Befaco Burst is a Pingable Trigger Burst generator with distribution, probability and time division control. It will create multiplications of your triggers, leading to doubles, triplets, quintuplets and true polyrhythms for your modular system.

Burst allows you to add voltage controlled retriggering and dynamic ratcheting effects for your patches. In addition, Burst works like a regular clock source and trigger for other modules via its Tempo and End of Cycle outputs. Burst is much more than a basic burst generator in that it doesn’t just create a burst or triggers at a set rate. The module works with clocks or ‘pings’ to set the tempo/timing and then the quality knob and CV select the length of the bursts which multiply in the space. There’s a spacing distribution control to ramp up or down the bursts or keep them evenly spaced. This can give scrape or bouncing ball like sounds that are great for synthesizing realistic percussion sounds. Burst also features CV over probability, tempo divide/multiply and an end of cycle output. The module can also be set to loop and work as a CV-able rhythm generator too.

Burst User Manual – https://befaco.org/docs/Burst/Burst_User_manual.pdf

FEATURES

• Custom trigger bursts up to 64 triggers.
• Voltage Control burst Quantity with dedicated attenuverter.
• One Shot and Cycle play modes activated via manual controls or dedicated Trigg input.
• Pingable clock input.
• Voltage Control burst Distribution, Time Division and Probability.
• Tempo and End of Cycle individual outputs for sync other modules.

SPECS

• Current needs: +12V: 56mA, -12V: 10mA
• Width: 8 HP
• Depth: 30 mm
• Aluminium, heat-treated front panel

Recommended for experienced builders only, please read the build docs before purchasing. These are DENSE builds.

Hex Mix – 6 Channel Mixer

The Hexmix System is a six channel performance mixer specially designed for Eurorack. The system has two separate modules, the core of the mixer: Hexmix that has six channels with three band EQ, mute, pan and EQ section on the master, and Hexpander that adds three auxiliary sends per channel, PFL, individual outs and a balanced output.

The design of the mixer itself is strongly inspired by classical DJ mixers, providing sharp EQ’s for enhanced performance, auxiliary sends for effects and individual outputs to record your performance per channel. The unique Mute Section is a powerful tool for performances, providing a momentary mute function controlled by vactrols – adding a smooth release to the signal decay.

Features

This is a six channel mixer with three band EQ, vactrol mutes, pan and volume control per channel. Inputs for every channel are located on the left side of the Hexmix. Each jack is normalized to a VCA Expander connection in the back, so if you have a Hexmix VCA , you will have the output of each VCA to every input. connecting a jack into any input will disconnect whatever is coming from  the normalled VCA connection.

Each Channel Strip is divided in four basic sections, that will go in the following order: Gain, Mute, EQ and Pan. Gain is set to unity, so it will act as an attenuator of the input signal. Mutes are clickless, as they are vactrol based. The circuit will provide some decay on the mutes, rather than having a sharp cut. Switches have both a latch position and  a momentary one to unmute the channel, providing some really nice performative capabilities.

EQs are quite sharp (12dB) inspired by classic DJ mixers to aggressively cut selected frequencies.

The Master section has it’s own EQ and volume control for the mix of all channels. The Master EQ is softer than the individual channel’s (6dB) and it’s meant to provide control over the final mix.

It’s possible to change output level between line level and modular with a switch located on the back of the module.
This will be pretty useful when used in combination with the hexpander, that provides a balanced out at line level. Like this its possible to have a mix at synth level to re-route the master signal while having an output to PA.

Hex Mix: Build Document – User Manual

Specifications

• Current needs: +12: 106mA, -12: 88mA, +5: 0mA
• Width: 28HP
• Depth: 27mm.
• Aluminium, heat-treated front panel

Hex Mix Hexpander

The Hexpander adds great functionality to the main Hexmix module. Featuring Three aux send with stereo returns, individual outputs for each channel, a complete PFL system and balanced master output. The Hexpander is designed to be placed above the Hexmix in a modular case – this allows every channel to be aligned as they would in traditional tabletop mixers.

