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Joined: May 23 2013
Location: UK
Status: Offline
Points: 2839
Posted: February 21 2016 at 09:45
Ever on we go: I'm well enough to do a little bit of soldering today. So let's build a Sallen Key filter. This is a classic high resonance filter used in synths like the Korg MS20. The version I have comes with a few added extras.
Unfortunately, the kit I have uses tiny 1/8W resistors to save on space. These are REALLY difficult to work with.
Joined: May 23 2013
Location: UK
Status: Offline
Points: 2839
Posted: February 21 2016 at 09:48
There are six diodes and 22 resistors in the board - another 68 resistors to go !!! You add all the flat components first, traditionally, and then add IC sockets, ceramic capacitors, then electrolytic capacitors, connectors etc. Adding flat components first makes the boards easier to work with.
This kit has two boards. That's the main board above. The control board is simpler, but a pig to do as there are so many components to jiggle into place, fit to the control panel, and then solder. Electronics is an exercise in patience.
Joined: May 23 2013
Location: UK
Status: Offline
Points: 2839
Posted: February 21 2016 at 09:57
Aaaand this is the (unfinished) module screwed into the synth rack.
So, you probably get a good idea by now how much work is involved in building a module. Hopefully it works first time, as testing can be a nightmare. Multiply this by about 40 modules and you have a complete system.
HOWEVER
You can also just buy pre-built modules (if you have the money) - you then just connect the power the correct way around, attach the module to the case with screws, switch on, hope no white smoke comes out. ;-)
Joined: May 23 2013
Location: UK
Status: Offline
Points: 2839
Posted: March 04 2016 at 03:43
Hello, Malmc - you can actually build a synth oscillator with one comparator chip, one capacitor and one resistor. Well. It oscillates. ;-)
Gets a bit more complex from there.
If you didn't want to get into hugely expensive Eurorack or 5U systems, there are a few self build firms out there on the market. However, two (Music from Outer Space and Ken Stone) are in limbo at the music due to illness and retirement, respectively.
If you can identify parts, handle a soldering iron and read a schematic, buy a kit and give it a go. Modern electronics has come along and the quality of the kits (and relative cheapness) means that anyone with a bit of determination and some 60/40 solder can have a go, now. ;-)
Joined: May 23 2013
Location: UK
Status: Offline
Points: 2839
Posted: March 21 2016 at 10:37
Behold the Auto Rhythm Device.... so far.
Two (synchronised) sequencers, one analogue bass synth. Another synth to add. When finished, the sequencers play patterns (which can be altered on the fly) on the two synths. These connect to another sequencer which drives the modular. Another four analogue synths provide lead voices.
Joined: July 12 2015
Location: Rust belt
Status: Offline
Points: 261
Posted: March 27 2016 at 08:10
Eventually I will build a rack, I fear that it will be a never ending process always growing. Euro rack being more affordable only makes me want to buy more. I debated my next instrument purchase, a DSI board or one of those really expensive Modal synths, both the 008 and 002 look and sound fantastic. But when Modal introduced that they would take the oscillators and filters from each and turn them into modules that's when I decided(discovered) that I was hooked. First things first a house and another baby, then it begins.
Songs are like tightly budgeted meals Nobodies doing anything new or even real
Joined: March 29 2013
Location: WA
Status: Offline
Points: 4596
Posted: March 27 2016 at 10:44
Very cool thread! Don't build my own hardware (one reason is I'm color blind as a bat and can't tell a brown from a green from a red wire and couldn't read resistor codes if my life depended on it ) but have messed about on the software side...like altering a Behringer BCR2000 to send 14 bit Midi NRPN codes from all rotaries to a Prophet 12 module. Wanted to add that the most comprehensive forum I know of for modular diy, prebuilt, whatever and the how's and why's and fantastic resources from people who have been at this forever is at:
Joined: May 23 2013
Location: UK
Status: Offline
Points: 2839
Posted: March 28 2016 at 04:48
Thanks, folks. ;-)
Yep, Muffwiggler is the place to go to learn about modular stuff. I rarely post there. Once in a blue moon.
The thing about Eurorack / modular is that it's initially expensive to get into. However, once you're up and running, you can add to at it at your own place - there is no upper limit to complexity. The cheap approach is to get a kit and out with the soldering iron (incidentally, colour blindness is no bar - just use a multimeter !! ) - but modules do appear second hand on Muffwiggler / eBay etc.
I'm building a 19" rack housing two sequencers and synths at the moment: the next logical step is to have two 9U cabinets on either side of a 9U modular cabinet. Really, you're only limited by your imagination. And woodworking skills. ;-)
I was thinking of doing some one off gigs with a few other musicians, but - to be honest, it's too much hassle. Maybe one day. The setup I've got is basically very similar to a mid 1970's Tangerine Dream setup, and you know what a nightmare it was touring with early synth gear. However, I've not discounted the idea yet. ;-)
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) but have messed about on the software side...like altering a Behringer BCR2000 to send 14 bit Midi NRPN codes from all rotaries to a Prophet 12 module. Wanted to add that the most comprehensive forum I know of for modular diy, prebuilt, whatever and the how's and why's and fantastic resources from people who have been at this forever is at:
