Synth-DIY -- how to start?

[RobA]

I've wanted to do some racked modular synth stuff for a while now. The plethora of formats always slows down my enthusiasm when I get ready to do it. It feels like when I make the choice, I'm pretty locked in, so I don't want to get it wrong.

I've also been thinking about moving my guitar effects all to a rack/modular system and controlling them via MIDI. So, I really need to choose a system and get going with it. The MFOS and Frequency Central stuff both look pretty good as does the stuff from PAiA. On the commercial side, I'm always drawn to want to spend huge amounts of money at Doepfer, but the distributer in the US has prices that are way overboard for me.

What's the best path to take for the hardware/format side?

[raulduke]

I've wanted to do some racked modular synth stuff for a while now. The plethora of formats always slows down my enthusiasm when I get ready to do it. It feels like when I make the choice, I'm pretty locked in, so I don't want to get it wrong.

I've also been thinking about moving my guitar effects all to a rack/modular system and controlling them via MIDI. So, I really need to choose a system and get going with it. The MFOS and Frequency Central stuff both look pretty good as does the stuff from PAiA. On the commercial side, I'm always drawn to want to spend huge amounts of money at Doepfer, but the distributer in the US has prices that are way overboard for me.

What's the best path to take for the hardware/format side?

Eurorack is undoubtedly the most popular, and widely supported, format.

Thats the one I'm going with for my ongoing synth stuff as pretty much everyone else is using it right now (and for a reason).

[Strategy]

if you want to always change around modules, a racked, paneled format is fine. I want my synths to be more self contained so I'm looking at LMB Heeger or Hammond desktop boxes with everything under one hood so to speak. In a way each synth would be like a little standalone synth - but with all the full patch points brought to the panel. I have had for years a Korg MS-20, which is a bit like this (self contained synth with patch points) so maybe that's the inspiration. But also I lack tools and space, and can't be endlessly making panels, etc. So, you can use modular in an 'all in one' sort of way if you want to keep things small.

the down side would be if you want to change modules! I've spent a long time selecting my choices before committing them to enclosure.

[RobA]

I've wanted to do some racked modular synth stuff for a while now. The plethora of formats always slows down my enthusiasm when I get ready to do it. It feels like when I make the choice, I'm pretty locked in, so I don't want to get it wrong.

I've also been thinking about moving my guitar effects all to a rack/modular system and controlling them via MIDI. So, I really need to choose a system and get going with it. The MFOS and Frequency Central stuff both look pretty good as does the stuff from PAiA. On the commercial side, I'm always drawn to want to spend huge amounts of money at Doepfer, but the distributer in the US has prices that are way overboard for me.

What's the best path to take for the hardware/format side?

Eurorack is undoubtedly the most popular, and widely supported, format.

Thats the one I'm going with for my ongoing synth stuff as pretty much everyone else is using it right now (and for a reason).

I've been doing some looking around today and it certainly looks like there are more modules/sellers using Eurorack. You mention "for a reason." Is there a technical strength for the Eurorack format? I noticed that it does +/-12V and 5V. I'm not sure, but the other formats didn't seem to include the 5V. I'm assuming that this is mainly for CV, but it could be a big benefit for digital stuff too (as long as the power available is high enough).

[alanp]

All I know is that the old Moog stuff takes up a ton of room compared to Eurorack, and the power supply standards for that is +15V, gnd, -15V, and +5v. (about four pins.)

I saw a fancy power connector on a sequencer somewhere (google is your friend... IF you know the right search terms), and it spoke about some kind of "Doepfur power connector". It looked to have 10-12 pins, so I'm scared to ask!

[raulduke]

I've been doing some looking around today and it certainly looks like there are more modules/sellers using Eurorack. You mention "for a reason." Is there a technical strength for the Eurorack format? I noticed that it does +/-12V and 5V. I'm not sure, but the other formats didn't seem to include the 5V. I'm assuming that this is mainly for CV, but it could be a big benefit for digital stuff too (as long as the power available is high enough).

I don't think there is any single particular reason (not specifically technical).

I think it is a multitude of things that have made the format front runner IMO:

> Affordability. Getting started with some Doepfer modules and a low cost case is a lot more affordable than the Frac Rack , synthesisers.com stuff etc.

> Format. Mini Jack connections, compact dimensions, documented standards and format (on the Doepfer site) mean you don't have to take up a whole room for the shell/case of the system, and can even go fully DIY if you wish. Everything is well documented (and has also been done many times before by other DIY'ers).

> Popularity. There is no question that Eurorack is now the most popular format that is available. Look at all the 3rd party modules available and you'll see what I mean. There is some ridiculously cool stuff coming out for the format.

The PSU connector itself is nothing fancy. The +15/=15 and +5 (a recent addition) connections are all doubled up on two pins. I think multiple ground connections are used on some other pins. I think they chose that connector simply because it is widely available.

[RobA]

Thanks for all the info. I'm definitely leaning heavily in the direction of the Eurorack format.

[Beedoola]

Any suggestions on what modules to build (Euro-Rack) for a first synth?

A VCO, Filter, ADSR, what else? Are the Midi to CV kits as well?

[alanp]

A power supply is the obvious one, and a VCO... lost past that.

[raulduke]

Any suggestions on what modules to build (Euro-Rack) for a first synth?

A VCO, Filter, ADSR, what else? Are the Midi to CV kits as well?

Personally I would buy a case rather than DIY. Go with a Doepfer and you also get the PSU, so you have that bit sorted.

There are no set rules, but for a 'standard' 2 oscillator synth you would probably need:

- 2 oscillators

- 1 Filter of some sort

- 1 or 2 ADSR's.

- 1 or 2 LFO's.

- 1 or 2 Mult's (patch points to distribute signals. can be passive or active).

- 1 or 2 Attenuators (to attenuate control signals etc.).

- 1 VCA (Voltage controlled amplifier to control amplitude).

- Couple Mixers of some sort (One to mix your oscillator audio signals, other to mix CV signals).

1 Midi to CV converter of some kind (better to buy).


My advice would be to buy some stuff and add to that. I bought an Arturia Microbrute over Christmas. It does the Midi to CV/Gate conversion, and also has an amplifier, filter, LFO etc. that are all easily interfaceable with other Eurorack stuff.

You get a lot of synth for your money.

Also, sign up to MuffWiggler. That is the forum to be on for synth stuff and advice.

[selfdestroyer]

Came across this tonight as I was looking for a Tube VCA.
http://www.cgs.synth.net/pcb/index.html

prices don't seem to bad for his PCBs and hes got tons of goodies on there for modular stuff.

Cody

[raulduke]

I've added the two 'panels' I did in Eagle to OSH park for anyone interested.

2 x 4 Mult and 2 x Passive Attenuator

The work fine for me, and should fit to the Euro-Rack format.

Link: http://www.oshpark.com/profiles/SJ-Effects

Yours to order from OSH park if you want them.

[jkokura]

Especially if you got those in 2.0 mm thick PCB, they'd probably be thick enough to withstand some heavy pressure.

Jacob

[raulduke]

The attenuator PCB is certainly thick enough to withstand pressure/knob twiddling.

They do the job fine for me and are there if anyone else has a use. I'll be adding them to my rack when it arrives.

[Vallhagen]

I always thought the stuff at Music from outer Space looked great. He even has a guitar synth project that looks really cool.
http://www.musicfromouterspace.com

Didn't someone here build one of these fairly recently?

Well... yes someone did:)
http://www.madbeanpedals.com/forum/index.php?topic=5730.msg49618#msg49618
...quite a bit of effort. Worth it though... i think
cheers