Hey there, fellow frequency fiends! You’ve probably heard this before: “That new Make Money Modular Reality Displacement Oscillator available for pre-order is hot shit!!! Right? Wait, you didn’t hear about this? Man, it changes everything!!!” It’s like a virus spreading among synth-heads. But remember, it’s your creativity that makes great music, not just your tools. So, I’m here to offer a small vaccine for GAS.
Today, we’re diving into the world of overlooked oscillators that deliver serious bang for your buck. These modules might not be the latest and greatest, but they’re far from obsolete. Let’s explore five oscillators that deserve a second look and won’t leave your wallet crying.
1. Doepfer A-110-1 Standard VCO
The gray grandpa of Eurorack oscillators, the Doepfer A-110-1, is often overshadowed by fancy newcomers. But don’t let its simple panel fool you. This analog original offers rock-solid tracking, a wide frequency range, and that classic, fat sound we all crave. Plus, its straightforward design makes it perfect for learning the basics of sound synthesis.
Buy on Reverb2. Make Noise STO
While Make Noise has moved on to more complex oscillators, the STO remains a hidden gem. Its waveshaping capabilities and built-in sub-oscillator make it a versatile sound source. The Shape control allows CV control to go from triangle to saw, letting you fake a filter by inserting an envelope. The truly special feature is the S-Gate. When you insert a cable, it turns off the sub until a gate is received. This almost makes the STO duophonic. You won’t get separate simultaneous pitches, but you can rhythmically create a lead and bass line.
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3. WMD Phase Displacement Oscillator
The WMD PDO is a complex oscillator that often flies under the radar. It has a source oscillator and creates 3 copies which can be phase-shifted in relation to the source. It’s a steady, always in-tune phase modulation oscillator. With its ability to create everything from classic analog sounds to ear-shredding wubs, the PDO is a super versatile oscillator. Personally, I feel like you need the Triple Bi-polar VCA expander. Without it, the PDO is a lot harder to work with. Bottom line, it’s a real winner.
Buy on Reverb4. Synthesis Technology E350 Morphing Terrarium
The E350 Morphing Terrarium was unseated by its successor, the E352, but it’s still a powerhouse that deserves more recognition. This wavetable oscillator offers an incredible array of timbres, with the ability to morph between waveforms smoothly. Its wavetables were ordered to go from smooth to harsh, creating evolving textures under modulation that can add depth to any track. That said, you’re gonna want some attenuators as they are not included on the CV inputs. Still, the E350 kills it, from classic waveforms to otherworldly tones.
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5. Malekko Wiard Anti-Oscillator
The Richter Anti-Oscillator is a quirky and often overlooked gem. At first glance, it may seem standard with its volt per octave input, FM inputs, and a triangle output. But the real craziness happens at the Mayhem output. Mayhem creates a bunch of harmonically rich waveforms as you tweak the “Init Wave” pot. Making cool metallic sounds and Reese basses are a snap. You’ll be happy to hear the complexity delivered by this only 14hp module.
Buy on ReverbWhy Consider These “Forgotten” Oscillators?
- Affordability: These modules often come at a fraction of the cost of newer, over-hyped oscillators.
- Proven Track Record: They’ve stood the test of time and have been used in countless patches and tracks.
- Easy Interface: Their designs are all knob-per-function with no hidden options or modality that requires a cheat sheet to use.
- Individual Character: Each has its own quirks and features that can add distinctive flavor to your patches.
- Availability: You can often find these second-hand, making them even more budget-friendly.
The newest and most expensive gear doesn’t always mean it’s the best. So, next time you’re gassing for a new oscillator, don’t forget about what has come before. Your patches (and your wallet) will thank you.
