Laurentide Synthworks VG2 Eurorack Module Kit

March 18, 2019
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Laurentide Synthworks VG2 Eurorack Module - DIY Build

Laurentide Synthworks VG2

Laurentide Synthworks VG2 is a Passive Dual Vactrol Gate meaning no power is needed to get some awesome sounds out of this eurorack module!  Each Vactrol Gate on the VG2 has 1 CV Input (gate, envelope, LFO, etc.), 1 Audio Input and 1 Audio Output. The CV Input hits the Vactrol LED, allowing whatever audio to pass through. In addition, there is a simple Low Pass Filter applied to the Audio Output with an amount (i.e. Cutoff) knob. As this is a passive circuit, it will not give you full cutoff control, but it does allow the calming of brash wave shapes. There is also an LED at the CV Input for a quick visual reference of the incoming signal.

Keep in mind that a passive circuit using a vactrol can cause subtile differences in tone and output sound. One may be slightly “louder” than the other, or one might have a longer or shorter release time. One circuit could be better suited for drums or percussion while the other might process harmonies or sequences more to your liking. That being said, each vactrol or VG2 is unique in its sound.  Being that the Laurentide Synthworks VG2 is available as a DIY kit only, this gives the builder the opportunity to tweak some of the resistors and vactrols and thus making each individual build unique in itself.

Laurentide Synthworks VG2 - Time Lapse Build Video

Play Video

During our build, we began by installing all of the supplied resistors and vactrols as recommended. As we dive more into the sound of the VG2, we might consider going back and cutting off some of the 1K resistors. It all just depends on how and what we decide to use it for in the end. The VG2 was supplied with white Davies Clone knobs, we opted to use Blood Red Davies Clone knobs to give our VG2 a more fitting look. (It matches their company logo better!). The build itself was relatively quick and to the point as we completed this module in under an hour. Laurentide Synthworks also provides some basic instructions on how and what to populate in the appropriate order via their website. We really didn’t follow the guide and just jumped right into this simple build. When it was all said and done, we popped it into one of our racks and off we went. For 49$, this kit is a must have in any Eurorack rig.

Laurentide Synthworks VG2 - Build Gallery

Laurentide Synthworks VG2 front view
Laurentide Synthworks VG2 side 2
Laurentide Synthworks VG2 back view
Laurentide Synthworks VG2 side 1
Laurentide Synthworks VG2 completed
Laurentide Synthworks VG2 front

Laurentide Synthworks VG2 - Specifications

Module Details:
~ Manufactured by: Laurentide Synthworks
~ Model: VG2
~ Type: Dual Vactrol Gate

Specifications:
~ Power Draw: Passive Module – no power required
~ Depth: 14 mm
~ Height: 3U
~ Width: 4HP

Additional Build Notes

Important Note: As this is a passive circuit, it is advisable to use a Buffered Multiple before the CV Input to maintain voltage/amplitude, especially if you are using the top CV to drive both gates. Laurentides website advises that “whatever is sent to the CV jack on the top gate is also sent to the CV jack on the bottom gate. The downside to this is there is a slight voltage drop causing the both outputs to be slightly quieter than if the CV was only driving 1 gate. If you are only using one the inputs and have something against using the bottom gate, you can plug a dummy cable into the bottom CV, or completely disable it by cutting the trace”. 

Instructions on how to do this on available via the Laurentide Synthworks website or by clicking one of the links below.

https://www.laurentidesynthworks.net/eurorack-diy.html

http://www.laurentidesynthworks.net/vg2.html

If you have any questions about the build process or you would like to send us your comments or suggestions, please feel free to contact us!

~ f i N

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Synthrotek Octave Fuzz – Time Lapse Build

February 18, 2019
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Synthrotek Octave Fuzz - Time Lapse Build

For our first build of 2019, we take on the Synthrotek Octave Fuzz module.  You ask why we chose this module? What attracted us to needing this module in our rack?  Well the answer is simple… that 1970’s fuzz sound that you rarely hear in music these days.

