| My MFOS Links |
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Save links to projects or catalog items.
Just click the yellow star!
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| KITS BACK IN STOCK |
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WSG
and
Sound Lab
kits are back in stock!
If you've been holding your breath you can breathe now... and get out your soldering iron.
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| Sonic Mux & AD633ANZ |
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I'm selling the ever more scarce AD633ANZ with the Sonic Multiplier PCB for
as long as I have these chips. Get em while I have em.
Take me to the catalog page...
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| Brackets Anyone? |
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These
universal brackets are very useful when mounting
a PC board to your front panel.
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| MFOS IN THE CLASSROOM |
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There are several articles and applications on the MFOS site
useful to electronics educators. Here is a list of links.
Virtual Op-Amp Lab
Reading Resistors
Capacitors
Resistors in Parallel
Analog Synthesizers 101
Electronic Components
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| Virtual Op Amp Lab |
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I made this tool to help me when I need the results of an op amp setup quickly.
You may find it useful. It is idealized and simple but gives a decent approximation.
Check it out!
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| Sawtooth to Triangle |
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Convert your Sound Lab (Mini-Synth, Mark II, and ULTIMATE) synthesizer
ramp or sawtooth waves to triangle waves. Great way to prepare ramp or
sawtooth waves to use the Wave Freaker.
Check it out!
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| MFOS Wave Freaker |
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The new
MFOS Wave Freaker
module design features a wide variety
of new timbres you have to hear to appreciate.
From the subtle to the "in your face" phat it
gives your analog synth some new foundational waves.
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| Matched 2N3904s & Tempco |
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Hand matched pair of 2N3904 transistors (Vbe of pair within 2mV)
and a 2K 1/4 watt 2% +3300 ppm metal film tempco.
Great for VCO or VCF expo convertors like those in the:
- Sound Lab Mini-Synth...
- Sound Lab ULTIMATE...
- ULTIMATE EXPANDER...
Great deal at a great price!
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| ULTIMATE EXPANDER DEAL |
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If you have been wanting to buy an
ULTIMATE EXPANDER
now is the time. For a very limited time I am offering
one SSM2210, one AD633AN, and two 13700D chips FREE with this package.
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| Swiss OpAmp Knife |
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Three (3) pack of great quad op amp kludge boards for when you
need some extra op amp related circuitry and you want a quality
pc board to put it on. Glass epoxy, plated through holes, solder
masked it's the creme de la creme of op amp kludge boards.
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| Got Tools & Equipment? |
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Jameco Electronics has been
serving electronic hobbyists and pros for
35 years. It's a great place to buy parts, tools
and equipment. Click an item to go to Jameco's
catalog page.
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| ULTIMATE EXPANDER |
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Designed as a companion for the Sound Lab ULTIMATE
the EXPANDER has become the favorite "Swiss Army Knife"
module of many advanced synth builders.
Read More...
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| MFOS T-Shirt Sale |
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Buy a cool MFOS T-shirt while they are on sale for $8.00. Turn your creativity, ingenuity and imagination knobs up to eleven. While supply lasts.
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| Welcome To MFOS, Your Synth-DIY Headquarters. |
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What is synth-DIY?
Synth-DIY is just what the name implies. Synthesizer Do It Yourself. Many people, like me,
grew up in the dawn of the analog synthesizer age (Moog, ARP, Oberheim, Buchla, RCA, EMu, Fairlight, PAIA and many others) and although
we may have really wanted our very own analog synthesizer with dozens of knobs and switches they were
w-a-a-a-y out of our reach financially. Now many people with a modicum of electronic skills and
a renewed interest in analog synthesizers are discovering that with a schematic, a PC board and some
electronic components you can do it yourself!.
MFOS' mission is to help people realize their synthesizer dreams.
We do this by providing analog synthesizer projects with complete schematics,
assembly drawings and professionally manufactured PC boards.
If you already have electronic skills... welcome!
