WVR : modern, open source, embedded audio for $25

Currently on Kickstarter here.

Quick details via WVR:

"WVR is an ESP32 with a nice DAC and 8GB of fast eMMC memory. 18 stereo voices of simultaneous playback (at CD quality), which I think is something really needed in this space, in an open source project, at this price point.

The project also includes
a USB MIDI HOST add-on board,
a neat JavaScript library called RC.JS designed to help Arduino folks build GUI's, using React Native and Expo
the ability to store multiple firmware binaries in the eMMC, with the ability to boot from any of them
some tools to make building multi-sampled instruments a snap
2 dev boards
a stompbox version
etc, etc."

via the Kickstarter campaign:

"WVR is an open-source embedded solution for audio, with surprising capabilities. It includes everything you need to get started with embedded audio, with no soldering, and no coding necessary. WVR arrives ready to operate.

WVR is also a highly versatile device, capable of powering a new generation of embedded audio design, thanks in part to its wifi and bluetooth radio, providing all the power of a versatile and extensible Graphical User Interface ( GUI ), without the need for a screen or other interface. Users can upload samples, manage firmware, set configurations, build sequences, or control any other data imaginable, both wirelessly, and intuitively, using their laptop, or mobile device, inside a web browser, or even on a native mobile app on Android or iOS.

Capabilities:

Playback up to 18 stereo wav files simultaneously, with ~1ms latency

Accepts virtually every audio file format, at any resolution, and any size, including wav, mp3, ogg, acc, flac, pcm, aiff, and many more

Upload audio, map samples to MIDI notes, configure pin functionality, apply FX, manage files, etc, all over WIFI, with the default firmware that WVR ships with, and without writing any code

Holds over 12 hours (8 GB) of stereo audio, at 16bit 44.1kHz resolution

Can buffer over 1.5 minutes (16 MB) of stereo audio in RAM alone, at 16bit 44.1kHz resolution
Optically isolated MIDI input, provides to-spec MIDI input implementation without any additional circuitry

14 GPIO pins, 8 of which can be analog inputs, and 4 of which can be capacitive touch inputs, plus the many peripherals available on the ESP32 .

WVR's Wifi can function either as a Station or Access Point (it can login to an existing wifi network, or can create its own network and accept connections directly from devices in range, without a router or local network of any kind)

write firmware in Arduino, and upload over wifi. Stores multiple firmwares onboard, selectable via the UI. Fully compatible with the extensive, and battle-tested ESP Arduino library, and the exceptionally powerful ESP-IDF framework.

use RC.js JavaScript framework to modify, or custom build, the User Interface that WVR serves to users, without prior knowledge of CSS, HTML, Babel, Node, etc. Even build and deploy native mobile apps for iOS or Android from the same code base. You can play with RC.js in this REPL, try modifying the existing code, to see how it's intuitive, and highly portable, component-based syntax works, and check out the README.md file to learn more.

onboard Ultra Low Power (ULP) co-processor means WVR consumes only ~10uA in sleep mode

Meet the Oskitone 3D Printed POLY555 Synth

Quick demo of the POLY555 from oskitone on Vimeo.

https://www.oskitone.com/product/poly555-synth

You might remember Oskitone from their 3D Printed OKAY mini synth in previous posts here.

"The POLY555 is a polyphonic, analog, square wave synth based on the 555 timer chip.

20 keys control 20 555 timers under a plexiglass window
Custom PCB and 3D-printed hardware, all designed by yours truly
Satisfying "clicky" tactile switches
Built-in amplifier and speaker
Soldered, assembled, tuned, and ready to go!
Also available as a DIY Kit.

Version: A

External controls: 20 keys, volume wheel, on/off switch
Internal controls: 20 trim potentiometers for tuning notes
Dimensions: 7.6"x 6.25" x 1.5"
IC Chips: LM555, LM386
Input/output: none"

CLICK FOR MORE »

SDS AutoPlay Piano Music Box!

freshnelly

"This project is a 1-off gift for my parents. It began as an experiment with the SDS Accord Melisma module's core. Outside of a module rack the hybrid synth must provide all of the signals you would normally patch, in the way they might be patched allowing autonomous operation as a stand-alone composition.