Combined with the ability to trim the octave and gain on the back of the module opens up a whole new slew of sounds. The 70s never sounded so good in a module!  Onto the build … 

The Synthrotek Ocatve Fuzz is a relatively moderate build as long as you have a steady hand and patience while reading the BOM. Synthrotek has always done a great job with the BOM and their assembly guides, and the Octave Fuzz is no different.  The tricky part of this build is that you need to populate two boards.  This can quickly become a mess if you don’t have something to organize all of the parts in or if you aren’t paying attention to the BOM. Just remember, if it gets too overwhelming, simply focus on one board at a time and separate parts accordingly prior to assembly.  

As you can see from the video, we decided to work on both boards simultaneously, so that we do not lose track of where the resistors, diodes and capacitors go. The only thing differentiating which board your components go on is an asterisk on the BOM… (ie. You can lose track quickly if you aren’t paying attention)

When it was all complete, we also swapped out the classic white Davies knobs with some cool clear Davies knobs to give our module that individual look it needed. We popped it into our rack, patched it in and turned up the 70s fuzz of nostalgia. 

Check out the images of the build below, followed by the the Octave Fuzz Module Specifics. 

Octave Fuzz Build Gallery

Octave Fuzz Jack Board
Octave Fuzz Main Board
Main Board Close Up
Octave Fuzz Boards 2
Octave Fuzz Boards
Octave Fuzz Main Board
Octave Fuzz Front Panel
Synthrotek Octave Fuzz Side View 1
Synthrotek Octave Fuzz Side View 2
Synthrotek Octave Fuzz

Synthrotek Octave Fuzz Specifications:

Module Description:

– Scoop switch for a ‘scooped’ mid-range, or to have a midrange boost.

– CV input over the Expander part of the circuit (similar to gain)

– True wet/dry mix. – 35mm (1 3/8″) Deep

– Current Draw: 24mA @ -12v 32mA @ +12v 0mA @ +5v

Module Dimensions:

Height – 3U

Width – 6HP

Featured Music: Scientist (Drumcell Remix)

Artist: SONOIO

Album: NON RED

Released: 2011

Synthrotek Octave Fuzz Audio Sample

If you have any questions about the Synthrotek Octave Fuzz build, please feel free to contact us.  If you would like to purchase the Octave Fuzz kit, please click HERE to be redirected to Synthrotek where you can complete the purchase.

~ f i N

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Fonitronik Ps3100 Triple Vactrol Resonator – Time Lapse Build

December 13, 2018
General

Fonitronik Ps3100 Triple Vactrol Resonator - Time Lapse Build

In our latest build we take on the Fonitronik Ps3100 Triple Vactrol Resonator – A clone of the lovely triple resonator from the rare 1977 Korg Ps3100 polyphonic modular.

What we have here is basically a module combining three bandpass filters (vactrol based filter core from the PS3100) with a simple resettable LFO and some clever CV and signal routing.  The LFO is normalized to the common CV input, which is normalized to the 3 single CV inputs. the 3rd CV channel can be inverted.

Play Video

The build itself was a timely one and it took great patience and a skillful hand to complete.  As they stated in the description “Not for the beginner”, remained true.  We don’t recommend this kit to anyone just getting started in the Eurorack DIY realm as it can easily be overwhelming and a simple soldering mistake can cause feelings of anxiety and let down. 

Now, if you successfully complete the module as we did, the module itself can be a prize possession in your rack.  The triple vactrols do exactly what they say they will do and resonate some of the warmest sounds from the 1970’s.  Hence, another reason why this module is special.  The warmth of the analog audio is something that is rare to find in today’s Eurorack systems.  

If you are down for a challenge and are needing some much provided warmth in your rack, this might just be the perfect module for you!

