New $499 Two-Voice Mini-Modular Synthesizer, Pluto

Modern Sounds has announced the availability of Pluto, a new compact two-voice mini-modular synthesizer.

Here’s what they have to say about it:

“Pluto is compact and portable, with abilities that belie its small size. Five channels of modulation (named for the five moons of Pluto), two voices, two sequencers, a mini-keyboard, and onboard effects make Pluto its own complete sound environment, but it can happily play with all your other gear.

The design of Pluto draws from a legacy of portable electronic instruments, from the Buchla Music Easel to 80s Casio synthesizers. With a focused, approachable interface, Pluto invites exploration.”

Features:

  • Portable 2-voice, 2-sequencer patchable synthesizer
  • Create complex, randomized sequences
  • Low-aliasing digital oscillators, wavetable oscillators
  • Rechargeable battery
  • Built-in delay and reverb effects
  • Mini touch keyboard
  • Clock range from 1 bpm to audio rates
  • Audio input for audio processing
  • Audio output (stereo headphone, line)
  • Quantize to preset scales, MIDI, or even audio input
  • Eurorack-compatible patch signals (5v)
  • Sync In & Out
  • MIDI In & Out (TRS, USB)
  • 2 channels CV Out (0-5v, 1v/oct)
  • USB C cable included
  • 5 patch cables included
  • 7.5 x 3.5 x 1.57 inches, 12oz

Audio Demos:

Pricing and Availability

Pluto is price at $499. Modern Sounds says that the July 2022 batch has already sold out, but you can sign up for updates on the next batch.

16 thoughts on “New $499 Two-Voice Mini-Modular Synthesizer, Pluto

  1. I bought one of these during the beta period, and it is fun, deep, and almost every sound it makes is pleasing. I’ve plunked it down in front of 3 or 4 people with no synth experience and they all got immediately lost in exploring sounds. Highly recommend.

  2. I once heard Trent Reznor say he doesn’t use his big modular much, but uses the little limited modular set ups often that do a specific thing. Watching this video that’s all I can think of. It’s a lot of cool sounds that seem to have a wide range and a lot of sweet spot all coming out of a limited box. Super rad. I’m not sure I can pick one up, but this kind of design is very appealing. (He says before he ends up buying one.)

    1. Tip: perhaps Trent should try creating little limited modular set ups within his big modular. That way it won’t lay fallow.

  3. I really dig the industrial design and size – as with everything – wish it were a tad cheaper & used USB C – but really, I’m grasping at reasons to control the GAS

    1. It’s a boutique instrument made in small batches. It’s going to cost more than device that’s mass-produced in a massive Chinese factory. That’s okay. It’s different.

    2. Not really. Considering everything it does, the price is really good, especially considering it can integrate smoothly into a eurorack system.

  4. These portable ones need to integrate Bluetooth MIDI… annoying to buy WIDI devices for every new otherwise perfectly tiny portable device. TX-6 + iPhone or direct USB recording necessitates it

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