The Duo_ Portable Modular Synthesizer

duo-synthesizer

Hard Mod released this extended demo video for their Duo Portable Modular Synthesizer.

The Duo_ is a modular synth with portable case, compact design and pure analogue sound. It features two VCO’s, two VCF’s and 80-patchbay jacks. 

Features:

  • Pure Analogue Voice Circuitry
  • 2 VCO (Saw, Triangle, Square, sine, PWM, Sync input & 3 CV inputs)
  • 2 VCF (Each with 3 CV inputs)
  • VCF 1 (24dB Low Pass Filter)
  • VCF 2 (Variable Filter with independent outputs LPF/HPF/BPF)
  • 2 VCA (Lin & Log response each with 2 CV inputs)
  • 2 Envelope Generators AD (1 gate input for each EG)
  • VCLFO (Voltage Controlled LFO, 5 independent outputs, PWM & 3 CV inputs)
  • Sample & Hold (2 outputs, Portamento, Clock input, Gate & Trigger outputs)
  • Noise Generator (White, Grainy, Roaring & Digital)
  • Mixer (4 Channels & 1 output)
  • 3 Voltage distributors (each with 1 input & 4 outputs)
  • Portable Wooden Case & aluminum faceplate
  • Patchbay (Mini jacks 3.5mm)
  • Voltage Input AC120V-260V

The Duo is available now and priced at US $650.

Note: See one reader’s experience with Hard Mod in the comments.

44 thoughts on “The Duo_ Portable Modular Synthesizer

  1. I ordered one on October 1st & still haven’t received it…Now in the process of trying to cancel my order. So far this experience with Jadir has not been so pleasant.

    1. Hi Inkgnostic, please check out your e-mail because your Duo_ is packed and ready to shipping. Anyway consider that the first batch delivery was delayed because I added a new mean well power supply and 2 individual gate inputs (one for each Envelope Generator). Check out this video from a Japanese customer (first batch) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-y1jiiXRBI&feature=youtu.be and this picture from the Italian Techno producer Dusty Kid receiving your Duo_ http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=203004616501621&set=a.104933379642079.4496.100728516729232&type=1&theater
      This week delivered the second batch and now all orders only taked 4 to 5 weeks.
      Also it can order to our Australian friends Rhythm Active http://www.rhythmactive.com.au/

      1. I REALLY want to like your product, Yadir…but every time you give me a timeframe on delivery it changes. I asked for a refund because I was worried that things were becoming sketchy.(the last thing I want is a rush job for me to get off your back)
        You then you remind me AGAIN that you are only a ‘synthmaker’ & not a company. I have dealt/special ordered from a number of circuit benders & synth makers(everything from synths to casios to gameboys: Each of them was specially modified to my liking) & I still have never had to wait this long for a product. I’ve also never had to call them out in a forum before. I’m writing this here because you seem to be checking this more than your e-mail…You told me it was packed up to be shipped out…Where is the tracking #?

          1. He WON’T cancel my order/refund my money. I’ll probably have to take it up with Paypal. His excuse is that he is a synthmaker, not a company. When I ordered the synth three months ago, I would have been more than happy to do a fair & balanced review of his synth, here on Synthtopia.

            The longer I wait, & additional parts need to be special ordered it feels like a Kickstarter campaign. I’m still not sure why the second batch was made & sent out before the first batch was finished either. It just baffles me. I sold some nice pieces of gear so I could afford this(plus the $60 shipping charges)

        1. Please go to your e-mail and check it out the tracking. I do not do rush job, in fact that is a reason for the delay. Your Synth is on the way to their new home.
          As I mentioned earlier, the delay was only for the first units because I add a Mean Well power supply and two gate inputs for each Envelope and this haven´t additional cost.

          I know many Synthmakers and the delivery time to similar advanced projects is 3 to 5 months. Please consider you that this is a handmade Modular Synth with 13 modules in a box. Your Duo_ correspond to the second batch and no to the first.

  2. i cant see these being mass produced for 650… unless some kind of shady/sketchy type activities are going on

    or maybe its just a scam where they take a bunch of orders and never deliver anything

    1. Please check out this video from a Japanese customer (first batch)
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-y1jiiXRBI&feature=youtu.be

      And this picture from the Italian Techno producer Dusty Kid receiving your Duo_ http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=203004616501621&set=a.104933379642079.4496.100728516729232&type=1&theater

      Also it can order to our Australian friends Rhythm Active http://www.rhythmactive.com.au/

      This week delivered the second batch and now all orders only taked 4 to 5 weeks.

      Thank you !

    2. Hard Mod, I support your endeavors. I feel you have a good product. I feel the whole analog module buying experience is painful, and over-priced/inflated. I own a huge analog rack in my studio, populated by Doepfer, Tiptop etc…modules. I paid too much for this…but I work with analog exclusively now.

      Arturia was able to provide the Minibrute at a very fair price. I have two. I waited for my two systems from March to Nov 2012.

      Hard Mod, I applaud your keeping your price down. I for one, after seeing the videos, will be buying two systems rom you here in Jan.

