vinnui's DIY analog synthesizer

The concept of the modulation bus

2011-09-09T13:11:00.001+02:00

The idea of the modulation bus is came from the Minimoog Voyager, which uses this simple idea, to enable the user, to quickly dial in modulation settings. The Voyager came with 2 independent modbusses, with slightly different capabilities, and the Voyager Oldschool (which is 100% analog, without the digital patch storage, and control) uses modbusses with even more control possibilities.

The Minimoog Voyager's modbus:

The Minimoog Voyager Oldschool offers more sources, desinations, and controller/shaping options, which makes this instrument more flexible:

The user can select a modulation source with the "source" selector, the modulation destination, and then the controller, which will influence the modulation, like the keyboard velocity, or an external pedal. Finally, the amount knob makes possible to set the intensity of the modulation.

I think, this idea is very useful, even in semi-modular synths. No patch cables are needed, many of the modulations are possible with a few simple settings, and they are easy to remember.
I've started to experiment with modbusses in my monosynth prototype. In my current setup, the modbus needs to be more flexible than the Voyager's modbus, because my synth has more CV sources, and more possible modulation destinations. My implementation of the thing looks like this:

Every modbus needs a VCA which passes CV signals and audio signals too (has no blocking capacitors on the inputs), and rotary switches to select source, destination, and shaper settings. I'm using 12 position rotary switches for the dest/source/shaper settings. The amount knob controls the VCA's input CV level. If the amount knob is set to the maximum, the VCA's output level is maxed, and if the knob is set to zero, the VCA's output is totally silent (no modulation).

The useful setup for me is the following for modbus1:

Sources: VCO1, VCO2, SUB osc1, ENV1, ENV2, LFO1, LFO2, LFO3, Mixer output, Saw anim CV1, Saw anim CV2 (they are simple LFOs), and Keyboard CV
Destinations: VCO1 frequency, VCO2 frequency, VCO1+2 frequency, Mixer input, VCF cutoff, VCA1 CV, VCA2 CV, VCA1+2 CV, ENV1 trigger, ENV2 trigger, SawAnim 1 CV, SawAnim 2 CV
Shapers: Keyboard CV, Keyboard AUX (f.e. modwheel), ENV1, ENV2, ENV1 inv, ENV2 inv, LFO1, LFO2, LFO3, SUB1, SawA1, None

Modbus in steroids :)

My modulation busses allows the extraction of the final modulation signals, and the injection of an external source or shaper signal, which makes them integrate with the patch panel of the synth.

Frontpanel prototyping

2011-05-28T18:45:00.000+02:00

Ugly little cardboard box. :)

My new environment

2010-11-15T21:29:00.000+01:00

Here is my desk in my new room, my new lab PSU, and a new breadboard! :) The oscilloscope is an awful one (old russian model with cyrillic labeling, yuck!), but for a few weeks/months it will serve me, until I'll find a better one.

I've breadboarded the ASM1 noise source, without the pink/random output, because I don't need them for my new secret project. ;) More details later...

Modular Improvization 20100702

2010-07-02T20:47:00.000+02:00

A little improvization which is recorded with Audacity into 3 tracks.

Modular improv 20100702 by vinnui

Modular synth improv

2010-04-07T21:45:00.003+02:00

YuSynth modular -> MAM RS3 resonator -> Behringer DSP

Modular improvisation 20100407 by vinnui

Power distribution

2010-03-18T22:58:00.004+01:00

Simple power distribution boards

The current state of the modular, and the patch from the previous post

Some modular sound

2010-03-18T20:01:00.003+01:00

I've played with the completed modules today. Two new half-built mixer modules are in action in this patch, with 3 VCOs, 2 LFOs, and an EMS VCF clone. No additional effects, just some knobbing, VCO FM, LFO FM, etc...

Self playing patch, until 0:45.

YuSynth modular noodle by vinnui

Yusynth VCOs

2010-03-09T21:41:00.006+01:00

No tempcos, and no 1V/oct calibration yet.

