A great book for starters in DIY synths. It was created by Ray Wilson in 2013. It starts with an introduction in synthesizers and DIY projects. You will learn a lot about electronics, and how to build a VCO, VCF, LFO, envelope generator, white noise generator and more. Components used are explained, as well as suppliers for these components. An interesting part of the book is about the LM13700 dual transconductance amplifier, which is used for several synth modules. Also a chapter on CMOS and operational amplifiers helps you to understand the electronics and gives you a kickstart into designing and building your own projects
Author Ray Wilson was founder of the MFOS Company: Music From Outer Space. Although Ray unfortunately passed away some years ago, his MFOS website is continued by his family. You will find a lot of ideas, projects, instructions and more resources for your DIY projects: http://musicfromouterspace.com/
The book is still available!
I purchased this book from bol.com for only 14 €. It is available through most book outlets such as amazon
Official book announcement.
Dive hands-on into the tools, techniques, and information for making your own analog synthesizer. If you’re a musician or a hobbyist with experience in building electronic projects from kits or schematics, this do-it-yourself guide will walk you through the parts and schematics you need, and how to tailor them for your needs. Author Ray Wilson shares his decades of experience in synth-DIY, including the popular Music From Outer Space (MFOS) website and analog synth community.
At the end of the book, you’ll apply everything you’ve learned by building an analog synthesizer, using the MFOS Noise Toaster kit. You’ll also learn what it takes to create synth-DIY electronic music studio. Get started in the fun and engaging hobby of synth-DIY without delay.
With this book, you’ll learn:
- The differences between analog and digital synthesizers
- Analog synthesizer building blocks, including VCOs, VCFs, VCAs, and LFOs
- How to tool up for synth-DIY, including electronic instruments and suggestions for home-made equipment
- Foundational circuits for amplification, biasing, and signal mixing
- How to work with the MFOS Noise Toaster kit
- Setting up a synth-DIY electronic music studio on a budget
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