3D printed synth parts! Making cool and useful things with a Creality Ender 3 S1

video upload by LeoMakes

"3D printing is my new favorite thing! In this video, I use a 3D printer (a Creality Ender 3 S1) to make useful parts for my modular synthesizer and to prototype components for future musical inventions. I show what kind of accuracy you can expect to see straight out of the box with a modern printer like this one (hint: it's excellent). And finally, you’ll see a sneak peak of all the crazy things I have designed and printed for upcoming projects.

Here is the printer I used:
https://www.creality.com/products/cre...

If you’re in the UK like me, you can get one here: https://www.box.co.uk/Creality-Ender-...

Note: These are not affiliate links and I don't get any kind of commission or anything like that. You should do your own research and buy the printer for you!

If you're into Patreon and supporting channels like this one, well, I'd love to have your support! https://www.patreon.com/leomakes"

Making the PERFECT Studio Desk!

Part 1: The Tour video upload by LeoMakes

This one is in via supporting member, LeoMakes who had the following to say:

"I was disappointed at the ergonomics of my studio (using my beloved Eurorack system means I'm always out of the sweet spot) SO... I built a custom Eurorack desk that puts all my favorite modules right in front of me where I want them. It has 272 HPs of Eurorack (3U + 1U Intellijel) with power, slide-out keyboard tray, ideal speaker placement. It's even a sit/stand desk so I can make music how I want. It has taken 5 months to design/engineer/fabricate and I hope your viewers will find it interesting/inspiring. Maybe they'll even build their own variants of this, which would be amazing."

Video Description and Part 2 below:

"I just built the perfect studio desk (for me)! In this video, we go on a tour of my new desk and I talk about why I designed it like this and some of its cool features. Check out Part 2 for the actual desk build: [below]

BTW I talk about a lot of gear but I am not sponsored or endorsed by anyone. I also don't do Amazon affiliates or anything like that. If you're into Patreon and supporting channels like this, well, I'd love to have your support! https://www.patreon.com/leomakes"


Part 2: The Build video upload by

"In this video, I walk you through how I designed and built the pefect studio desk (for me!) We'll go over my requirements, the 3D design software, and how all the pieces come together."

Building the Perfect Eurorack Case (Part 1)

Published on Jul 23, 2019 LeoMakes

"I finally have the *PERFECT* case for my modular synth! It might not be or everyone but I love it.

Have you ever dreamed about having the perfect case for YOUR synth? What shape would it have? How many modules would it hold? And where would you put it?

In this video, I build my own Eurorack modular synthesizer case from scratch! I walk you through the problem I'm trying to solve, my constraints, and how I built this case for myself. I hope it will inspire some viewers to build your own!

Note: This has turned out to be a super-long video, so I split it up into two parts. I'll post part 2 as soon as I can.

If you enjoy these videos please consider supporting this channel on Patreon! Even a $1 a month goes a long way :)
www.patreon.com/leomakes"

How to DIY Properly (how I prep for successful builds)

Published on May 7, 2019 LeoMakes

"Have you ever messed up a DIY build? Maybe you made a synth or pedal that didn't quite work right? I've gotten questions about this so in this video, I'll walk you through how I prepare for a build and set myself up for success. (Hint: it's mostly down to organization.)

NOTE: This video is mostly about preparation and organization. For detailed tips on the actual soldering (with lots of gorgeous close-up shots) I made a whole separate video for that: [posted here]

I'm certainly not the world's best DIYer or anything so tell me... How do YOU prep? Please share your tips below!

Thanks to the people of 4MS (www.4mscompany.com) for providing the QPLFO (Quad, Pingable LFO). This module is awesome because it packs a lot of functionality (4 LFOs!) in only 12HPs of space--perfect for smaller/portable rigs! This video ran long so I'll have to show this product in-use in a future video.

Here is a link to that product:
https://4mscompany.com/qplfo-kit.php?...

When not making videos I run Strange Science Instruments,

a modular synth company based in Sweden & California:
http://www.strangesci.com

If you enjoy these videos please consider supporting this channel on Patreon! Even a $1 a month goes a long way :)
www.patreon.com/leomakes"

Making a Paper Cup Microphone. Less than $10!

