HOW to Synth DIY Series Part 2 (Kit list and soldering info)

Posted on January 3, 2015 by flux302

How to synth DIY part 2

Now that we have established some basics it is time to take a look at what we are actually going to be doing in this series. I want to start off by giving a list of the Synthrotek Kits we will need in order to complete this series. You can purchase these kits as we go along or all of them upfront (getting them upfront is not a bad idea as we will likely have some live Q&A sessions and it will be nice for you to have the kits ready).

Here are the planned kits that will be involved.

1) Passive Ring Mod Kit (think Dalek voice)

2) 4093 Chaoss Nand kit (drone oscillator)

3) 555 Timer kit (this will be used as an LFO to control delay etc)

4) Dirt Filter 9v kit (distortion and filtering)

5) PT2399 Dev Board kit (this is a digital delay that emulates analog delay chips)

6 Vac Pack (adds CV control to any variable resistance controlled circuit)

7) Plastic Enclosure (this will be what we place all our items into) you are not limited to use just this case, feel free to use more than one case or a larger case if you like.

Continue reading →

Synth DIY Project series Part 1 (getting into Synth DIY)

Posted on December 29, 2014 by flux302

How to Synth DIY

Here at FluxWithIt.com there is a mind set… If you are not thinking beyond intended operation, then you are limiting yourself. To better illustrate this philosophy as it pertains to the studio. I have decided to take you all with me on down the rabbit whole and into a land where an old guitar pedal is a synth, a simple 555 timer chip is a modulation source, a plain plastic box can become a sample manglers wet dream. Luckily with Sponsor Synthrotek I will be able to help you on your journey to Nerd heaven.

Before we take the blue pill and get to tripped out on bending and circuit melding, Lets gather our thoughts.

First we need to assess just what it is we SHOULD know before attempting any of this.

here are some bullet points of what I feel you should know… and I will help assist you in learning. Continue reading →

Synthrotek DS-M Drum Synthesizer Module for Eurorack

Posted on December 7, 2014 by flux302

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.

Continue reading →

Synthrotek VCA triple response Dual VCA

Posted on November 17, 2014 by flux302

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.

Synthrotek Sequence 8 Eurorack Sequencer Build and Demo!

Posted on June 13, 2014 by flux302

Synthrotek Sequence 8 Eurorack modular sequencer!

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

Synthrotek EKO building and Demo video

Posted on March 20, 2014 by flux302

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

Product info:

– Rate range: 30-190mS

– 4HP

– Voltage-controlled rate

– Self-oscillating feedback

– Mix control

– Hand-assembled in Portland, Oregon

Enjoy!