Electronics for Synthesizer Modules

6 Sessions

5 February - 12 March 2025 (weekly at Wednesday 10am to 1pm) or

5 May - 16 June 2025 (weekly at Monday 10am to 1pm, holiday at June 9th)

This workshop provides an introduction to electronic engineering for synthesizer modules and other electronic music hardware projects. Learn how to prototype breadboard circuit designs, read and draw circuit diagrams, and design your own synthesizer modules.

The workshop is designed for artists interested in building their own synthesizer modules, with little to no prior experience in electronics. We will establish a solid theoretical foundation and create a reliable prototyping environment that allows for safe and efficient experimentation. Integrated circuits, passive circuits, and various applications of operational amplifiers will be central topics, but we will also explore more intuitive areas, such as circuit bending. The Erica Synths Labor will serve as our primary test environment, consisting of a high-quality Eurorack power supply and several basic synthesizer functions, including a wide-range oscillator, envelope generator, and voltage-controlled amplifier, specifically designed for synthesizer designers.

Sessions:

WSE1 - Electronics 101

WSE2 - Build your first Oscillator and Passive Fixed Filter (understanding and drawing schematics)

WSE3 - CMOS Wizardry - Building Logic Gates/Sequencers/CV-controlled switches etc

WSE4 - Understanding Amplification in the Context of Microphones, Speakers, and Synthesizer Modules

WSE5 - Building a Sample and Hold Circuit

WSE6 - Turning Circuits into Eurorack Modules (+basic PCB design)

Enrollment fees: 650€

+220€ material cost including Erica Synths Labor prototyping board, a multimeter and many extra parts