Year: 2021

Synthrotek Power Pak, Adapt and S. Mult – DIY Builds

December 15, 2021
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Synthrotek Power Pak, Adapt 1/4 and Stereo Buffered Mult - DIY Builds

In the vast world of modular synthesis, one has to have many tools at their disposal to get the sounds they desire. Synthrotek has recently released a set of modular tools (modules) that have small footprint in ones case, but provide a big impact to some common simple issues. 

We picked up the Stereo Buffered Mult, the Power Pak as well as the Adapt 1/4 (Quarter); an adapter module that allows you to mix and match cable types/sizes. If you would like to jump to a particular build, use the quick links to the right.

For the most part, these builds are quick and any novice builder could tackle these as their first DIY projects. The panels are the standard black with a green PCB and of course the gang over at Synthrotek provide a printed BOM with each kit. Relatively inexpensive, you can purchase them below or directly from Synthrotek. 

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Setonix Synth Marsupial – DIY Build

November 4, 2021
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Setonix Synth Marsupial - DIY Build

Following up our last build of the Setonix Synth Boing!, we decided it was time for another back to back build of their Setonix Synth’s newest module, Marsupial. What is it you ask? 

The Marsupial is a dual VCF module that is based around the re-issued AS3350 filter IC. Due to its normalization between the control inputs and the parallel switch, the Setonix Synth Marsupial is a unique filter that can surprise any artist when patching it up. With that being said, let’s jump into the build.

Let's Get This Build Going..

Starting off with the build of this module, we will work on the backside of the PCB first. You will want to solder the 2×5-pin power header, 3-pin Series selection header, and two 25k multi-turn trimmers.

Be careful not to hold the iron on the parts for that long as you can release or damage some of the pre-soldered SMD components.

Don’t forget to place the plastic shunt over two of the three pins of the 3-pin header–”BP” will normalize Filter A’s Bandpass output to the Series switch, while “LP” will normalize Filter A’s Lowpass output to the same.

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Setonix Synth Boing! – DIY Build

November 4, 2021
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Setonix Synth Boing! - DIY Build

As many modular manufacturers come and go, we often are intrigued by the not so well known ones. Setonix Synth is one of these, and we have to say that they are coming onto the scene with a HUGE BOING! Located in upstate New York and started in 2021, Setonix Synth derives its name from a little cute marsupial from Western Australia. (thats pretty rad). 

We happened to be surfing ETSY one evening and came across the Setonix Synth Boing! by chance. It was a partial DIY kit and it was very reasonable priced. We ordered it up and waited for it to arrive. Upon its arrival, we knew it would be a fast build due to the SMD components being all tacked down. 

Setonix Synth Boing! - What is it?

The Setonix Synth Boing! is a discrete transistor based low pass gate with some grit. It is a light dependent circuit that uses vactrols and a JFET transistor input and output stages. The Boing also uses an active LED control circuit, thus allowing for negative feedback and some gnarly overdrive…. basically, its a kick ass 4hp module that everyone needs in their rack. 

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Synthrotek Quadrangle – DIY Build

October 28, 2021
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Synthrotek Quadrangle - DIY Build

The Synthrotek Quadrangle is a quad cascading triggered envelope generator with bipolar output attenuversion and is 20HP module with a lot of versatility. With 4 cascading envelope generators and user voltage control over attacks and decay/release, this module is in a class all to itself. 

As the fall season slowly began creeping in, we decided to go back and see what kits we had left to build for the year. To our surprise, we totally forgot that we had the mysterious Quadrangle from Synthrotek up on our build wall. This was partially due to the studio remodel and the continuous go go go of daily life. 

The Kit...

When we opened up the kit, the first thing we noticed was the size of the boards. This was a BIG module. 20HP to be exact. It consisted of 2 PCBs and one panel. We ordered the kit with the black panel but Synthrotek also offers a silver panel. As this kit was a big one, we knew we where in good hands with the amount of build data there would be available.

Included in the kit was a printed BOM as well as all the components you need to complete the kit.

Intermediate to advanced builders will not have an issue with this build, whereas novice builders could struggle due to tight soldering pads. 

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