fiN Studios ~ Experience. Sound. Design.

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.

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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!

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!

Nonlinear Circuits Vactrol PiLL – Time Lapse Build

December 1, 2018 finstudios

Build DIY Eurorack Modular Review Videos

Time Lapse Build: Nonlinear Circuits Vactrol PiLL (NLC Vac PLL)

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!

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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

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

Time Lapse Build: EOWAVE Weather Drones Module

November 8, 2018 finstudios

Build DIY Eurorack Modular Updates Videos

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.

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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

oRigiNs – Cover Art Comparison 2001 vs 2018

October 31, 2018 finstudios

Album News General maKo Merch Products Release Information Remaster Updates

As we approached the reissue of the oRigiNs album by maKo, we decided to take a look back at the cover art and compare it to the new reissued artwork and what it will look like upon its release in 2019. We had originally scheduled this release for October of 2018, but decided to pull the album back for some last minute tweaks in the mastering and production.

Since this audio was recorded on audio cassette circa 1994 and then issued on CD in 2001, the master files needed some heavy duty reworking. To bring you the best sound possible, we decided to push this one back and move forward with the new maKo single titled “griNd“, as well as the remastering of his previous EPs “aNgel” and it’s b-sides “fa113_n“. These reissues will release after the single and oRigiNs will follow thereafter.

Updated Release Timeline: maKo

December 2019 – griNd

January 2019 – aNgel EP

February 2019 – fa113_n (aNgel b-sides EP)

TBD Q1 2019 – oRigiNs

Time Lapse Build: Two Tone Dual Low Pass Gate

September 26, 2018 finstudios

Build DIY Eurorack General Modular Review Updates Videos

Time Lapse Build: Two Tone Dual Low Pass Gate - Black and Gold Edition

In our latest build, we take on the custom Two Tone Dual Low Pass Gate Eurorack module. This is the new 2018 Black and Gold version released earlier this year and needless to say … it comes packed full of surprises and killer tones!

Purely customizable by the builder and with their choice of capacitors, one can simply change the sound of this LPG by swapping out the capacitors with one of their liking. Another cool thing about this module is that it’s completely passive… that’s right.. PASSIVE. We are anxious to get this into our rack and had to pick one up as soon as we heard the amazing warmth this little 3HP module provided.

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Now you may be asking, what is all this LPG, VCA and Passive talk? Let us explain…

By definition, a Low Pass Gate is basically a low pass Voltage Controlled Filter (VCF) configured to act like a VCA. A VCA or Voltage Controlled Amplifier is an amplifier whose gain is set by the voltage level of a control signal. Sometimes VCA’s are called Voltage Controlled Attenuators so don’t get confused if you see them called either because they are both the same thing. Now, with regard to synths, the VCA is usually the last point that a signal goes through before being sent to the output; i.e. the VCA determines the output volume level of a played note.

With regard to the Low Pass Gate Filters (VCA’s) that is used in many West Coast Synthesis, the LPG doesn’t allow audio to pass through it when there is no control signal passing through it. Its cutoff frequency is way beyond subsonic range and well below the threshold of audio frequencies. When triggered by a control voltage, this causes the cutoff frequency to rise and allows audio to pass through. Often times Low Pass Gates used vactrols to help them mimic percussive sounds due to the short bursts of control voltage being fed to them.

In the case of the Two Tone Dual Low Pass Gate, it not only uses dual vactrols to help shape its sound, but it does this without relying on power to control the voltage passing through it. This classifies the Two Tone Dual LPG as a Passive Module, meaning “containing no source of electromotive force”. This means you can save those precious flying bus cables for other modules that need the rest of the juice.

Overall, this is an amazing West Coast module that has a lot packed into 3HP… and with that being said …we might have to pick up another just for fun because one can never have enough VCA’s!

Purchasing Info:

Fully assembled modules can be purchased by clicking on this link to be redirected to Jon Moshiers REVERB shop.

DIY kits can be purchased by contacting Jon directly, or by sending us an inquiry on our Contact Page.

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fiN Studios

Fonitronik Ps3100 Triple Vactrol Resonator – Time Lapse Build

Fonitronik Ps3100 Triple Vactrol Resonator - Time Lapse Build

Fonitronik Ps3100 Triple Vactrol Resonator Specifications:

Nonlinear Circuits Vactrol PiLL – Time Lapse Build

Time Lapse Build: Nonlinear Circuits Vactrol PiLL (NLC Vac PLL)

Time Lapse Build: EOWAVE Weather Drones Module

Time Lapse Build: EOWAVE Weather Drones - Mysterious & Wondrous Sounds

EOWAVE Weather Drones Module

oRigiNs – Cover Art Comparison 2001 vs 2018

Time Lapse Build: Two Tone Dual Low Pass Gate

Time Lapse Build: Two Tone Dual Low Pass Gate - Black and Gold Edition

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