Synth-DIY -- how to start?

[lincolnic]

Bengt! Sorry I couldn't remember it was your build! It's still damned impressive. 

[alanp]

Ordered some Frequency Central boards and faceplates. (PSU, 100M ADSR, VCA, VCO, Kardiogram VCF (I thought the red plexi panel and the red diodes were a neat-o idea), and a Wave Runner LFO.) Raul, I think I'll order some of your multi and attenuator boards when I've got them sorted. They're sized for... 3.5mm and 16mm jacks and pots?

This should be fun

Whether I bodge up a enclosure out of customwood, or buy one (and a power buss board from Elby Designs) depends on the money tree, since I also ordered...

... boards for a Klee sequencer. I'm a sick man.

[alanp]

Okay, after some more research, euro-rack synth-diy sounds really, really fun. I'll admit I make pedals chiefly for the fun of the actual construction more than playing them. This modular synth thing could be a deep, deep rabbit hole.

[raulduke]

Yep 3.5mm jacks (these are the ones I use: http://www.thonk.co.uk/shop/pj301bm-3-5mm-jack-sockets-x50/ )and 16mm pots.

It's a rabbit hole alright, and one that I am also going down 

You'll probably need a Midi-CV converter, and you could do a lot worse than getting yourself an Arturia Microbrute.

You get the Midi-CV, and also a whole analogue synth that you can interface with your future euro stuff 

I'm using mine as the 'base' to expand with future DIY modules.

[alanp]

Got half my FreqCentral modules built.





Not a single one tested, though. I don't have a Eurorack power supply or case I'm going to test the LFO first with the O'scope, then use that for a clock to test the ADSR, and go from there.

[Hangingmonkey]

Synthtastic. I don't know much about synths but they look cool anyways. So why is frequency central in a mirror image on the faceplate? 

[RobA]

Those Frequency Central modules do look nice.

I haven't tried this yet, but my son told me this morning that he saw on a board somewhere that the Lack tables from Ikea are just the right width to use as a 19" rack case. I'm going to get one and some of the cross rails and give it a try. If it works, it's got to be one of the cheapest ways to put together a rack. I've seen those tables on sale for about US $9.

[peAk]

I am watching this thread closely because this is the direction I would lik to go at some point.
R

[alanp]

Synthtastic. I don't know much about synths but they look cool anyways. So why is frequency central in a mirror image on the faceplate?

It's to visibly differentiate between his DIY boards and plates, and his commercially built modules, I think.

[lincolnic]

Those Frequency Central modules do look nice.

I haven't tried this yet, but my son told me this morning that he saw on a board somewhere that the Lack tables from Ikea are just the right width to use as a 19" rack case. I'm going to get one and some of the cross rails and give it a try. If it works, it's got to be one of the cheapest ways to put together a rack. I've seen those tables on sale for about US $9.

This isn't audio hardware, but it confirms that the Lack tables support 19" rack spacing: http://makezine.com/2010/01/22/lackrack-ikea-server-racks-for-livi/

[raulduke]

Yeah the lack will fit 19" rack gear.

You will still need some kind of rack to put your Eurorack modules in though.

I bought one of these (TipTop Happy Ending Kit):


Works great and you can use it as a desktop system too.

[alanp]

The LFO is waiting on a 7905 regulator, but all the other modules are working

Perfed up a MFOS PSU, using the Cioks AC10 for 12VAC. Good fun

[lincolnic]

Looking good! I hope you'll make us a demo when that regulator comes in.

Any reason why all the modules are so far apart? They look lonely. Build them some more friends. 

[Thomas_H]

This remembers me of what I had back 20 years ago. 
Later I bought a Roland JD 800 to bring back those abilities without the hassle.
Worked great.

[peterc]

Looking good.