Prototype Jam! TINRS Fenix IV, mmalex Plinky and Faust on Teensy 4.0

video by Making Sound Machines

"Here's a little prototype jam, using all the lovely modular gear and hardware we've been testing these last weeks! The granular glockenspiel is made with This is Not Rocket Science's Fenix IV Eurorack compatible system-in-a-box - this is a beta machine but production hardware is actually done! TiNRS’ Stijn and Lauri built in an awesome way to load sample banks into the digital oscillator in wavetable mode, so we were able to use a recording of my childhood glockenspiel as grains in this synth sequence, with beautiful warbles from the onboard delay! TiNRS Fenix' sequencer allows for each of its four channels to have its own rhythm subdivisions and to be transposed via MIDI - this is exactly what's happening here using the Arturia keystep pro. Fenix' extra seq channels are triggering a kick from GHzTomash Callisto teensy arduino DIY drum module, and gating some noise percussion using the Fenix' VCA. The lush swell of reverb at the end is coming from a combination of Fenix built-in verb and using our beta unit mmalex Plinky as an FX processor - DIY kits and the expander will soon be available again from Thonk.

The stereo organ pad is made on a Teensy 4.0 arduino, running an additive synth patch made with Faust DSP and the teensy audio library, controlled via MIDI with the Arturia Keystep Pro and patched into the Eurorack with our own Multiplikand module. It's rhythmically chopped using This is Not Rocket Science's Wobbler complex LFO into Mutable Instruments Streams dual dynamics gate, using the TiNRS Fenix' sequencer to reset the LFO in time with the sequence. The bass is Moogs DIY voice Werkstatt 01, a CV-controlled voice with a ladder filter and that lovely Moog sub.

The beats in the ending come from our circuit bent e-licktronic NAVA TR909 clone, sequenced using the Roland Aria TR-8 drum machine. While the NAVA is an exact copy of the famous TR909 circuits, hacked by us with 34 mods to vastly expand the sonic palette of the instrument, the TR-8 is a digital emulation of the same synth and somewhat shunned for its color scheme. If you look beyond that, it's a very practical and lovely machine.

❤️ Huge thank you to everyone sending us stuff to test and build! This is extremely fun!"

Plinky Synth DIY Kit - Step by Step Build Guide

Making Sound Machines

"Join us while walk you through soldering the brandnew #Plinky touch surface #synthesizer! It’s designed by mmalex, both standalone and #Eurorack compatible and available as a full #DIY kit through Thonk.

Plinky looks and sounds amazing - it's a fullblown stereo synth voice with lush reverb and delay, which can function as a standalone desktop box or built into the rack. Its CV control and audio line in allows it to double up as a touch controlled effects processing box.

So follow along as we guide you step by step through the electronic components and soldering techniques needed to complete a happy, gleefully bleeping Plinky. We've include chapters with this video, so you can easily skip between sections, re-watch or pick up where you left off.

Plinky lives here https://www.plinkysynth.com/
Written build guide https://docs.google.com/document/d/1O...
Plinky Firmware https://www.plinkysynth.com/fw/

Full DIY kit available at Thonk - https://www.thonk.co.uk/shop/plinky/

00:00 Introduction
01:39 What's in the box?
02:56 Required tools
03:40 Remove the PCB assembly rails
04:10 Solder headphone and line-in
05:38 Secure the USB port
06:29 Solder inter-board connectors
07:32 Eurorack Power
08:32 Trimming the pin headers
09:31 Preparing the OLED Screen
10:31 Placing Sockets and Pots
11:20 Placing the green Thonkiconn
11:33 Placing the black Thonkiconn
11:59 Placing the trimmed pinheaders
12:33 Placing the front panel
12:54 Temporarily fixing the front panel
13:40 Pull out encoder
14:01 Soldering the Thonkiconn
14:51 Soldering pots and encoder
15:48 Soldering the OLED display
16:10 Soldering the SMT pin headers
17:00 Finishing the connectors
17:48 Main board is done!
17:55 Preparing the LED pads
18:49 Placing and soldering the blue LEDs
20:22 Placing and soldering the white LEDs
21:23 Place front panel
21:41 Check your LEDs
22:28 Fix the panel with hex nuts
22:43 Place the washers and nuts
22:57 Put on the T18 shaft caps
23:09 Installing Plinky in Eurorack
23:56 Pocket Operator style case
24:57 Installing Plinky in Aluminium case
25:46 Updating firmware
26:41 Touch calibration
27:22 Ready to play!"

