⇝ EAR 2023 ⇜
Eurorack Annual Report
a comprehensive analysis of trends, popularity, and market dynamics of our 3U world
2023 edition
The Eurorack synthesizer community has experienced substantial growth and innovation over the years. As we explore the intricacies of this modular ecosystem, we present a comprehensive analysis of the landscape shaped by both veteran and emerging manufacturers.
Thanks to the available data on MODULARGrid.net – the most valuable resource for Eurorack enthusiasts, this report aims to provide an insightful overview of trends, popular modules, and the evolving preferences within the community.
Our dataset, carefully compiled from the initial to the most recent modules released up until the end of 2023, covers a wealth of information. With 13,600 modules detailed, this report offers a robust foundation for understanding the dynamic world of Eurorack synthesizers.
This report will be updated annually every January, incorporating new modules from the previous year into the dataset. The main division within the report is between data related to the modules and data related to the manufacturers. While each annual report may vary based on the year's emerging characteristics, this 2023 edition serves as a broad overview of the topic.
Methodology
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of our methods:
Data Source and Scope: We sourced all data from MODULARGrid.net, focusing on modules released up to and including the latest in 2023. Modules still in prototype or development phases were excluded to ensure the analysis is grounded in currently available products.
Data Collection Process: Each module's details were precisely recorded, including:
○ Name: The module's official name.
○ Manufacturer: The brand or creator of the module.
○ Functions: Key functionalities offered by the module.
○ Popularity Index: The number of racks the module has been added to, indicating its popularity.
○ HP: The width of the module in Horizontal Pitch units.
○ Price: The current cost of the module.
○ Format: The assembly type in which the module is available.
○ Year of Production: The year the module was released.
○ Desirability Index: The number of users observing the module, reflecting its desirability.
Data Cleaning and Categorization: We cleaned the dataset to remove any duplicates and ensured each entry was complete and accurate. Modules were categorized based on their functions, price ranges, and other relevant criteria.
Graphical Analysis: Using the categorized data, we generated various graphs to visualize trends, such as popularity over time, distribution of module sizes, price ranges, and power consumption patterns.
Insights and Interpretation: Each graph and dataset were analyzed in detail to draw meaningful insights about the Eurorack market. We identified key trends, popular manufacturers, and emerging functionalities.
This methodical approach ensures that our findings are comprehensive, accurate, and reflective of the actual state of the Eurorack community as of 2023. Through this report, we aim to provide valuable insights for manufacturers, enthusiasts, and newcomers to the modular synthesis world.
1. New Modules Released
Firstly, we will analyze the yearly release of new modules. This visualization reveals a clear upward trend in the number of new modules released annually, culminating in a peak in 2019. This peak signifies a vibrant period of innovation and expansion within the Eurorack community. However, post-2019, we observe a slight decline in the release of new modules. The year 2023, in particular, marked the lowest number of new designs introduced since 2018. This recent decrease may reflect market saturation, economic factors, or shifting dynamics within the modular synthesis landscape. Despite this decline, the overall trend underscores a robust period of growth and creativity within the Eurorack ecosystem leading up to 2019.
2. New Modules for Each Assembly Type
The second graph breaks down the yearly release of new Eurorack modules by format: Assembled (blue area), DIY and Assembled (magenta area), and DIY (green area).
Assembled Modules: The trend for assembled modules mirrors the overall increase seen in the first graph, peaking in 2019 and experiencing a slight decline thereafter. This indicates that pre-assembled modules continue to be a popular choice among users, maintaining a steady presence in the market.
DIY Modules: Modules that are exclusively DIY have seen a notable decline post-2018. This suggests a waning interest or potential market challenges specific to the DIY segment, possibly due to the increasing complexity of newer designs or a shift in consumer preferences towards ready-to-use modules.
DIY and Assembled: There is a growing trend of new modules being offered in both assembled and DIY formats, represented by the magenta area. This dual-format approach has become increasingly common, reflecting manufacturers' efforts to cater to both hobbyists who enjoy building their own modules and those who prefer the convenience of assembled products.