Features

Auxiliary sends: For every channel you have three auxiliary sends. One pot will measure the amount of signal sent to each of them. Every auxiliary send has a volume pot, that will measure the level of the signal sent. There are two jacks available for each send – so it is possible to send the signal both pre or post fader/EQ at the same time. Returns are stereo, having a switch to select if the signal is coming from synth or line level. Like this levels can be set, for example, either for a guitar pedal or an FX module at modular level.

Monitor section: The Hexpander features a complete PFL system to send channels to to the headphones before you add them to main mix.
Flip PFL switch to send that channel to the headphones out. With the PFL/Master Pot you can crossfade between the master signal and every channel sent to PFL, The Headphones out has it’s own dedicated volume control. The Level meter will show the level of the sum of all active PFLs. When there is no PFL active, it will show master level.

Output section: Every channel has its own individual 6.35mm jack out at line level. Here you have the signal of every channel post EQ. Finally you have master balanced output.

Hexpander: Build Document – User Manual

Specifications

• Current needs: +12:90mA, -12:85mA, +5: 0mA
• Width: 28HP
• Depth: 27mm.
• Aluminium, heat-treated front panel

Hex Mix VCA

The Hex mix VCA is a compact six channel VCA, featuring an internal bus connection to interface with the rest of the Befaco Hex mixing system. The Hex VCA can act as six independent VCAs as well as a mixer, with all outputs available on the 6th channel if desired.

Every VCA has it’s own response pot for incoming CV, ranging from full Logarithmic at maximum setup, to full Exponential at minimum setup, with a Linear response when the pot is in centre position. This allows you to use a full range of unique curve responses to accentuate the VCA to your preferred application, whether it’s percussive sounds or panning effects.
Every channel also features a level pot which acts as an attenuator for the signal coming out of each VCA. The CV inputs are normalled to 10 volts, so when there is no CV signal present, the VCA will be fully open and the Level pot will act as a volume control.

Hex Mix VCA – Build Document 

Specifications

• Current needs: +12: 50mA, -12: 50mA, +5: 0mA
• Width: 14HP
• Depth: 30mm.
• Aluminium, heat-treated front panel

A pack of three, six-way, Befaco-branded multiples. These are passive multiples with six 3.5mm sockets.

Eurorack passive triple attenuator module (4hp).

A very simple and very useful Eurorack DIY kit. Below you’ll find links to very thorough build instructions written with synth DIY beginners in mind. This module requires no power from your busboard or prior electronic knowledge, it’s completely passive.

Each of the three attenuators can be set to either a linear or logarithmic response with a jumper on the back of the PCB. Linear is more user friendly for CV attenuation, Log for audio signal attenuation.

Build time: 20-60 mins depending on experience.

Everything is included to make and rack the pictured module, even the solder. You just need a soldering iron and a pair of side cutters to finish the build.

• Panel – 4hp – Anodised Aluminium with industrial Alu-Print legend
• Knobs – Davies 1900h clones
• Alpha 9mm pots
• Thonkiconn jacks
• Solder (a generous amounts for beginners)

Build Documentation

https://thonk.co.uk/documents/at-at-at/

READY BUILT AND TESTED BY PATCHING PANDA

The Pandabus is a compact power supply and bus with a low profile and high power output. Features 2oZ copper layer PCB with 20mV Ripple and 2 DC connectors for linking more buses if you want to expand.

Includes pre-made cable with barrel socket and power switch for attaching to your case.

Input:

19VDC 90W recommended (MEAN WEL GST90A19-P1M)

Current:
+/-12v: 1250 mA

+5v: 1000 mA

This kit comes in two versions:

• SMD Full Kit – Requires SMD soldering of IC chips and electrolytic capacitors (all other SMD parts are already soldered)
• SMD Pre-Soldered Kit – Does not require any SMD soldering – only through-hole parts.

Shuby is a complex noise generator with 2 different outputs. The first output produces clean square waves with sub-harmonics and tone selection, recalling the nostalgic sounds of video consoles and taking them further with strange metallic vibes. The second output is noise based and dedicated to the heavy chaotic metallic winds and explosions from other dimensions. Both outputs share the same signal modulation path, with both manual and CV control over Space and Density controls. Shuby also features a bonus mix output, which combines both outputs together – ideal for creating unique complex metallic percussion sounds.

