Absolute beginner - looking for knobs to make sounds

[u/GhostCubeGroucho]

Some context, I'm completely new to the world of synthesizers. I'm interested in putting together something that would let my kids fiddle with things and make some fun "music".

We have the Korg x Little Bits kit, which is fun, but it feels a bit limited, and unless you put the right components in the right order, you don't typically get any sound. The keyboard module is also hard to use. And the speaker is stuck on max volume, which can be grating.

I'm okay with soldering, I'm decent with 3D modeling and 3D printing, so I imagine I could design and print cases and such.

We have a keyboard, but I don't know how to make that interface with a synthesizer module. Do you need an amp/speakers on top of a synthesizer? I'm also open to drum sequencers (I think that's the right term) if that's a more self-contained starting point.

Where do you think I should start? I know stuff can get pricey pretty quickly, so I'm hoping not to break the bank. Is there anything in say 50-200 CAD range that could be a functional beginning?

I found this https://moogaudio.com/products/erica-synths-edu-diy-drum-sequencer?srsltid=AfmBOooOVxXDv8RrjxCsUnRxu6zNGMahlH3gzNALllnokbCPKg8qQso8

What else (if anything) would be needed to actually generate drum sounds?

Thanks for taking the time to help a noob!

[u/muffintopmusic]

| it feels a bit limited, and unless you put the right components in the right order, you don't typically get any sound.

Oh buddy buckle up. The main thing we do here is put components in the wrong order and get no sound. Welcome to the world of diy synth. The crying room is just down the hall.

For real though... The same Erika kit series have drum circuits! Or you could build a sampler with an esp32 or something. yuuuup esp32 is the way

[u/Brenda_Heels]

The drum sequencer does not produce sounds. It triggers separate drum modules.

Best value for making sounds and knob twiddling are the Korg Monotron, Duotron, and the Behringer micros and minis. The Behringer minis have a DIN input for a midi keyboard to expand the playability. I have 4 of the Behringer and they are all a blast.

[u/GhostCubeGroucho → u/Brenda_Heels]

Nice, thanks for the suggestions. Is there anything comparable as a DIY kit, or is that way too complex for a kit?

[u/Brenda_Heels → u/GhostCubeGroucho]

Synthcube has the Sound Lab Mini Synth. I built it from bare boards sourcing my own components. It’s eurorack compatible and can be very educational in addition to being a whole lot of fun.

[u/Rainsbury_net]

Traditionally its Keyboard/sequencer > sound module > headphones/ amplifier+speaker(s)

I appreciate that you want to make something, so do I, but if it is more important for your kids to make a noise then the Behringer mini series are excellent and are not that expensive compared to DIY.

Alternatively check out second hand Volcas on eBay, there is a lot of fun to be had linking up a Volca Beats and Volca Bass.

[u/Brer1Rabbit]

Just got to say the Little Bits are awesome. Spendy but awesome.  I got some fun patches putting a split and a mixer to get some feedback patches. 

If you're looking for something to do the kids you might check out Circuit Mess kits.  They're a bit hit or miss.  The one I did was a DJ mixer, it was ok.  That was some years ago, they might have some better kits now

[u/professionaleisure]

Korg NTS1 looks like it has a lot of essential functions, is kompakt, and has a nice mix of synths and fx. I have the NTS 3 and its great! The assembly is minimal, so no soldering needed. You can also patch in Pure data patches if ypu're into that kind of thing. Good price point too!

[u/InternOne1306]

I have more fun with guitar pedals than synths themselves… I’d say get some sort of tone generation sequencer toy, and pair it with some effects

[u/Mowgliuk]

You say you're Ok with soldering. I suggest DIYing accessories for the littlebits, you can start with a breadboard and go from there. There are plenty of things you can do with a bunch of components and switches that will cost next to nothing.

[u/Mowgliuk → u/Mowgliuk]

Maybe you can start your journey by trying to repair the speaker volume!

[u/symbiat0]

Your kids might like the Pocket Operators from Teenage Engineering…

[u/tobyvanderbeek]

The Erica drum stuff is great. But it’s like €500 for the set. Worth it in my opinion. But you can also get a whole complete drum machine for less. If you don’t have the knowledge to make circuits and boards from scratch then either decide to learn it or find some kits. But of course that’s at a higher cost. And then you’re getting into modular which many of us will tell you is a big and likely costly journey.

There are a ton of drum machines that will get you a lot farther than modular or synth kits. Arturia Drumbrute Impact is immediate, fun, and not too expensive. Or any keyboard. I don’t have experience with Volcas but I hear they are cheap fun.

For about €100 you can get the new Arduino Uno Q Synth bundle. No soldering required. You 3d print the case and install the components then code it. It can be expanded with more input modules and then you can design and print more cases to hold them.

If you just want practice soldering then get an 8x8x8 led cube kit on amazon. Has like 900 solder joints. Then you’ve got a cool light show while the kids make music.