Modular Synths - Over Priced?
Snake Oil? Modular synthesis promises freedom, but it also hides a minefield of inflated pricing, brand-driven hype, and unnecessary premium modules. Morgue Studio in Devon—home of This Window— has spent decades navigating those traps, choosing a hybrid path that blends affordable modern Eurorack with rugged CV/Gate machines from the 1980s . Brand Tax and Overpriced Utilities One of the biggest problems in modular synthesis is the extortionate pricing some companies attach to simple utilities. A module that does nothing more than split a signal, invert a CV, or provide a basic mixer can cost several times more than an equivalent unit from a smaller manufacturer. This isn’t about quality; it’s about branding. Many boutique makers charge premium prices for modules that are functionally identical to cheaper alternatives. The Illusion of Exclusivity Some manufacturers cultivate exclusivity through limited runs, artist panels, or modules marketed as es...
