Synthesis Technology E560 Deflector Shield. From the Synth Tech Web site.
A company which specializes in modular synthesizers. Synthesis Technology, or Synth Tech for short, launched the modern modular synthesizer movement when it introduced its original line of modules in 1998. The company, owned by electrical engineer Paul Schreiber, is one of two modular synthesizer manufacturers in the Dallas, Texas USA area (the other being Synthesizers.com). Synth Tech was the developer of the MOTM format for synth modules, but this company dropped this line of business in 2012 in favor of the Eurorack format (after dabbling briefly in the Frac format).
The MOTM line began with the essential, all-analog "bread and butter" modules such as VCOs, VCFs, VCAs, and envelope generators. Starting around 2007, the designs began to branch out, with modules such as the MOTM-510 WaveWarper and the MOTM-730 Pulse Divider. A line of digital modules was planned, including a digital sequencer, but the only one that came to fruition was the MOTM-650 multi-channel MIDI-to-control voltage converter, which is now highly prized by the users who own one. The turn to Eurorack brought about more complex designs and more digital circuits, such as the E560 multi-effects module (pictured). Some of the MOTM designs did get redesigned and offered in the Eurorack format, and certain design cues from the MOTM format were carried forward, such as the panel graphics styles, and the general arrangement of jacks at the bottom of the panel.
Synth Tech modules, in both formats, have been known for their no-compromises approach to the engineering of their circuits. As a result, they are usually not the lowest-cost maker for a particular synthesis function. In the MOTM days, the company offset this by offering most of its modules as kits. Synth Tech kits were known for their packaging (usually everything needed to assemble the module, including the recommended solder, was included) and their well-written and easy to follow assembly instructions. However, a series of supplier difficulties forced the end of kits as a regular line of business in 2006; after offering kits and bare circuit boards on an intermittent basis for a period, the company transferred the kit and parts business to Bridechamber in September 2011. (That line of products has since been transferred to Synthcube where they are still available as of 2022.) Synth Tech's MOTM modules were known for being amenable to owner modifications, and most of their modules have circuit board designs that make it easy to do mods. The change to Eurorack and more digital circuits led to increased use of surface-mount components, at a density that made offering kits impractical. Another change is that, like most Eurorack vendors, the modules are sold through retailers rather than direct, as is still common in the large-format world.
Schreiber wrapped up the business and retired in March 2023. The company is now defunct. Owners can get repairs done by Field Services of Arizona (website below). Archival material remains at the Synth Tech web site.