Tag: eurorack sequencer

Synthrotek VERB – DIY Build

September 27, 2020
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Synthrotek VERB- DIY Build

As described by the Synthrotek site, “the Synthrotek Verb is a reverb module like no other. This three PT2399 unit offers a warm tape saturated spring reverb like sound but with the added flair of the subtle modulation which truly makes it shine.” This was enough for us to decide to take on the VERB on for the next build of September 2020.

Unlike a lot of other reverb modules, this one does not require a “tank” to produce its reverb. It relies on the x3 PT2399 circuits that were previous utilized in other delay modules. 

The PT2399 is back … again.

We won’t go into all of the technical jargon like we have in previous builds (see Synthrotek DLY and Waveform Magazine Delay builds), but we will say that the PT2399 is a very versatile IC. It can be used for delay’s, echo’s and even reverbs (as this module uses them).

To keep it simple, the IC takes in analog audio input and converts it into digital stream of bits to add a digital delay to it. This audio delayed audio signal is then provided as output (ie. perfect for these module types).

On with the build ...

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Synthrotek DLY (Delay) – DIY Build

September 14, 2020
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Synthrotek DLY (Delay) - DIY Build

Synthrotek DLY Kit

Delay, echo, reverb and distortion are all common effects for synthesis and in the world of modular synthesis, they make all the difference in the world. Synthrotek have had a long history of effects modules in their lineup and the DLY module is one of their finest.

The DLY is a PT2399 based delay module that can be dialed in to fit the users preferred range of delay due to the independent rate control. 

Another rad feature of the module is that unlike the ECHO module by Synthrotek, the DLY has a true wet/dry mix knob, giving the module its unique character and allowing it to be chained within the effects loop. Since fall was upon us, we decided to take on a couple of the companies legendary effects modules for our latest builds.

The PT2399...

Before we jump into the build video and all that jazz, let’s revisit an old friend of ours.. the PT2399 IC. You might recall a previous build of the Waveform Magazine PT2399 Delay module, where a karaoke module was converted into a delay module.

The Synthrotek DLY utilizes the same chipset. Aforementioned in the Waveform build, the PT2399 is a CMOS echo/delay processor developed by Princeton Technology Corp. It includes an ADC (Analog to Digital converter), 44Kb of RAM to store the samples and a DAC (Digital to Analog converter).

This chip was created as a simple solution to add delay/reverb/echo to karaokes and set-up entertainment systems. What does this all mean? This means that the chip is a perfect candidate for a delay module and the gang at Synthrotek decided to base a module around it.

Onward with the build ...

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Synthrotek Sequence 8 – DIY Build

August 2, 2020
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Synthrotek Sequence 8 - DIY Build

Seq 8 - BW Snazzy

For our first DIY build of August we are taking on the Synthrotek Sequence 8, a classic sequencer with an easy to use interface. If you are like us, you know that the heart of any modular system consists of two key things; clocks and sequencers.

Clocks are important because they tell the sequencer or modules at what pace to send a trigger or gate. A clocks counterpart, the sequencer controls at what point the gate or trigger is sent to the corresponding module (ie. drums, percussion, oscillator, LFO, etc). 

These give modular music their rhythm and flow. Without clocks or sequencers, your modular performance would just randomly trigger sounds and it would sound like a train wreck.

We needed to add another sequencer to one of our racks, and after doing research the classic interface of the Synthrotek Sequence 8 just made sense. The Sequence 8 is described as an “analog 8-step sequencer that is a traditional 8-step sequencer with some extremely handy features.”  We knew it was what we were looking for and therefore, we ordered up a kit and we were well on our way. 

On with the build…

The Sequence 8 DIY kit consists of x2 PCBs and x1 Panel. There are a lot of knobs, pots and jacks to go along with the kit, so don’t get overwhelmed by that. Along with all of the aforementioned are LEDs, resistors, capacitors, headers, ICs and all the other components needed to assemble the module. 

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