DIY Erica Synths Elektor

Erica Synths has introduced Formant, their expanded DIY reimagining of the 1970s Elektor magazine Formant. They say that it features 27 modules, original wiring, modern upgrades and pure modular power for experienced builders. Here's the full details from the company...

Since Erica Synths originated as a company that originally developed DIY kits for Eurorack modular synthesizers, we want to keep the spirit of DIY synths alive and besides our mki x es.EDU DIY series, we went full in, and set out to develop a contemporary, DIY-friendly and extended version of the Elektor Formant synthesizer, originally published as a DIY kit in Elektor Magazine late 70-ties. In collaboration with Harald Antes of haraldswerk.de we developed a modular system based on Elektor Formant designs and added several modules to take its functionality to next level. We kept the unique internal wiring of the modules so the system can also be played without patching, exactly as described in the original Elektor Formant manuals.

Features

• SEQ - a sequencer (new module, not found in the original system)
• 3 x VCO
• 12 dB/Oct VCF
• 24 dB/Oct VCF
• RFM - formant filter module
• FX module (new module, based on DSP found on Erica Synths FX modules)
• COM - an updated Output module
• INTERFACE module - MIDI-CV module
• EF/RING - envelope follower and ringmodulator module
• NOISE - noise and random voltage generators
• DIVIDER - frequency divider module
• WAVEPROC - waveshaper
• 2 x VCA
• PHASER - an 8-stage optical phaser
• 2 x MIXER
• DISPATCH - buffered gate and CV multiple
• LFO
• 2 x VC LFO
• 2 x ADSR
• ADSR CONTROLLER
• DUAL S&H
• PSU distribution board and external 12V@3.3A PSU
• Enclosure with rails and threaded inserts

This gives you a monster system with 27 modules capable of original Elektor Formant sounds and much more, a valuable addition to any studio.

All modules are designed to be DIY friendly - they are just 35 mm deep, do not require wiring (except original wiring between modules) but since most modules are quite complex, the system is intended for advanced DIYers who have extensive experience in DIY electronics and have all necessary tools (multimeter, oscilloscope) for calibration and troubleshooting.

We cannot provide support with this project, and builders must rely on their experience and/or information on the build thread on Modwiggler.

Full kit includes all components to complete the system.

Partial kit that includes the enclosure, PSU, PCBs, panels, potentiometers, switches, jack sockets and custom parts to complete the modules, so the builder needs to source the generally available components - semiconductors and passive components available at most retailers. We do not make much profit on components, therefore, unless you have extensive stock of electronic components in your workshop, we highly recommend going for the Full kit.

Pricing and Availability:
See website.

More information:

• Elektor Formant System DIY Kit

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