Shuby Build Document

Features

• Digital noise generator
• Tone control switch
• Space and Density knobs with CV input
• Individual and Mix audio outputs
• Width: 4HP
• Depth: 22mm

THIS IS A FULL DIY KIT
SERGE MODULAR FOR EURORACK – Under licence from Serge Tcherepnin

“Serge Modular” is an analogue modular synthesizer system developed by French composer and electronic designer Serge Tcherepnin in the 1970s at The California Institute of the Arts. Serge’s vision to create a “people’s synthesizers” led to a unique modular music system with an iconic design.

In collaboration with and under licence from Serge Tcherepnin, Random*Source offers a range of Serge modules, combining the original Serge circuits with the advantages of today’s technology. The modules on this page are in Eurorack (3U) format.

SERGE RING MODULATOR 2017 (RING)

The 2017 RING is an improved version of the late Serge Ring Modulator (R9), designed by Serge himself for Random*Source in 2017, more than 40 years after the launch of the Serge Modular system. According to Serge, the RING is one of the most sophisticated modules in the Serge system. The new version has been developed by Serge for and in close cooperation with Random*Source. Features include the following:

• A VERY CLEAN SOUND down to very low signal levels (unlike conventional modulators where distortion increases at low levels) .
• 80 dbs OF CARRIER SIGNAL REJECTION.
• INAUDIBLE NOISE OUTPUT .
• NO SQUELCH CIRCUIT IS REQUIRED due to the low noise therefore annoying signal dropouts and “pumping” effects are totally absent.
• INTERNAL WAVESHAPING OF CARRIER to add to modulation effects.
• The sum total of these design improvements is a Ring Modulator capable of treating the most subtle acoustical signals, without the coloration typically associated with even the best previously available ring modulators.

The versatility of the Serge Ring Modulator is enhanced by the added feature of voltage and manual control of the entire spectrum of modulation possible: from zero modulation (i.e. the original, un-treated input signal) through amplitude modulation to full ring modulation. This allows many shadings of effect, manual or automatic with voltage controls. The ability to control the Carrier level manually and through voltage control allows the output to be level controlled, as well. Through the use of an internal signal processor for the Carrier, additional effects can be produced by waveform modification of the carrier signal.

When the module is set to full Ring Modulation from the lower knob or voltage control, the output signal contains the sum and difference frequencies of the Signal Input and the Carrier Input. If both signals are pure sine waves (only one frequency component), the output will be a composite signal consisting two frequency components: the sum and the difference frequency of the Signal and Carrier. If the Carrier level is increased beyond the mid-position, then the carrier waveform will become slightly rounded, and new frequency components will be produced. Each of these new components will also modulate with the Signal input to produce a sum and difference frequency, and the output signal will become richer in harmonics. This effect. is unique to the Serge Ring Modulator, and allows another dimension in timbral modification.

ALL SMD COMPONENTS ALREADY SOLDERED IN – Straightforward build of through-hole parts only

Random*Source Build Document: http://randomsource.net/docs/RandomSource_Serge_RING_Euro.pdf 

Some details of the Random*Source RING module:

• Newly designed by Serge in 2017
• Unique MODE control from no effect to AM to ring modulation.
• Multilayer pcb with all SMT parts already soldered in.
• No wiring needed
• Eurorack (3U) format, 10HP

CV.OCD is a device which converts MIDI signals to the Control Voltage (CV) and Trigger/Gate signals which are used to control traditional analog synthesizers.

As well as doing this useful bit of “plumbing”, CV.OCD is designed to open up some creative options that go beyond what a simple MIDI-CV converter can usually do. If you get a bit OCD about your CV this could be the box for you!

CV.OCD has four assignable “continuous” analog CV outputs and twelve assignable gate/trigger outputs

It has powerful functionality for generating clock, trigger and non-note gates from MIDI information. For controlling your analog equipment via MIDI you are probably not going to get as much bang for your buck with anything else!

