Op-Synth is an open-source modular micro analog synthesizer designed to facilitate the understanding of electronics, audio synthesis, sound theory, and filtering.
Op-Synth is a 100% analog kit that requires assembly. It is easy to build and serves as an excellent introduction to electronics. It teaches the basic principles of sound synthesis through a modular patch bay, just like a traditional modular analog synthesizer. It also features an LED that helps visualize the evolution of the sound signal, serving as a basic introduction to synesthesia.
In addition to generating its own audio signal, the Op-Synth includes an audio input, allowing musicians to manipulate sounds from their cellphone, music player, or electric guitar. Multiple Op-Synths can be chained together to create more complex sonic textures. Despite its small size (3" x 3"), this synthesizer is powerful and affordable.
All circuitry is built as independent modules that are easy to isolate, understand, and hack.
- Op-Synth Introduction
- Op-Synth Basics Tutorial
- Op-Synth : Adding the Optional External Photocell and Diode
- Op-Synth : External Input
- Op-Synth Hacking : External LED
- Electronics : Thomas O Fredericks
- Graphical design and illustrations : Denis Raby
- 1x resistance controlled (either with a potentiometer or light sensitive sensor) triangle oscillator
- 1x pitch modulation of the previous oscillator
- 1x resistance controlled (either with a potentiometer or light sensitive sensor) low frequency triangle oscillator
- 1x light and resistance controlled filter with feedback control
- 1x PWM (pulse width modulation) module that can also distort and output square waves
- 1x switch that turns on the LED
- 1x LED (the led can be controlled with the switch or another signal)
- 1x stereo output (two independent signals)
- 1x stereo input (two independent signals)
- 5V to 9V battery powered
- in left
- in right
- vco : resistance controlled oscillator
- ~vco : pitch modulation
- lfo : low frequency resistance controlled oscillator
- ~led : led modulation
- pwm (input, modulation, output) : pulse width modulation
- filter in
- filter out
- out left
- out right