[sdiy] Anyone built a EFM SBM?

[tomg@efm]

> Hmm well, I'm not really a newbie to electronics and soldering. Also I
have
> much experience using the PC softsynths, designing modular synths from the
> ground up - some of them very complex. This is where the DIY project comes
> in, as I would like to break into hardware now that I've "gone modular and
> can't go back"....

We understand. It's ok,  you're among friends here. I should warn you that
full blown addiction is quite fast and unexpected....before you know it
you'll be
shopping for frequency counters and oscilloscopes...;-)

> The Fatman was one I was considering but it really seems sonically limited
> for what I want. Viewing the ASM-1 and SBM PCB's, that should be ok (yet
> still a large project) for my soldering skills.

Ok.

> Ummm well the TB303 sound is not really of much interest/usefulness to me,
I
> mostly use 1 and 2+ osc synths with a lot of slow, flowing filter
modulation
> and such, customizing is the key. The main idea I have for adding a
modular
> synth to my studio is the flexibility, control and integration with
existing
> gear.

The BassAce is 1 VCO w/sub-oct generator but the 303C is 1 VCO lean, mean
and much more useful than you might think. A didicated midied analog bass
synth that you never have to patch is a killer thing to have for bass parts.
Modulars
tend to be mono or occupied doing other things.

You'll understand when you see/hear it later this/next week. Maybe not...You
have to face a pile of  patch cords for a while before normailzed stuff
starts
looking like a great idea!!

> Probably the only thing I don't want to jump headlong into is etching my
own
> PCB's. I have no problem adding small protoboards if I decide to mod or
> change the modular (again, provided I go the route of designing the panel
> myself)

Here's something to think about. I uploaded a 2r normalized idea today. How
much SBM can you get on a 2r panel?
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EFM_Synth/files/SBM/sbm2r.gif

And here is the assembly manual to look over. If you're game so are we...;-)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EFM_Synth/files/SBM/sbm-assembly-manual.pdf

You might have to join the EFM list to get these files.

Tom