Each of the FOUR analog CV outputs have 0-8V output level and 12-bit resolution and be assigned to any of

• Note pitch (1V/octave and Hz/V)
• Note velocity
• Controllers (CC)
• Pitch bend
• Channel aftertouch
• Fixed voltage

Each of the TWELVE gate outputs has 5V output level (Please ensure that this is a high enough voltage level to trigger your synthesizer) and can be assigned to any of

• Note on/off
• Note velocity above threshold
• Controller (CC) crossing threshold
• MIDI clock (with divider/offset and transport gate)
• MIDI transport states/events (start/stop/running etc)

CV.OCD allows to group pitch and gate outputs to achieve configurations like

• Play up to four monosynths together like a single polysynth by playing chords on a single MIDI channel
• Play multiple synths cyclically with consecutive notes going to different synths
• Implement keyboard splits to control bass and lead synths in different ranges of same keyboard

You get 12 gate outputs to play with! As well as simply gating notes you can

• Map specific MIDI notes to specific gate outputs for triggering drum machines etc,
• Apply velocity threshold to get an accent trigger based on the MIDI velocity or trigger different gates depending on velocity
• Output divided and offset pulse clocks to mess with time itself!

The device is configured by MIDI system exclusive patches, which you can create using a web based configuration page. Onces installed on the device, the patch is saved during power cycles.

See the manual here Take a look at the configuration page here. If you have a question you can email: (jason at six4pix.com)

Future firmware upgrades to the device can simply be installed over MIDI as Sysex files.

CV.OCD has a standard 5-pin DIN MIDI input with optical isolation. There is also a 3.5mm stereo jack MIDI input which is compatible with Novation, Arturia and other devices which use a “hot tip” configuration (For Korg devices you need to use the 5-pin input). Only one of the MIDI inputs may be used at a time.

Power is 9-12V DC via a 2.1mm barrel plug with negative centre pin (This is the type of supply used with most guitar stompboxes). Use a supply with 100mA (0.1amp) or more current capacity (It does not matter if the current capacity of the supply is higher). The supply must have a DC output – do not use an AC output power adaptor.

This device comes FULLY ASSEMBLED and tested. Size approx 17.6cm x 5.5cm x 2.7cm. Approx weight 175g. Laser cut acrylic case with laser etched acrylic face plate.

Designed and hand assembled in Brighton, UK

Connect LE STRUM to your MIDI synthesizer or computer running synth software, hold down a combination of buttons to select a chord, then use the “stylus” to play MIDI notes by touching the contact pads on the top right of the board. As the name suggests, you can “strum” across chords using the stylus, providing a unique and expressive way to control MIDI instruments.

LE STRUM’s 36 chord buttons give you immediate access to 84 different chords (maj, min, dom7, maj7, min7, aug, dim for 12 root notes). You can also play sus4, add6 and add9 chord variations (with some limitations). It is great for learning about chord progressions and can be a helpful songwriting tool.

LE STRUM has a special 6 string guitar mode, which knows basic major, minor and seven open chord fingerings for guitar. It can be used to lay down strummed guitar MIDI tracks without a MIDI guitar, and in a more convincing way that you could get from a keyboard. It’s more than a toy, yessiree!

LE STRUM is a unique and fun controller which works great with huge pads and delay effects to create swirls of lush chordy goodness by simply pressing a few buttons. Turn on, tune in, strum out.

LE STRUM features several performance modes which are accessed by holding the MODE button while pressing one of the top row of chord buttons:

• Mode+C : Basic mode – Stacked triads mapped across all 16 pads
• Mode+D : Guitar strum mode – 6-string guitar open chords used (maj/min/7)
• Mode+E : Guitar sustain mode – as above, but chord held after buttons released
• Mode+F : Organ buttons – As Basic mode but chord triad plays on MIDI channel 2 as soon as button is pressed
• Mode+G : Organ buttons with additions – as above but with sus4/add6/add9 options
• Mode+A : Organ buttons with retrig – as above but chord buttons retrigger
• Mode+B : Load User Patch
• Mode+Bm : Save User Patch
• Mode+B7 : MIDI Panic – All notes off
• Mode+Strum Pad: Set MIDI velocity (16 levels)

User patch can combine settings for: play on make/break, damp on make/break, guitar voicing /stacked triads, additional guitar octave, enable added 4/6/9 notes, enable guitar chord bass notes, keep chord selection after chord button release, common note sustain on chord change, map chromatic/diatonic/pentatonic scale to pads, enable organ buttons on midi channel 2