The piano also has a fairly large Flash memory and sequencer system similar to the Accord Sequarallel module (some of the SW was stolen from the Sequar!) in order to play recognizable songs that have been recorded in. I included a couple of Sequarallel's FX, and would have added more if time permitted, but as is usually the case, time ran out and I had to wrap it up and send it on it's way in time for Chrissy.

The piano has some settings, primarily the "mood" selector which will bias randomization of song types toward this selection. i.e. Mood=Summer, then there's a good chance a Beach Boys tune will start playing, followed by "Sunny Days" or "La isla Bonita". Like Christmas, "Melisma" is one of the moods and will either compose it's own music from banks of progressions in any one of the 8 PROG memories, or will take an existing song and apply Sequarallel FX to it, thus completely changing the way it sounds. (It's the perfect plagiarism tool I'll tell ya!)

On top of all of this, the keys on the piano animate thus making it a player piano! I'll be honest, the keys don't match actual chords even though the original design was for just that. Due to circumstances beyond my control parts didn't arrive so I had to wing it with what I had around the workshop. It would have been nice, but only to someone that plays piano, I doubt anyone else would even notice!

The project wasn't without disastrous goof-ups though. I managed to fry most of it by passing 12 volts through everything, AFTER recording in over 200 songs. Luckily I had backed up over 100 songs so it only took 2 days get the rest in. Then there was the "I have no idea how electromagnets interact" crisis which was a result of making a bad decision under stress from Canada post losing my order or whatever happened. That's covered in the video.

All in all this was a fun & challenging project which pulled me away from the intense programming I had been slaving on for 3 months prior, thus offering a holiday without leaving the farm, which is double bonus these days. Wow am I ever refreshed and ready to just back into it, both feet tippy toes down.
Cheers!
Enjoy the video!"

SOUNDMIT 2020 - Exhibitor - Sandro Grassia - Lilla open source sampler

SOUNDMIT

"LILLA is a 16 voices multitimbral and multi-midi polyphonic audio sampler, based on Teensy 4.1 and equipped with 32MB flash memory for 16 bits audio samples. LILLA offers ADSR and trimming functionalities and various play modes (forward, reverse, f/r/f+r loop) and allows real-time editing during the performance without interruptions. Audio samples are uploaded using an SD-micro card (optional) ; firmware and user-guide can be downloaded from https://github.com/SandroGrassia/Lill.... I/O: midi-in, headphones (stereo), line-out (stereo); power supply: 5V / usb micro-b.

LILLA è un audio sampler polifonico a 16 voci, multitimbral e multi-midi, basato su Teensy 4.1 e dotato di 32MB di memoria flash per i sample audio (16bit). LILLA offre funzionalità ADSR e trimming, varie modalità riproduzione (forward, reverse, f/r/f+r loop) e consente l'editing real-time senza interruzione durante la performance. I sample sono caricati con una scheda micro SD (opzionale); il firmware ed il manuale d'uso sono disponibili su https://github.com/SandroGrassia/Lill.... I/O: midi-in, headphones (stereo), line-out (stereo); alimentazione: 5V da via usb micro-b."

Gieskes Coronaparty

ggijs

via http://gijs.gieskes.nl

I was watching the news on TV and they were talking about Coronaparty, showing kids hiding in the forest between the trees, some had tie wraps around there wrists, it spoke to my imagination.

Triangle/Sine waves the natural sounds on the ground and the digitaly created signals in the tree tops. (Controlles on the tree trunks)."

Pharmasonic 710 Multiple Jacks in DOTCOM format

O.Z. Hall

"This is a short review of the 710 Multiple Jack (1/4") from Pharmasonic.
The SYS-700 Multiple 710 is a clone of the Roland System-700's 710A & 710B.
The panel is made of 2mm PCB material with shiny black finish.

Synthcube carries the Pharmasonic SYS-700 line in Eurorack format!

https://synthcube.com/cart/pharmasoni..."

