300 Series (Wiard)
300 Series tech specs
300 Series in custom case
- Released: 1999
- Company: Wiard
- Type: Modular synthesiser
- Size: 6U
The 300 Series is a modular synthesiser originally designed and manufactured by Wiard in 1999. They're now manufactured by Wessex Analogue.
The system's pleasingly homogenised, with each initial module consisting of a symmetrical layout featuring ten knobs in a 2×5 grid, two switches or jacks in a row, and twenty more jacks in a 4×5 grid. This keeps the patch cables neatly away from the dials.
Six modules fit into a 6U subrack, while an additional 2U controller usually sits beneath them. (Having said that, one enterprising individual seems to have squeezed seven modules above the controller, all housed in a custom wooden case, with their system arguably looking even better for it.)
Each module is a deep blue, and is adorned with the same rather baroque design, featuring a pair of inward-facing stately birds. It's the kind of futuristic yet ornate looking instrument that wouldn't look out of place next to J. F. Sebastian's chess set. It looks every bit as good as it sounds.
As using the 300 Series' unique 6U format is a bit of an investment, Wiard also made a less complete Frac Rack version, the 1200 Series, while Malekko made a sanctioned Eurorack version.
Further reading
Encyclopedias
- The A-Z of Analogue Synthesisers, Part Two: N-Z Peter Forrest, 2003, ISBN 0-952437-73-2, pp. 321—323
West Coast synthesis: 300 Series (Wiard)
Modular synthesisers: 100 Series (Behringer) | 300 Series (Wiard) | 900 Series (Behringer) | 900 Series (Moog) | 900 Series (Synth-Werk) | A-100 | Concussor | System-100M
Wiard: 300 Series (Wiard)
