ST MODULAR
ST Modular is known for its original Eurorack circuit and PCB designs, created to inspire musicians and builders to explore modular synthesis. The designs enable users and licensed partners to realize personalized modular systems using dedicated PCBs and carefully developed circuit concepts.
The portfolio includes oscillators, filters, sequencers, mixers, LFOs, envelope generators, effects, desktop synthesizers, and utility tools. Each design is developed in-house by ST Modular with a focus on versatility, musical character, and technical refinement.
ST Modular began as a personal passion project driven by deep interest in electronics and sound design. The knowledge behind the designs was built through hands-on experimentation, breadboarding, technical study, and continuous exchange within the synthesizer community. Today, ST Modular operates as an independent small-scale design studio, reinvesting revenue into research, prototyping, and the development of new concepts.
ST Modular focuses exclusively on circuit and PCB design. Manufacturing and distribution of physical products are carried out by independent licensed partners, who produce and bring their own products to market based on ST Modular designs. Depending on the partner, products may be available as PCBs, panels, DIY kits, or fully assembled modules.
Stefan Tretau
The S and T before Modular
Hey! I am Stefan — a multi-faceted individual acknowledged for my roles as a devoted father, a loving husband, and a passionate musician. My journey in the world of music commenced during the early 2000s, where I found myself captivated by the realm of electronic music. Armed with a selection of electronic instruments, including a TB303, MC307, Micro Modular, and Xbase09, I embarked on a creative exploration that would come to define my artistic identity.
In due course, my musical endeavors expanded beyond personal exploration. Live performances became an integral part of my artistic expression, and I successfully transitioned to releasing music on esteemed labels such as Heimatmelodie, Karmarouge, Fortek, Broque, and Night Drive, etching my presence into the electronic music landscape. Sometime around 2010, I took the step of founding my own label, ST RECORDS. The journey began with the vinyl release "Whatever Happened," and to this day, it remains the platform through which I share my music with the world.
Yet, my interests transcended performance and production, leading me down the path of curiosity. In 2015, a pivotal juncture in my journey arrived when I grasped the intricate mechanics behind sound generation, particularly concerning Schmitt Triggers and Operational Amplifiers. This understanding marked the genesis of a fresh chapter, propelling me into a phase of self-guided learning encompassing circuit board design, soldering techniques, and culminating in the construction of my first DIY effect pedals. The allure of the "do-it-yourself" ethos grew stronger, prompting me to deepen my knowledge, craft my own schematics, and experiment with prototypes on breadboards.
As my passion for modular synthesizers burgeoned, I embarked on a new venture in 2017 — designing my own Eurorack modules, such as "Switched", "Triple Tom", "Cyllene" and "Franz". The positive reception and subsequent demand from the DIY community inspired me to take the next step. I entered into a licensing agreement with Pusherman Productions (pushermanproductions.com), enabling them to manufacture and distribute their own products based on ST Modular circuit and PCB designs. This marked the genesis of ST MODULAR, an endeavor driven not by commercial aspirations but by a desire to innovate within the modular synthesis landscape.
Unlike the usual practices in the industry, ST Modular is more about pursuing a personal artistic vision for me than fulfilling the wishes and ideas of others. I prioritize uncharted functionalities and distinctive designs, unfettered by market trends. This approach enables me to cater to my own artistic instincts while fostering a sense of community engagement among fellow enthusiasts.
ST Modular remains a passion-driven project, not motivated by profit but by curiosity and creativity. Seeing musicians create music with designs I have developed is deeply rewarding and reflects the collaborative spirit at the heart of modular synthesis. For me, the journey is about the connection between electronics and sound, where circuits become instruments and ideas turn into music that reaches far beyond the workbench.
Thank you for visiting these pages,
Stefan