DIY eurorack modular synth $8 Envelope Generator with arduino / Make Noise MATHS type waveform

HAGIWO modular synthesizer channel

My third arduino projects.
Use Arduino and MCP4911 10bit DAC.

working documents ( Source code )
https://note.com/solder_state/n/nfaaf...

VCO: mutable instruments plaits
VCF: DSM01 Curtis Filter
Sequencer: division6 dual mini sequencer

FASELUNARE - Microcosmos - IFC2020 presentation

FASELUNARE

"Today we participated in the International Faust Conference 2020 with our Microcosmos project. Here you can see our presentation.

We are finalizing the prototype and the new website." It appears to be a Teensy based DIY project. Some audio demos come in towards the end of the video. This is the first post to feature Microcosmos. You can find additinal posts featuring FASELUNARE via their label below.

Mobula Modular ROTLFO

Learning Modular

http://bit.ly/LearnModular

Part 1:
00:00 introduction
00:24 the demo patch on the Moog Mother-32
00:49 Even wave shapes (including patching the Mother-32)
02:06 Rate
03:00 Tilt wave shapes
03:31 phase relationships between outputs
04:13 Ramp switch for alternate wave shapes
06:28 summary

Part 2:
00:00 patching for performance control: mod wheel & aftertouch
02:25 Rate feedback to alter the LFO wave shapes

Note this is the first Mobula Modular post on the site.

How to play the "Soldering Synthesizer" by Neya-Gakki

How to play the "Soldering Synthesizer" by Neya-Gakki ねや楽器さんの「ソルダリングシンセサイザー」の演奏方法
PikoPiko Factory ピコピコファクトリー

Somewhere between reverse DIY and live circuit bending...

via R-MONO Lab

"ソルダリング・シンセサイザーは半田ゴテを使って演奏する新感覚のシンセサイザーです。ツマミも鍵盤も一切使わない革新的な演奏方法を確立しました。半田ショートでリズム・パターンを変えるだけでなく、抵抗やコンデンサを直接取り替えることでドラスティックな変化を楽しむことができます。"

Googlish:

"The Soldering Synthesizer is a new type of synthesizer that uses a soldering iron to play. We have established an innovative playing method that does not use any knobs or keyboards. Not only can you change the rhythm pattern with a solder short, but you can also enjoy drastic changes by directly replacing resistors and capacitors."



R-MONO Lab - ソルダリング・シンセサイザー（ねや楽器）

DIY eurorack modular synth $35 YAMAHA FM VCO with arduino and YMF825 / DX7 type synthesizer module

HAGIWO modular synthesizer channel

"My second arduino projects.
Diy eurorack modular synthesizer FM VCO module with arduino and YMF825.
YMF825 is DX7 type 4 OP FM sound source IC.
The sounds are usefull for ambient PAD and bell.

Get YMF825board from https://www.switch-science.com/catalo... or https://akizukidenshi.com/catalog/g/g... (Probably limited to Japan)"

See the HAGIWO label below for more.

Noise Engineering's Desmodus Versio Goes Chameleon with Custom Firmware Support

You might remember when Noise Engineering's Desmodus Versio reverb module was announced back in August, there was this little included note: "Desmodus Versio isn’t just a reverb, though: it’s a DSP platform. Its firmware can be changed via USB, so it can be transformed into a completely different effect with new firmwares coming late 2020. Are you programming savvy? Open-source support will be released later this year."

Well, it looks like that time has arrived.

via Noise Engineering

"In August 2020, we released the Desmodus Versio, Noise Engineering’s reverb. Maybe you heard about it. We were pretty excited about a lot of things about it:

It’s a pretty kick-ass reverb.

It’s a DSP platform that users can update via USB, so we could create lots of alt firmwares for people (more on that soon. Very soon.).

It’s based on an open platform, so from the beginning, we knew we wanted to open it up so people could create their own firmwares too.

So we asked the software engineers at NE to help us less programming savvy folks talk about how this works.

First thing to note: writing custom firmware requires basic understanding of the C / C++ programming language. If you are not proficient in C / C++, there are plenty of resources or even other modular platforms to get started on!

Ok, onward.

UNDER THE HOOD - DAISY!

