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New Analog Synthesizers at the Analog Metropolis!
Introduction I'm building analog synthesizers again, after a gap of 25 years from my first project - a Practical Electronics mono-synth. The inspiration is two fold; Firstly the
monosynths I bought in the 1980's (Odyssey, Pro One, Prodigy) sound very nice, but are very frustrating to play, due to the old pots and non-MIDI keyboards. There also have design weaknesses (that noisy Odyssey VCA) and there are real
limits on the modulation and sound possibilities. Secondly, old schematics are now available and the Synth DIY movement means professional PCB's and panels can be produced at a reasonable cost. It is time to build some quality synthesizers!
The plan is to build a range of analog modular and desktop mono synths, based on classic designs, but updating them with modern ideas and components, expanding the voice architecture, yet retaining the original sonic signature.
These prototypes are one off designs (not for sale - yet!) and I aim to achieve the highest quality standards possible. Here are the projects...
- AM Modular - a replica of an E-mu Modular System with additional modules from ARP and Sequential Circuits more »
- Audity Zero - a single voice of the legendary Audity System more »
- Pro-One Plus - an expanded replica of the Pro-One with 3 VCF's more »
- Odyssey 500 - an expanded replica of the ARP Odyssey with 2 ARP VCF's more »
- Model 35 - an analog monosynth that uses E-mu Modular circuits and replicates the original
Model 25 of E-mu Systems more »
- Model 700 - restoration of a Sequential Circuits Model 700 Programmer more »
The detailed design of each of these synthesizers will be placed on this web site,
along with progress and pictures. Enjoy!
Status at May 2003
- Two Oakley VCO's are nearly complete - for the AM Modular
- The first new module - AM4023 ARP VCF is under construction more »
- The second module - AM2140 E-mu Resonant Filter is also under construction
- The third module - a Blacet Research Dark Star Chaos is nearly complete
- The Model 700 Programmer is nearing completion - time to order a 5U panel
- Power Supply finished
- Cabinet complete
Next Steps
- Complete the above
- Buy a Dopefer MAQ16/3 sequencer
- Plan the AM4035 module - ARP4035 24dB "moog" VCF
- Plan the AM2110 module - E-mu Systems HPF
General Build Principles
- The synthesizers use a number of individual PCB's for each module of the voice architecture, rather than one large PCB.
- Old schematics are manually entered into CAD software (EagleSoft)
- New board layouts are generated in the CAD program.
- The resulting files are then emailed to Bulgaria for PCB manufacture (Olimex).
- Power supplies are off the shelf +/-15V linear power supplies.
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