Best Effect Modules Under $500 2026
Affordable effect modules under $500 - great value without compromising quality
Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026
#1
⭐
4.5/5
(36 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Endorphin.es Ghost Silver
by
Endorphin.es
Sound Processing
Modular Effects
Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Real-time parameter modulation
✓ PROS
- • Unique modular-specific effects
- • Integration with synthesis modules
✗ CONS
- • HP space considerations in case
- • Can be complex to patch optimally
Endorphin.es Ghost SilverEurorack ModuleDigital stereo effects processorInternal signal flow with 32 bit / 96...
⭐
4.5/5
(36 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 553824
$417
#2
⭐
4.9/5
(56 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Intellijel Designs Springray II
Audio Manipulation
Sound Design
Modular Effects
Key Feature:
• CV-controllable audio effects
✓ PROS
- • Integration with synthesis modules
- • Unique modular-specific effects
✗ CONS
- • More expensive than pedal equivalents
- • Limited to modular format constraints
Intellijel Designs Springray IISpring Reverb ModuleParametric EQ with frequencyQ-factor and gain controlsLimiter in...
⭐
4.9/5
(56 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 440051
$317
#3
⭐
4.9/5
(40 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Neuzeit Instruments Orbit
Modular Effects
Sound Processing
Creative Processing
Key Feature:
• Integration with synthesis modules
✓ PROS
- • Perfect for modular audio processing
- • CV-controllable audio effects
✗ CONS
- • More expensive than pedal equivalents
- • Can be complex to patch optimally
Neuzeit Instruments OrbitEurorack ModuleEffects processor for creative sound designBitcrusher with invertible and...
⭐
4.9/5
(40 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 519408
$494
#4
⭐
4.9/5
(28 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
XAOC Devices Koszalin
by
XAOC Devices
Sound Processing
Creative Processing
Audio Manipulation
Key Feature:
• Real-time parameter modulation
✓ PROS
- • Unique modular-specific effects
- • Perfect for modular audio processing
✗ CONS
- • May require additional modules
- • Can be complex to patch optimally
XAOC Devices KoszalinEurorack ModuleVoltage-controlled stereo frequency shifterShift control with 3 selectable control...
⭐
4.9/5
(28 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 544576
$362
#5
⭐
4.5/5
(13 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
XAOC Devices Timiszoara
by
XAOC Devices
Sound Processing
Creative Processing
Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Perfect for modular audio processing
✓ PROS
- • Perfect for modular audio processing
- • CV-controllable audio effects
✗ CONS
- • May require additional modules
- • HP space considerations in case
XAOC Devices TimiszoaraEurorack ModuleStereo multi-effect processor24Bit DSP engine176 factory presets with effects...
⭐
4.5/5
(13 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 544392
$362
#6
⭐
4.5/5
(11 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Erica Synths Black Stereo Reverb
by
Erica Synths
Experimental Music
Audio Manipulation
Creative Processing
Key Feature:
• Unique modular-specific effects
✓ PROS
- • Unique modular-specific effects
- • Real-time parameter modulation
✗ CONS
- • May require additional modules
- • HP space considerations in case
Erica Synths Black Stereo ReverbEurorack ModuleStereo reverb module with 3 selectable algorithms (RoomHallCathedral)...
⭐
4.5/5
(11 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 577480
$351
#7
⭐
4.7/5
(32 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Erica Synths Fusion Delay/Flanger/Vint. Ens
by
Erica Synths
Modular Effects
Creative Processing
Audio Manipulation
Key Feature:
• Unique modular-specific effects
✓ PROS
- • Real-time parameter modulation
- • CV-controllable audio effects
✗ CONS
- • HP space considerations in case
- • May require additional modules
Erica Synths Fusion Delay/Flanger/VintageDelay / Flanger / Vintage EnsembleAn analog effect module combines BBD...
⭐
4.7/5
(32 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 420006
$439
#8
⭐
4.4/5
(25 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Doepfer A-126-2 Frequency Shifter VE
by
Doepfer
Experimental Music
Sound Processing
Audio Manipulation
Key Feature:
• CV-controllable audio effects
✓ PROS
- • Integration with synthesis modules
- • CV-controllable audio effects
✗ CONS
- • HP space considerations in case
- • More expensive than pedal equivalents
Doepfer A-126-2 Frequency Shifter VEEurorack ModuleVintage Edition with black front panelAnalogue frequency shifter for...
