Bill and Will's MOTM Analog Synthesizer

Construction (and snack) notes and images in chronological order:

   

Feb / May 2007 to Dec 2008?

MOTM Power Distribution (900-950)

 
   

Feb / May 2007 -

MOTM 830 Multi Mixer

 
   

March / April 2007 -

MOTM 800 Envelope Generator (with Tellun 800DB)

 
   

April 2007 -

MOTM 101 Noise / Sample & Hold

 
   

April 2007 -

MOTM 120 Sub Octave Multiplexer (with Tellun 120DB)

 
   

April 2007 -

MOTM 190 Micro Voltage Controlled Amplifier

 
   

April 2007 -

MOTM 390 Micro Low Frequency Oscillator

 
   

May 2007 - December 2008?

Synth Case design and construction

 
   

June 2007 -

MOTM 320 Voltage Controlled Low Frequency Oscillator (with Tellun 320DB)

 
   

June 2007 -

Jürgen Haible - Tau "Pipe" phaser

 
   

June 2007 -

Tellun 712 - "Doomsday Machine"  voltage controlled waveform animator

 
   

November 2007 -

YUsynth Fixed Filter Bank

 
   

December 2007 -

Jürgen Haible - Triple Chorus

 
   

January 2008 -

DFA 920 - CGS26 / CGS34 / Multiple (a-la Richard Brewster) Construction

 
   

January 2008 -

DFA 930 Inverter / Multiple Construction

 
   

February 2008 -

MOTM 480 CS-80 Resonant Filter - with Richard Brewster's modifications

 
   

May 2008 -

Jürgen Haible - Frequency Shifter

 
   

June 2008 -

Tellun 904 - "Veeblefetzer" Signal Level Meter

 
   

September 2008 -

YUsynth Saw Animator

 
   

September 2008 -

Motm 440 "Discrete OTA Voltage-Controlled Lowpass Filter with VC Resonance"

 
   

November 2008 -

CGS65 "Tube VCA / Timbral Gate"

 
   

November 2008 -

MOTM 300 - "Ultra Voltage Controlled Oscillator"

 
   

November 2008 -

Tellun 867 - Tuner & Headphone Monitor"

 
         

Construction notes and images in module name order:

   

CGS65 "Tube VCA / Timbral Gate"

November 2008 -

 
   

MOTM 101 Noise / Sample & Hold

April 2007 -

 
   

MOTM 120 Sub Octave Multiplexer (with Tellun 120DB)

April 2007 -

 
   

MOTM 190 Micro Voltage Controlled Amplifier

April 2007 -

 
   

MOTM 300 Ultra Voltage Controlled Oscillator

November 2008 -

 
   

MOTM 320 Voltage Controlled Low Frequency Oscillator (with Tellun 320DB)

June 2007 -

 
   

MOTM 390 Micro Low Frequency Oscillator

April 2007 -

 
   

Motm 440 "Discrete OTA Voltage-Controlled Lowpass Filter with VC Resonance"

September 2008 -

 
   

MOTM 480 CS-80 Resonant Filter - with Richard Brewster's modifications

February 2008 -

 
   

MOTM 800 Envelope Generator (with Tellun 800DB)

March / April 2007 -

 
   

MOTM 830 Multi Mixer

Feb / May 2007 -

 
   

MOTM Power Distribution (900-950)

Feb / May 2007 to Dec 2008?

 
   

DFA 920 - CGS26 / CGS34 / Multiple (a-la Richard Brewster) Construction

January 2008 -

 
   

DFA 930 Inverter / Multiple Construction

January 2008 -

 
   

Jürgen Haible - Frequency Shifter

May 2008 -

 
   

Jürgen Haible - Tau "Pipe" phaser

June 2007 -

 
   

Jürgen Haible - Triple Chorus

December 2007 -

 
   

Synth Case design and construction

May 2007 - December 2008?

 
   

Tellun 712 - "Doomsday Machine"  voltage controlled waveform animator

June 2007 -

 
   

Tellun 867 - "Tellun 867 Tuner & Headphone Monitor"

November 2008 -

 
   

Tellun 904 - "Veeblefetzer" signal level meter

June 2008 -

 
   

YUsynth Saw Animator

September 2008 -

 
   

YUsynth Fixed Filter Bank

November 2007 -

 
         

Power cables illustrated...

The above synth layout (four cases - each two rows high and 18U wide) can be accomplished with a couple power cable layouts.

One uses all standard 20" MOTM power cables, but with two distribution points. This may have advantages, given power distribution considerations:

Another layout is with mostly 20" power cables (red), but some custom  24" cables (or 30" cables) (green) and centrally located distribution.  Actual power distribution is a more detailed subject, but the upper left-most case, illustrated below, would need two of the longer cables. 