Specifications

• Kit contains PCB and all components and hardware required to build LE STRUM
• Soldering is needed to assemble the kit
• A PP3 battery is required (not included)
• Integrated ON/OFF switch and power LED
• 4mm banana plug stylus with keepy-hole in PCB
• Designed for hackability (e.g. solder wires to the provided holes on the pads to make proper “strings” to pluck)
• Transmits on MIDI Channel 1 for stylus activity and MIDI Channel 2 for Chord Buttons.
• Output is to a standard MIDI 5-pin DIN socket.
• Size 98mm x 75mm x 45mm (incl MIDI socket)
• Weight approx 120g with battery
• OPEN SOURCE hardware design
• OPEN SOURCE firmware for PIC16F1825 microcontroller.
• Firmware source code (SourceBoost C) and compiled HEX images available on GitHub (A PICKit2 or equivalent programmer is required if you want to load alternative or updated firmware on to the chip)

LE STRUM – Github | Build Documentation & Manual

Please note that synthesizer hardware or software is required to make sound. LE STRUM is a MIDI controller and does not make any sound by itself!

Quad OTA chip (SSOP24 SMD) – LM13700 functional replacement (without output buffers)

The AS13704 consists of four current-controlled transconductance amplifiers OTA, each with differential inputs and a push-pull output. All amplifiers share common supplies, but operate independently. Linearising diodes are provided at the inputs to reduce distortion and allow higher input levels. The result is a 10-dB signal-to-noise improvement referenced to 0.5 percent THD.

Datasheet

Features

• gm adjustable over 6 decades
• excellent gm linearity
• excellent matching between amplifiers
• linearising diodes for reduced output distortion
• high output SNR
• LM13700 functional replacement (without output buffers)

Applications

• current-controlled amplifiers
• stereo audio amplifiers
• current-controlled impedances
• current-controlled filters
• current-controlled oscillators
• multiplexers
• timers
• S&H circuits

The EN129 is based on the pioneering work by Douglas Kraul and Bernie Hutchins. You can read the original Electronotes article from 1981 that the design is based upon here.

The EN129 Thru Zero Oscillator is an all analog triangle-core VCO specialising in frequency modulation. Analog thru-zero FM modulation produces a wide array of timbres particularly useful for bell like or percussive sounds. Frequency modulation can be precisely dialled in thanks to a dedicated input attenuator and v/oct offset control. Logarithmic FM is also available via it’s own dedicated input with attenuator and both FM inputs have an LED to indicate incoming voltages. Simultaneous analog wave outputs include: Sine, Triangle, Sawtooth, Square and Pulse wave with Pulse Width Modulation.  The PWM control goes to zero at either end of it’s range, which is very useful for creating rhythmic sounds with voltage control. Furthermore the PWM control doubles up as waveshape modulation for the Sawtooth wave – gradually altering the waveform until it shifts half a cycle. The EN129 features Coarse and Fine frequency controls as well as an LFO mode. LFO range is accessed via an LED pushbutton that also acts as the LFO speed indicator – the button will light up when the waveform moves through its positive cycle.

Build Document – Assembly Guide

Features:

• Thru Zero linear FM
• Logarithmic FM
• Zero to zero pulse width modulation
• Sawtooth wave shape modulation
• Simultaneous outputs for: Sine, Triangle, Saw, Pulse & Square
• Coarse & Fine controls with LFO mode
• Genuine Rogan USA knobs (hex keys included)
• All Through-hole build – no SMD components!
• Width: 12HP
• Depth: 43mm

The Cali Oscillator is Dannysound’s new and improved version of the legendary Buchla Model 258 VCO. The oscillator features the classic Sine to Square and Sine to Saw wave shaping with dedicated CV control. The Cali Oscillator differs from previous versions of the 258 in that it has a 3-way position switch rather than 2-way. This new middle position features a bonus waveform that will shape from a pulse into a kind of triangular trapezoid shape. The shaping control is more unpredictable in this middle position – it can be thought of as an extra bonus waveform! There are dedicated inputs for linear and logarithmic FM and the Cali also adds a Pulse output with it’s own width control and PWM CV input. The behaviour of the pulse output can be affected by the position of the waveform switch and wave shape control. The module features Coarse and Fine frequency controls and an LFO mode, LFO range is accessed via an LED pushbutton that also acts as the LFO speed indicator – the button will light up when the waveform moves through its positive cycle.

