Hi.
Aim for a simple monophonic synth to start with.
A simple basic system would be a VCO, mixer, VCF, VCA,
LFO, and an envelope generator (or ADSR). I'd recommend
starting by building an EQ or VC filter - once it's finished, you can
test it easily, and start using it straight away. Ken makes VCO,
VCF, and nifty dual LFO PCBs, as well as many other unique
boards. There are many sites on the net with schematics, pcb
foil patterns, and pcbs for sale.
Google away for ADSR, VCA etc.
In terms of controlling the synth, I'd go for a MIDI - CV converter,
as MIDI is very common - there's loads of MIDI computer
software around, and even cheap portable keyboards often
have basic MIDI .
PaiA do an 8-channel job, (MIDI2CV8) which comes as a
complete kit. It was the one of the first modules I built, it had
excellent building instructions,and worked first time.
As Andrew said, get a good ±15v power supply first, with at least
500mA or more per rail.
I couldn't decide at first how to house the synth, so I got some
small hex M3 spacers (about 20mm long) and fixed them to the
boards. (M3 seems to be the mounting hole size for most
boards I've come across.) Then I drilled corresponding holes
halfway through a 2 foot by 3 foot piece of half inch MDF to take
the spacers.
This way the boards are quickly removable from the big MDF
board and can be interconnected easily . Pots/switches were
mounted in an old piece of 3mm plywood on wooden supports
at the back of the MDF board.
It wasn't pretty, but I was able to get the first few modules
working, while I decided what the final synth would look like.
It still isn't finished, - beware mission creep! :-)
Good luck and have fun.
Cheers,
Dave
--- In cgs_synth@yahoogroups.com, "bbluthang"
<jumpswine@h...> wrote:
Aim for a simple monophonic synth to start with.
A simple basic system would be a VCO, mixer, VCF, VCA,
LFO, and an envelope generator (or ADSR). I'd recommend
starting by building an EQ or VC filter - once it's finished, you can
test it easily, and start using it straight away. Ken makes VCO,
VCF, and nifty dual LFO PCBs, as well as many other unique
boards. There are many sites on the net with schematics, pcb
foil patterns, and pcbs for sale.
Google away for ADSR, VCA etc.
In terms of controlling the synth, I'd go for a MIDI - CV converter,
as MIDI is very common - there's loads of MIDI computer
software around, and even cheap portable keyboards often
have basic MIDI .
PaiA do an 8-channel job, (MIDI2CV8) which comes as a
complete kit. It was the one of the first modules I built, it had
excellent building instructions,and worked first time.
As Andrew said, get a good ±15v power supply first, with at least
500mA or more per rail.
I couldn't decide at first how to house the synth, so I got some
small hex M3 spacers (about 20mm long) and fixed them to the
boards. (M3 seems to be the mounting hole size for most
boards I've come across.) Then I drilled corresponding holes
halfway through a 2 foot by 3 foot piece of half inch MDF to take
the spacers.
This way the boards are quickly removable from the big MDF
board and can be interconnected easily . Pots/switches were
mounted in an old piece of 3mm plywood on wooden supports
at the back of the MDF board.
It wasn't pretty, but I was able to get the first few modules
working, while I decided what the final synth would look like.
It still isn't finished, - beware mission creep! :-)
Good luck and have fun.
Cheers,
Dave
--- In cgs_synth@yahoogroups.com, "bbluthang"
<jumpswine@h...> wrote:
>place
> hello
> if you are fine with components and soldering, CGS is a good
> to begin.what
>
> best to start considering a regulated +/-15V power supply and
> will you use to house your synth. cabinet, old toolbox, fracrak?joysticks,
> make your own panels or follow a format? schaeffer, stooge,
> screenprinting?
> also, how will you play the synth? keyboard, sequencer,
> midi?money than
>
> these parts of the process tend to take more time and/or
> anything else.done to
> its probably worth looking around to see what others have
> get an idea of your options.<tmowbray@i...>
>
> andrew
>
>
>
>
> --- In cgs_synth@yahoogroups.com, "t0ny_mowbray"
> wrote:the model)
> >
> > Hi,
> >
> > I used to have a Korg PolySix and a mono (can't remember
> > with 1/4" jacks over it. Unfortunately I sold them both and nowI
> amhelp to
> > kicking myself!
> >
> > I want to build a systh from scratch and I really need some
> > point me in the right direction. I am an Electrician and I haveoperator
> > Electronic trades on top. I am a licenced amateur radio
> > (VK2AGM) and I probably have the skills necessary to do it all(my
> > soldering iron is my friend...). I have also worked in thecomputer
> > industry since Intel created the 8080 uP.
> >
> > Any help woul dbe most appreciated. Thanks in advance.