Monday, 13 December 2010

The Decibell Square Box: My First Homemade Synth

I won't lie to you.  I barely passed GCSE Physics, and thought Ohms law was a type of biscuit.  It might then come as a surprise to know that I have, today, built my first synthesizer... well, at least a noise making box.  

As I can't afford to buy a Mini Moog, I decided to make one.  However, with absolutely no clue where to start, I took the only logical step:  I searched 'How to build a synth' on Youtube.  Then I found the Cowboy.   


The Cowboy is wise, and his series of videos were all I needed to get started.  I purchased all of the items needed and a breadboard (plus a few random bits for good measure) from Maplins.  Within a few weeks, I began to deviate from the Cowboy's circuit and added components of my own - largely pretty LEDs to distract from the horrible sounds.  Thus, the Square Box was born.


After a month or so of tinkering with potentiometers and diodes (yes, I'm down with the lingo), I decided to box up my project.  As I am incredibly lazy, I opted for a small breadboard (Maplins, £0.99) as opposed to copper strip board. 

Armed with only a soldering iron and two AAA batteries, I got to work.  The result?  Well, I like it.    




Work has started on my next project.  Watch this space for more boring waffle.



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