I’m no expert on synthesis but I know a good keyboard when I see one and this would most certainly make Frankie Goes To Hollywood proud. The project dates back to 1992 and features MIDI and VCF synthesis. Really a fine piece of DIY right here.
Found on MAKE, this “Big Box o’ Techno” is a box the size “of a medium pizza” that includes two synths, a drum machine and a sequencer. Essentially, it’s all you need to kick out the hot jams. Think it’s simple MIDI and some batteries? Think again.
Everything in the box plays in synchronized rhythm. A whole-note tempo clock input drives it all. This works because its based on phase-locked loop (PLL) technology that multiplies an incoming tempo clock up to faster rhythmic divisions. Its not MIDI, and there are no microcontrollers, Arduinos, yadda yadda. (Does anybody else find the word Arduino annoying?) Someday I’ll figure that stuff out but for now I’m using the good old CD4046 phase-lock loop chip. The chief limitation of this method is that the system takes time to stabilize (lock) when the incoming tempo changes, and the results can be pretty cacophonous as the PLLs hunt for the new tempo… about 30 seconds in the worst case. Its analog technology, folks. Once they stabilize though, it is rock solid.
Oh, and it’ll give you one hell of a light show too.
Available in the finest papercraft print-out of course. Just don’t try playing Emerson, Lake & Palmer on it.
The description of the Voice of Saturn Synth Kit is making me very excited:
This is a 10 step analog sequencer, which basically steps through 10 different voltage levels that are set by the black knobs. The output control voltage and trigger signals are typically used to control pitch, filters, drum triggers and an endless number of other parameters on other synths.
It’s based on a decade counter chip (CD4017) driven by a 555 timer (clock), although it can also use an external clock signal. The sequence can be shortened by connecting an eigth-inch audio cable from the reset jack on top to one of the step’s jacks. It features both a gate output and a S-trigger output for Moog synths.
This is THE must-have board if you’re looking to form the next Atari Teenage Riot. Circuit-bending meshed with sequencing guarantees you’ll have a fun time even if you don’t know much about music or electronics. I guarantee you you’ll create wacky, fun sounds with a kit like this.
The best news is that the Voice of Saturn is available as a bare-bones kit for $70, an “everything kit” for $125 and you can even get a fully-assembled (and tested) version for $250. Not bad!
Though I sold my Nintendo DS a few years ago, the amount of creative homebrew applications for it has gone through the roof. I’ve seen everything from VoIP apps to sequences and drum machines. This latest piece of legal software, KORG DS-10, stays true to the homebrew movement and offers an emulated version of a KORG analog synthesizer.
You’ll be able to control the knobs of the KORG and patch in sounds just like Keith Emerson did back in the day. You can bash keys and create plenty of unique sounds and even trade songs and loops via WiFi. A four-part drum sequencer/machine is also included for creating those fresh beats. Currently, KORG DS-10 is only available in Japan for $46 but importing it or pirating it shouldn’t be difficult.
