Tag: time lapse

Synthrotek 1U Stereo Output Mixer – DIY Build

Synthrotek 1U Stereo Output Mixer - DIY Build

If you are like us and have multiple modular racks in your studio, there comes a time when you end up with a row of 1U. We didn’t have one until we purchased a lunchbox case from the gang at Synthrotek.

With 44hp to spare in our 1U slots, we opted for 2 modules that will fill up the space completely and be very useful. The first module we bought was the Synthrotek 1U Stereo Output Mixer.

This module not only made sense, it was to be our go to for all audio leaving the case.

Considering we have built many modules prior, we didn’t expect to have any issues building the 1U module (PulpLogic format), so let’s get on with it. 


Circuit Benders UK drumBs – DIY Build

Circuit Benders UK drumBs - DIY Build

This months modular build comes from CircuitBenders UK. drumBs is a eurorack or stand alone module that we happened to come across while surfing ETSY. Being that there were no full kits available, we opted for a red panel, and 2 PCBs (one logic board and one control board). 

Since we are currently working on building a drum rack with multiple modules, drumBs seemed like a natural choice for our system. drumBs is a tweaked version of the Syntom II, an analogue percussion project first published nearly four decades ago in the April 1983 edition of the mighty Electronics & Music Maker Magazine.

Drumbs - Completed Front

According to the ETSY listing and the CircuitBenders UK website, drumBs can “create a wide range of basic analogue percussive sounds and the synth features both a VCO and a noise source, along with a resonant noise filter and an auto roll function. It requires a +5V trigger source to drive the module”.  Let’s get on with the build shall we?


Synthrotek XFD – DIY Build

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. 


Neutral Labs PIP – DIY Build

Neutral Labs PIP - DIY Build

Neutral Labs PIP is two morph-able CV generators/complex LFOs in 8 HP that can be synced to each other in predefined ratios, unsynced or phase-shifted between each other. The module also allows you to record, morph and time-stretch your own external CV or knob movements. Like the NIJEL, PIP is an easy kit to build: It comes with most of the components pre-soldered. You will only have to solder pots, LEDs, buttons, as well as some jacks and sockets, so there is very little room for error with this build. Let’s get on with it … 

To start off, you will want to place the IC socket as well as the power header. You can place these parts and then flip the board over to tack down one pin. Adjust and reheat if needed. Once you have these in place, solder the rest of the pins into place. After completing this, mount the 4 switches on the front of the PCB. Do not solder them yet though. 

PIP - Completed Front