Tag: LFO

FRUKU Itora – DIY Build

December 10, 2022
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FRUKU ITORA - DIY Build

As the winter months approach, we find ourselves wanting to build more modules that are unique and serve a purpose. FRUKU as you know is a buddy of ours and like modules previously built, they serve a purpose. One of his latest modules is named Itora which we have no idea what significance that name means, but we had to have it.

The Itora according to FRUKU is a “cascaded” LFO module with four independent unsynced LFO speeds that are all controlled with one knob. Each LFO has a square and triangle wave output and the module features a cv input (with attenuator) for the speed parameters. Sounds rad huh? We thought so too, which is why this module is our most recent build. 

Links and more links…

Below are a series of links that have been provided by FRUKU to help assist with the use, building and buying of the ITORA.

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.

BOM – https://fruku.club/wp-content/uploads/Itora-BOM.pdf

Build guide – https://fruku.club/wp-content/uploads/Itora-Build-Guide.pdf

Modular Grid Page – https://www.modulargrid.net/e/fruku-itora

ETSY Store Page – https://www.etsy.com/listing/1264387868/itora-cascaded-lfo-eurorack-module

Let’s get on with the build…

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Division 6 Dual Mini Synthesizer – DIY Build

September 17, 2022
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Division 6 Dual Mini Synthesizer - DIY Build

D6 - Completed Module Close

Division 6 is the maker of unique modular and desktop synths and one of their latest creations is perhaps one of the coolest. The Dual Mini Synthesizer is a two part modular synth that houses two complete synthesizer voices. They are based on the Business Card Synthesizer with all its 8-bit goodness, but adds CV inputs for most of the controls. With that being said, it is also makes the perfect pair partnered with the Dual Mini Sequencer that we built awhile ago.  

Since we didn’t go into great detail on the Dual Mini Sequencer build, we decided to do this one a proper write up and review. Now, enough about all that, let’s get on with the build!

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Erica Synths Modulator II – DIY Build

April 13, 2021
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Erica Synths Modulator II - DIY Build

Completed Front - Modulator

Following our last build of the Erica Synths Mixer II module, we decided to go back to back by taking on the Erica Synths Modulator II. This DIY module is essentially an LFO with simultaneous triangle and square wave outputs. It is a clockable S&H module with external CV input and noise source. It is also one of the new kits currently being offered by the gang over at Synthrotek.

Apart of the DIY series from Erica Synths, the Modulator II is unique in that it not only has one noise source, but two. Noise sources come in the form of “backpack” PCBs that one can swap for different tones of noise. You have the choice of transistor-based or Zener diode-based noise generator for massive, full spectrum white noise.

As you start this build, it can easily feel overwhelming upon cracking open the kit being that there are multiple PCBs and a bunch of components. Synthrotek did a great job on this kit by providing a clear BOM which we have scanned and linked below. They also separated all of the components for each backpack PCB so that the parts could be located quickly and partnered with the correct board.

IMPORTANT: Before we jump into the build, take note that this is not a build for novice builders. This is due to the very tight soldering pads, poor layout of the silkscreen and one’s ability to read a BOM. You do not want to go into this build not knowing how to read or build from a BOM, being that there is little to no step by step assembly instructions.

The Erica Synths assembly guide is really generalized compared to most DIY build guides we have seen from other companies (but hey, thats why we are writing this up and recording our videos).

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Laurentide Synthworks VG2 – DIY Build

March 18, 2019
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Laurentide Synthworks VG2 Eurorack Module - DIY Build

Laurentide Synthworks VG2 is a Passive Dual Vactrol Gate meaning no power is needed to get some awesome sounds out of this eurorack module!  Each Vactrol Gate on the VG2 has 1 CV Input (gate, envelope, LFO, etc.), 1 Audio Input and 1 Audio Output. The CV Input hits the Vactrol LED, allowing whatever audio to pass through.

In addition, there is a simple Low Pass Filter applied to the Audio Output with an amount (i.e. Cutoff) knob. As this is a passive circuit, it will not give you full cutoff control, but it does allow the calming of brash wave shapes. There is also an LED at the CV Input for a quick visual reference of the incoming signal.

Laurentide Synthworks VG2

Keep in mind that a passive circuit using a vactrol can cause subtile differences in tone and output sound. One may be slightly “louder” than the other, or one might have a longer or shorter release time. One circuit could be better suited for drums or percussion while the other might process harmonies or sequences more to your liking.

That being said, each vactrol or VG2 is unique in its sound.  Being that the Laurentide Synthworks VG2 is available as a DIY kit only, this gives the builder the opportunity to tweak some of the resistors and vactrols and thus making each individual build unique in itself.

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