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 a list of all-in-one synthesizer projects, see List of open-source music hardware projects.

Simple passive circuits

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'

Schematics

• simply wire all jack tips together, and all barrels together. More complex designs can use switched jacks to split multiples into smaller sub-groups.
• AI synthesis have a schematic for a splitable passive multiple, as well as full PCB-based kits available.

Atari Punk Console

The Atari Punk Console is 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.

Schematics

• Synthrotek eurorack schematic - this circuit includes a 9V voltage regulator, and so could be adapted to any module format.

General sources of schematics and layouts

• Electro-music Layout Factory has hundreds of strip-board layouts for various modules. The Schematics Vault also lists lots of schematics in one thread.