If you would like to learn more about electronics or analog synthesizers then try these links:
Analog Synth 101 (Introduction to Analog Synths)
How can I start learning about electronics?
Suggested Reading (Electronics and Analog Synthesizers)
It's never to late to develop a new skill, reignite an old passion or exercise your creativity.
Keep imagining, keep inventing, stay ingenious.
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| The Sound Lab ULTIMATE. Our most advanced synthesizer project. |
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The Sound Lab ULTIMATE packs: Three Musically Accurate VCOs, a White Noise Generator, an Active Mixer, a Voltage Controlled LP Filter,
a Voltage Controlled Amplifier, an Attack Release Envelope Generator, two Low Frequency Oscillators,
a Repeat Gate Generator, Sample & Hold, Attenuator Bank and Patch Panel into one totally cool synth-DIY project.
The following songs played by Arielle Wilson on the ULTIMATE.
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Original Star Trek Theme
Star Trek Next Generation Theme
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| MFOS Delayed Modulation Module |
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The MFOS delayed modulation module includes an Attack Release envelope generator, Low Frequency Oscillator with
square and sine waveforms, and a Voltage Controlled Amplifier. These separate elements are connected in the
classic delayed modulation patch such that the LFO is fed to the input of the VCA and the AR generator is connected
to the VCA's control input. When you apply a gate to the circuit the AR generator is gated on and the VCA responds to the applied envelope and
the LFO comes through the VCA. You use the output of the module to modulate other voltage controlled modules. Since
there is a complete AR generator built into the module you have some really excellent flexibility.
Check out the Delayed Modulation Module project
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| Solder Planet Is Live |
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All of the tools, music and toys (they're back) that used to be here are now over on SOLDERPLANET.COM.
I hope you'll get a chance to check it out and hang out for a while. There will be more to come over
there including improving the tools and adding more cool toys. But please rest assured that all of the synth-diy
content you've come to know and love plus a whole lot more to come will be right here on Music From Outer Space, your Synth-DIY Headquarters.
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| The venerable Sound Lab Mini-Synth. Old school analog and still going strong. |
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The Sound Lab Mini-Synth is a great project. It is a complete mini analog synth on
one PC board. It has two VCOs, one LFO, one Mixer, one State Variable Low-Pass/Band-Pass
Filter, one AR Envelope Generator with repeat, and one VCA. It runs off of two nine volt batteries for a long time
due to its low current design.
Check out the MINI-SYNTH!
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| New Flexible Synth-DIY Experimenter PCB |
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Synth-DIY Experimenter PCB
This project helps creative electronics hobbyists
who have successfully completed the WSG learn more
about synth-diy. You make "patches" with the Sound
Effects project by patching the various "modules"
together, and adjusting knobs and switches.
CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE PROJECT!
Multi-track demonstration of sounds you can expect (reverb has been added during mixdown):
SDIY Experimenter Board Opus 1 Wilson
A *.sfz compatible soft-synth and samples of sounds made with the MFOS Synth-DIY Experimenter PCB
were used to create this cool multi-track version of Tchaikovsky's "Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy".
Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy Tchaikovsky
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The Synth-DIY Experimenter PCB contains some of the first synth circuits I started experimenting with
when I first got into synth-diy.
You don't have to build all of the modules. You can just build what you want to make a specific sound.
You want wind... just build the White Noise Generator and one VCF.
You want better wind build the White Noise Generator both VCFs and the output mixer.
How about birds or bell sounds... just build the Sound Effect Oscillators an AR Envelope
Generator and an LFO. You can go as far as you like with this project.
This project will NOT result in a 1V/octave Moog like instrument but it will provide you with a lot of sound making fun.
In any case it will be a fun learning experience and the finished project will keep you and anyone else within earshot very entertained.
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| Reading really is fundamental. Have you read any good books lately? |
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Do you want to become a vintage synth expert. These books will give you the knowledge to become a true analog synth guru.
Growing your hair and beard long and moving to a mountain top is optional.
