Tag: synth DIY

Erica Synths Polivoks Envelope Generator – DIY Build

October 29, 2022
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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.  

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Division 6 Dual Mini Synthesizer – DIY Build

September 17, 2022
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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!

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Erica Synths Polivoks VCO – DIY Build

April 2, 2022
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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!

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Erica Synths SWAMP – DIY Build

September 22, 2021
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Erica Synths SWAMP - DIY Build

The Erica Synths SWAMP is a random CV and audio generator inspired by the famous Wiard Wogglebug module; it’s often the heart of self-generating patches and brings controllable randomness to any modular system.

Synthrotek did the world of DIY builders a solid by putting together these hard to find discontinued kits, and we have been wanting to get our hands on the SWAMP for a long time…and now you can too!

Purchase Quick Links: 

Erica Synths SWAMP – DIY KIT

Erica Synths SWAMP – Fully Assembled

Erica Synths SWAMP – Panel/PCB/IC

Before hoping straight into the build, let’s take a step back and highlight what separates this module from the original Wobblebug. 

The Erica Synths SWAMP module introduced numerous modifications and improvements to extend the potentiometer range. It added an audio input, which, when connected, replaced the internal Tone oscillator, and the expensive dual vactrol.

The S&H (sample and hold) circuit was build around the Riga S&H IC (AS1100CK2) and ES added audio waveform selection switches, CV output configuration jumpers and much more. All of these are reasons to have just one in your rack!

To sum everything up, the Erica Synths SWAMP is an advanced multi-level kit that can pose a few challenges for even the experienced builder. Packed and distributed by Synthrotek, the entire DIY line of modules is now available for you to take on! (so we had to)

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