Tag: Slider Series

Synthrotek XFD – DIY Build

March 9, 2023
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Synthrotek XFD - DIY Builds

The gang over at Synthrotek have done it again with another crossfader module, only this time it can work with video as well. According to SR, “the XFD is a CV-controlled vactrol-based crossfader module, ideal for both audio and bipolar CV sources.

It can be used as a cv-controlled attenuator: connecting just one input allows the signal to quickly fade in a VCA-like fashion.” For our build, we chose the audio version of the module whereas both are currently available in the links below. 

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Synthrotek VCA – DIY Build

November 16, 2022
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Synthrotek Crossfader (CF) and 2hp Buff Mult - DIY Builds

We all know that you can’t have enough VCA’s in a modular system. The gang over at Synthrotek recently released a new VCA module in their slider series and we had to pick one up. This kit is different from most of the other Synthrotek kits we have assembled in the past, in that it is an SMD kit. With that being said, this module and/or build is not for the novice builder. 

You will want to have a few hours of practice on SMD before jumping into this one. 

The slider series by Synthrotek looks great and along side the other slider modules, the VCA fits right in. As with most SMD builds, we generally use a digital microscope, but on this build we did not. We not only used our normal 60/40 solder but we also used solder paste on some of the build. Let’s get on with the build shall we?

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Synthrotek VCO – DIY Build

June 17, 2021
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Synthrotek VCO - DIY Build

As you get more and more involved in the modular world, you will hear the statement “you can never have enough VCO’s” We have found that this statement is very true and it was time to add another to our rack… the Synthrotek VCO from their slider series of eurorack modules. VCO’s or otherwise known as Voltage Controlled Oscillators are a must have for any modular artist as they are often used for drones or other audio sources.

Compact and backed by the Curtis CEM3340 reissue chip, the Synthrotek VCO is an analog voltage controlled oscillator with a wide frequency range and 8 trackable octaves. Let’s get onto the build…

The Build...

One thing you will notice with the Synthrotek VCO kit is that it is a partial kit and not a full on DIY kit. A “partial” kit usually means that most of the tiny stuff has been already soldered and you only have to solder the bigger hole-through components; this kit is just that.

Please note …. this doesn’t mean that the kit is for beginners though!

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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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