If you look at the back of your Versio module, you should see a mounted yellow board with a micro-USB port. This is the Daisy Seed, an embedded audio platform created by Electrosmith. It is the main processing unit on the Versio hardware, i.e., where programs are downloaded, or 'flashed.'

We opted for the Daisy platform for a lot of reasons, but the biggest was that it would be the best customer experience. At the time that the Daisy Seed became a contender for us, we had been developing, in parallel, a similar board (called George). Moving to the Daisy Seed board allowed us to speed development, decrease cost for our users, and take advantage of the large (and growing) community behind the Daisy ecosystem

Daisy is powerful and handles stereo in/stereo out with ease with up to 24-bit, 192 kHz audio processing, 64 MB SDRAM, and 8 MB of flash memory. Got an idea that you want in Eurorack? If any embedded processor can handle it, it’s probably this one."

Click here for additional details on Noise Engineering website.

The following is a demo by Cinematic Laboratory of the Ampla Versio, an 'all in one' VCA, VCFA, ADSR with chorus running on the Desmodus Versio.

The Bat Verb | Part 04 | Ampla Versio firmware | Desmodus Versio


Here is the full playlist:

The Bat Verb | Noise Engineering Desmodus Versio videos by Cinematic Laboratory
Cinematic Laboratory

https://www.noiseengineering.us/shop/desmodus-versio

Playlist:

1. The Bat Verb | Part 01 | Noise Engineering Desmodus Versio

I am always curious when Noise Engineering comes with something new and they never disappoint. I love reverbs. I am lucky to have the Erbe-Verb, Milky Way, Z-DSP, Clouds and ZVERB but I was pretty confident the Desmodus (Vampire Bat) Versio (Versatile) would add something new to my collection. And it did. This is just a first-patch so there will be a part 2 soon. Trust me, this video is only scratching the surface.

Note: I wrote that the DV doesn't have a High Pass filter but that's not true. It has a filter that is neutral at 12:00 and becomes high pass CW and low pass CCW. What I mean it doesn't have a filter that makes sure the very low frequencies (below 80Hz) aren't 'reverberated' (high pass) which can go totally out of control and drives the module above the digital 0dB brick wall. Digital distortion is not pretty and you should be aware of it before going live. I also need to add that it happened only once during the making of this video. Just remember that infinite reverb and ultra low frequencies can cause serious trouble that goes way beyond 'mud'.

2. The Bat Verb | Part 02 | Noise Engineering Desmodus Versio

Desmodus Versio is a reverb - with a built in delay and distortion - and lots of other cool ways to turn your room upside down and fold a cathedral. DV's first batch had a little bug (I totally missed it), but NE's been working around the clock to create a fix and roll out the 'flash your DV' website. This also shows us how easy it is to install new firmware or future applications (which are coming soon). I am not sure, but I think the code will be open source so we can write our own reverbs and FX. I'll definitely dive into that when more info is available.

3. The Bat Verb | Part 03 | Desmodus Versio + Lyra-8

I had this idea of running the Lyra-8 through the Desmodus Versio and see what would happen. Then I realized it helped me (a lot!) to tune the Lyra-8 while playing live. So this video showcases the 'beyond infinity' setting on the 'regenerate' knob, where the reverb trail just plays on forever - but you can still hear a bed of the notes you've played - and add more. It can get pretty magical.

4. The Bat Verb | Part 04 | Ampla Versio firmware | Desmodus Versio

Noise Engineering promised to bring new firmware / applications to the Desmodus Versio reverb. Because it's not a reverb, it's a platform. This means you can completely change the application inside the module. Today NE released Ampla Versio, an 'all in one' VCA, VCFA, ADSR with chorus. In stereo. And this one is a worthy addition to the 'never too many' VCA's.

5. The Bat Verb | Part 05 | Imitor Versio firmware

"Noise Engineering has just released a new firmware for the Desmodus Versio, the 'versatile imitator'. It's a twelve tap delay with tempo sync, delay timing skew, circular stereo panning, distortion, tralis that rise and fall, shimmer and harmonically related pitch shifting. POB has done an excellent walkthrough on all features (see link in video), so I'll just focus on how it sounds in various patches. the IV is also available as a dedicated module with its own faceplate, and faceplates can be ordered for your DV if you're planning on permanent use.

