Output Module

I've started to migrate the projects I've completed so far over to this site. The first one I ported is the output module.

When I started building the modular synth, I started from scratch: I didn't have any basic pieces like a power supply (a post for another day) or a way to get a signal to a speaker. I got interested in this when I saw Moritz Klein's VCO videos, but in order to get anything other than a drone out of it, you need

• dual rail power supply ($\pm 12V$ for Eurorack),
• some kind of input like a sequencer (following the 1V/octave standard),
• the VCO itself,
• some kind of output amplifier to plug your speaker/headphones into,
• and a case to stick it all in.

This is where I started to learn about the many amazing people that have come before and shared designs that helped me figure out these building blocks. In particular, Ray Wilson's Music From Outer Space (MFOS) Synth-DIY pages got me going with the stereo panning mixer, which included an output stage.

This was also the module where learned alot about the mechanical design and got a bit more creative with the faceplate. So far, it works well enough, although there are a couple of things I'd consider for future versions, including

• better output amplifiers (I had some LM386s already, but even with extra caps, there's still a hiss)
• tweaks to the gain across the output amplifier (input stage attenuation; overall gain to avoid clipping too early)

Next time.