Started in 2009, but finished in 2010... :)

Yes, my wiring is a mess. :)

My first modular sound sample

2010-02-27T21:26:00.004+01:00

I've made a patch on the modular, with 2 VCOs into the EMS VCF, and with 2 LFOs modulating the first VCOs pitch. The EMS VCF's output went out to the Behringer DSP, and then into the computer for recording.

Some manual knob twiddling...

Lossless sample here.

YuSynth EMS VCF ready!

2010-02-27T19:22:00.006+01:00

My first VCF is ready! The YuSynth EMS VCS3 diode ladder VCF clone is a cool sounding filter, and it has special resonance behavior. Based on the YuSynth section of the E-M forum, the value of the resistor R41 may need to reduced, to match the 2N3819 JFET characteristics. I can't able to reach self-oscillation with the standard 680K, so I reduced it to 220K and then

to 180K, which is finally correct.

The TL074 which I've used was faulty, so the control and the input levels are started to wiggle after a few minutes, and large amounts of noise went to the output. After some "air cooling", the levels are normalized, and the noise was dissapeared, at this point I've realized, that this opamp need to be replaced.

My first patch

2010-02-23T20:51:00.003+01:00

Today, I've installed the two working YuSynth VCOs into the case. They are not calibrated yet, but for making fun, and some noise, they are perfect. :) The power input of the modules was directly wired to the PSU output pins, but later I will make proper power distributor PCBs.

I've used my existing gear to extend the capabilities of the basic 4 modules of my modular. I don't have a working VCF, so I've used the MAM Warp9 filter, and the Virtualizer, to effect the sound... it's so exciting! :)

My first working module!

2010-02-17T22:27:00.010+01:00

Today is a good day for me. I've made success with the YuSynth LFOs! It's actually two LFO2's behind one panel. After hunting down and fixing some problems (a faulty 7555 and some panel miswiring), they are working good, and fully calibrated.

Some pictures of the process, and the completed module:

The case is a 'temporary' lame solution, and will be replaced with a bigger and better one later...

And the pots!

2010-02-08T20:43:00.001+01:00

Here we come!

Got all knobs

2010-01-30T12:34:00.003+01:00

Now i only need the pots! Soon I will able to continue the modular project!

Mortum - Sacral Domination (vinnui's remix)

2010-01-24T19:50:00.003+01:00

Totally reconstructed music track.

Vocals: Mortum, Music: Vinnui

Wiring

2009-11-16T16:20:00.007+01:00

Today, i have wired up some jack sockets.

YuSynth VCOs:

The alignment of the sockets seems correct:
YuSynth LFOs:

A big pack of "ammo"!

2009-10-28T17:42:00.003+01:00

Now, Mr. Braska has gone... but today, i've received the parts, which are needed to continue the modular project. A bigger toroidal transformer, PIC for the Midibox CV, 110 jack sockets, a lot of jack plugs, knobs, resistors, caps, etc...

Dual Yusynth VCO front panel

2009-08-30T09:57:00.005+02:00

Front panel making, detailed

2009-07-21T09:28:00.013+02:00

A few weeks ago, i've made a picture set of the panel making process, so here are the details.

On the table: one container for the acid, and one for clear water, spray paint, panels, wires, 20% hydrochloric acid, 20% hydrogen peroxide (mix it for 1:1).

Cover the back of the panels with self-adhesive tape, attach wires for handling, and put the panel in the acid. Don't touch and breathe the acid! Wait, and check the results periodically. Warning, this acid gets hot after 30-40 minutes of etching (if you do 2-3 panels in a row), it may need cool down a little bit.

Wash the panel with water, and dry it... The height distance between the untouched surface, and the etched one is about 0.2-0.3 mm. I think its ideal for painting, i don't need to etch it down to 0.4-0.5 like the instructables article suggest it.

The surface is now coarse and dry, ready for paint!

Make at least 2 or 3 layers of paint, othervise it can smear off at the next step. Read the instructions on the spray can. I must wait 10-15 minutes between 2 paintings.