Overall, while the market for exclusively DIY modules has diminished, the combined offering of DIY and assembled options has risen, indicating a flexible approach by manufacturers to meet diverse user needs in the Eurorack community.
3. Number of Modules Added to Racks
The third graph displays the total number of racks to which modules released each year have been added.
2012: The high number of additions can be attributed to the initial excitement surrounding the new site, leading to a surge in activity as users populated their virtual racks.
2013-2014: There was a significant drop in rack additions, likely due to the fewer new modules and users having already added their preferred modules in 2012.
2015-2019: This period shows consistent growth, paralleling the trends observed in the previous graphs. We could almost describe it as a golden age for the Eurorack format, with a thriving community and a plethora of new modules.
2020-Present: Despite the introduction of new modules and manufacturers, the modules released in recent years have not garnered as much attention. The trend appears to be declining.
This analysis highlights a dynamic period of growth and enthusiasm from 2015 to 2019, followed by a more challenging phase for new releases post-2020.
4. Number of Modules Observed
The fourth graph illustrates the trend in modules being “observed” (added to users' watchlists for resale markets) each year. Each observed module serves as an indicator of desirability within the community.
Trend Comparison: The graph closely mirrors the pattern observed in the previous analysis of rack additions.
Peak in 2019: Similar to the trend in rack additions, 2019 emerges as the peak year for module desirability. This aligns with a period of heightened interest and engagement within the Eurorack format.
Post-2020 Decline: Following 2019, there is a noticeable decline in the number of modules being observed annually. This decline suggests a shift in consumer interest or market dynamics affecting module desirability.
Overall, the correlation between the trends in rack additions and watched modules reinforces 2019 as a standout year for the Eurorack format in terms of both popularity and desirability.
5. Average Price Through the Years
The fifth graph examines the price trends of Eurorack modules over time, excluding blank panels to avoid skewing the calculations.
Overall Trend (White Line): The general price trend has been decreasing over time. Despite rising raw material costs, prices have dropped, likely due to increased supply or the introduction of simpler, more affordable modules.
Assembled Modules (Blue Line): The average price of modules sold only in assembled form has remained relatively stable, with a notable dip in 2021.
DIY and Assembled Modules: The data for modules available in both DIY and assembled formats is not particularly significant in this analysis.
DIY Modules: The average price of exclusively DIY modules has been steadily decreasing, indicating a strong downward trend.
This analysis shows that while the overall and assembled module prices have seen some stability, the cost of DIY modules continues to decline sharply.
6. Number of Modules for Each HP Value
Continuing our analysis, the sixth graph examines the distribution of module widths (measured in HP), excluding blank panels to maintain accurate results.
Odd HP Modules: Unsurprisingly, modules with odd HP measurements are almost nonexistent.
Small Modules (4-6-8 HP): There is a clear preference for smaller modules in the 4-6-8 HP range.
Medium Modules (10-12 HP): In the medium format, the preferred sizes are 10-12 HP.
Large Modules (18-20 HP): For larger modules, 18-20 HP are the favored sizes.
Other Sizes: Modules of other sizes are significantly less common.
This distribution highlights the community's preference for specific HP sizes, with small and compact modules being particularly popular.
7. Average Price for the Most Common HP Values
Completing the HP distribution analysis, the seventh graph illustrates the average price for each module size (HP), excluding any HP sizes represented fewer than 30 times and blank panels.
Correlation Between Size and Price: There is a clear correlation between the size of a module and its price: larger modules tend to be more expensive. This suggests that, while size is not the only factor influencing price, it is a significant one.
Outliers: Notably, 22 HP, 38 HP, and 42 HP modules deviate from this trend. These sizes tend to include many affordable modules from large brands, which skews the average price downward.
This analysis confirms that, generally, larger modules command higher prices, but certain sizes can vary due to the specific products offered by prominent manufacturers.
