electro-music.com   Dedicated to experimental electro-acoustic
and electronic music
 
    Front Page  |  Radio
 |  Media  |  Forum  |  Wiki  |  Links
Forum with support of Syndicator RSS
 FAQFAQ   CalendarCalendar   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist   UsergroupsUsergroups   LinksLinks
 RegisterRegister   ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages   Log inLog in  Chat RoomChat Room 
go to the radio page Live at electro-music.com radio 1 Please visit the chat
poster
 Forum index » DIY Hardware and Software
DIY ARP-2600 Modular Synthesizer
Post new topic   Reply to topic Moderators: jksuperstar, Scott Stites, Uncle Krunkus
Page 1 of 3 [60 Posts]
View unread posts
View new posts in the last week
Mark the topic unread :: View previous topic :: View next topic
Goto page: 1, 2, 3 Next
Author Message
THeff



Joined: Sep 01, 2006
Posts: 229
Location: Florida
Audio files: 33

PostPosted: Sat Feb 13, 2010 12:23 am    Post subject: DIY ARP-2600 Modular Synthesizer Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Hi all,

I have finally gotten around to posting some info on a DIY ARP-2600 clone synth that I built the last three months of 2009. The ARP-2600 was always very intriguing to me. I guess it's a combination of the slide pots, cool graphics, and normalized patching that attracted me so much.

The word "clone" is used loosely here because there are a lot of differences from the original ARP-2600. One big difference is that it is modular and not one large front panel. I tried to maintain the orange, black and white graphics as close as possible.

I also tried to capture the original sound by cloning the oscillators (4027-1) and the filter (4035- Odyssey) very closely. The other modules, VCA, AR, ADSR, Ring Mod., Noise, S/H, and reverb use various other designs.

I have never had the privilege of actually playing the 2600, so I cannot verify the closeness of the sound.

The size and shape are a little different than the original because I used a case from a previous synthesizer that I built. The front panel speakers were not installed in order to fit everything in.

All three VCOs are like VCO #2 in the original 2600, meaning they all have Sine, Saw, Triangle, and Pulse waveforms available, including PWM. I also added sync to each like the Odyssey.

A separate VCLFO (a 4027-1 in LF mode) was added, in order to keep the other oscillators always available for audio use.

For the reverb I decided not to use springs and instead used the Spin Semiconductor FV-1 Reverb IC.

The 1/8" jacks were traded for 1/4" jacks out of preference.

More documentation about the synth will be coming in the near future, but for now here are some pictures and an MP3 recording that I made in December.

I have always loved the song "Frankenstein" by Edgar Winter, which was performed on an ARP-2600 in 1972. There is a cool YouTube video of Edgar Winter performing it.

The MP3 file enclosed is "Frankenstein" performed on the DIY ARP-2600 clone.

Here are the specifics:

Recorded using a MIDI file, sequenced with Cakewalk Sonar. I did not create the MIDI file.

All of the synth sounds were created with the DIY 2600. The drums, organ, and guitar were created with the Thomas Henry GM Voice (a Yamaha daughter card).

The filter sweep at 3:17 - 3:54 was manually created. I watched the Edgar Winter video many times to see how he did it!.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Steve Daniels of Small Bear Electronics for special ordering the 1 meg slide pots needed for several of the modules. I could not find them anywhere and contacted Steve about them. He now stocks several values of the slide pots if you are interested, for very reasonable prices!

Regards,

-Tim


DIY ARP2600 Closeup Front_sm.jpg
 Description:
 Filesize:  316.06 KB
 Viewed:  2760 Time(s)
This image has been reduced to fit the page. Click on it to enlarge.

DIY ARP2600 Closeup Front_sm.jpg



DIY ARP2600 Full View_sm.jpg
 Description:
 Filesize:  214.67 KB
 Viewed:  2043 Time(s)
This image has been reduced to fit the page. Click on it to enlarge.

DIY ARP2600 Full View_sm.jpg



DIY ARP2600 Rear View_sm.jpg
 Description:
 Filesize:  293.8 KB
 Viewed:  1891 Time(s)
This image has been reduced to fit the page. Click on it to enlarge.

