Music Thing Modular's Workshop System arrived in 2020 as a radical rethink of what a complete synthesizer could be: a book-sized, fully self-contained modular rig that ships in its own hard case and runs on USB power, yet delivers genuine analog synthesis with real character and flexibility.
The core engine sits on four PCBs you'll assemble yourself, featuring two SineSquare oscillators built around 1970s-style circuitry paired with two Humpback multimode filters designed by Philip Goulding. Two Slopes modules handle envelopes, LFOs, and portamento, while a RP2040-based Computer module serves as the system's brain—it arrives with three preprogrammed cards including a Turing Machine sequencer, MIDI-to-CV converter, and reverb processor, with the option to code your own. The 4 Voltages mini keyboard gives you four voltage outputs and a knob for real-time control, while a ring modulator, stereo input, stompbox effects loop, and piezo contact microphone round out the utility section. Everything routes through a four-channel mixer with headphone and line outputs, all powered by a supply that accepts USB-C, battery packs, or standard power adapters.
The build itself takes a few hours if you've soldered before—all the tricky surface-mount components come pre-installed, leaving you to populate pots, switches, and LEDs on the four main boards. The result is a genuinely portable system that feels like a complete instrument rather than a starter kit. Community response has been consistently enthusiastic, with reviewers praising its thoughtful design, characterful sound, and remarkable flexibility for the size and price. The main criticism you'll hear is that a voltage-controlled amplifier or mult would expand patching possibilities, though the normalization points are clearly marked if you want to add your own.
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