Any would make an exceptionally thoughtful gift. See more books...
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| The MFOS Mini-Controller. This is too cool not to have so what are you waiting for? |
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The MFOS Mini-Controller
The MFOS Mini-Controller has a twenty nine note stylus keyboard (C - C - C to E) built right into the PCB.
It can be used to play your Sound Lab Mini-Synth or 1V/Oct modular.
The PCB supports four CV outputs (2 with portamento 2 without portamento).
There is one trigger output and one gate output.
This and a Sound Lab Mini-Synth would make a great combination for your first forray into synth-diy.
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| Will MFOS circuits work with a +/-15V power supply? |
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All MFOS circuits will work with +/- 15 volts with from none to
minor value changes. All of the chips I recommend are rated for the higher
voltages so you should be good to go. One small consequence
is that the peak voltage of things will be a bit higher. Oscillator P-to-P
outputs will be higher at higher supply voltages and AR or ADSR voltage peaks
will be higher also. Filters and amplifiers will have more
headroom and may need a bit of re-biasing if you find that the output is not
sitting at ground when the input is at ground.
For any circuit to which you want to apply higher supply voltage
examine the schematic and you'll find its not difficult to reduce the
output voltage to what you want. Where bias levels are set with resistor
dividers you may need to tweak values.
If it absolutely, positively has to be there with
a different supply voltage; breadboard it, apply the voltage you want, and tweak as necessary.
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| My Open Source Synth-DIY Philosophy |
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Everything on Music From Outer Space is free for non-commercial use.
I provide glass epoxy double sided PC boards at reasonable prices for many of my projects.
You can make your own PCBs from the layouts and drawings I provide or design your own if you prefer.
Please feel free to use this information for non-commercial uses to the fullest extent possible.
I do appreciate a link to MFOS if you blog or YouTube your work.
Please keep in mind that although I use these circuits in my synth I
recommend that you review them thoroughly and/or breadboard them before
relying on them to make sure they will meet your needs. If you find errors or omissions
I appreciate the feedback so I can continue to improve the website.
Before using any material commercially please
inquire via email first.
Thanks, The MFOS Team
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| Is MFOS Synth DIY For Me? |
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Individuals often ask whether MFOS projects are suitable for them. The answer really lies with you.
Here are some things to consider before jumping in and ordering a project PC board or kit.
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- Have you built electronic projects before?
- Do you know how to solder and have a decent soldering station?
- Do you have electronic tools? These would include
smaller more precision tools: pliers, diagonal cutters, screw drivers, etc.
- Do you own or have access to electronic test equipment? For example
an oscilloscope, a digital volt meter, and a bipolar bench power supply.
- Do you have a friend or teacher that has experience building and troubleshooting electronic projects willing to help you?
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If the answer to one or more of these questions is no then you may need to gain a bit
more experience before starting an MFOS project. We at MFOS want your project
experience to be fun and successful but having the necessary basic knowledge and tools
is important or it could turn into a frustrating or disappointing experience.
I consider the
WSG
and the
Envelope Follower Filter
projects to be the most basic
projects MFOS provides. So if you are new and have answered
yes to the questions above go for it. Here is some additional
info on
getting started
Whether you are on your 1st or 101st synth DIY project I hope
you find MFOS projects to be interesting and enjoyable.
Good building.
The MFOS Team
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| MFOS Product Fabricators |
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MFOS designs are available from the following sites: (If you are not listed let me know and I'll list you)
Buyers! Please contact anyone you intend to buy a module from to make sure you know what you are getting first and what
if any return policy they may or may not have in place. Please remember that the sale is between you and the seller.