Close Up - Fonitronik Ps3100 Triple Vactrol Resonator
Back Panel - Fonitronik Ps3100 Triple Vactrol Resonator
Left Side - Fonitronik Ps3100 Triple Vactrol Resonator
Right Side - Fonitronik Ps3100 Triple Vactrol Resonator
Front Panel - Fonitronik Ps3100 Triple Vactrol Resonator

Fonitronik Ps3100 Triple Vactrol Resonator Specifications:

Module Description:

– 3 single audio inputs + a common audio input,

– 3 single audio outputs + sum audio output

– 3 single CV inputs with attenuators + a common CV input

– LFO output, LFO reset input

Module Dimensions:

Height – 3U

Width – 20HP

If you have comments or questions about the Fonitronik Ps3100 Triple Vactrol Resonator, please feel free to contact us!

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Nonlinear Circuits Vactrol PiLL – Time Lapse Build

December 1, 2018
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Time Lapse Build: Nonlinear Circuits Vactrol PiLL (NLC Vac PLL)

Violent Behavior PCB

In this build, we take on the Nonlinear Circuits (NLC) Vactrol PiLL module. While the build itself wasn’t a difficult one, it did take some patience when it came to soldering the LED after mounting the panel. With most of the components already mounted, we recommend you use a very fine time on your soldering iron to be able to get to the LED solder points.

Also, make sure you don’t have a lot of coffee or caffeine in your system when it comes to building this module… save that for when you are done!

Play Video

The name is drawn from the two main components that define the function and characteristics of the module. One is the vactrol which is a light controlled resistor, these have an interesting effect whereas there is always a time delay whilst the resistor changes its value – this is a good thing and has been exploited by many synth designers, notably Don Buchla.

The PiLL is from a PLL – phase locked loop, this is a special purpose IC which contains number of subcircuits and usually used in radio and digital control circuits. It contains a VCO, logic gate and a phase detector meaning all fun stuff!  

You will notice that our panel is very different from the normal NLC panels. We opted for the White Magpie from Magpie Modular for its unique look and excellent print quality.  

Module Specifications:
Height – 3U
Width – 4HP

Panel:  White Magpie Custom

NLC Vactrol PiLL Front Panel
NLC Vactrol PiLL Side View
NLC Vactrol PiLL Main 1
NLC Vactrol PiLL Main 2
Violent Behavior PCB

If you have any questions about the module, the build or functionality please feel free to drop us a line and we will get back to you as soon as we can!

If you are interested in purchasing the DIY kit, head on over to Modular Addict and let them know that fiN Studios sent ya!

~ f i N

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Time Lapse Build: EOWAVE Weather Drones Module

November 8, 2018
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Time Lapse Build: EOWAVE Weather Drones - Mysterious & Wondrous Sounds

As the holiday season approaches and the weather turns colder, there was only one thing that could help soothe our weary modulation needs …. EOWAVE Weather Drones!  That’s right… we take on the wondrous and mysterious Weather Drones Module by EOWAVE in our latest DIY build.

Little is known about this module, but many describe as a “baby 0-Coast” due to all of its features and capabilities.  The EOWAVES Weather Drones can be self patched, or used with other eurorack modules via CV and trig inputs. 

Play Video

The build required a skillful and steady hand as many of the soldering points on the PCB board were very close together. We recommend using a fine tip point on your soldering iron and to make sure you have no coffee in your system when you assemble this module.

Module Specifications:

– Triangle based oscillator with spread (adds more triangle waveforms), character (wave folder), FM in with attenuator 

– Analog filter with two mod inputs one which is attenuated 

– AD envelope with level attenuation 

– VCA 

– LFO which is triangle or square out 

– Random noise function (driven by square LFO wave) which also has an attenuated slew output 

Module Dimensions:

Height – 3U
Width – 24hp

If you have any questions about the build, or the modules functions, please feel free to contact us and we will do our best to get back to you as soon as we can. 

If you are interested in purchasing the module, head on over to Modular Addict and let them know that fiN Studios sent ya.  

~ f i N

EOWAVE Weather Drones

EOWAVE Weather Drones Module

Mysterious, wondrous and just waiting to be patched ...

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