After the famous Buchla, Moog, and Serge modules we are used to seeing recreated in Eurorack and other formats, one of the most revered and copied group of modules comes from Wiard (pronounced “wired”). Grant Richter created the Wiard 300 format in 1999; Cary Grace of Wessex Analogue took it over in 2012 and has kept it alive ever since, assembling new modules on request.

The original Wiard modules are 6U high, and are designed to fit in a 19" rack-mounted frame (six across). The Wiard web site says many of their features were inspired by “dance music technology, and married with features from the avant-garde. In addition, quite a few new features have been developed that are not available in any other system.” 

I had the opportunity to exchange several messages with Grant, and he shared some of his thoughts and goals, both module-specific and overall. 

Examples of Wiard modules that have been repurposed (with permission) to other formats are the famous Wogglebug random signal generator module – manufactured by Make Noise and others – as well as modules from Malekko Heavy Industry including the Noise Ring (an alternate take on a Turing Machine module that can be clocked up into the audible noise range), Borg Filters (Korg MS-20 VCF meet Buchla LPG) and Envelator.