DIY ARP2600 Rear View_sm.jpg



DIY ARP2600 Frankenstein TWH 12-12-09.mp3
 Description:

Download
 Filename:  DIY ARP2600 Frankenstein TWH 12-12-09.mp3
 Filesize:  3.27 MB
 Downloaded:  2518 Time(s)

Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
peng



Joined: Feb 23, 2006
Posts: 111
Location: Chicago
Audio files: 2

PostPosted: Sat Feb 13, 2010 12:54 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Incredible job!!!
Pat yourself on the back a bunch of times for me.
I'm also impressed with how small it is behind the panel.

p.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
xpmtl



Joined: Aug 10, 2007
Posts: 162
Location: Brussels, Belgium

PostPosted: Sat Feb 13, 2010 2:39 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

nice job Tim, i'm drooling Very Happy
_________________
http://sdiy.xpmtl.net
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
TekniK



Joined: Aug 10, 2008
Posts: 1059

PostPosted: Sat Feb 13, 2010 2:42 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

realy nice!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
nerdware



Joined: Jul 11, 2009
Posts: 91
Location: UK

PostPosted: Sat Feb 13, 2010 3:11 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Tasty. Can we hear it too?
_________________
http://soundcloud.com/nerdware/
"render unto digital what is due to digital, render unto analogue what is due to analogue"
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
j.dilisio



Joined: May 19, 2009
Posts: 200
Location: baltimore

PostPosted: Sat Feb 13, 2010 5:54 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Thats amazing!
How are the graphics done?

_________________
DRONEGOAT
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
loydb



Joined: Feb 04, 2010
Posts: 393
Location: Providence, RI

PostPosted: Sat Feb 13, 2010 6:14 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Nerd - there's an mp3 link under the last pic.

Heff, that is a gorgeous build, and so clean. Great work.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
nerdware



Joined: Jul 11, 2009
Posts: 91
Location: UK

PostPosted: Sat Feb 13, 2010 6:25 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Braindrop wrote:
Nerd - there's an mp3 link under the last pic.

So there is! I was so distracted by the internals...Thanks.

Top demo!

_________________
http://soundcloud.com/nerdware/
"render unto digital what is due to digital, render unto analogue what is due to analogue"
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
RF



Joined: Mar 23, 2007
Posts: 1502
Location: Northern Minnesota, USA
Audio files: 28

PostPosted: Sat Feb 13, 2010 6:49 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Really wonderful job!

bruce

_________________
www.sdiy.org/rfeng

"I want to make these sounds that go wooo-wooo-ah-woo-woo.”
(Herb Deutsch to Bob Moog ~1963)
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Dan Lavin



Joined: Nov 09, 2006
Posts: 649
Location: Spring Lake, Mi, USA
Audio files: 21

PostPosted: Sat Feb 13, 2010 8:48 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Theff,

Thanks so much for posting this! It's both an inspiration for craftsmanship and musicianship. I'm not sure if I like the hardware or the song better!

_________________
Synth DIY since 1977!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
TekniK



Joined: Aug 10, 2008
Posts: 1059

PostPosted: Sat Feb 13, 2010 10:26 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Love the demo mp3
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Dego



Joined: Apr 22, 2008
Posts: 139
Location: Sweden

PostPosted: Sat Feb 13, 2010 11:06 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

demo and synth is very cool Smile
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
v-un-v
Janitor
Janitor


Joined: May 16, 2005
Posts: 8933
Location: Birmingham, England, UK
Audio files: 11
G2 patch files: 1

PostPosted: Sat Feb 13, 2010 12:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Wow! Nice! Very Happy Very Happy

Groovy hard detective funk track too!! Cool Cool Laughing

_________________
ACHTUNG!
ALLES TURISTEN UND NONTEKNISCHEN LOOKENPEEPERS!
DAS KOMPUTERMASCHINE IST NICHT FÜR DER GEFINGERPOKEN UND MITTENGRABEN! ODERWISE IST EASY TO SCHNAPPEN DER SPRINGENWERK, BLOWENFUSEN UND POPPENCORKEN MIT SPITZENSPARKSEN.
IST NICHT FÜR GEWERKEN BEI DUMMKOPFEN. DER RUBBERNECKEN SIGHTSEEREN KEEPEN DAS COTTONPICKEN HÄNDER IN DAS POCKETS MUSS.
ZO RELAXEN UND WATSCHEN DER BLINKENLICHTEN.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
EdisonRex
Site Admin


Joined: Mar 07, 2007
Posts: 4579
Location: London, UK
Audio files: 172

PostPosted: Sat Feb 13, 2010 12:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Tom, that is a fairly good cover of Frankenstein, by Edgar Winter. That's not detective rock. That's fairly early electro rock. I still have it in my tunes collection.

Very nice interpretation of a 2600, THeff. It sounds a lot cleaner than my 2600, but then again, it's a lot newer and your power supply is modern. I especially like the modules, and a very nice finish on that. What did you use?

