Month: February 2020

Synthrotek DIRT – DIY Build

February 16, 2020
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Synthrotek DIRT Eurorack Module - DIY Build

Completed DIRT Module
Completed DIRT Module

A classic Synthrotek filter, the DIRT is a 4HP module that is a necessity in any modular system. We actually have two of these and forgot to do a build video for the first… so guess what we did? You got it, a time lapse build of our second little module with grit.

What is the Synthrotek DIRT? It is described as a low-pass filter or effect module for eurorack modular systems. It has three knobs all which coinside with different variables of tone/sound. It can be used for filtering, ring mod effects, wave shaping and even harmonic distortion (which you can hear in our audio samples below).

Let’s get on with the build shall we?

How hard was the build?

The Synthrotek DIRT is a pretty simple build actually. It took about an hour to complete with a few stops along the way to change the tunes and grab some knobs for customization. 

One thing you want to make sure to pay attention to is the polarity of the caps (as usual) and the values of the potentiometers. There are only three pots, but all three have different values. The nice thing is that Synthrotek provides a great assembly guide and packed BOM for your reference. When referring to the assembly instructions, you will find that there are actually three different versions of the Synthrotek DIRT. A 9V standalone version (for pedals) and 2 eurorack versions are available. (At the time of this review, PCB version 2.2 is the current version). 

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MIXIV By Synthrotek – DIY Build

February 12, 2020
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Synthrotek MIXIV - Eurorack Modular DIY

MIXIV Completed Front

As February came around, we were pondering Eurorack mixing and how to achieve the best possible mix of either CV (control voltage) or audio. We had always used mixers outside of the racks, but we wanted something more portable.

The gang over at Synthrotek had just the released their first SMD module and it was right up our alley. The 4HP MIXIV by Synthrotek is in its simplest form is DC coupled and can mix audio and CV signals with the quick slider of a knob.

Prior to the MIXIV (pronounced Mix 4) build, we wanted to get the close up view and picked up a digital microscope in order to “see” what we were doing more precisely. This also gave us the chance to record some sweet videos to post in our time lapse build. You can check it out down below.

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