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DIY Analogue Synth Modules

MFOS Analogue Modules & Single Board Synthesisers for musicians & enthusiasts, as kits & pre-built

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DIY Analogue Synth Modules

DIY Analogue Synth Modules

DIY Analogue Synth Modules

DIY Analogue Synth Modules

DIY Analogue Synth Modules

MFOS Analogue Modules & Single Board Synthesisers for musicians & enthusiasts, as kits & pre-built

MFOS Analogue Modules & Single Board Synthesisers for musicians & enthusiasts, as kits & pre-built

MFOS Analogue Modules & Single Board Synthesisers for musicians & enthusiasts, as kits & pre-built

MFOS Analogue Modules & Single Board Synthesisers for musicians & enthusiasts, as kits & pre-built

Paul Cooper
Paul Cooper
Paul Cooper
Paul Cooper
1 Campaign |
Rugby, United Kingdom
$2,994 USD $2,994 USD 12 backers
47% of $6,248 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal

Off-the-shelf modular synthesisers can cost upwards of £2,000, an expensive investment for today’s musician or enthusiast. Soundtronics has partnered with MFOS (Music From Outer Space) to bring you an extensive range of affordable, customisable, and quality DIY synth modules, suitable for beginners and professionals alike. We’re sure you’ll love them as much as we do!

Soundtronics’ DIY Synth modules, Lo-Fi Noise Boxes, and Single Board Analogue Synths are available in varying levels of kit form. This allows enthusiasts like you, with a budget big or small, to collect units until you have the final setup you require. Plus there's the added satisfaction of knowing that they were hand built by yourself! If the idea of some soldering doesn't excite you too much, our team of technicians can expertly assemble the units and deliver them to your door in full working condition.

Soundtronics’ modules are designed to be combined in any desired panel setup and are currently compatible with 5U (MOTM format).


With your support, we will redesign these modules and make them available in formats such as Euro Rack, Moog, Dotcom, and Frackrack. For a more customised feel, the module front panels are also available in a number of colour combinations to suit the interior of any home office or recording studio!



Formed in late 2013, Soundtronics is a relatively new division of the Technobots Online Group, passionate about making quality analogue synths more widely available and affordable. Technobots Online is well established,  having supplied mechanical and electronic components to hobbyists, education, and trade since 2001. This means that ideal component suppliers, manufacturing equipment, and delivery services are already in place for the modular synths. 

Located in Warwickshire, the Technobots Online team consists of technology enthusiasts, each with their own particular passions. Soundtronics, and the DIY MFOS Synth module project, have the benefit of being personally (and enthusiastically) managed by our director Paul Cooper.


Music From Outer Space is run by another synthesiser enthusiast, Ray Wilson, in the USA. Back in 2003, Ray began publishing synth designs that have continued to evolve and gain credibility over the years. If you are not familiar with Ray’s superb designs, we cannot stress enough how essential it is that you visit his website musicfromouterspace.com, where you will find a complete library of information on each and every module we are offering here.

We will also mention that you can purchase PCBs direct from Ray, along with some front panels and other hard to find parts.

Important Update

Last November, just around the time we were going to launch this campaign, we learnt of the sad news that Ray had been diagnosed with cancer. In order for Ray and his family to fully concentrate on beating this, he stopped taking retail orders through the MFOS website. We are deeply appreciative of Ray finding the energy during these difficult times to keep us stocked with PCBs, so that we in turn keep them available online to MFOS builders around the world.

Since postponing this campaign, we have had the opportunity to discuss the essential role of MFOS in this Soundtronics' campaign, and Ray has encouraged us to move forward.  We shall therefore be working with Ray over the coming months to not only ensure the availability of the MFOS product range, but make it the most complete DIY synth range on the market.

Many of us have been directly or indirectly affected by cancer, so we would like to take this opportunity to ask that you consider visiting Ray's crowd funding site where you can directly contribute to Ray's medical expenses.

Without sounding cliché, Soundtronics is quickly becoming a one stop shop for all modular synth products. Our buying power enables us to source difficult to find components at good prices, passing the savings on to you and, of course, saving you all of the hassle of sourcing them yourself.

Our current range of in-house manufacturing equipment means we can produce our front panels and provide a full assembly service to those who do not wish to partake in the DIY element.

Again, it is worth mentioning that we fully support and appreciate all of Ray’s work, so we continue to pay the full retail value for all PCBs.


Over the last 18 months, we’ve supplied kits to enthusiasts across Europe and received excellent feedback. Our laser engraved laminate front panels look great, and generally last much longer than their screen printed counter parts. 


However, as with all new products, some customers have kindly suggested some improvements for us to make. Now, that’s where your support comes in.

Firstly, we’d love to continue receiving feedback, good or bad, as it really helps us to understand exactly what you want from our products. Therefore, at the end of this campaign we’ll be setting up a forum for you to chat to us, help each other out with projects, and benefit from our technical resources.

