New to SDIY seeking advice

[mirri]

Hi,
I am new to SDIY but not entirely new to synths in general. My current setup consists entirely of Euro format modules. For me euro gives me mixed feelings, superb for portability(size and weight) but on the other hand it annoys the hell out of me on occasions due to the compact designs. Needless to say my hands are not that small....

My question regards what format to go for when starting building your own modular synth and not so much techniques per se(etching pcbs and soldering etc.)? What are the pros and cons of each format? What about hidden costs regarding bulk components as jacks and pots? Do i get more options if i go for 5U for instance concerning factory made PCBs and front plates?

Size of cabinets and panels are not an issue on the other hand. Next month i will be moving into a bigger house and i will dedicate one room to musicmaking entirely.

all input is welcome
Mirri

[numbertalk]

I went with 5U MOTM format because I wasn't comfortable with the 1/8" jacks and smaller panels (I have big hands too and just personally the smaller design didn't click with me ergonomically). But I didn't need something portable. Not sure about PCB availability - there do seem to be a lot of projects that will fit behind a Euro panel but since I don't use that format I'm not totally sure if there are more 5U sized projects or what. Also not sure about the price of hardware for one versus the other - I'm sure others will chime in.

Another factor that helped me make my decision was that was there are a lot of panel designs out there ready to go in MOTM format, as well as the panels offered for a great price by Bridechamber.

Disclaimer: not at all dogging on the other formats and don't feel religious about the format I chose. It seems there will be trade offs whichever way you decide to go. These are just the reasons I made the decision I did. It depends on your needs (portability, panel costs, project availability) and what just clicks with you.

[numbernone]

I will chime in early and say don't necessarily feel that you need to use one of the accepted panel formats. I don't! I ended up somewhere between Modcan and Serge M class, with panels 9.5" H and 7" W, with component spacing "approx" serge standard. I have jammed from 3-10 functions (modules?) into each one. Of course this will not work for most everyone, but dont go thinking you HAVE to use an already established size.

I think what is most important, is that you start working now instead of worrying to much about sizes and graphics etc.

[Skrog Productions]

Hello, i went for diy panels aswell 100mm x 250mm for single modules and 400mm x 250mm for the sequencers.


http://electro-music.com/forum/topic-31372.html

Try to envisage how many pots & sockets you'll need , then set up an account with an electronic components supplier if you intend on a monster system (you will over time )

my modular cost aprox 600 uk pounds , pcb's / components / vinyl stickers / pots & sockets, but a wealth of time to construct.

Have fun when you start building.


i still have old records from a band called Impaled Nazarene ,
a great band from Finland.

[fonik]

using an established format has some advantages, though: you could mix your DIY modules with ready built. you could buy cabinets off the shelf (euro rack).
if you want it portable, euro or fraq rack is great IMO.
no one pushes you do strictly follow the .8 in grid and fill it completely with switches, sockets and pots. i must confess i tend to do it. that's maybe just because i spend more time building the synth than actually using it!

one nice thing about DIY is that yo can design your own panel layouts. you could use 5U or 6U but with 3.5mm sockets and smaller knobs!? you decide about the spacing of the controls. it's up to you.

[mirri]

Hey,
Thanks for the answers. Portability is pretty low on the list for my DIY adventures. What i am looking for is something that i can enjoy both building and using. I feel that Euro is excellent for what it is but for DIy i want something bigger. I do not know if it is 5U or Serge type of panels i want. Foniks suggestion mixing prebuilt and DIY sounds mighty fine with me.

Somehow i feel i still have too little knowledge about designing my own panels and layouts. Who knows maybe i will be there one day.

/mirri

PS. Impaled Nazarene is one of the better finnish metalbands, there are others too i can suggest

[Sine]

I simply didn't have the room for a full size motm/.com format synth, but i really don't like 1/8" jacks ...

So I mixed styles

[fonik]

[synthmonger]

Sine do you have a flickr? Would love to see more pics of your diy synth!

[creatorlars]

The solution for me was a mix and match of panel formats, and making all of my cases standard 19" racks. This way I can make full 19" width panels for Serge-style groups of modules, or sequencers -- and then MOTM or Frac for everything else, depending on the module. Some modules feel better in Frac (small stuff with lots of jacks, few knobs -- noise sources, vcas, mixers, etc), some feel better in MOTM (VCOs, VCFs, etc)... but by keeping everything 19" rackmount, I can use whatever works (or whatever I feel like) for the specific project and still have it blend into the same system.

You can make your own rack mounting rails for custom-sized modules pretty easily with $10 at Home Depot (or whatever your local equivalent is) on 1/2" aluminum angles and some self-tapping screws!

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[mirri]

Heyas,
and thanks for all the input. I think i will go for 4U... Don't think i will do it either in Serge or Buchla style but my own. Think i will use Serge spacing for knobs tho.

One big question remains, go totally bananas or phono jacks?

/m

[scriptstyle]

yea 4u works well for me cause cutting panels over 7" is tuff.

[parasitk]

[creatorlars]