Tag: rhythms

Synthrotek DIRT – DIY Build

February 16, 2020
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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). 

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Synthrotek Roboto – DIY Build

December 27, 2019
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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.

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Synthrotek Arcadian Rhythms – DIY Build

November 29, 2019
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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.

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