Tag: analog

Analog Lab.Swiss Dual Sub101A – DIY Build

Analog Lab.Swiss Dual Sub101A - DIY Build

Here at fiN Studios, we are continuously looking for new and exciting modules, synths or pedals to build. Not only do we utilize them in our own racks, we enjoy helping promote other artists or instrument designers. 

One of our most recent finds is the Analog-Lab.Swiss Sub 101A Duo which is a dual sub-oscillator eurorack module. There is even have a single version of the 101A if you only wanted one. We opted for the Dual Sub101A and have to admit, we are glad we did. 

What is the Sub101A?

The Sub101A is a 6HP Eurorack Module who’s circuit adds a square wave sub-oscillator to your rack. In layman’s terms, it adds more bass or low end to the output of anything going into it. This is accomplished by tracking an oscillator signal from a VCO and then generating a square wave that is -1 or -2 octaves below that. Needless to say, it goes low!!

You can also mix between the 2 sub-octaves which can give the output a sound similar to the famous Roland SH-101 pulse.

Let’s get on with the build!!

Sub101A Kit

BEFACO KICKALL Eurorack Module – DIY Build

BEFACO KICKALL Eurorack Module - DIY Build

Befaco Kickall Packaging

As we head into the summer months here at fiN Studios, we take on our second build of the month … the Befaco KICKALL Eurorack Module. 

The KICKALL is a 6HP compact synth voice that features damn near everything you need to make a big fat KICK sound. This module is a powerhouse. It contains a VCO that tracks voltage per octave, an aggressive wave shaper and has the ability to use CV to control envelopes and pitch.

CV is controllable from Sine to Square wave shaping and the envelope decay for the main VCA is also CV controlled. So, what does this mean?  It’s a badass kick drum synth! 

What about that design?

Before we get into the logistics of the build, we want to take a moment to appreciate the Befaco KICKALL dual PCB layout. As a pretty complex and time consuming build, the two PCBs, once joined are a tight fit.  One would question how they did this so well, but designers uncanny knack to make each piece integrate with the other is amazing. You have to take a step back and appreciate its ingenuity and design.

This can also make for a difficult time for the novice DIYer. You have to be precise with your soldering points. Even as a more experienced builder, we took the time to finesse the module PCBs together.  The main thing here is that you want to make sure that you have no high tips in your solder points as they can short the boards or cause unwanted issues.  With all that being said, let’s get onto the build…