Month: May 2019

Synthrotek Eurorack Nandamonium MK2 Build

Synthrotek Nandamonium MK2 Euroack Module - DIY Build

For our most recent build, we take on the 2019 Synthrotek Eurorack Nandamonium MK2. It is described as a module with low pulsing drones enhanced by high-pitched laser sounds and dive bombs. It contains 6 square oscillators with a delay. Originally released as a desktop synth, Synthrotek has brought the Nandamonium back in 2019 and made it available to Eurorack owners worldwide. It is available preassembled, as a DIY Kit or a Panel/PCB combo.

At a whopping 38HP, this dual 4093 NAND synth is a beast and the sounds that you can get out of it will bring a unique and edgy sound to your modular rack. Desktop synth users, don’t fret.  Synthrotek has you covered.  They also produce a desktop module, complete in 3 forms (Assembled, DIY Kit and Panel/PCB combo) Let’s get onto the build …

Nandamonium - Completed Module
The Synthrotek Nandamonium MK2 - 2019 Eurorack Module - 6 drone oscillating madness!

Nonlinear Circuits Bong0 Module – DIY Build

NLC Bong0 Module - DIY Build

As our summer kicks off,  we take on a new build … the Nonlinear Circuits Bong0 Module.  We decided to take a break from the hole-through components and try out our soldering skills with SMD components. Surface Mount Devices or SMD are different from your basic hole-through builds in that the components are mounted as stated … on the surface of the PCB board.  The actual terminology for this is known as SMT or Surface Mount Technology.  

So what’s the big difference between hole-through vs surface mount components?  Usually the size of the component.  SMD components are small… some of them are VERY small. One’s choices in tool selection is also different as well.  You can use solder paste and hot air guns or you can use small gauge solder and your trusty iron if you choose to.  For the NLC Bong0, we chose small gauge solder and good ol iron sides. 

Ok … enough of the technical jargon, let’s get onto the NLC Bong0 and the build/review itself!