⭐
4.4/5
(25 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 532023
$362
#9
⭐
4.9/5
(19 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
XAOC Devices Sarajewo
by
XAOC Devices
Modular Effects
Sound Processing
Creative Processing
Key Feature:
• Real-time parameter modulation
✓ PROS
- • Integration with synthesis modules
- • Perfect for modular audio processing
✗ CONS
- • More expensive than pedal equivalents
- • HP space considerations in case
XAOC Devices SarajewoEurorack moduleSynchronisable analogue delayBBD (bucket brigade) delay with 3 delay tapsDelay...
⭐
4.9/5
(19 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 505956
$483
#10
⭐
4.7/5
(44 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
OXI Instruments Meta
Sound Design
Experimental Music
Audio Manipulation
Key Feature:
• Integration with synthesis modules
✓ PROS
- • CV-controllable audio effects
- • Perfect for modular audio processing
✗ CONS
- • More expensive than pedal equivalents
- • Limited to modular format constraints
OXI Instruments MetaEurorack ModuleStereo effects module for live performances6 Effect types with 2 variations...
⭐
4.7/5
(44 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 597886
$439
#11
⭐
4.8/5
(50 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Make Noise Bruxa
by
Make Noise
Creative Processing
Sound Processing
Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Integration with synthesis modules
✓ PROS
- • Unique modular-specific effects
- • CV-controllable audio effects
✗ CONS
- • May require additional modules
- • More expensive than pedal equivalents
Make Noise BruxaEurorack ModuleEchoverb signal processorMulti-tap delay with several internal feedback paths and...
⭐
4.8/5
(50 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 594542
$439
#12
⭐
4.7/5
(38 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Erica Synths Drum Stereo FX
by
Erica Synths
Modular Effects
Sound Processing
Creative Processing
Key Feature:
• Perfect for modular audio processing
✓ PROS
- • CV-controllable audio effects
- • Integration with synthesis modules
✗ CONS
- • More expensive than pedal equivalents
- • HP space considerations in case
Erica Synths Drum Stereo FXEurorack ModuleHi-fi stereo effect module3 Delay and 3 reverb effectsTap and clock...
⭐
4.7/5
(38 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 582836
$329
#13
⭐
4.4/5
(11 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
4ms Dual Looping Delay
by
4ms
Sound Processing
Sound Design
Creative Processing
Key Feature:
• Unique modular-specific effects
✓ PROS
- • Real-time parameter modulation
- • Perfect for modular audio processing
✗ CONS
- • HP space considerations in case
- • May require additional modules
4ms Dual Looping DelayLooping DelayTwo-channel digital delay/looperUp to 2: 54 minutes recording time (at 16 bit /...
⭐
4.4/5
(11 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 545207
$490
#14
⭐
4.7/5
(7 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
4ms Tapographic Delay
by
4ms
Creative Processing
Audio Manipulation
Modular Effects
Key Feature:
• CV-controllable audio effects
✓ PROS
- • CV-controllable audio effects
- • Real-time parameter modulation
✗ CONS
- • Limited to modular format constraints
- • May require additional modules
4ms Tapographic DelayDelayMultitap delay with extended possibilitiesVelocity-sensitive sensor for manual input of...
⭐
4.7/5
(7 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 545209
$439
#15
⭐
4.9/5
(22 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Doepfer A-126-2 Frequency Shifter
by
Doepfer
Experimental Music
Sound Processing
Sound Design
Key Feature:
• Perfect for modular audio processing
✓ PROS
- • Real-time parameter modulation
- • Integration with synthesis modules
✗ CONS
- • HP space considerations in case
- • Can be complex to patch optimally
Doepfer A-126-2 Frequency ShifterEurorack ModuleAnalogue frequency shifter for audio signalsCoarse and fine control for...
⭐
4.9/5
(22 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 532021
$395
How to Choose the Best Effect Modules
Budget Planning
- • Under $200: Entry-level
- • $200-$500: Intermediate
- • $500-$1000: Advanced
- • $1000+: Professional
Quality Check
- • Sound clarity & tone
- • Build materials & finish
- • Hardware durability
- • Overall craftsmanship
Key Features
- • Your musical style
- • Skill level match
- • Intended use case
- • Brand reputation
Frequently Asked Questions
Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced effect modules typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.
