SUPERBOOTH 2024: Synthux Academy - Touch 2 Tactile Synth

video upload by sonicstate

"At Superbooth 2024, Roey from Synthux Academy showcased the new Touch 2 instrument, a versatile standalone device that can also be integrated into Eurorack setups. Powered by the Daisy Seed microcontroller, Touch 2 offers swappable faceplates to accommodate different instrument functionalities, making it easily customizable for musicians. With features like an arpeggiator, Euclidean rhythms, distortion, Valhalla reverb, and more, Touch 2 promises a unique and interactive music-making experience. Additionally, the platform encourages community involvement with regular developer contests and opportunities for beginners to learn and collaborate with experienced professionals.

Touch 2 Price: 179 Euros

https://www.synthux.academy/#Touch"

Building the Simple Touch Synthesiser

video upload by Synthux Academy

Testing the Simple Touch Synth 3 X Looper

video upload by

"Touch 2 is an instrument designed for tactile interaction and hands-on control. Upload different instruments through USB and play! Swappable faceplates (four included) and 12 touch pads makes it a tactile performance instrument.

Running the Daisy Seed microcontroller, Touch 2 sounds AMAZING no matter what instrument you flash on it. And, it's programmable, so you can design your own instrument using C++, Arduino, Max or Puredata.

Available both assembled and DIY
‍
TOUCH 2 MAIN FEATURES
Daisy Seed ready
12 touch pads
6 trim knobs
2 faders
2 switches
Audio in [Stereo]
Audio out [Stereo]
Also works with Teensy/Arduino"

Révolution 909 Upgrade for the Roland TR-909

This one is in via Michael Geyre.

Details via Addictive Instruments:

"Memory and display upgrade including the new firmware version you've been waiting 40 years for!

Like you, we worship this machine and we have put all our passion and know-how into this project." Principle:
The Revolution 909 upgrade consists of two hardware modules which replace some integrated circuits on the 909’s Switch Board.
The first is a hardware memory expansion module including a new version 5 of the software.
The second is a small hardware enhancement to the 7-segment LED driver to display alphanumeric characters.
The new v5 firmware not only contains fixes and optimizations of the original versions 1 and 4, but new features have also been added!
The functionality and timing of the original sequencer has been preserved.
The spirit and philosophy of the machine has been respected. Remember, we always run on the same CPU!
Legacy versions 1 and 4 are also present in ROM and can be selected by a simple key combination.
This upgrade is fully compatible with the TR-909, the RE-909 and the SR-909.
The installation is totally non-destructive, no holes to drill, no traces to cut.
v5 main features:
Fixed Sync bugs.
32 Internal Banks.
Optimised and more instinctive workflow.
Mute function.
Full External Instruments Mapping.
Firmware Update via MIDI.
etc...
Select the v5 Firmware tab for more details about the new features.
The Owner Manual is available on the Downloads tab.

Kit contents:
Memory Board(PCBA) .
Digit Board(PCBA).
40 pin-strip headers(For Memory).
16 DIP lead-frames(For Digit).
1 diode.
1 resistor.
Some 30AWG wire.
Some shrinkable sleeve.
The new labels for front panel(non permanent sticker).

SUPERBOOTH 2024: Microrack - DIY Modules

video upload by sonicstate

"At Superbooth 2024, we met Leo from Microrack to talk about their new concept of modular synthesis in a compact format. These innovative modular synths aim to be the most accessible on the market, providing a powerful and musical sound for beginners and experienced users alike. The setup showcased at the event included three VCOs and a filter module, demonstrating the potential for creative sound manipulation and experimentation. Leo explained that the self-contained unit is portable and can be powered by a power bank, allowing users to create music on the go.

In addition to the modular synth setup, Microrack *also introduced *DIY modules that enable users to customize their own synth on a breadboard platform. The small jumper wires used for patching are flexible and durable, enhancing the user experience and offering a diverse range of creative possibilities. Leo highlighted the educational aspect of the project, emphasizing the importance of making modular synthesis accessible to users of all skill levels. The Microrack products are set to launch on Kickstarter in June, with the aim of providing educational materials alongside the hardware for a comprehensive user experience. For more information on *Micro Rack* products and their upcoming Kickstarter launch, visit their website.

https://microrack.org/"

Waldorf M - QCOMP Board Demo

video upload by Maffez Synthmods

"This showcases some sounds of my Waldorf M with a passband level loss modification board for the analogue VCF. This simple board reduces some of the level drop on higher resonance settings and accentuates the coloration of the oscillator MW1 Mode. More info here: https://maffez.com/?page_id=4003"

[$9] DIY eurorack modular synth opto compressor | vactrol type optical compressor

video upload by HAGIWO

"My 78th original eurorack modular synth DIY projects.
LCD-0203 based opto compressor.

working documents (schematics)
https://note.com/solder_state/n/n60c2...

