Frequently-asked questions

Is Pluto Eurorack-compatible?

Yes. Pluto has been designed to play well with all kinds of different devices, including Eurorack modular synths. All the outputs on top of Pluto are 0-5v pulse outputs. The inputs are 0-5v pulse inputs. On the back, Pluto has a Sync In/Out jack.

Can I use Pluto with  _______?

The answer is most likely yes. Pluto is designed to play nice with modular synths, Pocket Operators, Volcas, MIDI keyboards, DAWs, etc. Pluto also has an audio input, which enables some fun ways to interface with lo-fi instruments like your vintage Casio.

I’ve never used a modular synth before. Is Pluto hard to learn? 

Pluto is designed for exploration. The only thing you need to know to get started is that patch cables are used to connect outputs (labeled with filled circles) to inputs (outlined circles.) Patch some outputs to inputs, turn some knobs, listen to the results, repeat. This video will give you an idea of how Pluto works.

Will you make a DIY version of Pluto?

While there are no plans for a DIY version of Pluto, we do have some ideas for future Pluto-related DIY projects.

People are saying Pluto is a “West Coast” synth. What does that mean?

“West Coast“ is typically used as a shorthand description for synths that use additive synthesis and have an interface oriented towards exploratory sound-making. Pluto’s design is heavily inspired by the Buchla Music Easel, a much-revered West Coast synth. 

The simplified story is… back in the 60s, Bob Moog (on the East Coast) and Don Buchla (on the West Coast) came up with different approaches to synthesizers. Moog’s instruments used subtractive synthesis and were largely designed for composers and keyboard-playing musicians. Buchla’s synths employed additive synthesis, emerging from an environment of counter-cultural experimentation. So, East Coast vs West Coast is about the way these synths are meant to be played as much as how these synths produced sound. You can read more here and a lot more here.