I have started working on a couple of new Simi-DIY hardware synth projects and some folks that I have been discussing synth building with say that I should document this project(s) evolution here to use as a referance..... Hmmm....Ok..
Disclaimer.... I'm new at DIY modular synthesizer building and this plan is in it's Genesis -evolving as I learn more, so all of you know-it-all folks (it's amazing what some of you know) cut me some slack. :)
This is what I have settled on at the moment.....
Synth project plan #1 will be based around Arrick Robotics' (The Synthisizers.com Co.) VCOs and Filters with some DIY effect/wave-shaping-bla-bla modules -some my own design, some circuit-bent stuff (don't you conservative synth dudes worry.. I don't plan to put a speak&spell in the synth.com cabinet) as well as a combination of designs other (-smarter-than-me-) people have made available.
After looking at the current stock from a few different Modular synth companies, I find that the synth.com systems vintage Moogy look/sound is quite attractive. Lots of analog Mojo! Also the module's height is the same as MOTM's stuff (same height as the old Moog modules).. The only bad thing about the synth.com and the MOTM stuff for me is that both companies are based here in Texas.. Hell... MOTM is almost walking distance from my home.... This means that I have to shell out for Tax and that can get pricy considering the mammoth system that I/we/you could end up with... Unfortunately, the DIY route is also not tax free if I order stuff from Mouser (the place that has everything).
This is what is coming to me from Synth.com....
If any of you Synth Gurus think I would bennefit with/without somthing let me know..
1 - 22 space econocab with Pwr Supply and wiring harness. This should arrive any time now...
1 - Q104 midi interface..
1 - Q124 Multiples module
1 - Q105 Slew limiter
3 - Q106 VCO Modules
1 - Q112 Mixer Module
2 - Q109 ADSR
1 - Q107 Filter
1 - Q125 Signal processor
1 - Q110 Wh/Pink Noise generator
1 - Q108 amp Module
This stuff will come in trickles and I don't plan to finish any of the DIY modules until project #2 is finished, so this will take time.. Things would speed up If I win the lotto.... Well maybe not....
Synth project plan #2 will be a small synth based around Ray Wilson's "Soundlab" design with a few modifications. I plan to use this synth as source for sampling clips into samplers and sequencers like Intakt and Ableton Live, so it's focus is not going be how well it performs with a controller but rather the interesting sounds it makes. The Sample and hold is the first mod that I want to do. I also plan to add some circuit bent effects as well...
I bet this thing will get along well with my Vox Tonelab.... I should be getting Ray Wilson's pre-etched PCB in the mail anytime now..
Hmmm.... Ok that's a lot... Let's see how all this pans out.... Stay tuned for more synth blah-blah...
Posted by Klovous at March 5, 2005 03:45 AM