What Control Voltage does

Control Voltage is a private, single-location specialty music instrument retailer founded in 2012 and headquartered at 3742 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, Oregon. The company sells synthesizers, Eurorack modular components, drum machines, sequencers, samplers, effects processors, MIDI controllers, audio interfaces, patch cables, DIY kits, and pre-owned and vintage equipment. It carries 127+ brands — including Buchla, Make Noise, Moog, Intellijel, Erica Synths, Roland, Tiptop Audio, and Bastl Instruments — with more than 800 listings in the modular category alone. Its primary customer segment is modular synthesizer hobbyists and electronic music producers ranging from beginners building first rigs to advanced users designing complex performance systems.

The business operates a dual omnichannel model. The Portland showroom is open Tuesday–Sunday and functions as a hands-on retail experience, while the e-commerce storefront at controlvoltage.net ships domestically with free standard shipping on orders over $75 and offers international delivery via DHL Express, USPS International, and GlobalPost. The site supports 18 currencies, indicating explicit pursuit of cross-border hobbyist buyers. Revenue is generated almost entirely through one-time hardware sales, supplemented by consignment income on used gear. Payment is processed via PayPal, including the Pay-in-4 installment option to reduce friction on higher-ticket modules.

Marketing is executed through email newsletters, organic social channels (Facebook, YouTube, Instagram), SEO-optimized catalog navigation, and an editorial content library (Basic Synthesis, Synth Beginner Resources, Granular Synthesis, Manufacturer Presentations). The company employs between 1 and 10 people, has no disclosed ownership outside its founders, and reports no venture or private-equity backing. There is no proprietary technology stack beyond a Lightspeed e-commerce platform; the competitive position rests on brand portfolio depth, curated consignment inventory, and category-specific expertise rather than software or data assets.

Name

Control Voltage

Legal name

Control Voltage

Website

https://controlvoltage.net

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Control Voltage is a Portland-based specialty retailer of synthesizers, Eurorack modular components, drum machines, and electronic music instruments, serving modular hobbyists and electronic music producers worldwide through a physical showroom and a global e-commerce storefront carrying 127+ brands.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Musical Instrument Retail

akta.pro primary industry

Music Production Hardware (Synthesizers, Drum Machines, Samplers, MIDI Controllers) (MPAIAJAE)

Keywords

• Synthesizer retail
• Eurorack modules
• Electronic music equipment
• Modular synthesizers
• Music instrument shop

Headquarters

HQ city

Portland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Product Sales: One-time hardware sales of synthesizers, Eurorack modules, drum machines, sequencers, samplers, effects, cables, audio/MIDI equipment, video synthesis gear, DIY kits, accessories, used gear, and vintage equipment. Revenue is generated through direct product sales at competitive prices with occasional promotional discounts and bundle deals.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Control Voltage is a specialty music instrument retailer that sells synthesizers, Eurorack modular modules, drum machines, sequencers, samplers, effects processors, controllers, DIY kits, cables, audio/MIDI interfaces, video synthesis gear, and accessories from 127+ brands, alongside used and vintage equipment. The company operates an e-commerce storefront serving customers worldwide and a physical showroom in Portland, Oregon for in-person purchases and product demonstrations.

