My evil modular plans

[gstopp at fibermux.com]

     I like the direction things are going!
     
     The $35/module synth sounds like a great forum for module ideas. Will 
     it be open to submissions?
     
     The Digisound ressurection would become the only complete kit-form 
     modular synthesizer offered, right? (Does STS offer Serge kits?) 
     That's a good thing.
     
     The DSP-based modulars have been a long time coming, especially in a 
     DIY format. Although there sometimes exists a deep-rooted aversion to 
     digital sound production in modular synthesis (whether it is founded 
     or not), this technology will certainly "find its place" at the very 
     least, or take over completely at the very most. Perhaps if things are 
     kept in the digital domain, all these discussions about patching would 
     become obsolete, as would the actual patchcord itself (shudder!).
     
     Some DIY tutorial-type information dissemination about how to build 
     DSP stuff as well as EPLD and FPGA design would be most welcome. 
     Although there is a lot of reference material available on the theory 
     (as shown by the evolution of Electronotes), there is a void that 
     needs to be filled as far as some step-by-step description of what 
     chip to use, how to set it up, how to use the development environment, 
     etc.
     
     Paul, thanks for having the energy to embark on these projects! When 
     this stuff gets going it could well be exactly what we've all been 
     looking for all these years.
     
     - Gene
     gstopp at fibermux.com


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: My evil modular plans
Author:  Paul Schreiber <synth1 at airmail.net> at ccrelayout
Date:    4/22/97 9:21 AM


Here are my plans (well, to date at least) for my modular projects
     
1) The $35/module synth
     
This will presented 1 module at a time on the website. All documents will be in 
PDF format. I plan to author in Visio Technical for the schematics (or maybe 
OrCAD 4.3 DOS using Postscript output). The verbage will be MS Word 7.
(People who want these 'native' files can get them as well).
     
The modules are presented as a schematic, theory, parts list. No pcb. No front 
panel.
All parts are either from Digikey/Mouser here in the States, or CEM chips (from 
me!).
I will avoid CEM when possible (saving them for item #2). 
     
The schematics will be a merge of Electronotes, Moog, ARP, and stuff I plain 
make up.
These are presented "as is": hey, they're only $35 in parts!! Some modules will 
have SPICE analysis
charts as well.
     
This is to encourage a "jumping off" point for DIYers. I suggest a contest for:
     
a) nicest looking unit
b) best audio use . Make a big .WAV or something, let's all vote!
     
2) Re-Issue Digisound
     
These are updates/redesigns of the Digisound modules. Same "footprint". People 
with existing racks can shove these right in. Presented (from me, at least) as 
"semi-kit": all CEM chips + pcb + front panel. All other parts Mouser/Digikey 
again.
     
Guessing these will average about $85 each (from me) plus the R's & C's (not 
much!)
I may go off and buy 1000 good pots and throw those in as well. Note that in my 
modules,
ALL pots/jacks are SOLDERED to the pcb. NO WIRES!! 
     
Since everybody likes sequencers, I'll do that one first!
     
3) Titan Modular
     
Makes the Serge and Moog stuff look like a SH101. The no-holds-barred 
design (for me. And anybody else who tags along!). This is a CD quality, 
(but FAAAAATTTTTTT) modular using DSPs, Xilinx gate arrays, $25 optical
shaft encoders, etc etc. Fully MIDI. patchable, and reload-able using any old 
computer with RS232. And the best part is, I expect a Moog 55 equivalent 
to fit in the size of a Moog 15 cabinet and cost around $4000. Last time I 
checked,
Moog 55s were around $15,000. 
     
As a teaser, the "low end" VCO has 16 independent outputs!
     
4) Moog 35 on a ISA card
     
I am pondering doing a full EXACT copy (part for part, slop and all) all on 
an IBM ISA card. Plugs into your PC. Can patch it, CakeWalk it, etc. 
Guessing this will run about $750. Any response? Have I lost all
sense on this one???
     
Your kind comments and feedback welcome!
     
Paul Schreiber
Synthesis Technology