Introduction
Analog synthesizers and sequencers have been at the core of innovative electronic music for 40 years. In the 1970's a number of companies sprang up in the USA and designed a series of amazing products - ARP, E-mu Systems, Oberheim and Sequential Circuits. Most of these designs have been lost in the digital software music revolution, yet the original hardware is sought after by musicians for the warmth, precision and character. However buying and using old synthesizers is increasingly frustrating and expensive - so wouldn't it be nice to have these designs re-invented and manufactured today with modern components?

Analog Metropolis Since 2002 I have been developing, building and manufacturing analog and digital synthesizer modules. A variety of legacy circuits from the past have been recast with modern high quality components, as well as modern cutting edge designs which transform the modular synthesizer into a hybrid landscape of analog and digital electronics.

These web pages describe the various designs that I have built, along with accurate measurements of their sonic ability and some design information which Synth DIYers may find useful. I have also documented the original designs and history of the analog synths I have cloned, which makes interesting reading in its own right.

My Modular Synthsizers I have been building analog modular synthesizers since 2002, after visiting E-mu Systems in the USA and finding the schematics to their modular synth from 1972. Since then I have completed 3 Modulars and I am working on the design of a 4th:

• E-mu Systems Modular
• SCI Pro One Modular
• FracRac ARP2600
• FracRac Roland 100M NEW project !
• ARP 2500 Modular

Purchasing PCB's and Modules The synthesizer module designs on this web site have all been tested and built using prototype "one-off" PCB's using Eagle CAD and manufactured in Bulgaria by Olimex. Manufacturing PCB's in these single unit volumes is expensive, and whilst they are still available "on demand" at around £25 each, most people would like to pay a lot less. The way to get the price down is to order in bulk, 10 or even 25 PCB's, and the price drops to £10 each.

Bulk Orders If you are interested in buying any of the PCB's drop me an email, and when there is sufficient demand I'll order in bulk. I'll post any news on this Home Page, right here!

New FracRac Modules Completed modules manufactured in the UK with aluminium front panels are occasionally available, and there are a few special projects such as the 19" rack mount AM8300 Super Chorus (Dimension C) which come up for sale from time to time. Once again email me if you would like a completed module manufactured.

Athestic Design Developing remarkable electronics is only half the job. To create music from hardware the musician has to be inspired by the control surface and ergonomics as well as the sound. I have taken care to design the front panels of the modules I use in my studio with these factors in mind, using design cues from the past - control knobs, switches, LED's and displays. Take a look at the pictures on the web site to see what can be achieved.