Plinky Quick Build walkthrough

Alex Evans

"Decided to build a plinky from start to end in one take, and chat through the process. Sadly at the very end, my stereo line cable for recording the plinky audio has a dodgy connection, so you can't hear the thing properly - but everything else worked! Hooray. Hopefully this is a helpful build guide; I'll be making one with better production values soon. #plinky #buildguide #diy #thonk #synth #eurorack"

Thonk - Pot Shaft Adapters

Thonk Synth DIY

"Other companies sell these, but at extortionate prices! We're selling them at £3/$3.25 for 20 pieces, not a dollar each. Buy here - https://www.thonk.co.uk/shop/brass-po..."

New! Tall Trimmer Topper Knobs

Thonk Synth DIY

"A brand new knob designed by Thonk. They give tall trimmer pots an improved grippy feel and better visibility on Eurorack modules.

ON SALE NOW AND EXCLUSIVE TO THONK - https://www.thonk.co.uk/shop/tall-tri..."

plinky demo + update

Alex Evans

"hello! a quick sound example followed by a couple of notes on useful params to play with if you're one of the lucky 5 who are getting one of these; and, update! I'd like to maybe put this up as a kit on thonk. let me know in the comments if you'd be interested to buy one, I dont know the exact price yet but it'll probably be a mid-price module, neither cheap nor outrageous. yeah, anyway, just wanted to guage interest. cheers! #plinky #diy #thonk #eurorack #synth #kit"

Music Thing Modular - Workshop Notebook

Published on Nov 22, 2019 Thonk Synth DIY

"Buy here - https://www.thonk.co.uk/shop/mtm-book/

The Music Thing Modular Workshop Notebook is a 100 page ring-bound A5 notebook made for designing electronics, in particular Eurorack synth modules. Includes free sticker. INCLUDES CODE TO GET 10 GBP OFF ANY MUSIC THING FULL KIT IN A FUTURE ORDER!"

Music Thing Modular - Graphic EQ - Kit Overview

Published on Nov 12, 2019 Synth Diy Guy

"Building and playing with the cool Music Thing Modular Graphic EQ module! Super easy for beginners, PCB comes with all the SMD already soldered. And it sounds really nice :)

More info here: https://www.thonk.co.uk/shop/mtm-grap..."

Music Thing Modular - Start Up

Published on Nov 11, 2019 Synth Diy Guy

"Today we start a series on easy beginner modules!
This one is the Startup from Music Thing Modular, a cool first module that is a stereo mixer, a headphone amp and a clock generator with tap tempo and a divider/multiplier.
And you only need to solder the panel components.

Check it out here: https://www.thonk.co.uk/shop/startup/

Video Shot and edited by Quincas and Edgar López"

GOD's BOX Humpback // Multimode Eurorack filter with BAGS of character!

Published on Oct 18, 2019 DivKidVideo

"Here we have a newly re-panelled version of the Humpback filter from GOD's BOX. This is an 8HP SEM style multimode filter with a 2 pole response across the individual low, band and high pass + notch outputs. The input level can drive the filter for that lovely harmonic 'burn' and the two CV inputs affect the cut off with attenuators. It responds well to audio rate modulation for YOI bass, glottal overtones and odd pinged hits. The resonance is severely "hot rodded" beyond the normal SEM inspired filters giving a wide range of soft and warm bass to all out chaotic screams. I stumbled upon a weird way to create distance concrete car park reverb trails in your kick drums too. So skip around below and if you have any clue what's happening with that odd reverb I managed to create - let me know.

More info - http://bit.ly/godshumpback
https://www.thonk.co.uk for all your synth DIY needs.

