synthanatomy Unveils the Raw Edges of ThreeTom Modular

1. May 2025

JET

synthanatomy Unveils the Raw Edges of ThreeTom Modular

Buckle up for a dive into the sonic chaos of ThreeTom Modular, as showcased by synthanatomy at SynthFest France 2025. Discover recycled cases that turn industrial waste into audio beauty, and explore the gritty details of the Steve’s MS-22 dual filter and more.

SynthFest Kick-off with ThreeTom Modular

Synth Anatomy kicks things off at SynthFest France 2025, diving straight into the nitty-gritty with ThreeTom Modular’s Tom Schulte. This isn’t just a casual warm-up; it’s our first look at the brand’s intriguing new concepts. Tom greets synth enthusiasts with a rundown on his modular gear history, right from the inception of Steve’s MS-22. It’s a welcoming prelude that promises both innovation and a dose of the unexpected.


Upcycling Eurorack: Waste Not, Want Not

Tom delves into his latest brainwave at SynthFest: Eurorack cases crafted from upcycled industrial waste. The concept is both punk rock and environmentally friendly, turning what many would consider rubbish into something uniquely spectacular. Each custom case is milled from plates made in a circular process, making every piece a one-off masterpiece. These aren’t your typical pieces of kit; they’re durable, unlike wood, and they’re safe enough to eat off—though I’d rather use them for bleeps and bloops. Despite the innovation, though, price remains a sticky wicket, reflecting the bespoke nature of the build. Tom’s looking for pioneering customers willing to explore the possibilities of these unique creations in their own sonic setups. Potential buyers get to customise everything from colour to size, giving a personalised touch to their practical art pieces. It’s a visionary idea that could just be the future of modular housing.

Every case is 100% unique. It's impossible to make two plates exactly the same.

© Screenshot/Quote: Synthanatomy (YouTube)

Showcasing the Modules: From Drum Rumbles to Droning Chaos

In classic synthanatomy style, Tom lines up the main modular giveaways at SynthFest. He highlights his trusty trifecta: the Steve’s MS-22 filters, Doppio soft limiter, and Mixing Flask utility mixer. These aren’t just mere modules; they’re instruments of chaos and creation. The demo includes an MS-22 filter on drums, showcasing how it turns regular beats into pulse-pounding rhythms. The Mixing Flask then takes over, blending the chaos into something unexpectedly cohesive. This isn’t your grandma’s knitting club—more like a punk gig where the rules are ripped up and thrown out. Steve’s MS-22 stands out with its ferocious ability to dive beyond traditional filtering, morphing sounds into tonal monsters. Meanwhile, Doppio doesn’t just limit; it shapes and softens, mashing everything into a cohesive wall of sound. It’s all part of an aural adventure that questions conventional dynamics.


Steve's MS-22: The Two-Headed Beast That Roars

This is evidenced by the fact that actually the MS-20 is also a very capable drone machine because the self-oscillation is way, way more…

© Screenshot/Quote: Synthanatomy (YouTube)

The Steve’s MS-22 isn’t just a dual filter—it’s a feral beast. Tom explains how this module cranks out shades of the notorious MS-20 but on steroids. In a move sure to delight synth fanatics, it self-oscillates with more intensity than its vintage counterpart, proving itself a drone machine beyond compare. Tom takes us through a journey where the filters battle each other, pushing the limits of the drone to create cinematic soundscapes. “Watch your ears,” he warns, as the sound warps from soothing to violently engaging. He manipulates it with ease, showing how resonance and gain alter the outcome, and demonstrating its capacity for controlled chaos. Every twist of the knob is a leap into a sonic brawl, making the MS-22 an edgy choice for those who crave more sonic hostility from their rack. It’s not just making music; it’s crafting an auditory battlefield.

DIY Delight and Distribution Details

For those ready to roll their sleeves up, Tom doesn’t just stop at modules; he hands some DIY glory to the crowd. ThreeTom Modular offers kits ranging from beginner-friendly Mixing Flask to the more complex MS-22 builds. It’s a builder’s dream, catering to tinkerers itching to leave their mark on the modular world. Pricing is tackled with pragmatism, and Tom’s inclusive with his distribution, offering these tantalising pieces across various retailers and online platforms. But he’s not done there. Whether it’s the skilful assembly of a Doppio or the challenge of an MS-22, there’s a level to tackle for everyone. It’s not just buying gear—it’s an invitation to part of a thriving DIY culture, where sonic explorers can test their mettle. It’s all about taking matters into your own hands and crafting your very own mad sound scientist laboratory.


Final Thoughts: SynthFest’s New Frontiers

As synthanatomy wraps up their time with ThreeTom Modular, the future appears as fresh and exciting as the cutting-edge gear displayed. Tom remains open to possibilities, looking for collaborations to push his upcycled cases further into the world. It’s an ongoing journey into the uncharted waters of modular innovation, driven by creativity and a bit of daring. The SynthFest showcase has been a testament to what can happen when artists and engineers step into the unknown to reshape the sonic landscape. With cases that defy convention and modules that push sound to its extremes, ThreeTom Modular has cemented its place as a force to be reckoned with in the Eurorack realm.

It's a matter of finding a customer, buying a custom plate and then making a case out of that in co-design with the customer.

© Screenshot/Quote: Synthanatomy (YouTube)