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Erica Synths EDU DIY VCO Eurorack Module Kit

BH #EREDVCO • MFR #4751030829449
1 review
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Erica Synths EDU DIY VCO Eurorack Module Kit
Key Features
  • Developed for Educational Purposes
  • For Beginners with Little Experience
  • Learn How to Design Synthesizer Circuits
  • Includes 59-Page Manual
Modular synthesizer enthusiasts looking to learn how to build a VCO from scratch will appreciate the erica synths EDU DIY VCO, an analog voltage-controlled Oscillator (VCO) module in Eurorack format with separate sawtooth and pulse-wave outputs. The VCO operates in the 1V/oct range and includes coarse and fine-tune controls as well as pulse width modulation (PWM) with CV control and frequency modulation (FM) with CV control.
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Erica Synths VCO Kit Overview

Modular synthesizer enthusiasts looking to learn how to build a VCO from scratch will appreciate the erica synths EDU DIY VCO, an analog voltage-controlled Oscillator (VCO) module in Eurorack format with separate sawtooth and pulse-wave outputs. The VCO operates in the 1V/oct range and includes coarse and fine-tune controls as well as pulse width modulation (PWM) with CV control and frequency modulation (FM) with CV control.

This VCO module is part of a DIY educational series that's designed to not only build a synthesizer from scratch but delves into the design and how components are chosen. The included 59-page manual takes you through the circuit-design process step-by-step, explaining every choice that was made and how it impacts the finished module. The kit includes the circuit board, electronic components, and mounting hardware. If you've ever wanted to learn how to build a synthesizer but were intimidated by the process, these educational DIY kits are your perfect solution.

Note:
erica synths will replace missing or faulty kit components, but because documentation is provided, there is no tech support or warranty. This is a DIY electronics kit and requires separately sold tools such as a soldering iron, multimeter, oscilloscope, wire cutters, etc. erica synths recommends using a breadboard to test the components BEFORE you build the module to verify that they are all functional. A Eurorack case and power supply are also required but not included.
  • Full VCO kit
  • 1V/Oct
  • Saw and Pulse wave outputs
  • PWM with CV control and attenuator
  • Coarse and fine tune
  • FM level control with CV input
  • Includes all necessary components and circuit board
  • Includes 59-page manual
  • Access to free CircuitJS, a browser-based circuit simulator

 

Erica Synths VCO Kit Specs

Key Specs
Sound Generation
Analog
Maximum Polyphony
Not Specified by Manufacturer
Audio I/O
1/8" (3.5 mm)
MIDI I/O
No
CV/Gate I/O
3x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TS CV Input
Patch Points
No
Eurorack Current Consumption
Not Specified by Manufacturer
Horizontal Pitch
Not Specified by Manufacturer
General
Synth Type
Eurorack Module
Kit Components
Sound Generation
Analog
Keyboard
No
Expression Controls
No
Number of Pads
No
Sounds
Display
No
Maximum Polyphony
Not Specified by Manufacturer
Built-In Effects
No
Built-In Speaker
No
Synthesis
Oscillators
1x Variable (FM, Sawtooth, Square)
Mixer
No
Amplifiers
No
Envelopes
No
Filters
No
Sequencing & Recording
Sequencer
No
Arpeggiator
No
Media/Memory Card Slot
No
Connectivity
Audio I/O
2x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TS Output
Pedal Support
No
MIDI I/O
No
CV/Gate I/O
3x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TS CV Input
Patch Points
No
Sync I/O
No
Network I/O
No
USB I/O
No
Power
Power Requirements
Eurorack Power
Eurorack Current Consumption
Not Specified by Manufacturer
Physical
Color
Black
Horizontal Pitch
Not Specified by Manufacturer
Included Accessories
No
Packaging Info
Package Weight
0.25 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
5.95 x 3.05 x 1.55"

Erica Synths VCO Kit Reviews

Under delivers and causes frustration for novices

By James
Rated 2 out of 5
Date: 2024-06-11

While the building of the module was fun and the documentation (found on Erica Synth site, no link or QR code found in the box) includes great drawings and explanations for someone new to the DIY space, overall I was disappointed with this module. The instructions, at times, expected a level of sophistications that do not match a beginner experience. Calibrating the VCO also required advanced equipment and knowledge that it is above a novice's skill set. There was little to no troubleshooting for common mistakes, and a total lack of support if a mistake were to happen. It's pretty overwhelming to think you spent time building this module, when it doesn't work to simply not know where to begin troubleshooting. For example, there is not explanation of the test points, clearly marked on the PCB — how they should be used, what the expected reading ought to be, etc... As far as the module, since a VCO is an essential component to a rack, this one leaves a bit to be desired. Tuning is tedious and such a frustrating process that a novice is likely to give up. The dials are wildly inaccurate and sensitive, and the tuning tends to drift easily. I would not recommend this, and instead look for a more higher quality DIY module.

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