WELCOME!

dingebre · Posted: Wed Sep 01, 2010 8:16 pm Post subject: WELCOME!

Welcome to the Synthasystem forum. The purpose is to keep you informed of developing modules, discuss building the modules, and help troubleshoot problems.

The Synthasystem was a modular synthesizer designed in the 70s by Nyle Steiner and Dick Parker.

I have the rare privilege of having known Nyle back then, working for him a summer stuffing PCBs, and now resurrecting Nyle's designs in all their original glory. Nyle is still a friend and as creative and unique as ever. He is intimately involved with this project and you will see his hand in this re-release.

Maybe even a new design or two!

I hope you enjoy this project as much a I am.

David

TekniK · Joined: Aug 10, 2008 Posts: 1059

great

dingebre · Posted: Wed Sep 01, 2010 9:53 pm Post subject: Planned modules

I am planning on re-releasing all the original Synthasystem modules. This includes:
1. VCO A (VCO B and C were scaled back versions of the A. I might do a C version, one waveform, square wave as it might be useful as a simple LFO, etc.)
2. Triple Envelope Generator
3. VCA/Mixer
4. VCF
5. Voltage Sequencer
6. Frequency Divider
7. Peak Selector
8. Balanced (Ring) Modulator
9. Phase Shifter
10. Input Amplifier
11. Keyboard - Duophonic and Multiphonic types
12. Noise Generator
13. Sample and Hold
14. Selective Inverter
15. Voltage Follower (Slew Rate Limiter or Portamento)
16. Voltage Processor (a mixer of sorts)
17. Tuner/Monitor
18. Voltage Controlled Trigger Generator

Not Steiner original, but needed utility modules:
19. Trigger Converter (Converts back and forth between S-Triggers and Voltage Triggers)
20. Power Regulation/Conditioning to provide +12 and -10 from either +/-12 or +/-15 volt main supplies.
21. Transistor Matching PCB. Fun little PCB to make building the transistor matching circuit easier.
22. Euro panel to fit a Schroff rack backplane to hold a PowerOne power supply, switch, fuse, and distribution boards.

Modules I don't think were ever released and may or may not see the light of day.

23. Variable damped EG
24. Up/down sequencer

Future projects which may or may not see the light of day.

25. Microcon PCB (It needs a Vactrol. Still available at Allied, but who knows for how long now).
26. Synthacon clone (big project way down the road if ever).

Please watch here, my blog, and website for news and other information:

http://analoguerealities.blogspot.com/
http://www.xmission.com/~dingebre/Synthasystem.html

Thanks for looking.

David

donpachi · Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 12:29 am Post subject:

What a coincidence. I've been looking for information on Steiner circuits since yesterday, and this morning this thread pops up on Google. The Microcon woke my special interest as it is a small project and could be quite useful in many contexts. Even if it is only due to be released as one of your projects in the very long run, I might be able to help a little. I'll post information as soon as I have gathered something useful. Btw, great sub-forum and a fantastic project site!
Cheers,
Till

dingebre · Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 12:45 am Post subject:

fonik · Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 1:57 am Post subject:

that's great. i've been looking at ebay for steiner gear in the past years, however i never could make up my mind to buy one.
your project is very tempting...

Luka · Joined: Jun 29, 2007 Posts: 1003 Location: Melb.

very exciting

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

Great project Smile

Scott Stites · Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 2:38 pm Post subject:

It's amazing to see Nyles Steiner back in the swim!

dingebre · Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 5:23 pm Post subject:

TekniK · Joined: Aug 10, 2008 Posts: 1059

Dave,do you plan to offer front panels aswell?

dingebre · Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 9:28 pm Post subject:

kjackman · Joined: Sep 05, 2010 Posts: 69 Location: Utah, USA

We met at the SLAMM meetup last Saturday. I want to put together a DIY modular with my two boys, so I'm gathering up all the tools I'll need, as well as power supplies, etc. I was thinking about starting out with the MFOS stuff since it's so simple, but on the other hand, the Synthasystem is great, the prototypes you showed off at the meetup sounded absolutely superb, and man, you're practically next door! Surprised

For various reasons, though, I want to build things in a 5U MU rig (Synthesizers.com format). So I guess I'd have to figure out how to adapt this for +/-15v. I'd do all my own panels, of course.

-edit- Oh, I see you're thinking of designing something to handle the +/-15v conversion, excellent! -edit-

Can I save on shipping by purchasing PCBs from you directly and just stopping by to pick them up?

dingebre · Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2010 3:23 pm Post subject:

haima · Posted: Tue Sep 14, 2010 5:18 am Post subject:

cool!

dariusjedburgh · Joined: Sep 11, 2010 Posts: 1 Location: CA

I just want to say many thanks for this project!

I am the lucky owner of a dual-case Synthasystem, originally used at a SLC college. When I acquired it few years ago some few modules needed repair (thanks to Nyle at the time for providing schematics!).

However a few modules had clearly been hacked by the students - Front panels & controls are present but no PCB's. My own project to clone boards never got beyond the planning stage and I am very happy to see the resurection of this seemingly rare instrument (does Nyle recall how many were made?).

A picture of my unit http://www.lazyblueoctopus.com/html/studiodec03_3.html
Previous owner posted a pic here
http://www.synthmuseum.com/stp/stpmodule02.jpg

Wishing good luck to all the DIYers taking this on!

My PCB order is on the way...
thnx, Martin

dingebre