Uploaded April 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
My submission for the Hardware Jams “Devils Comet” Weekend Challenge.
I decided to go the soundscape route with this one. I’ve been investigating the Soma lyra-8 recently and was inspired by a talk by Vlad about his approach to synth design. This got me thinking about what could I make with the fewest components possible. Embracing the flaws in the simplistic designs of these circuits and using feedback to increase the complexity of sound that could be produced. And so I built this.
Four saw-core oscillators based on the 40106 Schmitt-trigger inverter, each with a vactrol vca with an AR envelope provided from a buffered RC low pass filter. Then frequency modulated oscillators 1 & 2 with feedback from 3+4 and 3&4 with feedback from 1+2.
I fed the output through some echo and reverb and had a lot of fun playing this new instrument.
This week’s challenge prompt:
There are events afoot in the skies above us... There is a major solar eclipse on Monday: total in North Amereica, partial in Europe. Also, the comet Pons-Brooks is at its closest to the Sun at the moment. This comet is also known as The Devil Comet!
What could it all mean? Do these celestial happenings herald the end of the world? Do you find spiritual rebirth and joy in the re-emergence of the sun from the darkness of an eclipse? Why does a comet have horns like a devil?
There are so may different ways in which you can take inspiration from the solar shenanigans; make us a jam which might be full of ominous foreboding, or joyful excitement, or cosmic wonder. Or a tune to pacify the devil as he gets off the comet for a look around your studio? Most importantly, have fun making your music!
Always Learning
════════════
I'm a strong believer in continuous improvement and always trying to learn something new. This week I was back to breadboarding new circuits. I wanted to see what I could make with a few components as possible. I was really pleased with how the circuit came out and will continue to develop this concept.
My DIY Eurorack Synth Rules
══════════════
I aim to meet the following criteria when adding modules to my synth:
◦ I must have constructed it.
This can be a kit or from scratch but I must have soldered it
◦ The audio signal path should be analog.
I'm trying to avoid digital modules so I can learn more about analog electronics
◦ Learn something new
Try to learn something while constructing the module. Learn about the circuits, experiment with different signal processing options. Be creative.
◦ Have fun
My submission for the Hardware Jams “Devils Comet” Weekend Challenge.
I decided to go the soundscape route with this one. I’ve been investigating the Soma lyra-8 recently and was inspired by a talk by Vlad about his approach to synth design. This got me thinking about what could I make with the fewest components possible. Embracing the flaws in the simplistic designs of these circuits and using feedback to increase the complexity of sound that could be produced. And so I built this.
Four saw-core oscillators based on the 40106 Schmitt-trigger inverter, each with a vactrol vca with an AR envelope provided from a buffered RC low pass filter. Then frequency modulated oscillators 1 & 2 with feedback from 3+4 and 3&4 with feedback from 1+2.
I fed the output through some echo and reverb and had a lot of fun playing this new instrument.
This week’s challenge prompt:
There are events afoot in the skies above us... There is a major solar eclipse on Monday: total in North Amereica, partial in Europe. Also, the comet Pons-Brooks is at its closest to the Sun at the moment. This comet is also known as The Devil Comet!
What could it all mean? Do these celestial happenings herald the end of the world? Do you find spiritual rebirth and joy in the re-emergence of the sun from the darkness of an eclipse? Why does a comet have horns like a devil?
There are so may different ways in which you can take inspiration from the solar shenanigans; make us a jam which might be full of ominous foreboding, or joyful excitement, or cosmic wonder. Or a tune to pacify the devil as he gets off the comet for a look around your studio? Most importantly, have fun making your music!
Always Learning
════════════
I'm a strong believer in continuous improvement and always trying to learn something new. This week I was back to breadboarding new circuits. I wanted to see what I could make with a few components as possible. I was really pleased with how the circuit came out and will continue to develop this concept.
My DIY Eurorack Synth Rules
══════════════
I aim to meet the following criteria when adding modules to my synth:
◦ I must have constructed it.
This can be a kit or from scratch but I must have soldered it
◦ The audio signal path should be analog.
I'm trying to avoid digital modules so I can learn more about analog electronics
◦ Learn something new
Try to learn something while constructing the module. Learn about the circuits, experiment with different signal processing options. Be creative.
◦ Have fun
