Ray Wilson authored this content while he was actively running MFOS as the founder and resident genius. We retain the content because it reflects a valuable point of view representing that time and place.

MFOS Modular PCB Bundles

Article by Ray Wilson

Introduction

It is very important that you understand what you're getting into when you decide to build a modular synthesizer using PCBs from Music From Outer Space. It is not easy and how quickly you complete your project depends on your schedule and your level of energy and commitment to the project. In any case it is a multi-week, perhaps multi-month effort depending on how much time you have available for the project.

Do you work with oscilloscopes and multimeters in your day to day work (or hobby or vocation you're passionate about)? Do you have to find and fix bugs in electronic circuitry on a fairly regular basis? Have you finished large and challenging electronic projects in the past?

Please don't misunderstand all of this up-front warning. I don't know of a more fun and challenging hobby than synth-diy but I don't want to sell you a bunch of PC boards and then have you be disappointed when you realize that a lot of work is involved or feel that I didn't cover the significant challenges involved clearly enough up front.

Another point I need to emphasize (notice the boldface) is that I am not able to be a trouble shooting resource for you. But I'm buying all these boards... whaaaaat? Again, letting you know up front. As much as I wish I could, there are just not enough hours in the day. So again I'm letting you know up front that you need to possess advanced electronics equipment skills and excellent trouble shooting skills to succeed with any large analog modular synthesizer project.

Will it Be Worth The Effort?

This is a totally legitimate question I was recently asked by a perspective buyer. The only way you can answer it is to go to YouTube and search for MFOS Modular. You'll find lots of YouTubes in which builders show what their MFOS modular synths can do. You be the judge. Of course I like how MFOS gear sounds but they're my babies and I'm very biased so check out some YouTubes before you make a decision to purchase. Building your own synth is a lot of work - period. Make sure you build the one that's right for you.

The following are some of the significant challenges you have to accomplish before you ever hear a sound.

Important Considerations (DIY = Do It Yourself... a lot)

• I highly suggest you read over each project thoroughly before beginning (or buying).
• Print the projects and keep a synth notebook for the future - You'll be glad you did.
• You must get the materials for and build the synth cabinets.
• You must get the materials for and fabricate the module plates.
• You must read each project's BOM and source the large majority (>95%) of the electronic components.
• You must have a really good grasp of electronic principles and using electronic test equipment.
• You must have excellent trouble-shooting skills in order to get everything tuned up and running.

Since I still get emails asking me questions that are completely answered above...

Please read the above before buying. You'll be glad you did.

Still interested? Read on...

Buying Bundles

Buying bundles will save you a bit of money over buying everything separately from the site. To buy a bundle click the cart icon in the upper right and then select the bundle you want from the directory at the left. The catalog comes up with the College EE Bundle selected by default.

MFOS Analog Modular Synthesizer PCB Bundles