8. Total Occurrences of Each Function and Their Average Price
The eighth graph shows the number of modules by function (bar graph) and the average price for each function (white line). For multi-function modules, the price was divided by the number of functions and distributed accordingly.
Common Functions: The most common modules are those with Utility functions, likely due to the broad nature of the term. These are followed closely by Oscillators and Stereo modules.
Emergence of Functions: Evaluating the occurrence of each function year by year could reveal interesting trends regarding when certain functionalities became popular.
Price Trends: The most expensive modules are Loopers, while the cheapest are, unsurprisingly, Blank Panels.
Rare Functions: The Eurorack world appears to lack shift registers and fuzz modules, indicating a potential area for innovation.
Overall, this analysis highlights the diversity of module functions and the varying price points associated with them, suggesting areas for further development.
9. Most Popular Module Year After Year
Concluding the module analysis, we focus on the most popular module - added to the most racks - each year.
Popularity Trend: The trend of the most popular module shows a peak in 2018, followed by a decline. The drop in 2019 might be attributed to increased competition among top modules.
Recent Years: In the most recent years, there is a general downward trend, possibly indicating a market stabilization following the influx of many new producers starting around 2017.
For completeness, here is the list of the most popular modules year by year, along with their manufacturers and functions:
Congratulations to the manufacturers and creators of these top modules!
10. Number of Active Producers
We begin our analysis of the supply side by examining the number of active producers - those who have released at least one module - year by year.
Growth Trend: The number of active producers has generally been on the rise, reflecting the increasing interest and participation in the Eurorack market.
2022 Decline: Only 2022 saw a slight decrease in active producers, which might be an anomaly or a brief market correction.
Overall Increase: From 2012 to 2023, there has been a remarkable 274% increase in the number of active producers.
This substantial growth indicates a vibrant and expanding market, with more companies and individuals contributing to the diversity and innovation of this niche world.
11. Distribution of Producers by Number of Modules in Their Catalogue
The eleventh graph provides insight into the structure of the Eurorack producers' market by categorizing producers based on the range of modules they have released. The X-axis represents various ranges of module counts, while the Y-axis shows the number of producers within each range.
Single-Module Producers: Over 13% of producers have only one module available on the market. These can be considered as either very niche or just entering the game.
Emerging Producers (2-5 Modules): The largest category, with around 30% of producers, falls into the 2-5 modules range. These can be seen as emerging producers who are expanding their offerings.
Established Producers (6-20 Modules): About 18% of producers have released 6-10 modules, and 19% have 11-20 modules. These numbers indicate established producers with a solid presence in the market.
Large Producers (21+ Modules): Producers with more than 21 modules account for less than 19% of the total, with only 2.6% of them having over 100 designs. These are the most prolific producers, often well-known brands with extensive catalogs.
Blank Panels were excluded from this count to ensure accuracy. This analysis highlights the diversity within the Eurorack market, with a significant proportion of producers being relatively new or small-scale, while a smaller group of large, established producers continues to drive a significant portion of module availability.
12. Number of New Modules from Each Producer
The twelfth graph offers a nostalgic look at the evolution of the Eurorack market. It shows the number of new modules released each year by producers who have released at least 10 modules in that year. With a logarithmic Y-axis, the graph highlights significant trends and shifts among leading producers over the years.
2012 Dominance: Doepfer's impact in 2012 is immediately noticeable, as they are almost off the scale with the number of releases. This dominance highlights Doepfer's pivotal role in the early days of the Eurorack format, setting a high bar and establishing a strong market presence.
Early Years (2012-2017): During these years, the market was characterized by a few key players releasing a high volume of modules each year. This concentration indicates that the market was initially driven by a small number of innovative and prolific producers who laid the groundwork for the format's popularity and development.
