Briefcase Noise Synthesiser
I bought this briefcase at a jumble sale four years ago and have intended to build a synth in the style of the EMS suitcase synths in it ever since. It's taken me four years to do it and the synth is still something of a work in progress. I'm learning about filter circuits and intend to add one (or several) as soon as I can.
The various modules - oscillators, low frequency oscillators, diode mixer, control vactrols etc...are linked using phono patch cables. This gives it a retro feel and also means the circuits can be combined in many ways. The process of patching becomes improvisoritory, revealing new sounds. I approach playing the synth in a 'what if' way...what if I control this oscillator from this one whilst modulating the pitch of this one with this diode mix etc...This is why I've called it a noise maker rather than a traditional keyboard played synth. The idea being to create noises that can be recorded and manipulated in the studio in the style of the earliest electronic music.
The circuits used are mostly adapted form Nicolas Collins excellent book 'The Art of Hardware Hacking' (Routledge, 2006) and employ simple logic ICs to produce and control the noises. No doubt a 'proper' synth designer would balk at the crude nature of the circuitry (and woodwork). I'm happy to share details on request.