/Rack42

A modular synthesiser, designed and built by the 42 SynthLab, to be installed on the 42 Berlin campus for anyone to use

The plan

Rack42 is a project by 42 Berlin SynthLab. The aim is to interactively exhibit a modular synthesiser system on the ground floor of the campus of 42 Berlin. The end goal is to build two 42HP systems, each with a separate headphone amp, so that two people can jam/play together. We are currently working on this project weekly during our Wednesday evening SynthLab Sessions at FabLabNK

Rack42

Current status

  • Four modules have been built so far (marked below as COMPLETE)
  • Eight modules are currently in progress, with PCBs and components ordered
  • We are working from open source schematics provided by Hagiwo, Erica Synths and others
  • See below for links to the separate repos for each project, which contain KiCad project files and code for the digital modules
  • The 8-Bit Waves and KS-20 are private repos as we didn't want to publish PCB design files for modules which small developers are selling commercially as kits
  • We are using an old 90HP case for development and all modules already have laser cut faceplates, to easily see where the project is heading (see photo above)
  • The next stage is assembly/testing/revision of each of the new modules

System 1

  • doesn't quite add up to 42 yet

10HP ASCII 8-Bit Waves COMPLETE - private repo - message for access!

8HP Polivoks Envelope Generator PCB ORDERED

8HP Dual LFO PCB ORDERED

6HP Daisy Seed FX AKA DaisyDelayHardware PCB ORDERED

2HP Hagiwo Buff Mult PCB ORDERED

4HP Headpho: Headphone amp PCB ORDERED

System 2

  • doesn't quite add up to 42 yet

6HP Higawo Clock Divider AKA Time Management COMPLETE

6HP Higawo Kick PCB ORDERED

6HP Higawo Hat/Noise PCB ORDERED

8HP MS-20 filter PCB ORDERED - private repo - message for access!

8HP Hagiwo Dual VCA PCB ORDERED

6HP Higawo Mixer AKA Concrete Mixer COMPLETE

4HP Headpho: Headphone amp PCB ORDERED