Modular Synth

In the summer of 2013 I began to build a modular synthesizer.

The panels are roughly Buchla sized. I like the look of Buchla panels, but I have no intention of compatibility with Buchla synths. Patching is primarily done with banana jacks, like the Serge systems. I started with Music From Outer Space PCBs, and have progressed to my own PCB designs.

For interfaces I have the PAiA Midi2CV8 for controlling with MIDI, and a 1V/Octave keyboard from an old Korg that works with the Music From Outer Space 1V/Oct module.

Module List

• 16 Step Sequencer

• Boss PH-3 Phase Shifter

• CV Matrix Mixer

• Dual Control

• Dual Delay

• Dual ADSR Envelope Generator

• Dual LFO

• Dual VCF

• Dual VCO

• MIDI to CV and Dual Portamento

• Output Mixer

• Prototyping

• Quad Divide

• Quad Envelope Generator

• Quad VCA

• Multiplier and Sine VCO

• Sample/Hold & Noise

• USB MIDI to CV

• Utility Mixer

Banana jack color code

Since banana jacks are available in a wide variety of color, I thought it would be nice to attach meaning to the colors of the jacks on my synth. This is just a guide and not strictly enforced; I’m sure irregularities can be found among my modules.

• Red dc coupled input. Can be audio or CV.
• Gray ac coupled input. Implies audio input.
• Green Gate input, high voltage “on”, +5 V to +12 V.
• White Trigger input, rising edge triggered, +5 V to +12 V.
• Purple Oscillator hard sync input
• Blue audio or CV output
• Orange Gate output
• Yellow Trigger or clock output
• Black System ground reference