Please note the IV is a delay that's designed to be discovered so make sure to spend some time with it. I noticed it features a lot of sonic textures which are also found on some of the best delays around. So this one may be the droid you've been looking for in just 10 HP. Highly recommended!"

Pharmasonic 703F VCF - Roland System 700 704F 24dB low pass VCF

Uglysound

"Less noisy than most of our demos and build soundtracks, but we wanted to show the character and sound of this filter for those of you who may be into industrial and other sequenced electronic music.

This is a clone of the Roland System 700 704F 24dB low pass VCF.

Available in kit form from synthCube here:
https://synthcube.com/cart/makers/pha...

Build thread for DIY versions of Pharmasonic System 700 clones is here:
https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/vie..."

Neutron Sound's Dust of Time - The Crash Course

Synth Diy Guy

Update: Build video added below followed by some module details and pics.

"What can I say, this module is like 20 awesome modules in one simultaneously.
This is a fairly complete run through all of what it can do.
Check out my build video if you want to build one, and get a panel/PCB set or a prebuilt one here: https://michigansynthworks.com/produc...

INDEX!
Open 0:00
Turning it on 1:24
Catching Pots 1:41
Loading Presets 2:03
Frequency Controls 2:23
Display Navigation 2:32
Connecting a Midi Controller 3:06
VCA and Routing 3:49

CLICK FOR MORE »

2020/11 - Demosong Rack69

Stereoping

"A reallife studiotest for a prototype i've recently finished, projectname Rack69. The followup video to the breadboarded version from 12/2018 [posted here]

Based on Roland's #TR-606 (plus 808 BD & CB and DR-110 claps) schemes with many mods. 5 ringing noise flavours (#Atmel) for HH & CY, one with a falling pitch envelope retriggered by the CY, demoed around 2:26. The thing is still not fully convincing, the Toms are to clicky and untamed, HH + CY are pushing each other away when played together ...

The tweaking shows much of the bandwidth, some features could not be shown though (e.g. ACC impact or triggerlevel lift in ACC section).

Other instruments used: #TX81Z, #Novation #Summit, #Matrix6 and #OSCar."

Uglysound Build Report: Pharmasonic 723 Analog Switch & Zlob Triple Cap Chaos

Uglysound

Zlob Triple Cap Chaos further below.

"Our first attempt at a build video, featuring the Pharmasonic 723 Analog Switch module. All sounds in the video are patches featuring the 723. Watch for an in-depth look at the module in a future video. Warning: Noise starts at 3:08"

"This is a clone of the Roland System 700 723 Analog Switch module, and is available assemble from Pharmasonic.

It is available in kit form here: https://synthcube.com/cart/pharmasoni...

Build thread for DIY versions of Pharmasonic System 700 clones is here."


Uglysound Build Report: Zlob Triple Cap Chaos
Uglysound

"It's Matt's turn at the build desk and editing chair for installment number two of Uglysound Build Report. Soundtrack by Luer, using the Triple Cap Chaos module extensively."

via zlob modular:

"The Triple Cap Chaos(C^3 Chaos) is a 2hp analog, chaos based, noise oscillator, pseudo ring modulator/harmonics generator, and audio mangler Eurorack module available as a DIY Eurorack kit, PCB and Panel, or built.

It is a unique module, like the Diode Chaos, because it has never existed as a musical instrument until now. There is also no other module to my knowledge that can do exactly what the Triple Cap can do. The circuit(with several modifications) is based on the paper “Simple Autonomous Chaotic Circuits” by J.C. Sprott and Jessica R. Piper. As opposed to the Diode Chaos that generates control voltage this module focuses on the audio rate.

The “Emanate” potentiometer controls the coarser overall spectrum of the chaos, from lots of activity counter clock wise up to less chaos and more of a steady oscillation. The “Width, CV ATT” potentiometer can be thought of as more of a fine control for the chaos/oscillator. When something is inserted into the “CV” in the voltage normalization from the width knob is broken and the potentiometer now acts as an attenuator for the incoming cv. The Triple Cap is not a traditional volt per octave exponential VCO, and has a sort of narrow frequency range to exploit the chaotic behavior.