What are we funding?
The first improvement we will to put into action, is the introduction of a machined aluminium reinforcement layer, opposed to the current acrylic panel, behind the laser engraved laminate panel. This will allow us to reduce the depth of the modules, thus opening up a raft of opportunities for additional formats such as Euro Rack. Aluminium panels are are also the perfect solution for producing panels for the single boards synths, so the extra equipment and investment in design time will be well utilised.

We have already invested in a CNC router to produce the machined aluminium panels and a laser to engraver to cut out the front laminate panels. We will therefore use funds raised from this campaign to invest in PCB production for panel controls, and to design and produce front panels for new formats and single board synths.

Secondly, we want to produce a range of PCBs for panel controls, in order to reduce panel wiring and speed up assembly. Paul will be our lead R&D expert on this, and has already begun building prototypes.


Essentially, we’d like to invest in further research, design and development, manufacturing equipment, and up-front manufacturing runs.


Being optimistic, if funding surpasses our target, we’ll be looking into developing our own range of synth products to compliment the MFOS range. First up will be a MIDI to CV and CV to MIDI converters. As with all of Paul’s great ideas, he just couldn’t resist building a quick prototype to show you!

 



How can we help you?

As mentioned earlier, membership to the forum will give you access to all of our in-house synthesiser design files, including PCBs (not MFOS) and front panels. We also provide full support for customers just in case you get into difficulty with the build.

See below for our perks.


We’ve chosen to do our perks a little differently! As there is such an extensive range of permutations here, we’ve given you free range over your choices. Think of each perk as buying a pick ‘n’ mix voucher, to spend however you wish. Don't worry if the amount you want to spend finishes between Perk values, simply purchase the nearest value below your spend, and we will then request the difference at the end of the campaign through PayPal.

We have, of course, listed some Early Bird specials where you get that bit extra to spend on us!

Check out the info-graphics below for an overview of our perks and module options.

For more detailed information, please download the order form in Excel format or PDF.

Please note that all pricing is inclusive of VAT, delivery addresses outside of the EU will have the VAT element refunded prior to dispatch.






 
Kit Options
  • Main PCB - The official PCB manufactured by MFOS, no other components included. Ideal for the DIY builder who has access to their own components and wishes to create their own front panel.
  • Wiring PCB Set - Bare PCBs manufactured by Soundtronics to simplify construction. These PCBs are used to reduce the amount of panel wiring by soldering most, if not all, of the pots and connectors directly on the PCBs. These PCBs have various solderable options, i.e. creating common ground connections. Each PCB has a JST socket into which is plugged a cable, the other end of each cable is then soldered to the main PCB. Each Wiring PCB Set includes PCBs, JST connectors, cable assemblies  and pot brackets.
  • Components Kit - All electronic components required to complete the build of the corresponding main PCB.  Top quality components from metal film resistors upwards. Excludes panel mount potentiometers, sockets and switches.
  • Pots & Sockets - Includes all panel mount potentiometers, Switchcraft 1/4" sockets, switches and our Cliff KM20B knobs. These are most suitable for MOTM 5U size panels, but we will change the contents on request to suit Euro rack formats i.e. 3.5mm jack sockets.
  • Engraved Panel - Our own laser engraved laminate panels available as white on black, black on brushed aluminium plus other colours on request. These engraved panels really look the part and are hard wearing, no screen print rubbing off! The engraved panels are about 1.5mm thick but do require a rigid backing sheet to provide the necessary rigidity. To date, we have used an acrylic framework that also accommodates the PCB, however our new design uses an aluminium panel behind.
  • Aluminium Chassis Plate - A 6082 T6 aluminium panel 3mm thick (2mm for Euro rack) with all holes routed out to match the engraved front panel. Being aluminium, it also provides electrical screening. Also includes an acrylic panel and brackets to which the main PCB is mounted to.
  • Full Kit - Basically all of the above, everything the DIYer needs to build the module / noise box / sequencer / single board synth, even down to the wiring.
  • Fully Assembled - For those without the necessary tools / equipment / experience / time. We will build the kit and fully test it so it's ready to use.

As well as supporting through the purchase of Perks, there are other ways you can help us in achieving our aims.

Please let other similar minded builders and musicians know about this campaign through forums and social media.

Share your experience and expertise on our user group after the campaign ends.


What happens if you don't get all of the funding?

Our business model is such that even if we don't reach our goal, we will be able to honour all perks purchased thanks to our in-house capabilities. It will mean that we will not be able to bulk buy PCBs and it may constrain future development of our synth products.

What are the risks?
As with all projects, there will be challenges to overcome in fulfilling this campaign. Fortunately for us, we have a great support structure in place in the form of the Technobots infrastructure, and a team of experienced project managers and engineers.

We’re not too worried about any of these risks, but to give you a heads up:

Manufacturing: Being a small team, we’ve only invested in one each of larger manufacturing equipment such as the CNC cutter and laser engraver.

This does leave us vulnerable to machine failure, but we make sure we maintain our equipment regularly so as to reduce the probability of issues.

The Team: Of course, in a smaller team, there is little room for illness or loss of working hours. However, we operate the same strategy as we do with our machinery – don’t overwork them and keep them properly oiled (perhaps with a beer or two on a Friday afternoon!)

