Jul
20
2010
What’s been going in in the workshop the past few weeks? Quite a bit. I’ve been holding off updating because I wanted to keep focus on wrapping the current projects and then do one massive post, but I thought I’d take a moment and give a little hint about what’s to come. I have several devices that are very near completion. The circuits have been built and tested and the cases are in their final stages. My frame of mind right now is one of high anticipation. I’m really diggin how the new devices are sounding and each time I test them out I get a ton of new inspiration. While these devices sound pretty amazing on their own most of them have the ability to link with each other for unison effects and sounds. After these are finalized I’m going to step out of the workshop for a bit and get these things screaming in the studio.
Some pics of what’s been going on…

Building the Mini-Looper - A handheld version of the circuit bent yada looper

Installing the Mini-Looper circuit in the case.

Sequencer/Synth - staining the outer wooden shell

Sequencer / Synth - insides.... yes, that is 12! D-cell batteries

Sequencer / Synth - guts have been installed and it's ready to test.

The Complexor - original concept sketch. It's another sequencer/synth with an included filter bank with joystick controls.

The Complexor - Completed the outer case with wood side panels. Time to drill the control panel.

The Complexor - Metal control panel has been drilled, painted and labled.
I’ll be posting more details, pics and videos of these 3 devices on the Machines page in the next few days. Beyond these I’m also working on some other fun things. A 4 buss passive mixer, re-building one of my first circuit bent toys into a new case with new functionality, and a Modulator fitler that adds ASDR to any incoming audio signal.
Also, look out for new sample packs and some music tracks coming out in the near future.
1 comment | tags: Build, Case, circuits, Progress | posted in DIY, Progress, Projects, Sequencer, synth, workshop
Feb
3
2010
Completed a new amplifier project this week. I found a few mini wedge speaker boxes in storage and thought they would make good enclosure for a portable amplifier. This is a 15 watt amp with tone controls, dual inputs, and it’s packaged in a extremely rugged and travel worthy box.

The mini wedge amp, ready to rock.
I’m currently building a couple more of these with the extra boxes I have. If you’re interested in owning one of these drop me a line and let me know.

The control panel close up
More details about this amplifier
no comments | tags: Amplifier, DIY, electronics, mini, mini wedge amp | posted in DIY, ampolifier
Sep
29
2009
Found this Muson toy Synthesizer in the storage shed. Fired it up and it is in proper working order. Unfortunately it’s missing one of the sequencer plugs and currently only plays 9 of the 10 notes. This prompted me to open it up and try to determine the resistor value of the missing plug.

The 1978 Muson Synth toy. Perfect working condition, but missing one of the sequencer step plugs.
I poked around and found several interesting bends so I’ve decided to build a new custom case for this. I’m currently in process of removing all the control components that are mounted directly to the board and will move them to a new control panel.

Rewiring the controls and probing for bends.
More images here.
More to come…
1 comment | tags: Circuit Ben, Muson Synthesizer, Toy, Vintage | posted in Build, DIY, Sequencer, Toy, Vintage
Sep
21
2009
Dragged these out of the attic a couple weeks ago and have just tested them. Unfortunately, they are DOA. I’ll see if I can bring them back. Anyone have schematics or any other info on these?

no comments | tags: Circuit Bending, electronics, Synsonic Drums, Toy | posted in DIY, Toy