THE BASICS
At the very least, you’ll need a case and a power
supply.
Cases can be as simple as a cardboard box
to as fancy as a bespoke piece of furniture. The
width of a case is measured in hp (horizontal
pitch) and has a height in U (rack units). A
standard Eurorack module is 3U high.
A clean, reliable power supply is even more
important. Some cases will already have a power
source installed, but there are plenty of options
for cases without power.
A power supply will list amperage for +12V,
–12V, and frequently +5V. A good rule of thumb is
that the amperage draw of your modules should
be well below 75% of your supply’s rated output.
Modulargrid.net can help determine the power
requirements for each voltage.
With the case unplugged, you’ll connect the
power in your case to each module using a ribbon
cable (typically provided with a module). The red
stripe denotes the –12V side of the cable and
faces down. Remember to match the markings
and orientation, as plugging it in backward can
destroy a module or your power supply.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
• DIY case + Tiptop µZeus with 3A power supply
tiptopaudio.com
• Tiptop Happy Ending Kit
• Intellijel Palette Case intellijel.com
• Tiptop Mantis
• 4ms Pods 4mscompany.com
STARTING MODULES
You’ll want to cram the most functionality into
the least space when you’re just beginning your
journey. Using modulargrid.net to sort and filter
through modules will help you pinpoint the
perfect fit.
FULL SYNTH VOICES:
A full voice module contains a VCO, filter (VCF),
envelope, and VCA.
• The Doepfer A-111-6, shown on page 41,
is a full analog voice with lots of CV control,
excellent sound, and a modest price.
• Finding a Plaits or Braids module from
Mutable Instruments will give you a flexible
digital voice with countless synthesis options.
While Mutable has discontinued its modules,
its founder Émilie Gillet’s generous open-
source licensing has allowed makers to
continue building upon her legacy.
JACKS OF ALL TRADES:
• Make Noise Maths is a flexible analog function
generator. It can provide two sets of envelopes
and perform logic functions, mix signals, act as
Nick Gaydos, Charles Saadiq, VCV Rack
I like the Tiptop power supply for DIY modular cases.
Mutable Instruments Plaits and Braids modules are
good starting points, and they’re open source designs.
SETTING UP YOUR FIRST MODULAR SYNTH
45
make.co
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