patch-able lunetta build, need suggestions

JL · Joined: Jun 25, 2012 Posts: 20 Location: New England

Hello friends,

So I'm finishing up my first real lunetta build, but have some extra patch points, so I figured you guys might have some ideas on what to add.

So far it just has six 40106 oscillators in various frequency ranges, two of which have adjustable pulse width, a 4520 which gives me a pair of frequency dividers, 4 input resistor mixer and 4 input diode mixer.

I have eight extra patch points available, however no space for knobs. If you look at the photo, the available points are on the top left. Any ideas on what to add? I'm not opposed to taking out a couple oscillators (specifically the adjustable PW ones, as they have limited usefulness and take up two pot spaces) if it's for something cool. I was thinking maybe a PLL or two, possibly some 4049/4069 inverters to square up various sources I'd like to interface with the lunetta (guitar synth/lunetta hybrid, perhaps?). Any other ideas?

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Draal · Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2012 1:18 pm Post subject:

Welcome aboard! I think a multiplexor like a 4051 or even the 4512 could help mix up the divider's octaves and play some nice tunes. And yes, a PLL like the 4046 Pitch Tracker I described countless times here can make even the simplest gated noise sources sound unique. I've built a pitch tracker in both my lunettas and I don't regret it. For the limited space, which I have in my Mini lunetta build, you'll be surprised at the sounds you can make.

And when I run out of room, I just look at that as a sign from the electron gods that another machine beckons to be built Very Happy

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attdestroyers · Joined: Mar 29, 2012 Posts: 43 Location: Malvern, Ohio

looks real nice! I would also recommend the pitch tracker. It's become my favorite part of my lunetta.

Some simple gates are also real useful.

I personally would leave in the osc. with the pulse width. I wish I had built PW into all of my osc's.

JL · Joined: Jun 25, 2012 Posts: 20 Location: New England

Thanks for the ideas guys.

I decided on two 4046 PLLs for the 8 extra spaces. Already wired one up, sounding pretty nifty! Added an LFO input as well.

Also I removed two of the oscillators and put some simple envelope generators in their place. The diode mixer was replaced with a pair of simple VCAs. I found the schematics for the EG and VCA on this forum, they are super simple and work well.

Once it's all done I'd like to put up some sounds and photos. Hopefully by the end of the week! The next build will be a guitar synth/lunetta hybrid. Been reading about ways to get not only higher octaves but also 5ths out of a 4046 and some JK flip flops. This is fun stuff!