Tag: desktop synth

Circuit Benders UK drumBs – DIY Build

March 16, 2023
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Circuit Benders UK drumBs - DIY Build

This months modular build comes from CircuitBenders UK. drumBs is a eurorack or stand alone module that we happened to come across while surfing ETSY. Being that there were no full kits available, we opted for a red panel, and 2 PCBs (one logic board and one control board). 

Since we are currently working on building a drum rack with multiple modules, drumBs seemed like a natural choice for our system. drumBs is a tweaked version of the Syntom II, an analogue percussion project first published nearly four decades ago in the April 1983 edition of the mighty Electronics & Music Maker Magazine.

Drumbs - Completed Front

According to the ETSY listing and the CircuitBenders UK website, drumBs can “create a wide range of basic analogue percussive sounds and the synth features both a VCO and a noise source, along with a resonant noise filter and an auto roll function. It requires a +5V trigger source to drive the module”.  Let’s get on with the build shall we?

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Neutral Labs PIP – DIY Build

February 3, 2023
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Neutral Labs PIP - DIY Build

Neutral Labs PIP is two morph-able CV generators/complex LFOs in 8 HP that can be synced to each other in predefined ratios, unsynced or phase-shifted between each other. The module also allows you to record, morph and time-stretch your own external CV or knob movements. Like the NIJEL, PIP is an easy kit to build: It comes with most of the components pre-soldered. You will only have to solder pots, LEDs, buttons, as well as some jacks and sockets, so there is very little room for error with this build. Let’s get on with it … 

To start off, you will want to place the IC socket as well as the power header. You can place these parts and then flip the board over to tack down one pin. Adjust and reheat if needed. Once you have these in place, solder the rest of the pins into place. After completing this, mount the 4 switches on the front of the PCB. Do not solder them yet though. 

PIP - Completed Front
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Neutral Labs NIJEL – DIY Build

February 2, 2023
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Neutral Labs NIJEL - DIY Build

When it comes to distortion, Neutral Labs understands it, and harnesses it. They have done that again with their new module, NIJEL which uses the “nut” cards or other components to change the sound of the waveforms ran through the module.

NIJEL is an extremely easy kit to build: It comes with most of the components pre-soldered. You will only have to solder a pot, a spacer, some sockets and headers, so there is very little room for error. Enough with all of that though, let’s get on with the build. 

Completed Nijel
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Dreadbox Dysmetria – DIY Build

October 1, 2022
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Dreadbox Dysmetria - DIY Build

Known for their unique and limited edition synths, Dreadbox has done it again with their latest synth, the Dysmetria. A two part analog groove synthesizer, the Dysmetria has a lot going on in a small 42hp footprint. Since we just completed the Dreadbox Dysphonia, it only seemed natural to take the Dysmetria on right after for our second build of the fall season. 

As described by Dreadbox, “Dysmetria uses a subtractive synthesis mode, where 2 VCO’s and a White Noise Generator are summed up into a 2-pole Filter (Low Pass or Band Pass). Then a simple VCA follows. Only 2 Decay envelopes are available, one for the Amp and one for the Filter or the VCOs. Also the powerful FM circuit, helps a lot with its percussive sound”. 

Let’s get on with the build….

Dreadbox Dysmetria - Completed Front

The Dysmetria kit is rather extensive and consists of a lot of components. You will want to utilize several tools for the build itself. Make sure you have a good iron and plenty of solder. A multimeter to help measure values will also come in very handy.

~ Quick Links ~

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