the Synthrotek DS-M is an awesome new Drum synth Module for Eurorack.
The DS-M is a full featured drum synth that can emulate virtually any drum sound!
The DS-M (Drum Synth Module) is a complex, modifiable, 100% analog drum synth loosely based on the Coron DS-8 and neatly packaged into an 8hp module.
For some time now I have really loved the Brute series from Arturia. I also tend to be the type of person to just never be satisfied even when things are going great. So today I decided to modify my brutes. The one feature I always wished the Minibrute had was LFO output so that it could be used to control my modular. Well today I rectified that problem with a simple mod that you can do with very basic tools.
All that is needed is a few mono 1/8″ jacks, some wire, some solder, a soldering iron, a screw driver and a drill.
Here is a list of the solder points and what they are. The video below details not only how to perform this mod, but how to actually find these types of modifications yourself!
—- LFO OUTS :
PT34 = SAW LFO , PT32 = TRIANGLE LFO, PT35 = SINE LFO, PT33 SQUARE LFO, PT130 = RANDOM LFO,
PT176 SELECTED LFO
——- VCO OUTS :
PT180 = SQUARE SUB VCO, PT7 = SQUARE VCO, PT119 = TRIANGLE VCO, PT120 = SAW VCO
—————-
MICROBRUTE
TP93= SQUARE VCO, TP94 = SAW VCO, TP102 = SUB VCO, TP124 = TRIANGLE VCO
The Synthrotek Triple Response Dual VCA uses high quality op amps to give you the sound quality you are looking for in affordable kits and completed units. This VCA has three different response curves per channel: 2 Exponential and 1 Linear. The amplitude of EX2 (switch at right position) can be slightly attenuated via 1 trimmer pot per channel on the PCB. This allows for 3 different curves per channel. EX2 has a slightly more exponential curve than EX1. This VCA operates at 0-5V; a 5V CV input will give you 5V point to point audio output. Use over 5V if you want a super ballsy, loud VCA!
Intended for AC and audio use only (DC coupling will not function properly).
Features include:
– ~5V peak to peak output with a +5 DC CV input
– 2 exponential and 1 linear response per channel
– Channel 2 is normalled to channel 1
– Compact 4HP sized module
– Kits, complete and PCB/panel combos
– High Quality Op Amps
– Module depth: 1 7/8 inches (4.7 cm)
– Max current draw: 1mA on -12V rail, 9mA on +12V rail
Buy it HERE
Here is the live build event where I build the resistor section of the VCA and hold a Q&A during it. It is a quite long video as it was held off the cuff, very laid back.
This is a wonderful 8 step analog sequencer complete with 3 different CV pitch outputs, 8 gate outputs, clock in , clock out, random, random rate, momentary stepping and holding.
Just a very very usable sequencer in a nice compact form that is super powerful. they can even be configured to run off of 9v battery power!
for more info head to Synthrotek.com
I love doing Eurorack kits. They are more affordable than assembled versions. They give you the satisfaction of actually having a hand in the quality of your module. It is simply a load of fun to know that you helped create this new sound source in your set up.
That being said, I have yet to do a video showing how I build the kits and get them up and running so here is a short video showing the latest addition to my Eurorack Modular synth. the Synthrotek EKO
available here
Assembled version here–> https://store.synthrotek.com/EKO_Voltage_Controlled_Echo
Kit version here —> https://store.synthrotek.com/EKO_Voltage_Controlled_Echo_Kit
For sometime now I had been wanting to get myself a Eurorack modular synth but wasn’t fully versed in what I needed to actually make this happen. I was well aware of how one worked (this will be covered later) but not how to actually start without wasting a ton of money. I researched and patrolled forums, spoke to friends that owned modulars and generally took my time to make an educated decision on how to get my first system up and running.
Now I would like to pass some of that knowledge on. This article is intended to clear up some of the foggy entry points to Eurorack and make it a lot easier for people to get the systems they want at an affordable price. Please keep in mind because Eurorack Modulars are indeed fully modular, there is no one correct way to start your modular.
This intro video touches on a few of the topics covered here. I recommend watching it and reading the article as well.
Eurorack is a modular synthesizer format, think of it like VST is a format for plug ins. Any module in Eurorack format can be placed into a Eurorack case (given you have the space and power allocation) and will work with other modules. These modules range from basic synthesis building blocks such as a Amplifier, mixer, Oscillator, envelope, filter etc. to more function and west coast school methods of synthesis such as Function generators (like the Make noise Maths) Flip flops, comparators, even digital control modules. Continue reading
Here are two DIY or build them yourself modules for Eurorack. first up is the Tabula Rasa an Arduino based wavetable oscillator that lets you create new waveforms, dump them to SD card and use them in your Eurorack modular. Then we have the Spring reverb from Music Thing which is a voltage controlled spring reverb hooked to a real spring tai. it also has the option of being built with a digital brick reverb tank as well.
This module is deceptively useful in that not only does it give you the convenience of a speaker being built right into your Eurorack modular. It also gives you the ability to take audio signals in and boost them to synth CV level without distortion so you can use them as modulation sources. very cool indeed. check it out below.
And buy it here https://animodule.bigcartel.com/product/tranimodule