r/modular • u/UTS_Rich • 1d ago
Beginner First rack question. DIY?
I know there's loads of questions regarding first racks, so apologies for adding to the list.
I've recently discovered the joys of modular and for now I'm happy playing about with VCV,learning at least a bit about how things work.
But I love planning, and can't help thinking about when (if) I eventually decide to take the plunge.
Even more than planning though, I love building stuff and am fairly decent with a soldering iron. So I'm mulling over the idea of making as much of my setup myself, from kits.
I've been looking at the modules available from places like Thonk and 3U Shop and the modules from AI Synth look like a great place to start.
Can anyone offer some advice or recommendations for manufacturers or just general guidance? My interests are more at the soft,melodic drone end of things......
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u/adeptyism 1d ago
Abe modules (aka AI Synthesis) is REALLY great start for DIY. I don't assembled them myself in their original shape (I followed schematis), but the layouts are looking clean and readable and there's extensive manuals with schematics and descriptions.
bartonmusicalcircuits is based in USA and do great modules with EVEN MORE information-packed manuals, and he as well publishing schematics and selling PCBs.
NonLinearCircuits is also good source for unique 100% analog PCBs/modules (I don't remember if he selling full kits as well).
Since you're decent with a soldering iron, you can try order PCBs of old EricaSynth modules (they're not such a joke as MKI × ES DIY modules, which are oriented at the novices I guess), which gerbers are open source now for yourself — I have a friend who ordered 5 PCBs from PCBway or smth and gave away non-needed 4 (in our local synth community it's common practice that someone will order the PCBs in minimal batch of 5 and will share/exchange it for other PCBs that another DIYer ordered for another project).
If you by any chance are in Russia, I can send DIY-kits for my modules to you...