TIMING INDEX // SECTIONS

00:00 Hello and patch previews

00:56 What is Humpback? Feature run down

RAW SOUND DEMOS
01:53 Low Pass
02:26 Band Pass
02:42 High Pass
02:57 Notch

03:09 Acidic resonance, envelope modulation and key tracking

04:08 Feedback patching for BEAUTIFUL distortion. Bandpass output into the CV input.

04:48 Kick drums synthesis

06:10 Noise injection for weird distant ‘car park’ reverb

06:48 Tone shaping noise

7:00 The secret to sounding like frying bacon spitting all over the hob!

07:40 Filtered FX trails & feedback for beautiful run away echoes.

09:13 Saturated filter action! With mixed stepped random and envelope modulation. Plus a lovely compressed reverb trail with Lollipop.

11:18 Audio rate modulation - filter formants, glottal tone shaping and all the YOI you can shake a stick at.

12:48 A trip to the west coast with filter pings, sequences and audio rate modulation.

15:05 Notch output phaser-like modulations


*** This video is sponsored by THONK.co.uk. They have funded the production of this DEMO video, but had no input on the content both in what was said or the patches made and recorded. Thank you to THONK for their continued support. Any questions about sponsorship please just ask. *** "

Loose Fruit build & demo

Published on Aug 21, 2019 Synth Diy Guy

"Building the full kit of the cool Loose Fruit Eurorack module from God’s box!

Get yours at Thonk: https://www.thonk.co.uk/shop/loosefruit/"

Loose Fruit demo

Frequency Central PRODUCT - Demo & Build Videos

Published on Aug 14, 2019 Synth Diy Guy

"Frequency Central's PRODUCT is a complete synthesizer in a single module for Eurorack! Full featured, great sounding and DIY friendly. Lot's of fun to build an play :)
Get yours at Thonk!
https://www.thonk.co.uk/shop/fc-product/
My Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/quincas

Video and music by Quincas. Beauty shots by Edgar Lopez."

Frequency Central PRODUCT - Building the Kit !

Thonk Summer Sale is on NOW

Published on Jul 9, 2019 Thonk Synth DIY

Short promo video via http://www.thonk.co.uk

AI Synthesis Giving Away One AI010 Switching Attenuator a Day Through July 11

See this post for demos and details on the new AI010 Attenuator. AI Synthesis kits and modules are available at thonk.co.uk and synthcube.com.

From Monday the 8th, through Thursday the 11th of July, AI Synthesis is giving away one kit or built unit on their product page.

The following is the official press release on the availability of the new AI010 Switching Attenuator:

"Portland, OR, USA July 8, 2019 – AI Synthesis has released the AI010 Switching Attenuator in both a built and guaranteed version, as well as in kit and PCB/Panel format. The AI010 Attenuator was a limited run I made for myself, but people wanted them, so here they are. The AI010 has two different attenuator circuits, but they are normalled together, so it can also function as a 1 in, 3 out Multiple. The module allows users to attenuate and control voltage for modules that lack attenuation on a CV input, in only 2HP. Following the tradition of the other eurorack modules, the AI001 Multiple,AI002 Mixer, and AI003 Looping ADSR, the module has a full video how-to build guide. Unlike some DIY companies that focus solely on providing kits, AI Synthesis has an educational mission and our kits and documentation are aimed at those who have never held a soldering iron. PCBS are professionally manufactured, and all panels are aluminum and designed by Grayscale.

From Monday the 8th, through Thursday the 11th of July, I am giving away one kit or built unit on the product page at https://aisynthesis.com/product/eurorack-attenuator/

“In the year 2000, I was in college and obsessed with modular synths, but could barely afford to eat. I knew it was possible to build your own synth, but there wasn’t anyone, or anywhere to turn to for advice. In the past decade, much more information has been published online, and in 2013 I started down my path to DIY modular. Even with all of the information online, there still lacked a single, simple, comprehensive guide for those looking to build their own synthesizer. I want AI Synthesis to be that guide. Prior to building my own synth, I was a dreamer, after building my modular, I felt I had awoken. I want to help others do the same.”
-Abraham Ingle
Founder, AI Synthesis

In addition to providing step by step build instructions, schematics, and circuit explanations, the site also includes a guide for getting started in modular synthesis, and a series of DIY Guides, with information regarding how Resistors actually work, and how to integrate a $26 scope into your Eurorack system."

