WHAT’S NEXT TO EXPLORE?
There’s an old adage that you can never have too
many VCAs! Some VCAs double as mixers that
can combine simple signals to make complex
ones. VCAs are also great at taming control
voltages using offsets and attenuation. They allow
you to “modulate the modulators” to produce
unique and exciting sounds.
Filters add character and movement to
otherwise identical sounds by removing or
accentuating different sound frequencies. Use
low-pass filters with envelopes to create a low-
pass gate (LPG). An LPG acts similarly to a VCA
but clamps down on sound frequencies instead of
amplification.
SNEAKY TIPS
• While modules tend to hold value, you can find
great deals by buying used ones.
• Only some things need to go in the case. Save
space using external sequencers (like Korg’s
SQ-1 or Arturia’s BeatStep / KeyStep) and
external effects (rack mounted or guitar stomp
boxes).
• Eurorack audio levels have a 5x–10x greater
voltage range than a standard instrument
output. However, many stand-alone mixers
can handle the hot signals by turning down the
gain.
BUILD YOUR OWN DIY MODULES
Putting together your own Eurorack modules
from DIY kits or from scratch can save you money
and help you learn how they work. (Turn the page
to try your first kit build!)
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself sketching
ideas for your perfect module. The sheer number
of Eurorack modules ties directly to makers
solving their problems by creating new designs.
The Synth DIY (SDIY) community is incredibly
giving and generous with their time. Don’t
hesitate to reach out if you have questions or face
challenges.
Nick Gaydos, Joe Bauer, Charles Saadiq
PATCH INTO MORE SYNTH
DIY RESOURCES
ONLINE SDIY COMMUNITIES
• ModWiggler’s Music Tech DIY modwiggler.
com/forum/viewforum.php?f=17
• Facebook facebook.com/groups/synthdiy
• Reddit reddit.com/r/synthdiy
• Electro Music DIY Hardware and Software
electro-music.com/forum/forum-112.html
SYNTH CIRCUITS IN PRINT
Getting Started in Electronics by Forrest Mims
forrestmims.com
Make: Electronics by Charles Platt makershed.
com/platt
Make: Analog Synthesizers by Ray Wilson
makershed.com/products/make-analog-
synthesizers
Electronotes by Bernie Hutchins electronotes.
netfirms.com
Multiple books by Thomas Henry lulu.com/
search?contributor=Thomas+Henry
GREAT FIRST KITS
• Lodi Mult northcoastmodularcollective.com/
modules/lodi-mult-passive-multiple
• Startup by Music Thing Modular thonk.co.uk/
shop/startup
• Radio Music by Music Thing Modular thonk.
co.uk/shop/radio-music-full-diy-kit
LEARN BY BUILDING
• AI Synthesis Modules aisynthesis.com
• mki × es.EDU DIY System by Erica Synths and
Moritz Klein ericasynths.lv/shop/diy-kits-1
KITS, PANELS, PCBs, AND PARTS
• thonk.co.uk
• synthcube.com
• modularaddict.com
• taydaelectronics.com
• mouser.com
• digikey.com
GREAT SDIY YOUTUBE CHANNELS
• Aaron Lanterman @lantertronics
• Kristian Blåsol @kristianblasol
• Look Mum No Computer
@lookmumnocomputer
• Moritz Klein @moritzklein0
• Synth DIY Guy @synthdiyguy
• The AudioPhool @theaudiophool
• Under the Big Tree @underthebigtree
NICK GAYDOS is a designer interested in the
intersection of human experience and technology, and
a decades-long creator of electronic music. He works
to foster communities for creative expression as a
core organizer of the North Coast Modular Collective
and a co-founder of Outside Circle Collective.
JOE BAUER is co-founder of the North Coast Modular Collective. Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, he’s been
exploring the interactions between information, sound, and visual arts through electronics since the early
1990s, often with instruments he built or coded himself.
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