_________________
Garret: It's so retro.
EGM: What does retro mean to you?
Parker: Like, old and outdated.


Home,My Studio,and another view
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
THeff



Joined: Sep 01, 2006
Posts: 229
Location: Florida
Audio files: 33

PostPosted: Sat Feb 13, 2010 12:38 pm    Post subject:
Subject description: More info and pictures...
Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Thanks everyone for the encouraging feedback!

Quote:
j.dilisio - How are the graphics done?


I created the graphics using TurboCad (a poorman's AutoCad), inkjet printed it on glossy photo paper, heat-seal laminated the photo, and then attached it to the panels using 3M spray adhesive. This is obviously not the most robust design compared to silkscreen, or engraving, but it does allow you use any colors that you want with stunning contrast.

Without a doubt the hardest part of the whole project was cutting the slots for the slide pots!

Here's more details of how it came together:

1.) VCOs - I created the PCBs by consolidating the 4027-1 module and the waveform generators into one board. The VCLFO is the same board with a larger timing capacitor.

2.) Filter - I used the 40235 PCB design floating around the web, but only built the 4 pole 4035 part of it. The added perfboards provide CV mixing, audio mixing, and output buffering.

3.) ADSR & AR- I used two of Yusynth's ADSR design and PCBs. One was wired for ADSR and the second one for AR only. His design is nice because it is simple and has a built-in LED driver

4.) The VCA is Thomas Henry's design and PCB. I chose this because it is very close to the Odyssey's CA3080 VCA design.

5.) Audio Mixer & PAN - Follows the original ARP-2600 design, I just perfboarded it.

6.) Ring Modulator - I used Fonik's AD633 design and PCB just because it is a simple, nice, clean deisgn.

7.) Noise Generator - I used Electric Druid's PIC 12F675 design, followed by the original ARP-2600 "White, Pink, Low Freq" filter circuit. It was all just placed on a small perfboard.

8.) The Voltage Processor, Clock, A/B Switch, and Sample/Hold - All built on a small perfboard. The Voltage Processor & Clock follows the original ARP-2600 design. The A/B Switch uses a DG211 cmos IC in place of the two FETS in the original design. I chose to use the LF398 S/H IC for simplicity in the Sample/Hold circuit.

9.) Finally, The Reverb - I used the Spin Semiconductors FV-1 IC, and a PCB layout floating around the web. This chip provides 2 reverbs and other EFXs without the mechanical boing of the springs. I added a small perfboard to provide input/output leveling and a diode matrix for binary to decimal conversion of the EFXs selection. This allowed me to use a rotary switch.

The pictures enclosed are of the VCO and Filter modules before they were installed. More module pictures to follow.

Lastly, I have enclosed another MP3 recording demo. This time it is "Duel - Electric Dreams". The multi-track recording was made using a MIDI file, and Cakewalk Sonar. * I did not create the original MIDI file.

All of the voices in the recording were created with the DIY 2600 synth with the exception of the drums.

The song is supposed to be a duel between a cello and a synth...hopefully this was somewhat achieved. Laughing

BTW: I built the Acoupel PIC based 4 channel MIDI CV/GATE to drive the synth with the Sonar sequencer. You can see it in the bottom left of the full front picture. It is the small unmarked aluminum panel with the MIDI jack and nine 1/4" jacks.


VCOs Front_sm.jpg
 Description:
 Filesize:  164 KB
 Viewed:  1072 Time(s)
This image has been reduced to fit the page. Click on it to enlarge.

VCOs Front_sm.jpg



VCOs Rear_sm.jpg
 Description:
 Filesize:  209.53 KB
 Viewed:  957 Time(s)
This image has been reduced to fit the page. Click on it to enlarge.

VCOs Rear_sm.jpg



Filter Front_sm.jpg
 Description:
 Filesize:  94.77 KB
 Viewed:  826 Time(s)
This image has been reduced to fit the page. Click on it to enlarge.

Filter Front_sm.jpg



Filter Rear_sm.jpg
 Description:
 Filesize:  139.82 KB
 Viewed:  778 Time(s)
This image has been reduced to fit the page. Click on it to enlarge.