Crisitian Vogel Prok Preset Pack

Uploaded on Jun 7, 2019 Thonk Synth DIY

"The pioneering techno artist Cristian Vogel (Tresor, Novamute, Sub Rosa, Endless Process) has produced a large set of new preset patches for the Prok Drums system - Download for FREE now - www.thonk.co.uk/vogel" Click through for additional demos and videos.

Why is STARTUP your first Eurorack module?

Published on May 16, 2019 Thonk Synth DIY

"Why is STARTUP your first Eurorack module? Because it has all those essentials you need to get up and running with a small modular. It syncs to your other gear, mixes the audio of both regular studio gear and modular gear at the same levels and provides a high quality line
or headphone output with lots of gain.

Build a STARTUP with designer Tom Whitwell at our workshop in Brighton on Saturday May 25th 2019 - https://www.thonk.co.uk/shop/startup-...

Buy STARTUP here - https://www.thonk.co.uk/shop/startup/"

And from DivKidVideo at SUPERBOOTH 19:

Best first Eurorack module? Start Up from Music Thing Modular // Superbooth 2019

Published on May 16, 2019 DivKidVideo

"Is this a module we all need? There's certainly a strong argument for it with tap tempo clocks, stereo mixing and headphone/line out. It certainly meets the desire of Music Thing Modular as a module that would be a great first module for small systems. The new clock phasing modes add a nice Steve Reich flare and influence and in 4hp it's a module that's hard to ignore for small or large systems I think. Super useful!

Get it here - https://www.thonk.co.uk/shop/startup/"

Learn to solder this Saturday at Thonk!

Published on Mar 21, 2019 Thonk Synth DIY

"What are you doing this Saturday 23rd March? Come solder some synths in Brighton! Ticket sales close Friday 22nd March - https://www.thonk.co.uk/workshop"

Fort Processor - experimental noise synthesiser circuit by Isn'tses

Published on Feb 3, 2019 Isn'tses music

"The Fort Processor is an experimental synth and noise effects circuit created by Isn'tses as part of Fort Process sound art festival 2018.

Available now as a DIY PCB or full kit."

via Thonk

"The Fort Processor is an experimental noise synthesiser and audio effect circuit designed by harsh fun noise duo ISN’TSES (Tim Drage & Lisa McKendrick) for Fort Process sound art festival. This event takes place in the tunnels and bunkers of Newhaven Fort on the Sussex coast, and the electronics and artwork of the synth are based on the layout of the site, with inspiration from the surrounding landscape and ocean.

The synth is controlled by light, touch pads, 3 knobs, and a trimmer. Audio is created and manipulated by four sections which have been combined using a circuit-bent approach:

1. The audio input, (3.5mm) used to connect devices such as a radio, walkman, phone, tablet, mp3, instrument etc. This signal is distorted using high gain then run through a frequency divider to add two noisy sub-octaves. When no input jack is connected, the circuit feeds back and self-oscillates.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Prok Drums Taster

Published on Dec 20, 2018 Thonk Synth DIY

"Prok Drums. A morphing DSP percussion engine available in Bassdrum, Snare, Hi-Hat and Handclap flavours. Available exclusively from Thonk.

https://www.thonk.co.uk/prok"

Prok Modular - Prok Drums - BD, SN, HH, CP

Published on Dec 14, 2018 Thonk Synth DIY

"Buy Prok drums here - https://www.thonk.co.uk/prok/"

Prok Modular Eurorack Drum Voices *FIRST BEATS*

Published on Dec 14, 2018 DivKidVideo

"Thonk caught my attention back at Superbooth with early prototypes of these little 4hp virtual analogue drum voices for Eurorack. Prok Modular is a new company leading with their initial releases in the range the BD SN CP HH. No prizes for guessing bass drum, snare drum, clap and hi hat as the sound sources there. There's no samples here, as I said it's virtual analogue voices allowing for modulation over X and Y positions for a wide range of sounds. This is just a "first beats" "first patch(es)" video sharing a few bits with the modules before a fulsome demo follows in the near future.

https://www.thonk.co.uk/prok/"