Super Simple DIY Synth Workshop
Workshop: Solder
In this workshop, each attendee will create a simple oscillator circuit that makes sound using transistors and basic electronics components. We will provide all materials, just come prepared to learn! We hope that everyone can get something out of this workshop. Beginners can learn how a breadboard works and make their first circuit, and advanced electronics hackers can learn more about how transistors work as we explore the reverse avalanche breakdown effect. Participants will create a synthesizer with frequency control, a filter, and volume control with a headphone jack and optional speaker amplifier.
The design of the synth has been used in DIY modular synth setups and was made popular from Look Mum No Computer’s 1000 oscillator megadrone project. Participants can take their breadboarded circuit home and use it in their own musical practice, or build more with the knowledge from the workshop!
—What You Will Learn—
Build your own DIY synth oscillator
Breadboarding basics
Circuitry fundamentals
Transistor operation and reverse avalanche breakdown
RC filters
Synthesis waveforms
Musical experimentation
—About the Presenters—
Mir Jeffres makes audio equipment for fun! Mir attained his Master’s degree in Music Technology at Georgia Tech in Atlanta. He currently works as an audio applications engineer for Texas Instruments, based in Dallas, Texas. Mir can be found hacking electronics, performing live with his homemade synths, and sharing his passion for music and audio.
Christine Hoang is a software engineer, synth geek, and musician. She has supported the music and audio community in Dallas, Texas, through her involvement with Dallas Women in Audio and Music, the Texas Recordings Underground record label, her work as a sound recordist in indie films, and by DJing and performing live.
—Who Should Attend—
All ages of any level of experience are welcome to participate. Suitable for electronics experts and beginners alike.
—What You Will Bring—
Enthusiasm
A pair of wired headphones (optional)