthesis. The ability to "recall state" would allow the capture of the often fleeting moments in modular exploration where an expressive or unique patch is created. To accomplish this, many things are required: digitally addressable and controllable modules, a "patch" sequencer of some sort, a digital communications standard, and a way of digitally repatching. Not all of these things currently exist, or are perhaps even wanted. For some discussion on the relevant pros/cons of these systems, and the technical limitations, here are a few forum posts:

• Muffwiggler: let's design a standard digital communication bus

  Muffwiggler: digital modular system