Market Diversification Post-2018: From 2018 onwards, a noticeable shift occurs. The trend moves towards a larger number of producers each releasing fewer modules annually. This diversification suggests several dynamics at play:
Increased Market Entry: More companies and individuals have entered the Eurorack market, bringing fresh ideas and unique modules, thereby enriching the ecosystem.
Niche Specialization: Many new producers are focusing on niche areas, creating specialized modules rather than broad product lines, which fosters innovation and caters to specific user needs.
Sustained Innovation: The steady influx of new producers has kept the market vibrant, encouraging ongoing innovation and preventing stagnation.
Considerations:
Impact of Community Growth: The growing number of producers reflects the expanding Eurorack community, both in terms of users and creators. This growth has likely been fueled by the increasing accessibility of module design and manufacturing, as well as the supportive nature of the community, which encourages new entrants.
Market Maturation: The shift from a few dominant producers to a more fragmented market is a sign of maturation. As the market evolves, it moves from being driven by a few trailblazers to a more complex and competitive landscape where numerous players contribute to its development.
Economic and Technological Factors: Advances in technology and changes in the economic environment, such as the availability of affordable manufacturing techniques and components, have made it easier for smaller producers to enter the market and sustain their operations with lower overhead costs.
User Preferences: As the user base grows and diversifies, there is a demand for more specialized and varied modules. This demand encourages producers to focus on quality and innovation, creating modules that cater to specific needs and preferences.
Overall, this timeline illustrates the dynamic nature of the Eurorack market, showcasing its growth from a niche interest to a diverse and thriving ecosystem. The evolving trends highlight the balance between established giants and emerging innovators, each playing a crucial role in shaping the future of the format.
13. Number of Modules for Each Major Producer
As observed in the previous graph, the Eurorack market is indeed fragmented, but certain producers have established themselves as leaders. This visualization highlights producers with more than 55 active modules (excluding blanks).
Key Producers: A total of 44 producers meet this criterion, accounting for less than 7% of the total number of producers.
Module Output: These 44 producers have released a combined total of 4,815 modules, representing 35% of all Eurorack modules available on the market.
Market Concentration: This means that 7% of the producers are responsible for producing more than a third of all modules, indicating a significant concentration of output among a few key players.
Despite the variety and innovation that characterize the Eurorack market, these leading producers have firmly established themselves, significantly influencing the overall landscape. Their extensive catalogs contribute to both the depth and breadth of available modules, shaping user experiences and setting standards within the community.
In summary, while the Eurorack market remains diverse and innovative, its leaders play a crucial role in driving its development and maintaining its vibrancy.
14. Top 25 Producers by Popularity
This visualization focuses on the top 25 producers in terms of popularity, measured by the total number of modules added to racks.
Dominant Producers: The top 5 producers account for more than half of this segment, indicating their significant influence and popularity.
Remaining Producers: The other 20 producers in this group share the remaining portion fairly equally.
Overall Popularity: These 25 producers represent more than 66% of the total interest, with 5.8 million modules added to racks out of a total of 8.8 million.
This means that two-thirds of the interest is concentrated on these 25 producers, underscoring their key role in the Eurorack market. Their modules capture the majority of user attention and rack space, highlighting their impact on shaping trends and preferences within the community.
15. Most Popular Producers for Each Year
This final graph in our producer section illustrates the top producers year by year based on the highest count of modules released that were added to racks. The criterion is the release date of the module, not when it was added to the racks.
2012 Dominance: Doepfer dominated in 2012 and remains one of the leading producers. Many of their designs from 2012 have been rediscovered over time, further boosting their popularity score.
Emergence of New Leaders: Starting from 2013, we see the rise of Mutable Instruments, which appears as the most popular producer in multiple years. Make Noise and Behringer also emerge as leaders, each appearing twice in the top spot.
Diverse Leaders: Other producers appear only once as the leading producer of the year, highlighting the dynamic nature of the market.