Product overview

Control Voltage is an e-commerce retailer specializing in synthesizers and music electronics. The store offers a comprehensive catalog organized into distinct product categories: Modular (eurorack modules from brands like Make Noise, Intellijel, 4ms, and 60+ other manufacturers including oscillators, filters, VCAs, envelopes, LFOs, sequencers, and effects); Synthesizers (complete instruments from Teenage Engineering, Arturia, Korg, and others); Controllers; Drum Machines (including Roland TR series and Elektron devices); Sequencers; Samplers; Soundmakers; DIY kits; Effects processors; Cables (including 3.5mm patch cables and adapters); Audio/MIDI interfaces; Video synthesis equipment; Accessories such as cases and power supplies; and both Used and Vintage equipment. The store operates as a physical showroom in Portland, Oregon alongside its online operations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Eurorack Modular Modules Eurorack modular synthesizer modules including oscillators, filters, VCAs, envelopes, LFOs, sequencers, effects, mixers, and utilities from 50+ manufacturers such as Make Noise, Intellijel, 4ms, Moog, Doepfer, and Buchla. Targeted at modular synthesizer enthusiasts building or expanding Eurorack systems.
• Synthesizers Complete synthesizer instruments including analog, digital, and hybrid models from manufacturers such as Teenage Engineering, Arturia, Korg, and UDO Audio. Targeted at electronic musicians and producers seeking desktop or keyboard synth instruments.
• MIDI Controllers and Control Surfaces MIDI controllers and control surfaces for music production and live performance, including grid and keyboard controllers. Targeted at producers and performers needing hands-on hardware control of software or hardware instruments.
• Drum Machines and Percussion Synthesizers Drum machines and percussion synthesizers including the Roland TR series and Elektron devices for rhythm production and beat creation. Targeted at electronic musicians and producers building rhythm sections for studio or live use.
• Sequencers Hardware music sequencers including step sequencers, CV sequencers, and arpeggiators for controlling modular and standalone instruments. Targeted at modular rig owners and electronic composers requiring pattern and CV sequencing.
• Hardware Samplers Hardware samplers and sample playback devices for music production, enabling hands-on sample manipulation outside a computer. Targeted at producers seeking dedicated hardware sampling tools.
• Soundmakers and Unique Electronic Instruments Unique electronic instruments and sound creation devices outside conventional synth, sampler, or drum machine categories. Targeted at experimental and sound-design-focused electronic musicians.
• DIY Synthesizer Kits and Building Components Do-it-yourself synthesizer kits and modular building components for users who assemble their own modules or instruments. Targeted at hobbyists and makers seeking hands-on electronics-building experience.
• Audio Effects Processors Audio effects processors including reverb, delay, distortion, and modulation effects in pedal and rack formats. Targeted at guitarists, synth players, and producers shaping tone in signal chains.
• Cables and Patch Cables Audio cables, 3.5mm and banana patch cables, and adapter cables for modular synthesizers and electronic music setups. Targeted at modular system owners needing connectivity accessories.
• Audio and MIDI Interfaces Audio interfaces, MIDI interfaces, and connectivity equipment for linking instruments with computers and other hardware. Targeted at producers and electronic musicians integrating hardware and DAW-based setups.
• Video Synthesis Equipment Video synthesis equipment and accessories for generating and manipulating visual signals, typically used by video artists and visual musicians. Targeted at experimental visual artists and audiovisual performers.
• Synthesizer Accessories Synthesizer accessories including cases, power supplies, rack mounts, and other gear required to house, power, and organize modular and synthesizer systems. Targeted at modular rig owners setting up workstations or studios.
• Used and Vintage Synthesizer Equipment Pre-owned and vintage synthesizer and electronic music equipment, accepted via consignment and offered for sale. Targeted at collectors, enthusiasts, and musicians seeking discontinued, rare, or budget-friendly vintage gear.
• Music, Media, and Gifts Music-related gifts, books, and media complementary to the synthesizer and electronic music focus of the store. Targeted at gift purchasers and customers seeking educational or lifestyle music merchandise.

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• PayPalcoreOthersPayPal integration for secure payment processing, including 'Pay in 4' installment option allowing customers to split purchases into 4 interest-free payments.
• Multiple Modular Synthesizer Brands (127+)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized reseller of over 127 modular synthesizer and music electronics brands including 1010 Music, 2hp, 4ms, ALM Busy Circuits, Bastl Instruments, Befaco, Buchla, Erica Synths, Expert Sleepers, Instruo, Intellijel, Make Noise, Moog, Noise Engineering, Roland, Tiptop Audio, and many others. Products include Eurorack modules, synthesizers, drum machines, sequencers, and accessories.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Perfect Circuit Audio: Burbank, CA-based retailer specializing in synthesizers, modular/Eurorack modules, and electronic music gear. Direct peer in niche, product mix, and target customer (modular synth enthusiasts), with a comparable physical showroom plus e-commerce model.
• Patchwerks: Seattle-based boutique modular synth shop offering Eurorack modules, synthesizers, and DIY kits. Directly comparable as a regional independent specialist with a similar showroom + online model and overlapping brand portfolio (Make Noise, Intellijel, etc.).
• Noisebug: Pomona, CA-based independent retailer focused on electronic music instruments, modular synthesizers, and DIY kits. Directly comparable product mix and customer base, with a similar small-team specialist positioning.

Broad incumbents

• Reverb.com: Largest online marketplace for new, used, and vintage music gear (owned by Etsy). Overlaps on used/vintage synth inventory and global reach, but operates as a broad marketplace across all instruments rather than a synth specialist.
• Sweetwater: One of the largest U.S. music gear retailers with extensive synthesizer and MIDI controller inventory. Overlaps on product categories and shipping scale, but competes as a broad music retailer rather than a modular/Eurorack specialist.
• Guitar Center: National big-box music retailer with growing synthesizer/Eurorack selection. Comparable on synthesizer and MIDI controller categories, but competes primarily as a generalist with mass-market positioning rather than specialist curation.
• B&H Photo Video: Major electronics and music gear retailer with deep synthesizer inventory and competitive pricing. Comparable on product categories (synths, controllers, audio gear) and global shipping, but broader scope dilutes specialist positioning.
• Thomann: Europe's largest music instruments retailer, carrying a vast synthesizer and modular range with worldwide shipping. Comparable on category breadth and international reach, but a broad incumbent rather than a U.S.-focused modular specialist.

Regional players

• Schneidersladen: Berlin-based specialist synth retailer with deep modular/Eurorack focus and strong used/vintage business. Highly comparable product mix and customer type, but operates in Europe rather than North America.

Others

• Analogue Solutions: UK-based synthesizer manufacturer whose products (e.g., Generator, Fusebox) are stocked by Control Voltage. Comparable as a participant in the same modular/hardware synth ecosystem, though as a supplier rather than a competing retailer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/ControlVoltagePortland
• Facebookfacebook.com/controlvoltage.net
• Instagraminstagram.com/controlvoltage
• Xx.com/ControlVoltage_

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Control Voltage