Gerber data download (Envelope follower PCB module)
https://www.patreon.com/posts/1036574...

Please support me to continue projects.
In patreon you will find content about my background , technical information. / hagiwo"

Google translated:

background
The 78th work of my own modular synth.
One of Eurorack's standard modules is MATHS. One of the uses of MATHS is Envelope follower, but this Envelope follower is difficult to use properly.
I have created an Envelope follower in the past. This time, I decided to create a compressor as one of the application examples of Envelope follower.

Opto compressor
Compressors include VCA and FET as means of compressing audio, but there is also a type called opto compressor that uses Vactrol (analog photocoupler).
Although the responsiveness is poor, we decided to create an opto compressor this time because it can be created inexpensively with few parts.

Product specifications
Eurorack standard 3U 6HP size
Power supply: 20mA (+12V), 20mA (-12V)

opto compressor using Vactrol LCR-0203.
The idea is to use it to increase the sound pressure by compressing the entire MIXed audio, or to change the impression of the sound by compressing a single percussion sound such as KICK.

THRESHOLD: Adjustment of the level at which compression starts.
RATIO: Attenuation rate adjustment. By increasing RATIO, it is possible to compress at a magnification of 1x or less. In other words, the louder the input audio, the lower the output can be.
RELEASE: Adjust the RELEASE TIME of the built-in Envelope follower.
VOLUME: Audio out amplification. Lowering the THRESHOLD lowers the overall volume, so the VOLUME POT compensates for the volume drop.
LED: The more compresson is applied, the brighter the light will light up.
Also used for calibration.
IN: Audio input. It is assumed to be used at Vpp=10V (-5V~+5V).
OUT: Audio out

Production cost
Total about $9
---------------------------------
LCR-0203 $1
Front panel $1
Envelope follower module $2
Variable resistance $0.3*4pcs
Others (see link below for general purpose parts)

HEX row - analogue dual resonant filter

video uploads by HEX HAUS



"HEX row is an analogue dual resonant filter with versatile routing capabilities, sidechain/envelope follower and mischievous character, stemming from (mis)use of transistors as variable resistors in the signal route.

Buy KIT or assembled - https://www.hex.haus"

Hansy Synth Daisy Poly Synth

Hansy Synth Daisy Teaser1 video upload by gilleslacaud

"The Daisy poly Synth is a 6/5 Voices polyphonic virtual analog and sampler synthesizer"

Seconddemo1

video upload by gilleslacaud

"PCM Samples"

CLICK FOR MORE »

MadLab Bleep-o-Tron DIY Synth! \\\ Patch Flip & Tweak ///

video upload by midierror

You might recognize the name from a 2016 incarnation posted here. See the MadLab label for additional creations.

"This phase modulation synth costs $45 !!?! Take a quick tour tweaking some patches for the excellent Bleep-o-Tron (Redux) from MadLab! This is a DIY kit you solder yourself, which has some pretty impressive features. It's a polyphonic synth with 5-Pin MIDI In, 3.5mm audio out and built in effects (Flanger, RingMod & Delay).

There is a superb editor for the synth, which not only alows you to control various elements of the synth, but also copy/paste them to different sections! The video does have audio glitches and held notes, due to the playback of multiple MIDI notes during the tweaking - these by no means affected my enjoyment, but are worth mentioning.

More info here: https://www.tindie.com/products/madla...

MadLab site: http://www.madlab.org/

The audio has light post-processing applied."

Erica Synths Introduces EDU DIY SNARE DRUM

Designing a simple analog snare drum from scratch

video upload by Moritz Klein

"No drum machine is really complete without a punchy, snappy snare. Together with the kick, it creates the rhythmic backbone for most grooves.

So in my ongoing quest for creating a Roland-inspired modular drum machine, I knew I had to come up with a snare circuit that would complement the kick and hi-hat I‘ve already designed. After a lot of fine tuning, I landed on a circuit that can emulate a TR-606, TR-808 or TR-909 snare."

No drum machine is really complete without a punchy, snappy Snare Drum. Together with the Kick, it creates the rhythmic backbone for most grooves. So for our percussion-focused second season of educational DIY kits, we knew we had to come up with a Snare circuit that would complement the Kick and Hi-Hat we’ve already released. After a lot of fine tuning, here’s what we came up with: introducing mki x es.edu DIY Snare Drum.

