The Mini-3 Description

About this document

This document is freely distributable. I however retain all publishing rights. This project is the result of about a years research into building analog synthesizers.

Warning

This is not a beginners project. It requires electronic construction and metal working skills. I am not responsible and have no control over the outcome of your efforts. I have tried to put this together in a way that could be duplicated. But you are on your own. I do not guarantee nor am I responsible for anything in any way. This project uses AC VOLTAGE and coming in contact with AC VOLTAGE could kill you at the very least it hurts really bad PLEASE BE CAREFULL.

Description:

This is my third synthesizer and unlike the first two is a real musical instrument. The Mini-3 is a classic analog synthesizer. It contains (2)VCOs (2)LFOs (2)ADSRs (1)VCF and (1)VCA. I have tried to design it so that it could actually be built by someone using this information. I am vague on the case construction because I can't offer a source for the joystick and keyboard you will have to find these on your own and make ajustments in accordance with their size.

Parts:

I have used parts that can be found at any good electronics parts store or by mail/web order. The case is made from standard stock aluminum found at any good hardware store. The keyboard was salvaged from a cheep broken model I found at a thrift store and the joystick was a old analog type used by many obsolite 8-bit computers again from a thrift store.

Tools:

You are going to need a good selection of tools. I can't be presise on what your going to need but heres a short list to start with.

Hand tools:

Various hand tools - pliers, screw/nut-drivers ...ect
Tape measure
Square
Straight edge (aluminum yardstick)
Low wattage (25-30 watts) soldering iron
Sheet-Metal shears
Electric drill
Pop-Rivit gun

Test equipment:

If you have an oscilliscope thats great but you can build and test this using hand meters.

Analog Multimeter
Digital Multimeter

Good luck:

If you are going to do this take your time and be carefull. If you want a analog synthesizer and can't find or afford one this is well worth the trouble and expence.