Podcast 186: Scott Jaeger

Scott Jaeger is responsible for a lot of modular makers getting into the game. When he started making Eurorack modules under The Harvestman moniker, there were relatively few players: Doepfer (of course), Plan B, Livewire and - well, that was about it. Scott came into the game with something completely different: digital devices that turned the analog-based modular concept on its ear. He also was aggressive about design, control layout and user interface, and the result was that almost everyone doing a Eurorack system - especially if is was going to be used for performance - would have some of The Harvestman modules in the rack. After expanding into more products, the company morphed into Industrial Music Electronics, and is making updated versions of the classics as well as a broad array of new modules. He is also collaborating with Vladimir Kuzmin as Iron Curtain Electronics, creating the Polivoks modules based on designs from the classic Russian analog synth. But regardless of the collab, Scott's design focus comes through on all of these synth modules, and his attention to detail makes them among everyone's favorite devices. In our chat, we discuss everything from the name change, through Scott's explorations in music electronics, to the development of the Polivoks devices and his own work - including how he approaches synth design. We also talk a lot about how his perspective of performance and instrument design is seen in his module creations. I came out of this discussion understanding a lot more about his decision-making process, and also about why these modules feel so perfect when playing.  A great talk with an amazing developer. Enjoy!