Features
Manual and CV controlled Tune
Tune CV depth attenuator
Manual Attack and Decay control
Manual and CV Snappy (noise and tone crossfade) control
Accent input

We – Erica Synths and Moritz Klein – have developed a series of educational DIY kits under the brand name mki x es.EDU with one specific goal in mind: to teach people with little-to-no prior experience how to design analog synthesizer circuits from scratch. What you’ll find in the box is not simply meant to be soldered together and then disappear in your rack. Instead, we want to take you through the circuit design process step by step, explaining every choice we’ve made and how it impacts the finished module.

NB! All kits in these series are simple and come with extensive user manuals which can be downloaded separately, therefore we will not provide customer support in case your DIY build fails to function or similar.

CLICK FOR MORE »

ZIRCOTHC ESP32 DRUM SYNTH LOFI MACHINE

video upload by zcarlos zc

"ESP32 drum synth Lofi machine.
Sound demo of my DIY drum (or noise) machine.

Hardware:
- Lolin S2 Mini (ESP32 S2)
- PCM5102A I2s dac
- 24 push buttons (8x3)
- Rotary encoder
- OLED display I2c
- 32 LED WS2812B

Synth engine:
- Wavetable synthesizer based on DZL Arduino library "The Synth" (github.com/dzlonline/the_synth)
- 16 sound polyphony
- Sound parameters: Table, Length, Envelope, Pitch, Modulation, + Volume, Pan and Filter.
* Filter (LowPassFilter) comes from Mozzy library (github.com/sensorium/Mozzi)

Sequencer:
16 step/pattern editor and random generators (pattern, sound parameters and notes)

Soon schematics and code."

Previously:

ESP8266 DRUM MACHINE V2

video upload by zcarlos zc 5 years ago in 2019

"ESP8266 DRUM MACHINE V2
2 MPR121 modules (24 keys)
1 I2S DAC
4 potentiometer (i2c ADC ADS1115)
RGB neopixel style leds

More info: https://zircothc.wordpress.com"

ESP8266 DRUM MACHINE

video upload by zcarlos zc also 5 years ago in 2019

ESP8266 DRUM MACHINE
2X MPR121 modules
1 MAX7219 module
1 I2S DAC
24 Green/Red LEDS

More info: https://zircothc.wordpress.com

New Barton BMC108 Midi2CV Demo

video upload by boogdish

"A new DIY synthesizer module design. This lets you use a keyboard, sequencer or other MIDI controller with your modular synth. Two sets of CV/Gate/Trigger outputs with keyboard split, multiple note priority sets, bend inhibit and midi clock output."

via Barton Musical Circuits

"This is a two voice Midi to CV converter module. It has a keyboard split option allowing you to separate the keyboard into two separate synth voices, tune mode, multiple sets of note priorities for when more than two notes are played at the same time, options for inhibiting note bend on an individual output and output for the MIDI clock.

The PCB is set up for attached 3.5mm jacks and a detached MIDI input jack. If someone wanted to adapt it to a +/-15V system, no parts changes would be required."

JCS BN-1 "Bakery of Noise" Digital PCM Synthesizer – One of a Kind

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated. "JCS BN-1" 4-Bit Linear PCM Synthesizer - Part 1 (Prototype)

video upload by blarrer20

"JCS BN-1" 4-Bit Linear PCM Synthesizer - Part 2 (Finished)

video upload by blarrer20

"This video demonstrates the final version of a 4-bit Linear PCM synthesizer that I have designed and built over about two months. It makes use of mostly Soviet clones of 7400 and 74LS series TTL chips, with no microcontrollers involved. It has a 256 x 4 SRAM chip that allows the user to program whatever waveforms may be desired, with looping capability, and starting at whatever point desired. Most importantly, it is able to be controlled by an external source, for example a keyboard instrument. It also has a frequency doubler circuit. This video is part 2 of 2, showing the finished product.

If you want to skip right to the sounds, go to 27:08"

via this listing

Pics of the inside below.

Details from the listing:

CLICK FOR MORE »

VEKT - Portable Drum Computer V.4

video upload by uszymyszy

"Hi! Here is v.4, I redesigned the enclosure to be more rugged, we have also a battery and speaker. Most of the errors are solved, the UI is quite cluttered yet and I make a lot of missclicks/wrong shortcuts but after some tweaks everything should go fluent.

The idea is to have a pocket version of Ableton workflow, simplified but easy enough to create sketches for further polishing in DAW. I plan to build several units for testers but is still a lot of work to do and I cannot guarantee anything at the moment. I will try to progress as much as possible to finish this in this year."

