Description
Erica Synths have pulled out all the stops and recreated an extended version of the legendary Elektor Formant synthesizer, a complete modular system that was originally released as a DIY kit by Elektor Magazine during the late 1970s.
Working in collaboration with Harald Antes of haraldswerk.de, Erica Synths have developed a modular system based on the original designs while also adding some new modules to take its functionality to the next level. The unique internal normalisation of the original system has been preserved, so the Formant system can also be played without patching, exactly as described in the original Elektor Formant manuals.
Features
- SEQ – a sequencer (new module, not found in the original system)
- 3 x VCO
- 12 dB/Oct VCF
- 24 dB/Oct VCF
- RFM – formant filter module
- FX module (new module, based on DSP found on Erica Synths FX modules)
- COM – an updated Output module
- INTERFACE module – MIDI-CV module
- EF/RING – envelope follower and ring modulator module
- NOISE – noise and random voltage generators
- DIVIDER – frequency divider module
- WAVEPROC – waveshaper
- 2 x VCA
- PHASER – an 8-stage optical phaser
- 2 x MIXER
- DISPATCH – buffered gate and CV multiple
- LFO
- 2 x VC LFO
- 2 x ADSR
- ADSR CONTROLLER
- DUAL S&H
- PSU distribution board and external [email protected] PSU
- Enclosure with rails and threaded inserts
This gives you a monster system with 27 modules capable of original Elektor Formant sounds and much more, a valuable addition to any studio.
All modules are designed to be DIY friendly – they are just 35 mm deep, do not require wiring (except original wiring between modules) but since most modules are quite complex, the system is intended for advanced DIYers who have extensive experience in DIY electronics and have all necessary tools (multimeter, oscilloscope) for calibration and troubleshooting.
Erica Synths & Thonk cannot provide support with this project, and builders must rely on their experience and/or information on the build thread on Modwiggler.
NB! Erica Synths DIY kits are sold as-is and do not include technical support, troubleshooting, or repair services. By purchasing and assembling this set of DIY kits, you acknowledge that functionality depends on your own soldering skills, tools, and experience. Erica Synths & Thonk will not take responsibility for any issues, malfunctions, or damages that may result from incorrect assembly or use of the Elektor Formant System.
Full kit: includes all components to complete the system, including the Enclosure and PSU.
Partial kit: includes the enclosure, PSU, PCBs, panels, potentiometers, switches, jack sockets and custom parts to complete the modules, so the builder needs to source the generally available components – semiconductors and passive components available at most retailers.
Elektor Formant – General Build Guidelines | Assembly Files | Modwiggler Build thread