Supply chain: We depend on MFOS for the main PCBs and, without going into detail here, we have a number of contingency options available to ensure the continued supply. Unfortunately, this particular mitigation strategy has already been put to test. If you have not already, please read the section 'MFOS - Who are they?' above. All other components in the kits are available from multiple sources, so we are still able to use the original specified components. A small number of components are becoming obsolete, and are thus quite rare, however substitutes are possible.  We also share our stock holding with that of Technobots to ensure a ready supply.

Thank you for reading and we sincerely do hope you can support us in taking DIY synth building to this new level.


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Choose your Perk

Thank You!

Currency Conversion $1 USD
£1 GBP
Thank you for supporting us in our endeavours to make the world of analogue synthesisers more accessible to DIY synth builders. Please spread the word about our campaign.
0 out of 50 of claimed

£25 of Parts or Panels

Currency Conversion $31 USD
£25 GBP
Just need a PCB, component pack or panel, then select the parts you need to the value of £25
Estimated Shipping
April 2016
4 out of 25 of claimed
Ships worldwide.

£50 of Parts or Panels

Currency Conversion $62 USD
£50 GBP
For the larger PCB, panel, component pack or combination to the value of £50
Estimated Shipping
April 2016
1 out of 25 of claimed
Ships worldwide.

£100 of Parts or Kits

Currency Conversion $125 USD
£100 GBP
£100 gives a wide choice of individual parts or complete kits such as the Echo Rockit, Noise Toaster and Weird Sound Generator to the value of £50
Estimated Shipping
April 2016
2 out of 20 of claimed
Ships worldwide.

£265 of Parts or Modules

Currency Conversion $312 USD
£250 GBP
Save £15 on any parts, panels, kits or assembled modules to the value of £265. Signature required on delivery.
Estimated Shipping
April 2016
1 out of 10 of claimed
Ships worldwide.

Early Bird £275 Parts & Kits

Currency Conversion $312 USD
£250 GBP
Save £25 on any parts, panels, kits or assembled modules to the value of £275. Signature required on delivery.
Estimated Shipping
April 2016
3 out of 5 of claimed
Ships worldwide.

£540 of Synthesiser Modules

Currency Conversion $625 USD
£500 GBP
Save £40 on any parts, panels, kits, assembled modules as well as our Single Board Synthesisers to the value of £540. Signature required on delivery.
Estimated Shipping
April 2016
0 out of 10 of claimed
Ships worldwide.

Early Bird £565 Parts & Kits

Currency Conversion $625 USD
£500 GBP
Save £65 on any parts, panels, kits, assembled modules as well as our Single Board Synthesisers to the value of £565. Signature required on delivery.
Estimated Shipping
April 2016
1 out of 5 of claimed
Ships worldwide.

£1100 of Synth Modules

Currency Conversion $1,250 USD
£1,000 GBP
Save £100 on any parts, panels, kits or assembled modules to the value of £1100. Signature required on delivery. £1100 of modules will get you the basis of a true modular analogue synth. Non-UK customers - We can only ship to customers outside of the UK by FedEx. FedEx rates vary significantly not only on country but where within that country the delivery address is. See 'Shipping Info' for more. After the campaign has ended, we will contact you with the shipping cost and a payment request
Estimated Shipping
April 2016
0 out of 10 of claimed
Ships to United Kingdom

Early Bird £1150 Parts & Kits

Currency Conversion $1,250 USD
£1,000 GBP
Save £100 on any parts, panels, kits or assembled modules to the value of £1100. Signature required on delivery. £1100 of modules will get you the basis of a true modular analogue synth. Non-UK customers - We can only ship to customers outside of the UK by FedEx. FedEx rates vary significantly not only on country but where within that country the delivery address is. See 'Shipping Info' for more. After the campaign has ended, we will contact you with the shipping cost and a payment request
Estimated Shipping
April 2016
0 out of 3 of claimed
Ships to United Kingdom

£2250 of parts or Kits

Currency Conversion $2,499 USD
£2,000 GBP
Save £250 on any parts, panels, kits or assembled modules to the value of £2250. Signature required on delivery. With £2250 of modules, the sounds are getting really serious now! Non-UK customers - We can only ship to customers outside of the UK by FedEx. FedEx rates vary significantly not only on country but where within that country the delivery address is. See 'Shipping Info' for more. After the campaign has ended, we will contact you with the shipping cost and a payment request
Estimated Shipping
April 2016
0 out of 5 of claimed
Ships to United Kingdom

Early Bird £2350 Parts & Kits

Currency Conversion $2,499 USD
£2,000 GBP
Save £350 on any parts, panels, kits or assembled modules to the value of £2350. Signature required on delivery. With £2350 of modules, the sounds are getting really serious now! Non-UK customers - We can only ship to customers outside of the UK by FedEx. FedEx rates vary significantly not only on country but where within that country the delivery address is. See 'Shipping Info' for more. After the campaign has ended, we will contact you with the shipping cost and a payment request
Estimated Shipping
April 2016
0 out of 2 of claimed
Ships to United Kingdom

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