cigol
New Member
Posts: 3
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Post by cigol on Jan 1, 2024 20:41:47 GMT
Hello everyone!  I'm new here. From Denmark. Nice to "meet" you all! I just learned about AE Modular a few days ago, and I'm really puzzled about the pricing of AE versus Eurorack. Yes, I know Eurorack have metal faceplates, bigger plugs and knobs. Still, I do not understand how this makes Eurorack something like 3 times more expensive than AE Modular. Obviously, production costs of a Eurorack module will be higher than an AE module. I could imagine maybe €50 more for a module (depending on number of plugs and knobs). However, it seems (to my newbie eyes) that a Eurorack module equivalent to a AE module of €100 will cost $300-$400. Am I mistaken? If I am not mistaken, is it then safe to conclude that Eurorack modules are simple overpriced, or is there a justification for their significantly higher prices? Thanks! |
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Post by dizzeesatchel on Jan 2, 2024 0:06:09 GMT
I think AE being unipolar (0-5v) makes a bit of difference too, keeps the circuits a bit simpler. For example if you look at the schematic for a Euro module their input and output stages are usually somewhat more complex than in AE because it's having to adapt a signal which could be -10 to +10v; probably twice as many op-amps etc involved. Also, euro modules do tend to be more a bit more complex and 'fully-featured' - ok these days AE has a bunch of more involved digital stuff including some direct ports from euro but if you look at the core items like VCO, envelope, filters, most of them are fairly basic examples of the form.
Probably shouldn't underestimate the additional costs of those premium parts either - metal faceplates with more complex, colourful panel designs will be a lot more to produce than basic PCB panels, quality 3.5mm jacks aren't cheap, and so on. Plus euro is physically bigger...and all these factors don't just effect the for-sale module but the multiple prototype / testing stages, of course!
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Post by dizzeesatchel on Jan 2, 2024 0:15:36 GMT
Another thing i forgot: AE is relatively young and we have the advantage of being able to “stand on the shoulders of giants” in the sense of porting existing modules, or adapting well-known open source circuits for things like filters and VCAs. Euro is *such* a crowded market that any new module has to have a unique selling point which drives people to create ever more complicated and expensive designs, which also leads to longer development time etc etc
All that said i wouldn’t rule out a bit of creative pricing on some parts, modular is a pretty boutique market after all!
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cigol
New Member
Posts: 3
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Post by cigol on Jan 2, 2024 20:01:19 GMT
Thanks! It is obvious that more complex modules will cost more. However, even when comparing similar modules the prices seem to be much, much higher. I find it hard to believe that a slightly larger metal faceplate and bigger knobs and connections actually makes the modules 2-3 times as expensive. |
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Post by Kyaa on Jan 2, 2024 23:08:20 GMT
Thanks! It is obvious that more complex modules will cost more. However, even when comparing similar modules the prices seem to be much, much higher. I find it hard to believe that a slightly larger metal faceplate and bigger knobs and connections actually makes the modules 2-3 times as expensive. Robert's ethos is to keep things more affordable. This means he thinks about ways to keep costs down during design (something eurorack manufacturers probably don't do as vigorously). He's also (likely) operating on slimmer margins than the 'traditional' modular manufacturers. That, in addition to everything else mentioned, are the reasons there is such a stark difference. |
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Post by leethargo on Jan 3, 2024 9:27:52 GMT
If we compare functionally equivalent modules, the difference in price may also go down. Consider clones of Mutable Instruments' Rings. The RAINS offered by Tangible Waves [1] is available for 114€, while After Later Audio [2] has a Eurorack clone on offer for 185€. That's just a 60% premium for Eurorack, for a situation where the R&D expenses are smaller than typical (?). Maybe After Later Audio might also produce at a larger scale(?). [1] www.tangiblewaves.com/store/p186/RAINS.html[2] afterlateraudio.com/collections/mic/products/resonate |
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Post by pt3r on Jan 3, 2024 10:25:55 GMT
The hardware requirements for eurorack are still higher than for AE modular, a qualitiy minijack connector is way more expensive than the pin headers used on ae modular, same thing goes for the price difference in switches potmeters, etc. This said, eurorack is quite expensive but the pricepoint at which doepfer operates compared to other more boutique constructors is quite baffling. Not to mention the other Brand but the build quality of their eurorack modules is simply not on par with even the most basic modules made by doepfer and they don’t have to investigate heavily in r&d since they shamelessly rip off existing designs by other brands.
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cigol
New Member
Posts: 3
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Post by cigol on Jan 3, 2024 21:24:38 GMT
Thanks people! Your perspectives and insights are appreciated. |
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