      1. Hi Bill, thank you for your comments!
        I do my best to make generous analog Synths, originally the “low cost” concept is because in my country (Mexico) the economic situation is bad, so I hope that more people around the world have a Modular Synth.
        I did a test with two modules and the result is beautiful! Imagine what you can do with two Voltage Controlled LFOs and four voices, is really crazy. Please tell me when you are ready to order!

        1. Jadir

          Thanks for responding to reader comments! We’ve had many readers say that they would rather work with companies that listen to and respond to feedback.

    3. Hard Mod, I support your endeavors. I feel you have a good product. I feel the whole analog module buying experience is painful, and over-priced/inflated. I own a huge analog rack in my studio, populated by Doepfer, Tiptop etc…modules. I paid too much for this…but I work with analog exclusively now.

      Arturia was able to provide the Minibrute at a very fair price. I have two. I waited for my two systems from March to Nov 2012.

      Hard Mod, I applaud your keeping your price down. I for one, after seeing the videos, will be buying two systems from you here in Jan.

    1. Please check out this video from a Japanese customer (first batch)
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-y1jiiXRBI&feature=youtu.be

      And this picture from the Italian Techno producer Dusty Kid receiving your Duo_ http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=203004616501621&set=a.104933379642079.4496.100728516729232&type=1&theater

      Also it can order to our Australian friends Rhythm Active http://www.rhythmactive.com.au/

      This week delivered the second batch and now all orders only taked 4 to 5 weeks.

      Thank you !

  3. These days, it doesn’t take long for people to figure out if you can’t deliver.

    These guys might be better off selling through a dealer that’s reliable.

  4. This isn’t really a modular. A modular has, you know, modules. Individual and user-configurable components that ensure no two instruments are exactly alike.

    Rather, it’s a patchable synth. Perhaps even a very good one. But it’s definitely not a modular.

    1. How is it not realy modular? Just because its sealed in a case and all the same manufacturer you still patch the modules how you like…. No patch, no sound…. Not modular?

      1. Semi modular are pre patched…. The semi side alows some routing but more for modulation, not completely free routing of modules. You already have (pre wired) internal routing to make sounds.

  5. @Hard Mod, I know you didn’t ask for my advice, but I like your product and want you to succeed, so I say, just sell it through amazon, even if you have to raise the price a little to do so. It’s better than having a bunch of complaints about your distribution. Anyone can sell via amazon, there is no barrier, so put it up there and put an end to people’s complaints. Publishing testimonials by happy customers does not suggest to me that you have solved your distribution problem, only that you managed to deliver a few units. Is this really the debate you want your potential customers to be having. Wouldn’t you rather have them talking about the merits of your product rather than questioning whether you are a legitimate business. I realize you are a small company, but you can’t undo a bad reputation. Right now I wouldn’t order from you, no matter how much I want your product, because I don’t trust you will deliver. Let an experienced and reliable distributor sell your product and concentrate on telling people why they should buy it, not why they should buy from you.

    1. Thank you for all the comments! I recommended Duo_ to the people would like have a real modular Synth because is the best generous option. Take a breath and read this:

      – 13 no pre-connect modules
      – Fully patchable
      – Totally Analog
      – Really affordable price
      – Wooden portable enclosure
      – Patchbay with over 80 jacks
      – Classic design & subversive concept
      – 2 VCO, 2 VCF, 2 VCA, 2 EG… Bla, bla, bla. All you need to make real analog sound!

      For the moment Rhythm Active store is our distributor and you can find them on e-Bay. http://www.ebay.com/itm/HARD-MOD-RIBBON-SYNTH-HARDMOD-ANALOG-RIBBON-SYNTHESIZER-KEYBOARD-/320996826270?_trksid=p5197.m1992&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D14%26meid%3D4608931654265248962%26pid%3D100015%26prg%3D1006%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D320996826270%26

    1. Duo_ have affordable price because I use “accessible” high quality components and we aren´t a company.
      I said in a previous comment that originally the low cost concept is because in my country (Mexico) the economic situation is bad, so I hope that more people around the world have a Modular Synth!
      Until recently it was impossible to have a modular synthesizer for that price.

      1. Yeah thanks I seen that…. I use an anywhere instruments tinysizer which I love…. This would probably play nice with that but I would like to see some user reviews first. 🙂

      2. Yeah, thanks I seen that…. I use an anywhere instruments tinysizer which I love…. This would probably play nice with that but I would like to see some user reviews first. 🙂

  6. looked through ebay to see if the story is true. it appears it is: http://www.ebay.com/itm/HARDMOD-DUO-ANALOG-MODULAR-SYNTHESIZER-/321062371427?pt=AU_Musical_Instruments_Instruments&hash=item4ac0cf0063

    and I feel MUCH safer doing a transaction through ebay than through personal transactions. I was skeptical after reading the negative comments, and the constant links to the same pages seemed suspicious, partially due to what I’m assuming is a language barrier. regardless I would love to try out this product. and am seriously considering buying one in the future, as long as the reputation of the seller has improved by then.

    maybe this is a dumb question but would a midi keyboard work with this keyboard? I’m not the most analog savvy, but just wondering how hard it would be to use this synth in a live set up.

  7. Hello guys, just bought this from a friend. Recently getting into mod synth. Total beginner had any tips you guys may have ?

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