Is it possible to have a Eurorack Modular Synth without spending a fortune?

4/11/2018

It IS possible.

Maybe the device I am building does not have the thousands of features of the complicated and expensive software programmed Microchips used in the most expensive modules, but the fun is guaranteed. Analog old school are my rules.

The components that I am using are classic and cheap, resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors and microchips of the CMOS 4000 series that can operate from 3 volts, which allows me to use two batteries of 1.5 volts to power them. Potentiometers of all values, a lot of cable and a protoboard are the basis of the tests (and errors).

Experimenting is the key, it is difficult for something to explode with 3 volts. The Internet has a lot of information to guide.

If you have some skill, you will quickly learn to weld. Building the circuit with free software is not complicated, you must have patience.

I will share with you my advances, discoveries and mistakes.

Let's start with a photograph of a welding/soldering session:

9 Comments

Eduardo GOZNE
& Zacarias Malden

Audio visual artist since 1984.

In 1983 - 84 composed “Radio” on cassette format, based on the sounds of the shortwave radio stations with a purely experimental and strange sound for the time.
During the 80’s produced many experimental and other discs marked by the sound of the Electric Body Music (EBM).

In the 90’s he formed “Alvania” with some friends. Influenced by the Electro-industrial, making numerous live appearances and two albums: “Estado de Coma” and “Alvania en Vivo”.

Later, following the dissolution of the band, began a search for a more personal style. For this, the use of analog synthesizers, drum machines, sequencers, effects pedals and any device to deliver an interesting noise, were the basis of their sound. With the advent of new technologies, Gozne renewed their sound, without neglecting its core analog.

At present come together in his studio virtual synths, iPad, computational processes, plugins and sound edition in screen, with their old and faithful analog synthesizers.

email
Chile

Dave Fuglewicz link

4/11/2018 10:18:18

I'm looking forward to your articles.

Eduardo GOZNE

4/11/2018 21:29:05

Do not miss them Dave!!

Rafael González

4/11/2018 16:35:19

I love It!

4/11/2018 21:30:34

Gracias Rafael !

Frank

4/11/2018 19:26:14

If you're creative and you can do it yourself, that must give a lot of personal fulfillment and save a lot of money. If I look at the prices of some of those modules, my o my.
Unfortunately, I am not a handy guy, so I won't be building one soon and spending lots of money on them... nope, not me.

4/11/2018 21:34:25

ajajajaja Maybe one day I'll buy ... when the lottery arrives! :)

4/12/2018 22:10:49

Frank, if you have patience, electronic construction is within your capabilities.

4/12/2018 22:40:16

Dave, maybe in the far away future...
for now, I need all my patience for my wife :-)

4/15/2018 10:20:26

Well, I do understand that.