[sdiy] Modding the MKS-30 - Looking for suggestions

[dj hohum]

On 6/25/07, Florian Anwander <Florian.Anwander at consol.de> wrote:
> Hi dj
>
> > While I really like the CEM3372, they are expensive and this is an
> > experiment. I'm all ears if anyone knows where I can buy 3372s for a
> > reasonable price.
> Check ebay for a used ESQ1 should go for around $100-$130 (at least here
> in germany). There in are 8 of them.

I'm pretty sure that the ESQ1 and SQ80 both use 3389s and not 3372,
although, I wouldn't be surprised if the filter components of both
chips are essentially the same. The 3387/3389 includes a more complete
VCA section to accommodate stereo output. Nonetheless, that is also my
current main method for obtaining the less valuable CEM ICs. It's a
bit harder to get 3372s as they aren't in very many uninteresting and
inexpensive synths.

> Lately I missed a Korg Poly61: 6 SSM 2044 and 6 SSM 2256  for 40 Euros
> (I simply talked too long on the phone with a friend and forgot to hit
> the "validate the offer"...)
>

Well, although that's still a great deal for the six envelope chips I
think the poly-61 replaced the 2044s with an LM13600 based design.

> > Those are good ideas. What do you think might be the most interesting
> > configuration?
> I am not sure about what you can miss and what not. I prefer the VCF-FM
> over all.
> Another idea for CEM3372 is the Oberheim inspired multitype filter, as
> Doepfer made it with the A107 Morphing filter and will do with the
> forthcoming A135-2 series (remember the discussion about the Elka
> Synthex pads, which are band pass based).

Yes, using that circuit has occurred to me. At least a portion of it
to obtain maybe two or four modes depending on how I want to switch
the modes. In fact, I could use all of the modes with a VC mode switch
and sacrificing the high pass control for that purpose. Only one AD
converter would be required for all six voices. But, is that really
interesting? I mean I already own an M12 so I doubt I would get as
much out of that as someone who doesn't already have that filter.

> At the moment I am planning an extension for my MonoPoly. I will feed
> the four voices (CV, Gate and VCO out) to a breakout box. After this
> breakoutbox I will put some kind of semi modular four voice VCF, VCA,
> Panner; maybe also I will add a second VCO per voice. It will definitely
> contain a lot  of controllable crossmodulation (LFOs, Wheels, joysticks...).

The mono-poly is an interesting synth to begin with. I've missed a few
opportunities to buy one.

> Aah, btw: If you want to experiment, what combi of functions and
> modulating interactions is good or not, then try a nord modular - its
> perfect for planning sound architectur, especially when you decide to
> use only a few basic modules.

Yes, I have a NM and I do like to experiment with it in that way. Of
course it doesn't completely simulate how a true analog is going to
sound. But, perhaps I should plug the mixed DCO output into one of the
inputs and play with the sound. I have a feeling that I won't miss the
cross mod at all and thus those switch settings could also be used.

Daryl