Modular Synth

[Byron G. Jacquot]

>Hi, i am a REAL beginner to this type of electronics, so i'm after a bit of
>advice. I want to make my own modular analogue synth using schematics from
>the net or buy a kit that i could build up piece by piece into a modular
>synth.
>
>Where do i get such information?

You've gome to the right place.  There's always a lot of discussion about
exactly these things right here.

If you think that kits would be the way to begin, take a look at:
http://www.paia.com
http://www.synthtech.com
http://www.blacet.com

They all offer modules with a wide variety of design philosophies.  Paia's
Fatman makes a very nice starting point, with a complete (though not modular
if you follow the instructions) monosynth kit for $170...just add a MIDI
keyboard.

>I want to connect it upto a keyboard to play it. What type of keyboard does
>it have to be? I have a keyboard that may be suitable. How do i verify this
>and how do i interface it?

If you add a MIDI-to-CV (control voltage) unit, then most modern keyboards
will be able to control the synth.  This is probably the easiest way to start.

If you have a raw keybed assembly, it'll take a little more work to get it
talking!

>To build a simple synth is the following list all i need?
>
>VCO
>LFO
>FILTER
>ENVELOPE
>MODULATOR
>SIMPLE AUDIO MIXER
>
>I am quite experienced at constructing other devices but have no idea about
>how to approach this.

For a really simple synth, you could simply use a VCO and a keyboard, but
the sound might be a little static.  The beauty of a modular is that you can
add to it as you see fit, and customize it to your tastes...there are all
kinds of wacky modules to fit everyones needs.

Look at the above sites, they describe what the modules in the kits do.  You
could also go to a library and do a keyword search for "synthesizer."  It
should probably turn up some good references to answer these. (the same goes
for the web, too!)

>I understand that this will be monophonic. how would i go about adding
>polyphony (ie ow would i sync up the modules etc)

With more expensive MIDI-CV units, they can do the hard work for you, and
generate multiple notes of control signals at the same time.

The trouble is that to add the capability for another note, it involves
another complete set of circuits (IE: VCO, VCF, envelopes, mixers, nearly
everything, except maybe an LFO)

I hope this is enough to get you started...

Byron Jacquot

PS to Synth DIY folks: should some of this be in a FAQ somewhere?