Sound module

Sound modules have to be operated using an externally connected device, which is often a MIDI controller, of which the most common type is the musical keyboard.

There are a wide variety of sound modules, ranging from more generalist modules that can be used for a number of controllers or instruments (e.g., a rack mount synthesizer with hundreds of commonly used presets of instrument sounds, from piano and organ to synth brass and string pads) to specialized modules designed for use with wind controllers, electronic drum pads, digital accordions, or to produce clonewheel organ sounds.

Hardware sound modules have largely been replaced by software synthesizers, due to the increased speed and processing power of computers and their decrease in price.

In 2024, ‘’Music Radar’’ noted that synth modules are “an entire category in music production that has pretty much fallen off the face of the earth in recent years”, because “as prices for hardware synths began to fall while their versatility rose and computers began to grow more powerful, the allure of spending three or four-figure sums on a 19” unit of largely fixed sounds diminished”, to the point that in 2024, the “only sound module on the market is the…Roland Integra-7”.

Organ modules may have drawbars and controls for a simulated Leslie speaker (a rotating horn and low-end baffle) effect.

They typically support legato wind-style playing and can respond to the unique controller inputs, which sense breath, biting on the mouthpiece, and pressing keys.

[2] A sound module may have all the other features of the controller-equipped version, but it often has a smaller display or limited programming controls.

The front of a rackmount sound module, or the top for tabletop units, typically contains a small screen or panel to provide information to the user.

The most complex synth modules may have a large number of knobs, buttons, and faders to control oscillators, filters, and amplitude settings.

The rear panel usually contains 1/4 inch left and right audio outputs and one or more 5-pin MIDI inputs.