After 24-48 hours of drying (depending on paint), scrub off the excess paint with a rough surfaced sponge. If everything is done correctly this can't damage the paint on the lower surface too much, but takes the laser toner layer off with the spray paint on it.

Drill the panel, then clear the surface, and cover with clear coat. This eliminates the small scratches.

Enjoy your panel, and show it to me! :)

Wiring...

2009-07-05T22:59:00.003+02:00

The last few weeks wasn't really productive (it's summer...), but i've started wiring up the frontpanels. It's not an easy job for me...

Here are the YuSynth ADSRs, and the YuSynth sample&hold + noise, and the YuSynth ringmod.

The show so far...

2009-06-11T21:19:00.003+02:00

This picture shows the current state of my project. These are the PCBs of my 'basic' modular (except for the Midibox). I've realised, that I must redesign the mixer for my own needs, so i've started an Eagle project for this module, based on Yves's design. This is a simple goal for my nonexistent sdiy knowledge.

A bunch of components

2009-06-09T22:45:00.005+02:00

Yesterday i've ordered a couple of missing components, it's arrived quickly. :)

The look of the synth...

2009-05-11T19:37:00.002+02:00

Blue and silver, i like it! :)

FP Drilling, and the case part 2

2009-05-01T17:50:00.004+02:00

Today was a productive day! The case was clear coated, and I need to wait 24 hours before I can continue the work.

I've drilled the front panels, made 8mm holes for the pots. The jacks need 12mm ones, which I can't drill at home, so next week I will drill these at my workplace.

If I'll finish all of the drilling, I'll have 9 panels, with these modules:
- 2 VCOs
- 2 VCFs
- 2 ADSRs
- 2 LFOs
- 4 VCAs
- Dual ringmodulator
- Noise + Sample and hold

The case

2009-04-27T10:11:00.002+02:00

The case is almost finished! It only needs to be clear coated to protect the surfaces. It's very lame, made by me. :) The wood parts was taken from old furniture, shelves, and garbage. This case can hold 8x2 modules, totally 16 of my nonstandard sized modules. More pictures with the front panels coming soon! :)

My first real front panel

2009-04-14T20:12:00.010+02:00

I've found a great article on instructables.com: How to etch aluminium panel with reusable acid. This method uses the same cheap acid, which is able to etch copper pcbs. This process is easy, and cheap, so here are the results of my test:

The first panel is not perfect, but usable! Some of the drawings are missing, but I'm satisfied. Finally, no more laminated paper or other shitty quasi-paneling tricks. :) Real aluminium, painted, and lacquer coated. :) Looks good, and feels good, and all DIY!

Front panel prototyping

2009-02-28T20:26:00.002+01:00

I'm designing my own panel layouts with the great free and opensource vector graphics program: Inkscape (available for Windows, Mac, and Linux!). This program creates SVG files, and with the clone function it's easy to draw consistent panel elements. For example, if I change the size of the original element, all of the clones resizing too.

I'm tested the layout, and it seems to everything is at usable distance. The graphics needs to be refined, but the dimensions are fine.

One half of the PSU

2009-02-18T20:31:00.004+01:00

Hoooraay, two of the +15V supply rails are built up, and functioning! Each of them is capable of cca 500 mA, which is quite good for me. The red leds shows the 2 regulated output, and the yellow ones indicating the unregulated. Next time, of course I will finish the -15V side.

The PSU parts

2009-02-09T20:43:00.004+01:00

We have done with the PSU PCB, and drilling is completed. My father helps me to complete this project, he has the experience for this. The PSU parameters are: +/-15V, 2x1A, with two 7815 and two 7915 voltage regulators.
We need to mount the aluminum heatsinks, the transformer, and then begin to solder.

The progress of ADSRs and VCFs

2008-12-22T18:08:00.004+01:00

Yesterday i've spent a little time working with the ADSRs and Minimoog VCF boards. When my ordered parts arrived, i've checked the list, soldered few resistors, capacitors, and trimmers in.
Fixed a few shorts, etc.

