Tag: pause

Synthrotek DIRT – DIY Build

Synthrotek DIRT Eurorack Module - DIY Build

Completed DIRT Module
Completed DIRT Module

A classic Synthrotek filter, the DIRT is a 4HP module that is a necessity in any modular system. We actually have two of these and forgot to do a build video for the first… so guess what we did? You got it, a time lapse build of our second little module with grit.

What is the Synthrotek DIRT? It is described as a low-pass filter or effect module for eurorack modular systems. It has three knobs all which coinside with different variables of tone/sound. It can be used for filtering, ring mod effects, wave shaping and even harmonic distortion (which you can hear in our audio samples below).

Let’s get on with the build shall we?

How hard was the build?

The Synthrotek DIRT is a pretty simple build actually. It took about an hour to complete with a few stops along the way to change the tunes and grab some knobs for customization. 

One thing you want to make sure to pay attention to is the polarity of the caps (as usual) and the values of the potentiometers. There are only three pots, but all three have different values. The nice thing is that Synthrotek provides a great assembly guide and packed BOM for your reference. When referring to the assembly instructions, you will find that there are actually three different versions of the Synthrotek DIRT. A 9V standalone version (for pedals) and 2 eurorack versions are available. (At the time of this review, PCB version 2.2 is the current version). 


Delta Sound Labs: Saber, Origami & Mobula DIY

Delta Sound Labs - Saber, Origami and Mobula DIY Builds

Delta Sound Labs have been around awhile, but they were not really known for DIY Kits. Their eurorack modules (the Saber, Mobula and Origami) were all available as fully assembled modules which could be ordered at various locations on the web.

We longed for the Delta Sound Labs (DSL) modules shortly after watching a couple of videos about the filters. Since we are DIY guys, we were ecstatic when Delta Sound Labs announced DIY kits in June of 2019. 

Origami_Sabre_Mobula_Racked

For our first “builds” of 2020, we took on the three DSL modules in one fail swoop. Each module has its own build video and we encourage you to take the time to watch the videos if you are interested in purchasing one of the kits. 

There are some pro’s and con’s about their kits which don’t make or break the builds, but its information one needs to know.  Now, let’s get on with the builds. 


Synthrotek Roboto – DIY Build

Synthrotek ROBOTO - Eurorack Modular Build

Synthrotek Roboto DIY Kit
Roboto Eurorack DIY Kit by Synthrotek

As 2019 came winding down, the gang out at Synthrotek sent us over the Roboto Eurorack DIY kit and low and behold, we were onto another build. The Synthrotek Roboto was originally released in 2017, but has quickly become a staple in a lot of musicians racks due to its versatility and uniqueness. 

From the first module in our rack, we have always had our eyes on the Synthrotek Roboto. We were excited to finally take this one and see what it could do. Roboto is known as a vocoder, pitch shifter, speak-n-spell effect processor, vibrato provider, an 8-bit modulator or plain and simple…  a bit crusher.

Now, let’s get on with the build.


Synthrotek Arcadian Rhythms – DIY Build

Synthrotek Arcadian Rhythms - DIY Modular Build

Completed Module

As the new year draws upon us, we take on a brand new module originally introduced at Knobcon 2019. The Synthrotek Arcadian Rhythms is a touch controller that brings the feel of the retro arcade right to eurorack. 

The design of the module is quite simple. Three arcade buttons, a power header, some standoffs, three jacks, a few resistors and a couple trimmers make up the module. This simple, yet intricate little design gives even the novice builder a chance to take a stab at DIY.

Synthrotek have always had a knack for ensuring that the builder is well suited to tackle their builds. They not only include a BOM with their kits, but they post their BOM and assembly instructions on their website as well.

Now, enough with all that… let’s get on with the build.