The Modular System for Teaching Synthesis!
The Synth Explorer series of modular synthesizers is designed specifically for schools and other organisations that work with children and young adults. It consists of variations of a modular synthesizer that can be extended to accommodate various additional learning outcomes. Each variation of the system targets a specific topic of music making or STEM.
A comprehensive manual is currently in development which will help the educator integrate the system into their lesson plan. The manual includes written explanations, examples of patches, short exercises and longer projects for all ages from 14 years up.
This system was first introduced at a Synth Meetup in Australia. You can watch the presentation on YouTube below:
A comprehensive manual is currently in development which will help the educator integrate the system into their lesson plan. The manual includes written explanations, examples of patches, short exercises and longer projects for all ages from 14 years up.
This system was first introduced at a Synth Meetup in Australia. You can watch the presentation on YouTube below:
The following variations are available for order preinstalled. However it is also possible, starting from the Basic system, to upgrade to any of the other system by simply buying and manually installing the additional modules.
To order please contact us using the order form at the end of this page.
Synth Explorer BASIC
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This is the core of the Synth Explorer system. It features a full two voice modular synth with an 8 step sequencer and a built in oscilloscope which helps students visualise the waveforms of the system. It contains the following modules: POWER, NOISE, 2OSC/d, 2LFO, 2ENV, SVFILTER, 2VCA, 2S&H, 2ATT/CV, SEQ8, METER, MIXER 4-4, DELAY, HPAMP Countless sound experiments are possible and some of these will be described in the (soon to be available) Handbook. |
Synth Explorer STEM
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This system adds the BRAEDBOARD module to the basic system which allows for countless experiments with safe low voltage circuits. The STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) system comes with a bag full of electrical components and a comprehensive teacher and student workbook with clearly detailed experiments and sound generating circuits. |
Synth Explorer MUSIC
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The Music system goes into a different direction to the STEM system in that it adds a QUANTIZER module which allows the system to be played in a more traditional, musical context, i.e. it forces pitch values into a selectable scale. It also adds the WASP Filter which allows for playing two fully separated voices. |
Synth Explorer RHYTHM
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This system puts the focus on rhythms and drum programming by adding the MM-DIVIDER and a lo-fi DRUMKIT 010 to the basic system. This allows the students to experiment with rhythmic variations based on different clock division algorithms. These algorithms are a great segue into mathematical concepts like prime numbers, Fibonacci and even binary counting. It is also a very fun beat making machine! |
Synth Explorer MIDI
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This system has the full MASTER module with MIDI connectivity and added I/O ports. It allows the integration with MIDI enabled hardware controllers and keyboards as well as connection with a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) running on a PC (needs USB to MIDI cable which is not included). A standard DIN MIDI cable can be connected to the 3.5mm jack of the MASTER module via the adapter cable, which is included. |
Synth Explorer CODE
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This system includes the programmable GRAINS module which is based on the famous Arduino chipset. This system can be used to teach mid level to advanced programming skills and is a segue into advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) which can be integrated into an advanced Maths or Physics curriculum. However the included workbook starts from the very basics of computer programming and therefore this system can be used even with beginning students of a software development class. |
Synth Explorer ULTIMATE
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This system is the combination of all the above systems in one and allows for the most flexible use. However the density of the modules can be overwhelming for beginning students therefore we recommend this system more for teachers and advanced students. |
Current PRICES
The following price list is only applicable for customers who represent an educational organisation such as a School, University or other music or STEM related institution for teaching and mentoring children and young adults.
If you are interested in obtaining one of these systems and you're not a teacher or representative of a school, then you can either purchase the SynthExplorer ULTIMATE from the shop or order a custom system by contacting us for a quote.
If you are interested in obtaining one of these systems and you're not a teacher or representative of a school, then you can either purchase the SynthExplorer ULTIMATE from the shop or order a custom system by contacting us for a quote.
System Type |
Price for 1 |
Price for 5 or more (each) |
Price for 10 or more (each) |
BASIC |
€401 |
€365 |
€341 |
STEM |
€424 |
€385 |
€359 |
MUSIC |
€472 |
€429 |
€401 |
RHYTHM |
€466 |
€423 |
€395 |
MIDI |
€442 |
€402 |
€375 |
CODE |
€432 |
€393 |
€366 |
ULTIMATE |
€630 |
€573 |
€534 |
(Prices as of 1st September 2021 are subject to change and exclusive VAT. Delivery charges apply and will be negotiated separately)
How to Order
To order any of the above systems, please fill in the form below and we will contact you to check your credentials of representing a school and send you a quotation based on the price list above, any applicable VAT and shipping costs to your location.
Please expect a wait time of up to 3 months between your order and the delivery of these systems!
Please expect a wait time of up to 3 months between your order and the delivery of these systems!