Tag: VCO

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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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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Division 6 CEM3340 VCO – DIY Build

July 6, 2020
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Division 6 CEM3340 VCO - DIY Build

Completed CEM3340 Front

Summer is in full swing and we were craving some new oscillators to add to our modular rack. This need was fulfilled by Division 6 labs and Synthrotek with the new Division 6 CEM3340 VCO.

This voltage control oscillator is based off the famous Curtis 3340 IC which has been around for quite some time and have been utilized in many legacy synths.  Our build of the Division 6 CEM3340 was a quick and easy build and is recommended for anyone just getting into modular DIY. 

What is the Curtis 3340 IC?

Many synths today utilize chips that mimic the famous Curtis 3340. While this chip is no longer manufactured in mass volume, there is a few places that still sell the chip. What makes this chip so special is it is a self contained, precision voltage controlled oscillator. 

Note: The chip used in this kit is not an original Curtis 3340 IC, but it’s damn close!  

It features both exponential and linear control scales and up to four buffered output waveforms. ( triangle, sawtooth, square and pulse). They do not require a temperature compensation resistor because they provide their own compensation. Multiple control voltages can be mixed within itself.  

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