Tag: DIY

Synthrotek 1U Stereo Output Mixer – DIY Build

Synthrotek 1U Stereo Output Mixer - DIY Build

If you are like us and have multiple modular racks in your studio, there comes a time when you end up with a row of 1U. We didn’t have one until we purchased a lunchbox case from the gang at Synthrotek.

With 44hp to spare in our 1U slots, we opted for 2 modules that will fill up the space completely and be very useful. The first module we bought was the Synthrotek 1U Stereo Output Mixer.

This module not only made sense, it was to be our go to for all audio leaving the case.

Considering we have built many modules prior, we didn’t expect to have any issues building the 1U module (PulpLogic format), so let’s get on with it. 


Circuit Benders UK drumBs – DIY Build

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?


Synthrotek XFD – DIY Build

Synthrotek XFD - DIY Builds

The gang over at Synthrotek have done it again with another crossfader module, only this time it can work with video as well. According to SR, “the XFD is a CV-controlled vactrol-based crossfader module, ideal for both audio and bipolar CV sources.

It can be used as a cv-controlled attenuator: connecting just one input allows the signal to quickly fade in a VCA-like fashion.” For our build, we chose the audio version of the module whereas both are currently available in the links below. 


Reverse Landfill Noise v8 – DIY Build

Reverse Landfill Noise (v8) - DIY Build

As many of you know, Reverse Landfill is one of our favorite manufacturers. Their gritty and raw approach to synthesis brings a whole new level to making modular music or just harsh noise. Through several iterations, the NOISE module has become a staple in Martijn’s lineup.

Most recently, the v9 was released but our focus is on the Noise v8. A kindred spirit to our original Noise module which was one of our very first modules. 

According to RL, the Noise! Synthesizer is a “CMOS IC based instrument. The synth has 4 square wave oscillators that modulate each other and go through a clock divider and after all that the separate divider outputs are mixed and shaped together”.

It is very suited as a source of snares, hi-hats or as an un-pure noise texture. With anything, we were excited to get on with the build, so we grabbed our BOM, ordered up the parts and waited for everything to arrive. 

Links and more links…

Below are a series of links that have been provided by Reverse Landfill to help assist with the use, building and buying of the Noise module.

Of course, we are here for you as well if you have any questions while building the module. Just hit us up on our Contact Page.