Sound module

A sound module is an electronic musical instrument without a human-playable interface such as a piano-style musical keyboard. 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. Another common way of controlling a sound module is through a sequencer, which is computer hardware or software designed to record and playback control information for sound-generating hardware. Connections between sound modules, controllers, and sequencers are generally made with MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), which is a standardized interface designed for this purpose.

Sound modules are often rack-mountable, but are also produced in table-top form factor, particularly when the intended user is a DJ or record producer. The height of a sound module is often described in rack units. Small sound modules are mostly 1U in height, the larger models a multiplication e.g. 2U or 3U. Despite their name, most sound modules do not produce any audible sound until their output is plugged into a keyboard amplifier or a PA system.

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Hardware sound modules have largely been replaced by software synthesizers, due to the increased speed and processing power of computers and their decrease in price. Nevertheless, some DJs, EDM musicians and record producers continue to use vintage 1980s sound modules like the Yamaha TX16W (1988) for their unique, retro sound.

Terminology[edit]

A sound module may also be referred to as tone module, synth module, or rack module. With electronic drums, the sound module is sometimes colloquially called the brain.

Cost — a sound module is cheaper than a comparable instrument equipped with a controller.

Space and weight — a sound module takes up less room and weighs less than an instrument equipped with a controller, facilitating transportation and touring.

Portability - a performer going on tour can bring only their sound modules, so long as a MIDI controller (e.g., a MIDI keyboard) is provided as backline gear. Many professional studios have a MIDI on hand.

stage piano

Expandability — many sound modules can be expanded with sounds and memory.

Troubleshooting – if a sound module in a rack case develops problems, just this one unit can be removed for repair or replacement, leaving the rest of a keyboard player's rig the same (e.g., other rack-mounted sound modules, power amps, etc.).

Obsolescence cycles — when it becomes obsolete, a sound module can be replaced without changing a favorite controller, or vice versa.

A sound module has the same advantages over a fully integrated instrument as does any system with a modularized design:

: Piano sound module used by many bands in the 1980s to early 1990s. Based on the synth engine from the RD1000 digital piano (the full version with a keyboard).

Roland MKS20

(1988): sound module with an ability to boot its operating system (OS) from diskette; known particularly well for having a third-party OS codenamed Typhoon 2000 by NuEdge Development, a group of hackers who were dissatisfied with the original OS.

Yamaha TX16W

series (1991): first sound module to implement General MIDI standard with Roland GS extensions.

Roland Sound Canvas

: modular version of the Jupiter-6 and the Jupiter-8. Used by artists such as Harold Faltermeyer, Hans Zimmer, Tangerine Dream, Madonna.

Roland MKS-80

: enhanced rack version of JD-800, which features 195 waveforms, and has a display to program parameters.

Roland JD-990

Kurzweil K2000R: modular version of

Kurzweil K2000

Difference from audio interfaces[edit]

Audio interfaces may be confused with sound modules. The audio interface connects a computer to other devices. Software in the computer actually generates sound using samples or synthesis. The functionality of the computer and audio interface plus the software can perform a superset of the functions of a sound module.