Helpful Information

Tools List
Parts Lists / Bill of Materials for Synth Modules
Resitor Value Markings
Capacitor Value Conversions (μ, n, p)
Switchcraft jack configurations
Drawings of the Tellun MUUB2 Daughterboard.
Drawings of the Tellun MUUB3 Daughterboard.
Drawings of the Tellun MUUB4 Daughterboard.
Drawings of the Ken Stone / Bridechamber Buffer / Inverter PCB
mrmike's Very Cool Module Library ppt File (for synth layout and design)
Keyboard Frequencies / names of notes
Panel Design á la Bill and Will

Links to Others' Sites

Synthesis Technology (Paul Schrieber)

Bridechamber (Scott Deyo)
Dave Brown
Hot Rod MOTM Shop (Dave Bradley)
Jürgen Haible
Music from Outer Space
Richard Brewster's Synthesizer
Tangentsoft - has some great info in the Audiologica and Electronics sections
Tellun Industries (Scott Juskiw)
YUSynth (Yves Usson)

Good Traders

Synthesis Technlogy (Paul Shrieber) - -  5 stars

Tellun Industries

Bridechamber

Parts Suppliers

Bridechamber (Scott Deyo)
Digikey
Mouser Electronics
Newark Electronic Supplier
Vintage Planet

Snacks

Fried Italian sausage with hot peppers and potatoes - MOTM 830
Frutti Del Mare w/ broccoli - JH Tau Pipe
Bill's Famous Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Dandelion Greens - MOTM 800
Mike F's Incredible Chili - MOTM 320
Steak Grilled on a Snowy Day - Yusynth Fixed FIlter Bank
Grandma's Meatloaf - MOTM 440
Bill's Burgers - Yusynth Saw Animator
Roasted Chicken with Root Vegetables - CGS65 Tube VCA

Face-plate Drawings

In the process of planning our modular analog synth, we drew schematic drawings of the faces of the modules.  Then, by creating .jpgs from the drawings, we assembled them into layouts to help us determine optimal configuration. We also created a patch sheet to record patches.

We posted the .jpgs here so others can use them to create designs and patch sheets.  We didn't make drawings of the power modules (900 & 950) because we're putting ours on the back of the synth case.

As of July, 2007, with Mike, who was interested in using the images and in adding more images of additional modules, we all re-designed them.  Together, we developed a standard format incorporating our ideas for what would make good patch-sheet images as well as more accuracy for layout purposes.  We'll be posting all these new images over the next few weeks.  Huge thanks to Mike.

The little face panel images below are thumbnails that open a window with a larger image.  Technically, the panel image you'll see is the background image of that new window.  By right clicking on the image you can "Save background as..." or "Copy background" in order to save a copy of the image for your use.

The size of the knobs in the drawings was meant to be schematic. But as of Mid-July 2008, we wanted them to be more accurate.  So we've begun updating all the panel designs to reflect the standard MOTM knob (Alcoswitch PKES-90B-1/4) which is 1.01in dia.  Panel designs which have been updated have a tiny asterisk (*) next to the thumbnail.  While we're at it we've changed the font to the MOTM standard "Alternative Gothic No. 2 BT."  We thought we'd done it before, but apparently we hadn't.  If there's a module you want a drawing for and we haven't updated it yet, send us email - we'll do it right away.

To download a Power Point file of our 11" X 17" design/patch-sheet to use in developing your own, click here.

For what it's worth, We'll post the design of our synth case here sometime soon along with the related AutoCad files.

We've put our first synth designs at the bottom of this page.

 

MOTM 101 -
Noise Sample & Hold Module

What it does...

DFA Construction Page

*
 
 

MOTM 110 -
Voltage Controlled VCA / Ring Mod

*
 
 

MOTM 120 -
Sub-Octave Multiplexer

(right)-
with Tellun Industries Modifications 120R

DFA Construction Page

* *
 
 

MOTM 190 -
Micro Voltage Controlled Amplifier (Ring Modulator) Module

DFA Construction Page

*
 
 

MOTM 300 -
Ultra Voltage Controlled Oscillator

*
 
 

MOTM 310 -
Micro Voltage Controlled Oscillator

*
 
 

MOTM 320 -
Voltage Controlled Low Frequency Oscillator

(right)-
with Tellun Industries Modifications 320R

DFA Construction Page

* *
 
 

MOTM 380 -
Quad Low Frequency Oscillator Module

*
 
 

MOTM 390 -
Micro Low Frequency Oscillator Module

DFA Construction Page

*
 
 

MOTM 410 -
Triple Resonant Filter with Dual VCLFO

*
 
 

MOTM 420 -
Voltage Controlled Filter

*
 
 

MOTM 440 -
Discrete OTA Voltage-Controlled Lowpass Filter with VC Resonance

*
 
 

MOTM 450 -
Fixed Filter Bank Module

Due Summer, 2009

*
 
 

MOTM 480 -
CS-80 Resonant Filter

(right_ - with RB and DFA mods -  additional jacks, and control knobs

DFA Construction Page

* *
 
 

MOTM 485 -
GX-1 Voltage Controlled Filter

(right)-
with Tellun Industries Modifications 485R

* *
 
 

MOTM 490 -
Micro Voltage Controlled Filter Module

*
 
 

MOTM 510 -
WaveWarper

*
 
 

MOTM 520 -
Cloud Generator

*
 
 

MOTM 650 -
4-Channel MIDI-CV Converter

*
 
 

MOTM 700 -
Dual 2:1 Voltage-Controller Router

*
 
 