It expects a +5v to -5v max signal in to modulate the chaos. The “IN” jack is an A.C. coupled input for audio in, although cv and audio can work for both the “CV” in jack and “IN.” The “IN” will interfere and interact with the onboard chaotic oscillator depending on the frequency of the input, which may take some experimentation. It can create ring mod ish sounds, to added harmonics, to almost bit crushed sounds depending on the “X” or “Y” output. The “X” output is a more windy noisy sinusoidal based output and the “Y” output is more squared off and aggressive, harsher sounding output.

Some quirks about the Triple Cap: The “X” output can offset negatively or positively a little bit depending on the pot settings, but both outputs tend to stay around 10vpp. With the “Emanate” and “Width” pots all the way up the typical frequency will be around 150hz although some will reach 200hz at this setting. With the “Emanate” pot full counter clock wise “Width” pot full clock wise the frequency will be around 250hz. It is possible to send signals into the triple cap that can bring it out of the desired range causing the oscillation to cut out.

The Triple Cap has a double sided panel. meaning one side has the classic graphics and the other is Soulless with less graphics(see image gallery to the left).

Width: 2hp
Panel Material: PCB/Double Sided
Reverse Power Protected
Current Consumption: +12v: 15mA, -12v: 10mA
Depth: 37 mm or 1.46″
Ships with M3 black nylon screws
Expandable: no"

"Jeannie" 8 Voice DIY Teensy Synthesizer by Rolf Degen

Rolf Degen

The project is currently on https://forum.pjrc.com

"I am currently developing a new DIY synthesizer based on a Teensy 4.0 Boards. The synthesizer will look similar to the small Shruthi Synthesizer from Mutable Instruments. Compared to the Shruthi this synth will be polyphonic, have a color TFT display and other things like a 2Channel 16Bit DA-Converter, digital and analog filters. The housing and board format is similar to the Shruthi (see picture). That's why for the DIY Project I also created the Name 'Shruthi 2' selected."

Rolf Degen is the man behind the De-Generator and TubOhm.

DSC - DIGITAL SOUND CHIPS OPUS MAX BOARD

DSC - DIGITAL SOUND CHIPS

From the creators of the Bluebox synthesizer comes a new project for DIYers. Currently on Kickstarter here.

"A short introduction to the OPUS MAX BOARD music computer and development board for making music gear with the STM32H750 micro controller. https://digitalsoundchips.com It will come with a profession grade synthesizer and audio effects unit to loop sounds through the board externally. And with information on how to make your own music gear like synthesizers and audio effect units."

"Back in 2011 the worlds smallest synthesizer DSC Bluebox was made, but vent by unnoticed. This time Digital Soundchips that made the synthesizer is back, and want to solve the problems that they once went through for you and others.

Now we a ready to present a single-board computer for audio plugins and music gear. And with one profession grade synthesizer plugin, and a multi effects unit to loop audio through. That uses a open plugin standard with plugins on microSD card.

Imagine making professional music hardware gear, based on a super simple audio plugin format. And develop music gear that can use several plugins simultaneously.

We want to make a pre-configured scalable solution, so you can start writing your audio code and run ready-made plugins. And lower the development time for new music gear from years or month's, to weeks.

Lets make it faster and fun to develop commercially viable professional music gear.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Moog Re-Introduces the Werkstatt-01 & CV Expander for $199

Moog Music Inc

"In this exploration of sound design and composition using the Werkstatt-01 analog synthesizer, Asheville-based electronic music producer and Moog Product Specialist Max Ravitz combines eight Werkstatt-01 synthesizers in a dynamic performance in the Moog Sound Lab.

Each of the eight Werkstatt-01 instruments provides a different element in the song ranging from booming kick drums to metallic hi-hats, and deep basses to wavering leads—many of which are based on the sounds found in the Werkstatt-01 Exploration Patchbook, which contains a variety of inspiring patches also designed by Ravitz. All eight Werkstatt-01 synthesizers in this performance are sequenced by the Winter Modular Eloquencer, with a touch of delay and reverb provided by the OTO Machines BIM and BAM to add dimension to the mix."