Market Fragmentation: This graph clearly shows the market's fragmentation over the years, leading to a decrease in interest towards any single specific producer. This fragmentation has encouraged a more dynamic and varied approach, with many producers gaining traction and contributing to the richness of the Eurorack ecosystem.
Overall Analysis:
Shifting Dynamics: The graph reveals shifting dynamics in the Eurorack market, where dominance is not held by a single producer for long periods. This shift reflects the community's evolving preferences and the continuous influx of innovative designs.
Broadening Influence: The repeated appearance of producers like Mutable Instruments, Make Noise, and Behringer signifies their ability to capture the community's interest consistently, despite the overall market's increasing diversity.
Innovative Landscape: The variety of producers appearing as top contenders each year underscores the innovative landscape of the Eurorack market. It highlights the willingness of users to explore and adopt modules from various producers, fostering a competitive and creative environment.
The Eurorack niche, while fragmented, is marked by a dynamic interplay of multiple influential producers. The consistent entry of new players and the rediscovery of past designs ensure that the market remains vibrant and continually evolving, catering to the diverse interests and needs of the community.
Top 50 Most Popular Modules by Producer
This ranking lists the most popular modules for each producer, based on the total number of racks they have been added to. These modules represent the pinnacle of each top producer's offerings and showcase the designs that have garnered the most user interest and integration into modular setups.
Top 50 Most Desired Modules by Producer
This second ranking focuses on the most desired modules in the used market, as indicated by the number of users who have marked these modules for observation. These modules are highly sought after and considered valuable by the user base, highlighting trends in second-hand market preferences and the enduring appeal of certain designs.
Conclusions
The Eurorack market, as reflected in the data and trends analyzed in this report, presents a fascinating blend of innovation, diversity, and community-driven evolution. From my viewpoint, several key aspects stand out:
Innovation and Diversity: The sheer variety of modules and producers in the Eurorack ecosystem is a testament to the creativity and innovation within this niche market. The data shows a healthy mix of established producers and new entrants, each bringing unique designs and ideas to the table. This diversity is crucial for the continuous growth and dynamism of the market.
Community Engagement: The Eurorack network plays a vital role in shaping the market. The popularity and desirability indices highlight how user preferences and feedback influence the success of modules and producers. Platforms like MODULARGrid facilitate this interaction, allowing users to discover, share, and support innovative designs, creating a vibrant environment.
Market Fragmentation and Specialization While the market has fragmented with many producers entering the scene, this has led to specialization. Niche producers can thrive by catering to specific needs and preferences, offering specialized modules that might not be viable in a more consolidated market. This specialization ensures that even the most niche requirements of users can be met, fostering a culture of experimentation and customization.
Economic Resilience Despite challenges such as fluctuations in material costs, the Eurorack market has shown resilience. The trend of decreasing module prices, particularly for DIY options, indicates that producers are finding ways to offer affordable solutions without compromising quality. This economic resilience is crucial for attracting new users and sustaining long-term growth.
Waning Interest Although the market is vibrant, there is a noticeable and undeniable trend of declining interest post-2019. The initial surge of enthusiasm seems to have tapered off, and it’s now more crucial than ever for producers, especially new ones, to reignite this passion. Innovative designs, affordable options, and collective engagement will be key strategies to revive and sustain interest in the Eurorack ecosystem.
Future Prospects Looking forward, the Eurorack market is poised for continued growth and innovation, provided it can rekindle user enthusiasm. The increasing number of active producers and the constant introduction of new modules suggest a robust pipeline of creativity. However, to maintain this momentum, the community and producers must continue to embrace inclusivity, support new entrants, and foster a culture of open-source collaboration.
In conclusion, the Eurorack market is a dynamic and vibrant niche ecosystem driven by innovation, community engagement, and specialization. While interest has waned somewhat, the market’s ability to adapt and evolve in response to user needs and economic challenges will determine its future trajectory. Revitalizing user interest and sustaining innovation will be crucial for ensuring a promising and exciting path ahead.
See you next year!
Federico Intrisano
