Tag: oscillator

Erica Synths Polivoks Envelope Generator – DIY Build

Erica Synths Polivoks Envelope Generator - DIY Build

With October coming to a close, we decided to take on one more build for the month. This time we took on the Erica Synths Polivoks Envelope Generator kit by Synthrotek. We were lucky enough to get our hands on one of these modules being that the recent supply chains have been challenged. 

Many of the DIY kits are either sold out or components have been scarce. Upon getting the kit, we took a moment to review the BOM and Assembly Guide provided by Erica Synths and dove right in upon receipt of the kit.  


Division 6 Dual Mini Synthesizer – DIY Build

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!


Dreadbox Dysphonia – DIY Build

Dreadbox Dysphonia - DIY Build

As the summer months begin to subside and the fall weather moves in, we found ourselves going through our extensive list of kits to finally run across a kit we totally forgot about. Made by Dreadbox, the Dysphonia was billed as a single run, limited edition Full Voice Synthesizer
with Open Architecture. 

Being that we have a soft spot for Dreadbox’s limited edition synths, we decided to take this build on as our first build of the fall. At 42hp, the Dreadbox Dysphonia is a little beast with patching in mind. We pulled the kit down from the shelf and jumped right in. 

Dreadbox Dysphonia - Kit

The kit (currently sold out) consists of a lot of jacks (x46), some slide pots (x8), regular pots (x13) and a few other odds and ends. It is a quick and easy build but it requires some patience when working with the jacks. As tedious as it is to place and solder these, it is apart of the process.

Thankfully, Dreadbox supplied the builder with this complete assembly guide to help you through the process. 


Erica Synths Polivoks VCO – DIY Build

Erica Synths Polivoks VCO - DIY Build

ES VCO - Boards 1

Erica Synths have been around for awhile and while most of their previous offerings in the modular world were fully built modules, they do have some DIY kits. The Erica Synths Polivoks VCO or Voltage Controlled Oscillator is one of those modules. 

The core of this VCO is borrowed from the famous Russian synth Polivoks VCO, and original matched transistor IC is the same of that was used in Polivoks. These two things give this VCO a very well rounded and beefy sound. (We liked it so much we have 2 of these). 

The gang over at Synthrotek have made these kits available in all their entirety. They have several options available to purchase (links below), including a fully assembled module if you do not feel like building anything. We opted for the full DIY Kit as usual and began warming up or irons!