Build Document – Assembly Guide

Features:

• Sine to Saw/Square Waveform Output with CV over wave shaping
• Pulse output with voltage controlled PWM
• Linear FM with attenuator
• Logarithmic FM with attenuator
• Bonus ‘trapezoid’ output
• Coarse & Fine controls with LFO mode
• Genuine Rogan USA knobs (Hex keys included)
• All Through-hole build – no SMD components!
• Width: 12HP
• Depth: 42mm

This page is for purchasing the PCB and Panel for the SCM BREAKOUT ONLY

I am not providing part sourcing support for these builds. You should be confident you can source these parts yourself from the documentation below. I do sell the PJ302M, PJ301BM and Thonkiconn jacks that are required however.

This is an intermediate-level kit. You should be confident in your soldering skills, and have a basic familiarity with electronic components.

The SCM is an ingenious clock multiplication device with very funky shuffle and slip features.

Documentation

• http://www.4mspedals.com/kits.php#clocker

 ALL SMD PARTS COME READY SOLDERED

Flanger is a bit of an understatement for Jürgen Haible’s incredible reinvention of a vintage effect unit. The Son of Storm Tide Flanger is now back in a slightly modernized version:

The video below demonstrates using the Select Bus module to control 3 x Disting MK4’s polyphonically

The Select Bus Breakout provides access to the MIDI-based Select Bus protocol as used by some Expert Sleepers modules including the Disting MK4 and General CV. Select Bus is also used by a handful of modules from various manufacturers, including the Malekko Varigate 8+, Macro Machines Storage Strip and the Make Noise Tempi and Rene MK2.

Using the breakout you can cause multiple modules to simultaneously save or recall presets, remotely controlled via MIDI.

The breakout can be used either to drive the Select Bus, or to output the bus messages as MIDI. The Select Bus is not a ‘multi-master’ specification, so if another module is driving the bus, the breakout can only work in the latter mode.

If the breakout is driving the bus, its output is effectively a MIDI Thru.

Select Bus Breakout Build Document

Specifications

• Width: 4HP
• Depth: 23mm
• Power consumption: 9 mA +12V, 0 mA -12V, 0 mA 5V

Euroshield enables synthesizer hobbyists and professionals to add your own distinctive element to Eurorack. With Euroshield, the highly approachable Teensy development tools, and the extensive sample code libraries, you can create a unique sound while exploring the world of digital signal processing.

What Can You Do with Euroshield?

Do you need a VCO? There’s existing code for that. Want a custom reverb algorithm? There’s sample code you can customize. Want to generate a specific sequence of CV signals to drive other modules? You can code it. And tomorrow you can make it do something different.

During performance, you interact with the Teensy by means of two knobs, one push button, and 4 LEDS on the euroshield. What the module does with the audio signals and hardware inputs is totally up to you and your code. Teensy’s fast processor together with Teensy Arduino’s flexible coding capabilities allow for true audio rate signal processing, while the euroshield enables interconnectivity with Eurorack equipment. Combine Teensy with euroshield, and you now have the ability to develop a eurorack module that evolves with your specific needs.

Why Teensy?

• Teensy is a readily available development board with a 32 bit processor that works with the Arduino development toolsets.
• It supports real time processing of high quality audio signals.
• There is an extensive open source library of audio signal processing code, including a tool to draw a signal processing diagram that will generate Teensy code.
• You can quickly develop audio processing and signal generation capabilities with very little custom code.

Why Euroshield?

• Euroshield turns a Teensy development board into a Eurorack synthesizer module.
• It uses standard patch cords for input and output of standard Eurorack level audio, CV and MIDI signals.
• It uses the standard Eurorack power system.
• It mounts easily into a rack while keeping the Teensy exposed.
• It enables you to use the available Teensy development tools and open source code libraries to get creating quickly.

PATCH & TWEAK provides an opportunity for new and experienced users to become true masters of their modular systems by exploring, explaining, and demystifying a range of topics relevant to anyone interested in modular synths or just synthesis itself.

