Simple synth DIY

This page is intended as a list of simple but useful components that can be built for a modular synth.

If you're new to DIY electronics, please read the synthesizer do it yourself page first.

This list of modules is intended to be format-agnostic (so, can be built for Eurorack, 4U, 5U etc.). Because of this, complete DIY kits are not included.

For more complex all-in-one synthesizer projects, see Category:Projects.

Entry level projects
Designed more for simplicity than high performance. Good enough to get an introduction to some basic principles of Synth DIY. Using just a handful of components and easily built on stripboard.

Passive circuits
Passive circuits don't require powering.
 * CGS real ring modulator and CGS real ring modem -
 * Moog passive filters -
 * Passive mult - Probably the easiest module to possibly build, all you need is some jacks, some wire, and a soldering iron. This module allows you to split a signal to be sent to multiple destinations. Passive mults are not suitable for V/octave CV control, because the voltage may drop when split, due to varying impedances in the destinations
 * Vactrol VCF - This can do interesting things right away unlike a VCO which doesn't do much interesting on it's own.

Active circuits
Active circuits need some Volts for power.
 * Atari Punk Console - one of the simplest audio-generating circuits. There are CV-controllable versions available, however,they do not track voltage, and so are not suitable as melodic voices.
 * Baby 10 sequencer -
 * LMNC simple EG - a very cut down envelope generator
 * LMNC simple-filter - a simplified MS20 LPF
 * Tim Escobedo's Q&D VCF

General sources of schematics and layouts

 * The layout factory at Electro-music.com has hundreds of strip-board layouts for various modules. The Schematics Vault also lists lots of schematics in one thread.

Kits, PCBs and panels

 * Barton Musical Circuits - slightly more advanced projects.