Filter Rear_sm.jpg



Duel-Electric Dreams.mp3
 Description:

Download
 Filename:  Duel-Electric Dreams.mp3
 Filesize:  2.59 MB
 Downloaded:  1535 Time(s)

Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
yusynth



Joined: Nov 24, 2005
Posts: 1314
Location: France

PostPosted: Sun Feb 14, 2010 2:39 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Nice project , congratulations !
_________________
Yves
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
kkissinger



Joined: Mar 28, 2006
Posts: 1353
Location: Kansas City, Mo USA
Audio files: 41

PostPosted: Sun Feb 14, 2010 10:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Tremendous work inside and out. Congratulations on creating such a wonderful looking and sounding instrument!
_________________
-- Kevin
http://kevinkissinger.com
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
fonik



Joined: Jun 07, 2006
Posts: 3950
Location: Germany
Audio files: 23

PostPosted: Mon Feb 15, 2010 6:09 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Shocked
_________________
Posted Image, might have been reduced in size. Click Image to view fullscreen.
cheers,
matthias
____________
Big Boss at fonitronik
Tech Buddy at Random*Source
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
johans121



Joined: Jun 19, 2007
Posts: 178
Location: Huntsville, AL (USA)

PostPosted: Tue Feb 16, 2010 2:26 pm    Post subject:
Subject description: More info and pictures...
Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

THeff wrote:

Without a doubt the hardest part of the whole project was cutting the slots for the slide pots!


How did you cut the slots?

_________________
Don't feed me Indian, you WILL regret it!

-Jim
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
THeff



Joined: Sep 01, 2006
Posts: 229
Location: Florida
Audio files: 33

PostPosted: Tue Feb 16, 2010 10:25 pm    Post subject:
Subject description: Slot cutting info and Closeups of the ADSRs, Ring Mod, VCLFO, & Noise
Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Thanks again everyone of the compliments!

Especially Yves and Matthias, since I used some of your designs!

Quote:
How did you cut the slots?


First I made a small entry hole using the Dremel tool and a PCB router bit. Second I made the major cuts using the jig saw. I then widened the slot with the router bit, and cleaned the slots up with several files. Expect several blisters on your fingers before your are done. Sad

I have enclosed more pictures showing the Yusynth ADSR & AR PCBs, and the module containing the VCLFO PCB, Fonik Ring Modulator PCB, and Noise perfboard.

I have also included anther MP3 file, Gerson Kingsley's "Popcorn". The original song was released in 1972 by a group called "Hot Butter"... no I am not making this up! Rolling Eyes

Again this MP3 file is a multi-track recording from a MIDI file. All of the voices in the recording except the drums are from the DIY synth.

I have had a request to post the PCB artwork for the ARP 4027-1 VCOs that I designed. I will be posting those soon.

Regards,

-Tim


Slot Tools.jpg
 Description:
 Filesize:  165.25 KB
 Viewed:  679 Time(s)
This image has been reduced to fit the page. Click on it to enlarge.

Slot Tools.jpg



ADSR_sm.jpg
 Description:
 Filesize:  86.37 KB
 Viewed:  698 Time(s)
This image has been reduced to fit the page. Click on it to enlarge.

ADSR_sm.jpg



VCLFO RM Noise_sm.jpg
 Description:
 Filesize:  126.55 KB
 Viewed:  852 Time(s)
This image has been reduced to fit the page. Click on it to enlarge.

VCLFO RM Noise_sm.jpg



VCLFO RM Noise Rear_sm.jpg
 Description:
 Filesize:  181.49 KB
 Viewed:  759 Time(s)
This image has been reduced to fit the page. Click on it to enlarge.

VCLFO RM Noise Rear_sm.jpg



DIY ARP2600 Popcorn 12-19-09.mp3
 Description:

Download
 Filename:  DIY ARP2600 Popcorn 12-19-09.mp3
 Filesize:  1.77 MB
 Downloaded:  1484 Time(s)

Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
THeff



Joined: Sep 01, 2006
Posts: 229
Location: Florida
Audio files: 33

PostPosted: Thu Feb 18, 2010 10:31 pm    Post subject:
Subject description: Artwork and details on the VCO PCB
Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Hi Again,

As requested here are the details for the VCO PCB that I designed for the DIY ARP-2600 clone. I do not want to post the ARP schematics, please refer to the service manual which is readily available on the web.

This PCB provides all of the inputs and outputs of VCO #2 on the original synth.

I also added the Odyssey Sync Output and hard Sync Input.

I have been very pleased with the ease of tuning these VCOs, and the stability.

On my boards I applied heat sink grease to the flat sides of the expo 2N3904 and 2N3906 transistors, bonded them together with aluminum A/C tape, and glued the SMD tempco resistors (1.8K and 68 ohm) to the top. (see picture).