And from one year ago:

Vekt - Portable Drum Computer

video upload by uszymyszy

"I built a Pocket Operator alternative. It can now record and play internal synths. There are 4 engines:
- Bass (Roland TB-303 mod),
- Lead (8bit style),
- Braids (implementation of Mutable Instruments eurorack module),
- Wavetable (several waves mixed by knobs)

I hope the UI is self explanatory, it is focused on simplicity and uses Ableton-like mini session view to launch clips"

The first prototype was shown 3 years ago on reddit.

It looks like a Dirtywave M8 tracker, but is different in both build layout and function. From the creator:

"M8 is a stunnig device for complex projects, I plan to keep my Vekt operator more like pocket op where you can quickly create sketches/ideas and polish them later on DAW. And the main idea for me personally was to quickly create rhythmic sequences which I can use with my visualization app instead making them in DAW, this will speed up the process."

[$11] DIY eurorack modular synth SSI2140 VCF | 4pole Low Pass Filter

video upload by HAGIWO

"My 77th original eurorack modular synth DIY projects.
4 pole low pass filter based on SSI2140 VCF IC.

working documents (schematics)
https://note.com/solder_state/n/n9fd3...

Study of SSI2140 Q VCA function (patreon)
Video of waveforms when tuning the resistance of the SSI2140 Q VCA.
https://www.patreon.com/posts/study-o..."

Ksoloti Gills Open Source DIY Desktop Unit

via Ksoloti

"Gills is a standalone desktop unit using the Ksoloti Core

Ksoloti is an environment for generating and processing digital audio. It can be a programmable virtual modular synthesizer, polysynth, drone box, sequencer, chord generator, multi effect, sample player, looper, granular sampler, MIDI generator/processor, CV or trigger generator, anything in between, and more.

Ksoloti is an environment for generating and processing digital audio. It can be a programmable virtual modular synthesizer, polysynth, drone box, sequencer, chord generator, multi effect, sample player, looper, granular sampler, MIDI generator/processor, CV or trigger generator, anything in between, and more.

The Ksoloti Core is a rework of the discontinued(?) Axoloti Core board. In short, Ksoloti aims for maximum compatibility with the original Axoloti, with some layout changes and added features. The Axoloti Core hardware board became unavailable at some point, but because Johannes graciously open-sourced the schematics (and since the global part shortage somewhat improved) it was possible to recreate a board nearly fully compatible to the original: enter the Ksoloti Core.

Using the Patcher software on your computer, you create your own sound patches by placing and connecting sound objects, or explore patches other users shared. You can edit any existing patches and even objects, or write entirely new ones from scratch. When you are satisfied with your patch, you can upload it to the Ksoloti Core’s internal memory – or save a collection of patches on SD card – so you can play it without your computer connected.

The fun really starts when you connect pots, buttons, LEDs or displays, sensors and more to control your patches and make Ksoloti a tactile and highly playable hardware instrument.

Board dimensions and layout aside, the two main hardware differences to the original Axoloti Core are:

Ksoloti Core does not have any audio and MIDI jacks on-board.
Ksoloti Core has more pins and functions broken out to headers.
Full information on getting started with the Ksoloti can be found on Ksoloti github here: https://ksoloti.github.io/"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Wee Noise Maker PGB-1 – The all-in-one open-source pocket groovebox

video upload by Crowd Supply



via Crowd Supply

"Wee Noise Makers PGB-1 is an advanced yet portable sequencer that lets you craft complex musical pieces anywhere. This all-in-one, open-source, customizable device is designed to empower aspiring musicians, seasoned creators, and makers. It isn’t just an instrument—it’s your gateway to the world of music production and audio synths.

Rock Out, Anywhere
PGB-1 has an open-source stock firmware that makes it a playful and powerful groove box. It allows you to craft complex musical pieces with drums, bass, lead, samples, reverb, bitcrusher, overdrive, and others.

Orchestrated by an advanced sequencer with conditional steps, repeats/ratcheting, pattern chaining, chord sequencing, song mode, live sequencing effects, and more. And it’s also a hackable and customizable device, with CircuitPython, C\C++, and Ada support for programming your own synthesizers, video games, or any audio based projects.

Features & Specifications

Processor: Raspberry Pi RP2040

16 MB Flash
Audio IC: Cirrus Logic WM8960 (or equivalent)

Up to 32-bit at 48 kHz digital audio link
On-chip Headphone Driver, 1 W Stereo Class D Speaker Driver
Up to 3 stereo Line-in/Microphone interfaces
User Interface

128 x 64 monochrome OLED screen
24 addressable RGB LEDs
30 tactile switches
1 capacitive touch strip
Input & Outputs

1x USB Type-C (Power & Data)
1x 3.5 mm Headphone/Headset
1x 3.5 mm Audio Line-in
1x 3.5 mm MIDI Input (TRS type-A)
1x 3.5 mm MIDI Output (TRS type-A)
Internal microphone
Open Source
PGP-1 is an open hardware project. Right now, you can browse the GitHub repo for the device’s firmware. Later, we will make the schematics available to the public."