MOTM 730 -
Voltage-Controlled Pulse Divider

*
 
 

MOTM 800 -
ADSR Envelope Generator

(right)-
with Tellun Industries 800DB

DFA Construction Page

* *  
 
 

MOTM 820 -
Voltage-Controlled Lag Processor

*
 
 

MOTM 830 -
Dual-Mode Mixer

DFA Construction Page

*
 
 

MOTM 850 -
Pedal Interface (discontinued)

*
 
 

MOTM 910 -
1U Cascaded Multiple

*

 

BLACET RESEARCH
Binary Zone


 

RICHARD BREWSTER -
Mixer Comparator

*
 
 

RICHARD BREWSTER -
Wogglebug


 

BUCHLA / VERBOS / STITES
921 LP Gate


 

CAT GIRL SYNTH -
CGS-01
Sub Oscillator

 
 

CAT GIRL SYNTH - CGS-04
Mixer - 1U

(right)-
Mixer - 2U

*  
 
 

CAT GIRL SYNTH -
CGS-06
Burst Generator

 
 

CAT GIRL SYNTH -
CGS-21
Super Psyco Modulator

 
 

CAT GIRL SYNTH -
CGS-23
C.V. Mega Mixer

 
 

CAT GIRL SYNTH -
CGS-29
Wave Multiplier

 
 

CAT GIRL SYNTH -
CGS-35
Synthacon Filter

 
 

CAT GIRL SYNTH -
CGS-36
Pulse Divider / Boolean Logic

 
 

CAT GIRL SYNTH -
CGS-37
CV Cluster

 
 

CAT GIRL SYNTH -
CGS-51/55
Random Weighted Switch / Analog Switch Matrix

 
 

CAT GIRL SYNTH -
CGS-58
Dual LFO

 
 

CAT GIRL SYNTH -
CGS-62
Slope Detector

 
 

CAT GIRL SYNTH -
CGS-65
Tube VCA

*

 

CLICK-BANG / BIG BANG -
Preamp/Envelope Follower

(right)-
Version 2

*  
 
 

CLICK-BANG / Dragonfly Alley -
Pedal Interface

*
 
 

CLICK-BANG / HARRY BISSEL-
Preamp/PV1

(right)-
Version 2

 

 

Dragonfly Alley -
910
Multiple

 
 

Dragonfly Alley -
920

Cat Girl Synth 26 -
Analog Logic Processor /

Cat Girl Synth 34 -
Analog Shift Register /

Multiple

*
 
 

Dragonfly Alley -
930
Inverter / Multiple

*

 

EMF -
Dual Envelope Generator

 
 

EMF -
VC-ADSR

 
 

EMF -
VCO 4e


 

Ian Fritz -
5 Pulser Waveshaper

 
 

Ian Fritz -
EZ Chaos Circuit

 
 

Ian Fritz -
The Jerkster

(right)-
2 Unit Wide Version

 
 

Ian Fritz -
Threshold / Gate / Trigger / Sample / Hold

(right)-
2 Unit Wide, Double Version


 

JH "FS1A" -
Jürgen Haible
Frequency Shifter

DFA Construction Page

*
 
 

JH Interpolating Scanner -
Jürgen Haible
Interpolating Scanner

*
 
 

JH IS Chorus / Vibrato -
Jürgen Haible
Interpolating Scanner Chorus Vibrato

*
 
 

JH "Krautrock Phaser" -
Jürgen Haible
(Compact Clone) Phase Shifter

(right)-
Control Voltage Version (an idea)

* *  
 
 

JH "String Filter" -
Jürgen Haible
String Filter

(right)-
Scott Juskiw-inspired Separate Band Control Version

* *
 
 

JH Tau Pipe -
Jürgen Haible
Tau Pipe 20-Pole Phaser

(right)-
Two LED Version

DFA Construction Page

* *  
 

Rack version
for Bill's guitar rack

(inputs and outputs also on back)

 

JH Triple Chorus-
Jürgen Haible
Triple Chorus / Solina Emulato
r

DFA Construction Page

*
 

Rack version
for Bill's guitar rack

(inputs and outputs also on back)

 
 

JH Varilogic -
Jürgen Haible
Varilogic

schematic

 
 

JH Waveshaper -
Jürgen Haible
Waveshaper


 

JLH 822 -
Larry Hendrey V-shift
Shift by Octave

 
 

JLH 831 -
Larry Hendrey V-shift
Shift by Variable  Voltage


 

MAGIC SMOKE -
TH-201/8 Thomas Henry -
Mankato VC Filter

(right) Bridechamber "Sine Generator" version

* *

 

MFOS 4P-VCF -
Music from Outer Space -
Voltage Controlled Filter

 
 

MFOS EG -
Music from Outer Space -
Envelope Generator

 
 

MFOS SVVCF -
Music from Outer Space -
State Variable VCF

 
 

MFOS VCA -
Music from Outer Space -
Voltage Controlled Amplifier

 
 

MFOS VC Panner -
Music from Outer Space -
Voltage Controlled Panner

*
 
 

MFOS VCO -
Music from Outer Space -
Voltage Controlled Oscillator