Tag: NOISE

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.


Synthrotek AstroNoise – DIY Build

Synthrotek AstroNoise - DIY Build

Inspired by 80’s chip tune drum machines, the Synthrotek AstroNoise contains 3 different vintage tones that can give your track something its been missing. Originally released as a DIY project for Knobcon, the AstroNoise came into the world of modular last year in all of its nostalgic glory.

Since we could not make it to Knobcon 2021, we were thankful that this kit made it into the wild. Let’s get on with the build!

The Build...

Upon cracking open the kit, the novice builder could be overwhelmed by the number of things going on. Multiple ICs, bags of LEDs and switches and pots that are not labeled. Synthrotek includes the BOM with their kit and it also available online if that is easier to access. This is essential in building this kit, as well as having a way to test resistors in case any of them got shuffled in the packing or shipping. First things first; start by separating everything (make sure to keep the LEDs in their bags until you get to that part of the build)


Reverse Landfill Veratrum – DIY Build

Reverse Landfill Veratrum - DIY Build

Reverse Landfill’s modules never cease to amaze us and lo and behold they have done it again with the Veratrum; a noise and texture voice with brutal chaos. What is it you ask?

The Veratrum was a intership project between Reverse Landfill‘s own Martijn Verhallen and Freek / FRUKU. It took over 4 months to develop and in the end the Veratrum Noise Module was born. 

Veratrum contains 5 oscillators that go through a “pseudo” ring modulator and this in turn creates chaotic drones and swarming sounds. It has 2 audio outputs (square swarm & filtered) and one LFO output which when used at really low frequencies, blips and clicks seemingly are on the attack. 

Reverse Landfill Logo
Completed Front - Veratrum

The Reverse Landfill Veratrum eurorack module also features two touch pads that control the volume and pitch of two oscillators. Its unique look and cryptic control surface mirror that of its brethren modules produced by Reverse Landfill. Now let’s get on with the build shall we?

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 Veratrum.

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.


Erica Synths Modulator II – DIY Build

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).