Modules/Fabricators
Allen Cox
The BrideChamber
Synthasonic
Laurie Biddulph
Health Club Music
Todd Fletcher
Laser Engraved Panels
Dan Hintz
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| Every website needs a little fine print... |
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The fine print... This website assumes a basic level of
electronics proficiency and knowledge. To build the projects found here you must be able
to read and understand schematics, relate schematics to physical components, solder, do
panel wiring, case building, and trouble-shooting. None of these projects has step by step
instructions to follow. There are; schematics, circuit descriptions, pc board layouts,
suggested panel layouts, and suggested modifications. Please read over any project's information
in its entirety before attempting to build it to make sure there is sufficient information for
you to succeed. If you are interested in electronics or are just getting started in
electronics check out this page for some ideas to help you get going:
How Do I Get Started In Electronics?
All information contained in this site is provided "as is" without
warranty of any kind.
MFOS product prices are subject to change without notice.
The information provided by this Web site is only intended to be general
summary information to the public. Please breadboard any circuit prior
to writing to me for information that can only be gathered by
breadboarding and testing the circuit in question. Please study carefully or breadboard
circuits to be sure you will be happy with the results before you purchase
project PC boards. Thanks.
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| Payment Options |
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Checkout with PayPal or Google!
Ordering products from MFOS.
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| EXPRESS ROUTE TO WSG |
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| Get the MFOS SCOOP |
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Stay in the loop with the MFOS SCOOP.
I send a newsletter slash promotional
email every month or so. It's free to
sign up.
Subscribe to The MFOS Scoop
Or... unsubscribe.
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Check out previous issues:
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| Moving To Metal Film |
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MFOS will no longer be selling wire-wound tempcos from PRC when stock is gone.
We will now be selling 2K, 2%, 1/4W Pt film tempcos with +3300 ppm
positive temperature coefficient. The price will remain the same.
These are equivalent, if not better, parts.
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| Power Supply Kits |
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MFOS is offering parts kits for the
LM317/LM337 and Wall Wart power supply
boards.
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| Quick Links |
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Sound Lab Mini-Synth |
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Sound Lab Mini-Synth-PLUS |
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Weird Sound Generator |
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Sound Lab Ultimate |
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Ultimate Expander |
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SDIY Experimenter PCB |
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Component Suppliers |
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MFOS Newbie Search |
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| CV & Gate Distributor |
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The MFOS Control Voltage & Gate Distributor is a great addition to your modular system.
Expand the outputs of a MIDI to CV convertor. Add zipperless analog portamento to your MIDI to
CV convertor's CV output.
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| NEW! V/Oct Calibrator |
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This circuit makes calibration of your volt per octave equipment way easier.
Build one today and get in tune.
Read more...
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| NEW! MFOS MFM |
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The MFOS Multi-Function Module (MFM).
Two DC voltage mixers, a linear lag processor, an RC lag processor and
a LED voltage level meter make this a great all around module.
Read more...
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| Bend Your WSG |
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Some simple mods for the WSG that will keep you making weird sounds into the next century.
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| MFOS uses DIP |
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Always order DIP package chips for MFOS boards.
No offense SOP packages but gentlemen prefer chips with longer legs.
You can also buy type adapters.
DIP Spec. vs.
SOP Spec.
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| Newbie Questions ??? |
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Please read over the documentation for the project you're interested in to see if your question is already answered first.
I'm happy to respond to pertinent questions time permitting.
I encourage you to find a local electronics information resource since long distance trouble-shooting can be next to impossible.
Here are some helpful forum links. electro-music.com and
synth-diy
Read over any project you intend to build to make sure it is presented clearly enough for you to build
and trouble-shoot yourself (or with local help). Breadboard it and experiment.
Here are some good
circuit trouble-shooting tips.
Good learning & building
The MFOS Team
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| Help Support MFOS |
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If you benefit from MFOS please show your support.
Not everyone can contribute monetarily but you can
spread the word about synth-diy and the MFOS web site
or click the Facebook 'Like' button as this helps
increase our exposure to potential synth-diy enthusiasts.
If you would like to, and can afford to, please click on the button below to help support our
site with a small contribution payable via Visa, Mastercard, or PayPal. Does not require a PayPal account.
You have our sincere thanks.
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