Tag: LPG

Setonix Synth Boing! – DIY Build

November 4, 2021
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Setonix Synth Boing! - DIY Build

As many modular manufacturers come and go, we often are intrigued by the not so well known ones. Setonix Synth is one of these, and we have to say that they are coming onto the scene with a HUGE BOING! Located in upstate New York and started in 2021, Setonix Synth derives its name from a little cute marsupial from Western Australia. (thats pretty rad). 

We happened to be surfing ETSY one evening and came across the Setonix Synth Boing! by chance. It was a partial DIY kit and it was very reasonable priced. We ordered it up and waited for it to arrive. Upon its arrival, we knew it would be a fast build due to the SMD components being all tacked down. 

Setonix Synth Boing! - What is it?

The Setonix Synth Boing! is a discrete transistor based low pass gate with some grit. It is a light dependent circuit that uses vactrols and a JFET transistor input and output stages. The Boing also uses an active LED control circuit, thus allowing for negative feedback and some gnarly overdrive…. basically, its a kick ass 4hp module that everyone needs in their rack. 

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Synthrotek Dual Low Pass Gate – DIY Build

March 11, 2021
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Synthrotek Dual Low Pass Gate (LPG) - DIY Build

SR LPG - Completed Module

Lately, we have been on a kick with the slider series from Synthrotek and for this build, we took on the Synthrotek Dual Low Pass Gate (LPG)! If you were to ask any modular artist if they had a LPG in their rack, 9 out of 10 artists would answer with a yes. It is a staple in modular racks and this is especially so with West Coast Synthesis. Synthrotek kicks it up a notch by giving us not one, but two low pass gates in one 4hp module.

 Another badass thing about this module is that when you are not using at an LPG, you can use it as a VCA! (one can’t have enough VCAs!) When in VCA mode, it bypasses the low pass filter and resonance leaving color out of your audio input. 

The Build...

Before we jump right into the build, take a minute to deconstruct the kit itself. Synthrotek does and always has offered outstanding documentation and reference material on their website. They have also included a visual BOM with the kit to help move the process along.

Being that the Dual Low Pass Gate is apart of the slider series of modules released by Synthrotek, this module would sport the same beautiful slider pots and sleek black panel. We recommend that you have some soldering skills prior to taking on this build. Even though its not really an advanced build, it does require a very steady hand and clean iron (also the board mating can get tricky if you jump the gun).

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Waveform Magazine Catwalk LPG/VCA – DIY Build

December 16, 2020
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Waveform Magazine Catwalk Cattenuator - DIY Build

As we tackled the Waveform Magazine Cattenuator, it was now time to tackle the new LPG/VCA. Like the previous build and the Mini Mult Catwalk, these modules take up about 12HP of space in your rack. Their footprint is small and their impact is huge. As previously stated, Waveform Magazine is on point with their Catwalk series. In case you have missed any of the previous builds or reviews, check out the quick links below to learn more.

Project #5 - Catwalk LPG and VCA

Let’s get onto the builds shall we? Building the Catwalk VCA or the Catwalk LPG is relatively easy. The most difficult part of this build is assembling the vactrol or optocoupler as its sometimes called. An opto-isolator (also called an optocoupler, photocoupler, or optical isolator) is an electronic component that transfers electrical signals between two isolated circuits by using light. 

You will be putting together 2 of the optocouplers for this set of Catwalks, so turn on your iron and get ready to dive right in. 

Quick Links:

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Waveform Magazine Cattenuator – DIY Build

December 16, 2020
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Waveform Magazine Catwalk Cattenuator - DIY Build

Issue #5 of Waveform Magazine is hot off the press and is steaming with all sorts of amazing modular goodness. With its reviews, interviews, industry news and modular kits, it is no wonder that so many modular enthusiasts look forward to each issue.

Since the magazines first release, we have been building the WF kits as soon as we get our hands on them. Here are the previous projects that Waveform has released and we have had the opportunity to build/review.

Issue/Project #1: PT2399 Delay

Issue/Project #2: The Gateway Oscilloscope 

Issue/Project #3: The Switchenator 

Issue/Project #4: Catwalk – Mult, Mini Mult and Ribbon 

Project #5 - Cattenuator!

As with all of the previous builds, the quality and the ingenuity continues to get better and better. Waveform really threw everyone for a shocker with their “Catwalk” series from Issue #4, being that neither of the projects took up any space in ones rack (hence the name “catwalk”).

Issue #5 is no different and we are fortunate to have another x3 Catwalk modules (actually 4, the Catwalk Attenuator contains x2 of the same modules). With all that being said and done, let us get on with the builds so you too can see how cool these new Catwalk modules are! If you would like to bypass and jump to a specific Catwalk module, use the quick links below.

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