AudioFu

Best Effect Modules Under $500 2025

Affordable effect modules under $500 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Sound Processing For Modular Effects For Creative Processing For Audio Manipulation For Experimental Music For Sound Design
BRANDS: Tiptop Audio Erica Synths Doepfer XAOC Devices Endorphin.es Behringer
Erica Synths Black Stereo Reverb - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Tiptop Audio Z-DSP NS Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Tiptop Audio Z-DSP NS Black

by Tiptop Audio
Creative Processing Sound Processing Sound Design
Key Feature:
• Perfect for modular audio processing
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for modular audio processing
  • • Integration with synthesis modules
✗ CONS
  • • Limited to modular format constraints
  • • Can be complex to patch optimally

Tiptop Audio Z-DSP NS BlackVoltage-Controlled Digital Signal ProcessorDSP with 24-bit resolution and 15 kHz...

⭐ 4.9/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 556007
$471
Buy at Thomann View Details
OXI Instruments Meta - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

OXI Instruments Meta

by OXI Instruments
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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Endorphin.es Ghost Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Endorphin.es Ghost Black

by Endorphin.es
Sound Design Audio Manipulation Sound Processing
Key Feature:
• Real-time parameter modulation
✓ PROS
  • • Real-time parameter modulation
  • • Integration with synthesis modules
✗ CONS
  • • Can be complex to patch optimally
  • • HP space considerations in case

Endorphin.es Ghost BlackEurorack ModuleDigital stereo effects processorInternal signal flow with 32-bit / 96...

⭐ 5.0/5 (51 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 553826
$417
Buy at Thomann View Details
Tiptop Audio Model 285t - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Tiptop Audio Model 285t

by Tiptop Audio
Sound Design Sound Processing Creative Processing
Key Feature:
• Perfect for modular audio processing
✓ PROS
  • • Integration with synthesis modules
  • • Perfect for modular audio processing
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than pedal equivalents
  • • Limited to modular format constraints

Tiptop Audio Model 285tEurorack ModuleAnalogue frequency shifter and ring modulator for processing audio...

⭐ 4.4/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 605443
$350
Buy at Thomann View Details
Erica Synths Black Spring Reverb - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Erica Synths Black Spring Reverb

by Erica Synths
Sound Processing Creative Processing Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Perfect for modular audio processing
✓ PROS
  • • Unique modular-specific effects
  • • CV-controllable audio effects
✗ CONS
  • • HP space considerations in case
  • • Limited to modular format constraints

Erica Synths Black Spring ReverbEurorack moduleInternal compact spring reverb tankRCA connections for external spring...

⭐ 4.5/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 477283
$329
Buy at Thomann View Details
Bastl Instruments Basil - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Bastl Instruments Basil

by Bastl Instruments
Sound Design Creative Processing Audio Manipulation
Key Feature:
• Integration with synthesis modules
✓ PROS
  • • Integration with synthesis modules
  • • CV-controllable audio effects
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than pedal equivalents
  • • HP space considerations in case

Bastl Instruments BasilEurorack ModuleLexible stereo space delayControls for delay time and feedbackeach with CV...

⭐ 4.4/5 (30 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 566818
$329
Buy at Thomann View Details
XAOC Devices Timiszoara - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Intellijel Designs Springray II - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Intellijel Designs Springray II

by Intellijel Designs
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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Doepfer A-126-2 Frequency Shifter - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Neuzeit Instruments Orbit - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Neuzeit Instruments Orbit

by Neuzeit Instruments
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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Joranalogue Audio Design Delay 1 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Joranalogue Audio Design Delay 1

by Joranalogue Audio Design
Experimental Music Creative Processing Modular Effects
Key Feature:
• Perfect for modular audio processing
✓ PROS
  • • Unique modular-specific effects
  • • Real-time parameter modulation
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than pedal equivalents
  • • Can be complex to patch optimally

Joranalogue Audio Design Delay 1Eurorack ModuleAnalogue High-Fidelity BBD DelayDelay time: 1-50 msControls for delay...

⭐ 4.7/5 (30 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 570430
$383
Buy at Thomann View Details
XAOC Devices Sarajewo - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Endorphin.es Ghost Silver - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

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
Buy at Thomann View Details
XAOC Devices Koszalin - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

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
Buy at Thomann View Details

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.

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