While all world was in corona lockdown I worked on a new series of Eurorack modules. One goal was to make four sets of modules, and each set should be able to work as a small stand alone synth. Inspiration initially came from the Oberheim SEM architecture, but later diverged into a much more complex and compact design. Another goal was that all sound generating circuits should be all-analog, DC-coupled and made with through-hole components. Many new and strange features were incorporated, and a prototype of one set of modules were built on pcb’s made by EuroCircuit. I even made a small rack with “glowing” acrylic panels to make it all look nice and mysterious.
The same week as I finished the final tests of the envelope-module (not on the photo above), a giant fire burned down the block of flats where we lived. Absolutely nothing was saved, but luckily I had my designs documented in KiCad and openSCAD, with backups and photos in the cloud. Now, in order to get my “maker-life” back on track, I am rebuilding everything (but no glowing panels this time). I will probably be making a few improvements and some new modules as well. As soon as I have something finished, I will post it here on my blog, including how it sounds.
This is a drawing of the frontpanels to be 3D-printed:
These four modules are actually tied together on a small backplane forming a small stand-alone unit that needs no patching to work. Patching is of cause also possible, and in addition all inputs/outputs (and even som extras) can be connected from backplane to an external patchboard, “EMS Synthi-style” hopefully.