The current state of the PCBs is this:

I've ordered a toroid transformer, and some other parts for the PSU. I need to get some time, and I will continue these PCBs, and start to draw the PSU schematics...

Video: The future demised

2008-12-18T14:15:00.003+01:00

Video: Mortum
Music: Vinnui

Download high quality video

Building the Minimoog VCF clone PCBs

2008-11-26T21:38:00.003+01:00

As you can see, we are working hard! :) This time in the kitchen. :) I don't have a proper room for this, which is dissapointing, because i need to move the stuff in and out every time...
My son loves to poke with the tools, specially with the dangerous ones: hot, or sharp. :)

Usually i'm missing parts, i need to order a bunch of resistors, capacitors, etc. The VCAs, the ADSRs and the mixer boards also need them, so i'm writing a list.

Still, i need to build a PSU, with a +5V output for a midibox MIDI2CV unit.

Sooo much work to do!

Yusynth VCAs

2008-11-11T00:13:00.004+01:00

Because of i'm tired of endless PCB drilling, i've decided to work on the 8 VCA boards. I'm currently missing many parts of this circuit, but it's fun to solder a bit. More news soon...

YuSynth Minimoog VCF Clone and ADSR PCBs

2008-10-21T20:26:00.003+02:00

The new batch i've made in the last few days.

16 etched PCBs are ready

2008-10-16T18:15:00.005+02:00

Eight LFOs and eight mixer panels is ready to drill. :) Lots of holes, so it will take a lot of time to complete this task.
In the same time, i'm prepared 4 Minimoog VCFs and 8 ADSRs to etch, and i'm designing the front panel graphics. This synthesizer will be a semi-modular one, like the GRP A6 or the bigger A8 model.

YuSynth LFO, Mixer PCBs

2008-10-12T17:33:00.007+02:00

Finally back to the DIY modular business.
The next PCBs i'm making, is the YuSynth VCLFO and Mixer. This time i've made the process at home. In the future i will do this way.

PCBs in the FeCL:
The etched PCBs:
Next time i will make more LFOs, and new modules like S&H/noise, VCAs, ADSRs, Saw animators, some VCFs, Ringmod, Wavefolder, etc... a lot of work.

Updates soon.

YuSynth VCOs

2008-07-03T20:00:00.005+02:00

I'm currently busy with the building of the YuSynth VCOs, and i've only left a few missing parts. I need to build a +/-15 V power supply too, to test the units.

I've changed the front panel design, and in the current form it only takes 100mm x 222mm (custom width, and standard MOTM height).

The parts i'm missing: tempcos, some trimmers, and a few styro capacitors. I plan to use LM394's instead of SSM2210 (which is costly), i hope the 1V/oct tracking will be good enough with these.

Todo's left: diode matching (1N4148), correcting some drilling errors to fix the headers, and a few soldering.

If everything is ok,i will build 4 more VCO's. :)

Big thanks goes to Yves Usson, to his great work, good documentation of the modular project, and the inspiration.

If you find this interesting, check out Michel van Osenbruggen's blog at http://synthnl.blogspot.com/ too. :)

YuSynth VCO előlapterv

2008-05-20T22:15:00.004+02:00

Sokáig gondolkodtam azon, hogy milyen stílusban készítsem majd el a moduláris szintetizátorom előlapját. Első gondolatom az volt, hogy Moog, MOTM, DotCom hagyományos fekete-fehér-ezüst színeket használó, rácsszerkezetű (mert itt minden kezelőszervnek megvan ám a szabványos távolsága) és megjelenésű módon. Ezt hamar elvetettem, mikor szembesültem azzal, hogy ez mennyire elterjedt, és kicsit ki is szerettem a stílusból a sok fotó nézegetése közben.

Ekkor láttam pár "DIYer" megoldást, ami felnyitotta a szemem. Ha már úgyis sajátkezűleg akarok mindent építeni, mi a fenének ragaszkodnék bármilyen eddig használt megoldáshoz? Nem valószínű hogy gyári modulokkal akarnám bővíteni a közeljövőben a hangszert, úgyhogy marad a teljesen egyedi kivitel.