Published on Feb 26, 2019 LeoMakes

This one isn't directly synth related, but LeoMakes is a supporting member of the site, and some of you out there might find this one useful. You can use the mike with your synths and modular. :)

"Yes--it's true! You can make a microphone out of a paper cup, some magnets and some wire. It's definitely not going to replace any of my (or your) studio mics, but it's a fun lo-fi DIY project. Did I mention it was less than $10?

Have you built any microphones of your own? Do you have an experience repairing mics? Please share your wisdom and leave comments on how one might improve on this very basic (and hack-y) design!"

Fixing The Sad Sequencer: How to repair a sad MIDI sequencer

Published on Jan 16, 2019 LeoMakes

"Watch Leo repair the sad little hardware sequencer with the broken screen. Because sequencers belong in the studio, not the lab bench!

In this video, Leo tries to fix his friend's MIDI sequencer with a broken screen (an Engine from Social Entropy Electronic Music Instruments). We take the unit apart, discuss different strategies for repairing gear, talk about why every lab should have a hot air rework station, and--after some trial and error--we finally fix the issue. Hooray for little sequencer. I hope it lives on and makes lots of techno.

If you enjoy these videos please consider supporting my channel on Patreon! Even a $1 a month goes a long way :)

www.patreon.com/leomakes

When not making videos I run Strange Science Instruments,

a modular synth component company based in Sweden & California.
http://www.strangesci.com"

"IKEA Hack" Plate Reverb Part 3 (Free IR files!)

Published on Dec 20, 2018 LeoMakes

You can find all parts in the series posted here.

"Leo makes and gives away IR (Impulse Response) files of the now-famous IKEA Plate Reverb! And it's 100% free!

Viewers have been asking me about posting IR files since the first episode and I thought it would be a good video subject. So in this video, I explain how convolution works, walk you through the process of making an impulse response file and demo some sounds. It sounds just like the real thing!

You can download the free IR files from the following:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/3h28jv0wap...

(You can load these .aif files into most convolution reverb plugins to get the IKEA plate sounds in your own music).

If you use these IR files and create some beautiful, brilliant, amazing music (or other art) please come back and share it in the comments below! I get a huge kick out of seeing my work inspiring the art of other people.

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2019!

My synth company (i.e., what I do when I'm not making videos):
http://www.strangesci.com"

DIY "IKEA Hack" Plate Reverb Part 2 (Sounds amazing now!)

Published on Dec 11, 2018 LeoMakes

"Leo makes major improvements the (now famous) IKEA plate reverb in his last video! Total upgrade cost is about $40 and makes the reverb sound 100x better!"

See this post for full details.

DIY "IKEA Hack" Plate Reverb. Sub $100.

Published on Nov 20, 2018 LeoMakes

Cool new DIY video from supporting MATRIXSYNTH member, LeoMakes. Update: part 2 added below.

"Watch Leo make a surprisingly good-sounding and "playable" plate reverb using an IKEA shelf and some basic electronics. It's a quick build that costs less than $100 in parts!

NOTE: This is a super-hacky prototype I made quickly as a proof-of-concept. It sounds nice, but there are several things that I will improve as time goes on, so keep an eye out for that (I'll post updates here).

Here are the parts I used. In case anyone is wondering, I am not endorsed or compensated by IKEA (or anyone else).

IKEA Bror Legs ($16): https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/pr...

IKEA Bror Shelves -- you need two of these ($17 x 2):
https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/pr...

A transducer (there are many options; here is what I used):
https://www.electrokit.com/en/product...

Two piezo pickups (again, many options; here is what I used):
https://www.electrokit.com/en/product...

There is a lot more research I would like to do with the selection of transducer and pickups (and probably a lot of other things). If you build one of these or have made your own plate reverb in the past, please feel free to share your valuable wisdom in the comments!"

DIY "IKEA Hack" Plate Reverb Part 2 (Sounds amazing now!)

Published on Dec 11, 2018 LeoMakes

"Leo makes major improvements the (now famous) IKEA plate reverb in his last video! Total upgrade cost is about $40 and makes the reverb sound 100x better!