I have enclosed another Demo MP3 file. This time a little J S Bach from a MIDI file. All voices are from the DIY 2600 synth....enjoy! Smile

Regards,
-Tim


Transistors & Tempco.jpg
 Description:
 Filesize:  30.43 KB
 Viewed:  73116 Time(s)

Transistors & Tempco.jpg



arp_vco_inv.jpg
 Description:
 Filesize:  748.3 KB
 Viewed:  1318 Time(s)
This image has been reduced to fit the page. Click on it to enlarge.

arp_vco_inv.jpg



VCO Wiring.jpg
 Description:
 Filesize:  166.68 KB
 Viewed:  2256 Time(s)
This image has been reduced to fit the page. Click on it to enlarge.

VCO Wiring.jpg



DIY 2600 VCO Placement Color_sm.jpg
 Description:
 Filesize:  156.41 KB
 Viewed:  1612 Time(s)
This image has been reduced to fit the page. Click on it to enlarge.

DIY 2600 VCO Placement Color_sm.jpg



Bach vari 2 part invention.mp3
 Description:

Download
 Filename:  Bach vari 2 part invention.mp3
 Filesize:  1.69 MB
 Downloaded:  1557 Time(s)

Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
andrewF



Joined: Dec 29, 2006
Posts: 1176
Location: australia
Audio files: 4

PostPosted: Fri Feb 19, 2010 8:06 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

what a beautiful looking and sounding synth!
thumb up

thanks for the pcb designs too, will try it in my next etching session.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
StephenGiles



Joined: Apr 17, 2006
Posts: 507
Location: England

PostPosted: Sat Feb 20, 2010 9:45 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Wonderful project - I was waiting for Jeff Beck to crash in during the mp3! Talking of whom, I recommend a listen to his guitar solo in Crossroads during the 18 Feb gig with Eric Clapton in New York - I think many keyboard players would have a problem playing all those notes!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5WCYn6n7UE
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
neandrewthal



Joined: May 11, 2007
Posts: 672
Location: Canada

PostPosted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 11:17 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Beautiful work and sample. Congrats!

And Stephen, I thought I was caught in a time warp for a second. I type Jeff Beck in the search engine every time I want to find the Buchla VC portamento thread. Very Happy

_________________
" I went through quite a few trannies til I found one I liked" - Wild Zebra
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
THeff



Joined: Sep 01, 2006
Posts: 229
Location: Florida
Audio files: 33

PostPosted: Mon Feb 22, 2010 5:42 pm    Post subject:
Subject description: Highlighting the last modules
Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Thanks Andrew, Stephen, and Neandrewthal...very flattering words! Surprised

Here is the last installment of the modules that make up the DIY ARP-2600 Modular Synthesizer.

Here you can see the VCA module with Thomas Henry VCA PCB and mixer on the perboard.

You can also see the Reverb module with the Spin Semiconductor FV-1 IC. I used the Tonepad PCB layout and added the perfboard for input/output signal conditioning and the diode matrix switching.

I have included a picture of the Bergfotron power supply.

Lastly, the final MP3 demo is entitled "Midnight Express" from a MIDI file. As before, all of the voices except the drums are produced by the DIY synth.

Regards,

-Tim


VCA_sm.jpg
 Description:
 Filesize:  85.66 KB
 Viewed:  723 Time(s)
This image has been reduced to fit the page. Click on it to enlarge.

VCA_sm.jpg



VCA rear_sm.jpg
 Description:
 Filesize:  101.81 KB
 Viewed:  655 Time(s)
This image has been reduced to fit the page. Click on it to enlarge.

VCA rear_sm.jpg



Reverb front_sm.jpg
 Description:
 Filesize:  106.04 KB
 Viewed:  731 Time(s)
This image has been reduced to fit the page. Click on it to enlarge.

Reverb front_sm.jpg



Reverb rear_sm.jpg
 Description:
 Filesize:  194.75 KB
 Viewed:  716 Time(s)
This image has been reduced to fit the page. Click on it to enlarge.

Reverb rear_sm.jpg



Bergfotron Power Suppy PCB_sm.jpg
 Description:
 Filesize:  184.73 KB
 Viewed:  794 Time(s)
This image has been reduced to fit the page. Click on it to enlarge.

Bergfotron Power Suppy PCB_sm.jpg


Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic Moderators: jksuperstar, Scott Stites, Uncle Krunkus
Page 1 of 3 [60 Posts]
View unread posts
View new posts in the last week
Goto page: 1, 2, 3 Next
Mark the topic unread :: View previous topic :: View next topic
 Forum index » DIY Hardware and Software
Jump to:  

You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum


Forum with support of Syndicator RSS
Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group
Copyright © 2003 through 2009 by electro-music.com - Conditions Of Use