Christmas Project #1 - MIDI to CV Converter

Using this helpful article, I've modified the provided code and added a gate output and R2R ladder to get the schematic on the left. The construction is all wire-wrap at this point. After a little more wrapping and the addition of a nice enclosure, I should have a sweet controller interface.

New Project: Inverter SVF

While I won't say my first attempt at a state variable filter (SVF) was a complete failure (I think I need to switch the linear pots to log pots to get a useful response), I'd like to try this filter.

Top Octave Module

I decided to take the top octave chip I found and expose all of the pins with banana jacks rather than insert it into a self-contained unit. With a "utility clock module" I'm putting together, I figure I'll have enough flexibility to produce what I need. I think the sequencing may be a little awkward, though.

Completed Power Supply

Here is the completed power supply. No switch. No LEDs. Just an AC mains cord and 4 jacks: ground, +/- 12V and +5V. Here's to dual supply circuit goodness!

Link of the Day - 23 Aug 2010

I came across the Melloman project a couple of years ago. It has inspired me to repatriate a few orphaned tape players from my parents' house and a couple that I purchased at the MIT Flea for what seems like way too much money and create a Moog Taurus-like foot pedal synth. "Where will the foot pedals come from?" you ask. That's where the old Wurlitzer comes into play. I will marry the Walkmen and the foot pedals to form the most stupendous Mellotaurus (tm).

Project #4 - Fancy Noise Generator

A few months ago I found a simple, two transistor, noise generator that I figured I could knock out in a few minutes one day. Well, I never got around to building it. Then I came across Ray's "Pink Enough for Me" noise generator at MFOS. I think I will devote some time to put this one together. It seems to have 3x the parts necessary, though.

Then in an effort to find a picture to make the post a little less mind numbing I stumbled across this noise generator at Synths 'R Us. Lots of good schematics at this site.

Link of the Day - 23 Aug 2010

This site has links to many Roland filter schematics. Many of them use that pesky CA3080. I fear I may never use the few that I have until I find "the perfect" schematic.

I was very anti-OTA for a while. I've come to accept them to some degree. Although I'm still not convinced buying a LM13700 for a $1.75 a piece is worth it.