Audio Examples at 12:54

Here are the upgrade items and their approximate costs:
- Angle grinder (I rented it for $8/day)
- Cutting and sanding discs for angle grinder ($9)
- Box of springs ($8 and you only use a few of them)
- M4 screws, washersand wingnuts ($5)
- MDF board ($9)

I have made IR (impulse responses) of both the original and upgraded versions of the plate. I'll make a video about that soon and will be sharing the files for free. Please stay tuned for that.

If you build one of these or have made your own plate reverb in the past, please feel free to share your valuable wisdom in the comments!

My synth company (i.e., what I do when I'm not making videos):
http://www.strangesci.com"

"IKEA Hack" Plate Reverb Part 3 (Free IR files!)

Published on Dec 20, 2018 LeoMakes

"Leo makes and gives away IR (Impulse Response) files of the now-famous IKEA Plate Reverb! And it's 100% free!

Viewers have been asking me about posting IR files since the first episode and I thought it would be a good video subject. So in this video, I explain how convolution works, walk you through the process of making an impulse response file and demo some sounds. It sounds just like the real thing!

You can download the free IR files from the following:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/3h28jv0wap...

(You can load these .aif files into most convolution reverb plugins to get the IKEA plate sounds in your own music).

If you use these IR files and create some beautiful, brilliant, amazing music (or other art) please come back and share it in the comments below! I get a huge kick out of seeing my work inspiring the art of other people.

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2019!

My synth company (i.e., what I do when I'm not making videos):
http://www.strangesci.com"

How to Solder Surface Mount parts (it's easy!)

Published on Sep 6, 2018 LeoMakes

"Learn how to do surface mount soldering (sometimes called "SMT" or "SMD") by watching Leo make an amazing Elektrosluch 3 device!

Explained in an easy step-by-step guide with lots of detailed closeup shots and great tips for beginners and advanced viewers alike. Hope you like it!

This product is TOTALLY AWESOME. It's made by LOM Instruments:
https://store.lom.audio/collections/e...

Strange Science Instruments (my own company!):
http://www.strangesci.com"

How to Solder Eurorack Modules (it's easy!)

Published on Aug 28, 2018 LeoMakes

"By popular demand! Learn how to solder a Eurorack Module (a 4MS Shuffling Clock Multiplier) in an easy step-by-step guide. Includes of detailed closeup shots and great tips for beginners and advanced viewers alike. Hope you like it!"

Strange Science Instruments: We made our own Eurorack modules. From scratch!

Published on Aug 14, 2018 LeoMakes

"At last! I can finally share this story! It has taken two years to get here.

Have you ever wondered how a Eurorack module gets made? In this special episode, we go step-by-step through how Strange Science Instruments (my startup) built its first two products, completely from scratch!"

How to convert a stombox into a Eurorack module

Published on Jun 5, 2018 LeoMakes

"In this episode, we convert a DIY guitar pedal into a Eurorack module. First, I explain how we're going to do it. Then, we make the conversion. Finally, we hook everything up and play some drum sounds through it to hear how it sounds.

0:38 - The plan
4:49 - The build
8:01 - Hear it in action"

Building a (super-awesome) RAT Distortion Pedal

Published on Apr 27, 2018 LeoMakes

1:06 - The build (and my thoughts on it)
3:56 - An explanation of the module and its controls
6:43 - Hear the RAT clone in action

Watch Leo make a RAT distortion pedal clone, explain why it's amazing on synths, and make some cool sounds with it!

Dead End FX (makers of this PCB):
http://www.deadendfx.com/products

How to build a Spring Reverb Module

Published on Apr 3, 2018 LeoMakes

0:22 - The build (and my thoughts on it)
4:50 - Digital "Brick" vs. traditional reverb "Tank". An explanation.
7:12 - Hear the Spring Reverb in action

First episode! Watch Leo make a Music Thing Modular Spring Reverb module, explain how a spring reverb works, and play some cool sounds through the finished build.

Where I bought the Spring Reverb kit:
https://www.thonk.co.uk/shop/mtm-spri...

Link to Music Thing Modular (maker of this kit):
http://musicthing.co.uk/pages/spring....

Strange Science Instruments (my own company!):
http://www.strangesci.com