IKLECTIK presents,
DIY eurorack [modular synth] system building workshop with Ewa Justka
Build your own full DIY modular synthesiser and become adept in both on the practical sides of electronics such as soldering but also on the theory and history of analog computation.
SCHEDULE
07/11/2021 – 13/12/2021 | 11am – 6pm | Every Sunday [last workshop on Monday]
18 participants max per workshop.
Week 1 [07/11]:
- Power supply [9V to +/-12V voltage converter]
- Simplified – Complex Oscillator [two CEM3340-based VCOs with hard and soft sync inputs, 1V/Octave and FM capabilities] with notes on different ways of tuning VCOs
Week 2 [14/11]:
- VCLFOVCA – Voltage Controlled LFO with built-in Voltage Controlled Amplifier [triangle, square and ramp outputs]
Week 3 [21/11]:
- OTA-based VCA
- Preparation of the case
Week 4 [28/11]:
- Transistor based envelope generator [Attack and Decay]
- Diode ladder filter [TB-303 and EMS style]
Week 5 [05/12]:
- PT2399 based digital delay [Voltage controlled, using DIY vactrols]
- Wavefolder with fuzz [based on nonlinear circuit’s – Product module]
Week 6 [12 & 13 /12]:
- Sample and Hold and white noise generator with high and low pass filter
- Wavefolder with fuzz [based on nonlinear circuit’s – Product module]
- Random CV and gate generator – loosely based on Rob Hordijk ‘Rungler’ from Benjolin with portamento function.
TICKET & PRICES
BUY TICKETS
Full-pass ticket [7-day workshop] £600 [payable in two instalments] *
Single-day workshop £115 [You can pick which day while purchasing the ticket]
* Please write to info@iklectikartlab.com if you wish to pay in two instalments.
Build your own full DIY modular synthesiser and become adept in both on the practical sides of electronics such as soldering but also on the theory and history of analog computation.
Throughout an intense 6-week program, participants will build a full eurorack system. Composed of 7 different days [each dedicated to a different module and contextual background], it is aimed to provide a financially friendly, educational and fun alternative to start creating your custom modular synthesizer.
It is open and relatable to practitioners of all sorts of backgrounds and levels of experience. No prior knowledge in electronics, soldering is required to attend the workshop.
All the necessary components and tools [including the soldering iron] will be provided at the workshop.
WORKSHOP CONTENT OVERVIEW
- Opportunity to build and have 8 different modules from scratch.
- Introduction to modular synthesis; studying its roots and historical background [for ex; East vs. West Coast synthesis] while unpacking some main terminology associated with sound synthesis, voltage generation and voltage shaping.
- Familiarisation with electronic symbols and schematics with their historical developments [particularly of diode ladder and CEM3340], understanding how to pick the most important information from datasheets and identification of electronic components
- Media archeology and historical background of the first analog computers [semiconductor, the technology and birth of a synthesiser!], stand-alone synthesisers and drum machines with an introduction to their famous ICs [Integrated Circuits] as well as filter ladders – some of which are used in eurorack modules made in the workshop
- An introduction to KiCad [a free software used for making schematics and designing Printed Circuit Boards]
- Learn to solder and how to get started with DIY modular systems.
- Theory behind how modules were designed and the underlying principles behind their functions
- The Impact development of specific components have on the characteristics of its sound and aesthetics of modules
- Patent problems and their impact on contemporary dance music.
- Troubleshooting techniques; components’ replacement, sound synthesis
- Eurorack patching styles and techniques
- Provided the case you can later on continue expanding your setup
- A presentation by Ewa Justka and Aimo Scampa in relation to their artistic and professional practice
What’s included?
- The PCB and all the components to finish a fully functional module per day or a fully functional eurorack system
- The rails to start building your DIY to create a eurorack case to house all the modules you’ll make in the workshop *
- A pre-prepared workstation when you arrive at the workshop.
- A soldering iron to be used throughout the workshop.
- Research materials for every session [will be provided beforehand], which includes: schematics, notes, reading lists and links providing context and in-depth documentation to each module.
- Consultancy on modular synths to Ewa Justka and Aimo Scampa throughout the workshop.
- A presentation by Ewa Justka and Aimo Scampa.
* In the first workshop the participants will build the case with the help of Ewa and Aimo. However, please note that the rails will be provided but the participants have to bring their own case of choice. As we support the DIY approach and wanted to provide the opportunity to create their customizable and cost efficient cases we found this to be the right approach for this. If you have any questions please write to the email below this page.
As a reference please check this video.
Click here to see an example case you can purchase and convert to a eurorack case at the workshop.
You can hear audio recordings made with the system and see a video of it following the links;
https://ewajustka.bandcamp.com/album/optotronics-eurorack-system
Ewa Justka
Ewa Justka usually either makes synths or gets lost in rabbit holes. Alternatively, Ewa turns knobs and confuses herself and others with strobing white lights and sequences of odd [as in, not even, rather than strange] sequences and bridged-t overindulgence.
Ewa completed BA in Sound Arts and Design at University of the Arts in London; MA in Computational Arts at Goldsmiths University and she started PhD in Art at Edinburgh College of Art, and consequently quit after a year in order to focus on developing her skills in instrument design.
Ewa has performed at numerous festivals and run workshops in DIY electronics all over the U.K and Europe [Sonic Acts, CTM, Cafe Oto, Colour Out of Space, Unsound, Norberg Festival; Unpolished, Supernormal, Bangface, No Bounds…] Canada [MUTEK Montreal; Winnipeg – Forthwith Festival]; USA [NYC, Issue Project Room]; Asia [Singapore – ArtScience Museum; Shanghai – Art and Science Research Institute] and Australia [Melbourne -MESS].
She is currently based in Glasgow where she works for Instruo Modular [https://www.instruomodular.com].
https://ewajustka.tumblr.com/
https://www.aimoscampa.com/
If you have any questions please write to;
info@iklectikartlab.com