Előlap látványterv saját elképzelés szerint:

Ez még nem kész, úgyhogy finomodni, tökéletesedni fog. A forgatógombok feketék lesznek, fehér csíkkal jelölt. (csak hogy el lehessen képzelni a végleges formátumot).

Christ Antichrist (reconstruction)

2008-04-06T20:24:00.002+02:00

Mortum - Christ Antichrist sunrise rebuild

Pseudo Moral (Reconstruction)

2008-04-01T23:10:00.003+02:00

Mortum - Pseudo Moral, Silent Decay reconstruction by vinnui

Skin Peeler rebuild

2008-03-06T23:59:00.004+01:00

Mortum - Skin Peeler rebuilt version by vinnui

Kétórás spinning

2008-01-21T19:16:00.000+01:00

Több mint fél év kihagyás után, sikerült egyből egy kétórás spinninggel nyitni az idényt. :) Lehet hogy ez nem volt a legjobb ötlet, bár rutinosan nem hajtottam ki magam az első órában, azért csináltam becsületesen. A második óra már pokoli kemény volt, nem is a magas pulzusszám miatt (amit valahogy sikerült légzéstechnikával alacsonyan tartani), hanem prózai oka volt. A combizmom nem bírt a vége felé megtartani normálisan. Mindezen a 100-110-es tempó se nagyon segített. Szégyen-gyalázat, nem bírtam végigcsinálni a 2. óra vége felé a jumpokat, sem az állva hegymenetes szakaszokat, néha le kellett ülnöm...

No nem baj, izomlázam igazából nincs, vagy csak nagyon kicsi, ellenben a derekam 3 nap után már érzi a manővert. Nincs mese, a négyórásra fel kell készülni. Igaz hogy az 4 különálló óra, kb 10-15 perces pihenőkkel, de akkor is...

Kende

2007-12-10T18:56:00.000+01:00

Undor, évvége, hallelúja.

2007-12-08T12:16:00.000+01:00

A tegnapi céges bulin sikerült tetemes mennyiségű piát betermelni, amire a szokásos másnaposság, és életundor fogott el reggel. A helyzetet tovább rontotta, hogy irtózatos idegesség fogott el: nagybevásárlás. Utálom mint a szart, ettől nagyobb baromság nem létezik. Most persze csúcson dübörög az évvégi fos bevásárlási láz, és elkapkodják a legutolsó retkes horganyzott bányalovat is. Jól mutat a fa alatt, és király érte dulakodni sivár nagyáruházakban.

Vesse le Ön is maradék emberségét, álljon fejre, forduljon ki mindenki, és felejtse el hogy van józan ész, tartson karácsonyt! Mindezt birkamozgalmi keretek között. Annál jobb, minél jobban szétvágja az ember kezét a bevásárlószatyor, hordjad, vegyed.

Legyen pompázatos, hulljanak a tűlevelek, vágják a fát tonnaszám, dübörgő kamionok ontsák a szánalmas cuccokat a bevásárlóközpontokba. Nem gond, elfogy. Sőt, lesz jövőre is! Főzzön, süssön mindenki, faljon mértéktelenül, dolgozzon a szervezet, küzdjön a mérgek ellen. Olcsó alapanyagokból fasza kaja, génkezelt, e-száztól hétszázig minden ami szem, és szájnak ingere.

Végül minden jóra fordul, és csak vége lesz, de addig még sok-sok órát kell szenvedni, lelki golgotám krémje. Szent ünnepünk emblematikus alakjai falloszukra húzzák modern fogyasztói társadalmunkat. A Jézuska egyik kezében hitelszerződés, másikban műanyag vibrátor.
Ja, ha valaki azt hinné, nem, ez nem a másnaposság miatt van, hanem minden évben visszatérő szar érzés.

Kellemes fogyaszt... ja nem, karácsonyt bmeg. (így előre)