DIY Sequencer for the Elektor Formant

video upload by Andreas Remshagen

"More Info and Cirquit:
www.remshagen.eu/Formant/Sequencer.htm

I saw this Sequencer for the Elektor Formant in some Vids in the Net - but i couldn't get the original circuit. So i created an easy circuit that is based on the Baby 10- Sequencer. Its a 555-Clock with a 4017-Counter.
The Sequencer can be driven by an external Clock and it has two Gate and CV-outputs.
I connected the Gate and CV directly with the Formants Gate and KOV inputs. If you don't want to make this internal connection then you can do this via the CV and Gate output Jacks."

Quord: Harmony Exploration Machine

video upload by Sound Workshop

"Music to wake up to

Quord is a droning harmony synthesizer. It has four sawtooth oscillators followed by a mixer, filter, and distortion.

Circuit by Decapod Devices. Layout by Sound Workshop. Work in progress."

Arduino VGM player with rough SN76489 emulation - sneak peak of a video game music chiptune project

video upload by Marcel Licence

"Similar to the previous project I wanted to implement the playback of a new file format.
In this project VGM files are played on different platforms (decompressed VGZ files).
To get any audio I've implemented a very rough emulation of the SN76489 sound chip.
It has three square wave outputs and a noise channel.
The noise channel does not completely work as intended yet.
You might hear some deviations to the expected audio of the video game music.
This project is implemented in Arduino.
After adding some more features I will make this project available soon.


Used VGM files:
- Sonic the Hedgehog 2 - 07 - Sky High Zone.vgm
- Global Gladiators - 02 - Techno Tune.vgz
- Global Gladiators - 03 - Duelin-Dance.vgz
- Global Gladiators - 04 - Dance Tune.vgz
- Lemmings - 01 - Title screen.vgm
- Lemmings - 02 - Can-Can.vgm
- Lemmings - 03 - Levels 2 & 19.vgm
- Lemmings - 04 - Levels 3 & 20.vgm
- Lemmings - 05 - Levels 4 & 21.vgm

Files were originally in .vgz format and I renamed them to .vgz, decompressed them
and finally renamed the uncompressed files back to .vgm before I could play them.

---

Projects can be found on GitHub: https://github.com/marcel-licence
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcel_lice...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarcelLicence
Discord: https://discord.gg/yT8bQdZE (if the link doesn't work please check the description of the latest video)
Mail: mailto:marcel.licence.o@gmail.com

---
Intro, Raspberry Pi Pico via PWM: (0:00)
ESP32 playback via audio codec: (2:37)
ESP8266 test output via PWM: (3:27)
ESP32-S2 using I2S DOUT alone: (4:17)"

This $20 synthesizer sounds very nice indeed

video upload by

"BPSynth is a #diy monophonic #virtualanalog #synthesizer based on a STM32F411 'BlackPill' microcontroller created by @Synthetech . In this video, I show which parts you need, where to get them and how to assemble them, plus some sound impressions. Table of contents:

00:00 short demo
00:07 hi
00:30 parts needed
00:58 were to get and how to install the firmware
02:23 building the BPSynth
04:20 building the MIDI jack
06:50 important considerations
07:14 set up a MIDI controller
07:39 synth engine overview
08:07 demonstation track
11:14 conclusion

Resources [active links here]
Firmware can be found on Blaines' YT channel: @Synthetech
BlackPill STM32F411 board https://de.aliexpress.com/item/100500...
UDA 1334A DAC module https://de.aliexpress.com/item/100500...
5pin midi socket https://de.aliexpress.com/item/330301...
6N137 optocoupler https://de.aliexpress.com/item/100500...
220 and a 10k ohm resistor https://de.aliexpress.com/item/100500...
1N4148 diode https://de.aliexpress.com/item/100500...
Jumper wires https://de.aliexpress.com/item/100500...
Breadboard https://de.aliexpress.com/item/100500...

HÄLP ZIS CHANNEL
https://www.patreon.com/floyd_steinberg
https://floydsteinberg.gumroad.com/
https://floydsteinberg.bandcamp.com/"

Synthetech videos:

BP Synth.. a DIY Virtual Analog Monosynth

video uploads by Synthetech



BP-Synth Code Tutorials

video uploads by Synthetech

Additional videos on YouTube.