A cornerstone of PATCH & TWEAK is a bouquet of inspirational interviews with significant creators and major artists. Learn about their systems, philosophies, patching secrets, performance tips, and passion for modular synthesis.
Besides a comprehensive introduction to synthesis and its history, the book covers systematic sections on concepts, purpose and creative possibilities of specific modules. Enjoy colorful diagrams, presentations of both popular and rare modules, semi-modular and software, as well as techniques for patching and how to get started.

Approx. 368 pages in full color. Hardcover. Dimensions: 24.5 x 24.5 cm (9.6 x 9.6 inches). Printed in Denmark on 130g acid-free quality paper.

Overall chapters and structure

• Foreword by electronic music pioneer Suzanne Ciani
• Introduction to Modular Synthesis (Harmonics, Voltage Control, etc.)
• Formats and history (timeline and stories on the beginnings, 5U, Moog, Serge, Eurorack, Buchla, etc.)
• Starting Points (software, semi-modular, systems, etc.)
• Interfacing With Modular (audio in/out, MIDI, computer integration, etc.)
• Sound Sources (VCOs, Percussion Synthesis, Sampling, etc.)
• Sound Modifiers (VCFs, Waveshapers, VCAs & LPGs, Mixers & Attenuators, Effects)
• Envelopes & Modulators (Envelope Generators, LFOs, Random Sources, CV Recorders)
• Essential Utilities (Voltage Processors, Signal Routing, Multifunction Modules)
• Notes, Clock, and Triggers (Clock Generation, Sequencers, Rythm Pattern Generators, Logic Modules, Touch Controllers)
• Index, Glossary, Resources

PATCH & TWEAK has a foreword by Suzanne Ciani, is written by Kim Bjørn and Chris Meyer, and edited by Paul Nagle.

Also available: PUSH, TURN, MOVE

The Selective Sample & Hold is a simple dual S&H based on the LF398 S&H chip, but with a twist – there are two possible inputs, and a Select input to determine which one will be sampled between the two. With nothing in the Select input, it acts as a standard S&H on input A, but with a high gate or CV signal patched in (about 4v or above) it will switch to sample from input B. The two output jacks are both the same single sample, but separately buffered.

Note: this module does not have its own noise source. You will need to use an external signal to sample for it to work. Nor does it have its own clock, so again, you need an external clock/trigger to use it as well as some gate or other signal for the “select” input.

Selective Sample & Hold – Build Document | BOM | Schematic

Specs:

37 mA +12V
25 mA -12V
0 mA 5V
54 mm deep

Back in 1987 Thomas Henry published the CEM3340 based Deluxe VCO in his book Build A Better Music Synthesizer. Alas, in the following years everything went digital and the CEM chips went out of production. With the recent re-issues of the classic CEM synthesizer function block ICs these chips have become easily available again at a decent price. And Thomas Henry re-visited and re-invented the Deluxe VCO that transformed quickly into something completely new, the VCO MAXIMUS.
You can find a detailed description of this design at Scott Stites birthofasynth.com page, where he hosts a lot of information for Thomas Henry designs.

Features

– triangle, ramp, sine and pulse outputs
– PWM
– pulse/sub blend
– switchable fifth/octave, add/subtract, sub/sub-sub effects
– strong and weak sync
– linear and exponential FM
– 1V/octave response
– no matched pair and/or TEMPCO resistor needed

Specs

Width: 16HP (Eurorack)
Depth (incl. power plug): 40mm
Power consumption: TBC

Thomas Henry VCO Maximus – Build Document & BOM

We don’t normally stock non DIY products at Thonk, but when Olivier offered us a worldwide exclusive on the first batch of his new Ears module… how could we refuse?!

This module brings together two of the most (if not the most..) prolific and creative designers in the open source Eurorack scene, Mutable Instruments and Music Thing Modular.

Ears is Mutable’s take on Tom Whitwell’s Mikrophonie module, Ears is a perfect match for physical synthesis modules like Rings or Elements, but it can also be the gateway between external audio sources and your modular system.

• 4hp
• 5mA draw on both the +12v and +12V supply rails
• 25mm deep

…

The full manual can be found online here.

For help and discussions, head to the Mutable Instruments forum.