See the dealers on the right for availibility.

User videos:



Playlist:
1. Moog Werkstatt Overview and Demo by Patchwerks Seattle, available here: http://bit.ly/pw-werkstatt
2. A $199 Moog?! Moog Werkstatt-01 Analog Synth Demo & Build - Reverb
3. TOO Much Werk?? The Moog Werkstatt-01 & CV Expander - Noir Et Blanc Vie
4. Building + Playing Moog Werkstatt-01 + CV Expander Analog Synthesizer Kit - Lightbath
5. Moog Werkstatt-01 (From Build to ACID) - Red Means Recording
6. Moog Werkstatt-01 & CV Expander reissue 2020 build and review - Molten Music Technology

via Moog Music:

"Re-Introducing Werkstatt-01

Werkstatt-01 is a patchable and compact analog synthesizer. A gateway to the expansive world of analog synthesis, the instrument is a must-have for anyone interested in exploring classic Moog sound and circuitry through the unique, hands-on experience of a DIY synthesizer project. This affordable, easy-to-assemble kit requires no prior electronics experience and is a perfect afternoon (or Christmas morning) project.

The straightforward simplicity of Werkstatt-01’s design makes it an ideal jumping-off point to discover a limitless new world of analog sound design, and the included 3.5mm CV Expander makes it a no-brainer for everyone wishing to integrate the iconic Moog sound into their music. The 9" by 6" musical machine may be small, but the raw power and spectrum of the sound it produces is immense.

From Musical Exploration to Experimental Education

First introduced at Moogfest 2014 as part of the event’s Engineering Workshop, the Werkstatt-01 analog synthesizer has been admired as an essential introductory synth, a powerful standalone instrument, and an enhancement to any integrated electronic music ecosystem. Based on classic Moog circuitry, Werkstatt-01 was created to provide a hands-on understanding of how analog synthesizers work and encourage experimentation with sound through patching and interconnectivity.

The research and design that went into Werkstatt-01’s circuits, and the demand for more semi-modular exploratory analog instruments after its initial release, ultimately led to the development of some of today’s most expressive sound design machines: Mother-32, DFAM, Grandmother, Matriarch, and Subharmonicon.

More than a musical instrument, Werkstatt-01 has also served as an interactive educational tool in STEM curricula. The compact, versatile synthesizer has been the heart of the Georgia Tech Hackathon, a weekend-long competition that takes place each February at the Atlanta university’s Center for Music Technology, for six years and counting. The 2021 Georgia Tech Hackathon will be held virtually; see details here.

The easily mod-able analog synth kit has also proven to be a perfect learning ground for DIY modifications and the science of sound. This page of our website features a series of instructional videos to walk you through how to expand your instrument through breadboarding and arduino integration.

Classic Moog Sound & Circuitry

Werkstatt-01’s 100% analog circuits deliver the classic soul and futuristic sound Moog synthesizers are known for. Featuring a full-range analog oscillator with selectable waveforms for powerful sound and the legendary Moog Ladder Filter for precision harmonic sculpting, this instrument covers a vast expanse of sonic territory. Adding movement and modulation is as simple as engaging Werkstatt-01’s analog LFO circuit to simulate the motion of gently breathing waves, or crank up the LFO speed and summon cosmic laser beams. A two-stage analog envelope generator with sustain gives you control to shape dynamics, dialing in everything from lush electronic string swells to punchy basslines and organic percussion hits—and everything in between.

The included CV Expander allows you to enter the endless realms of modular synthesis, where new connections can be made and original sounds are unlocked. Patching inputs and outputs together from the 12 jacks of the 3.5mm patch bay will reconfigure Werkstatt-01’s circuits to create new signal paths and empower new sonic explorations. The included CV Expander also makes it easy to connect Werkstatt-01 to other Moog semi-modular synthesizers, Eurorack systems, or drum machines, enhancing any configuration with powerful analog sound."

See the dealers on the right for availibility.

ST Modular - Stereo Compressor (with PO-32)

Stefan Tretau