I built an analog synth from 1979!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ก.ย. 2022
- I recently purchased a super rare analog synth kit from 1979 (MINI GAN PET-103). In this video, I put the synth together and find out how it sounds.
The sample library I made in this video can be found on the Patreon: / patron-exclusive-72411036
PCB and schematics for this synth can be found here (thanks to Håvard Kristoffersen): capadiy.com
Support what I do on Patreon: / dhilowitz
Find my FILM & INSTRUMENTAL music here: davidhilowitz.bandcamp.com
Find my ROCK MUSIC here: manwomanchild.bandcamp.com - เพลง
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Synth enthusiast: Woah, it's a square wave!
Electronic engineer: It's clipping.
Yup.. I'm like, that's just clipping because the volume is too high.
That's the smoothest clipping i have ever seen though.
another commenter mentioned this device had info that explained that this is caused by a filtering capacitor getting saturated at high volumes, and the effect was likely intentional
Or saying clock signal:))
LOL, clipping is now a wanted feature.
You are like the bob ross of music, Giving people online the paint brush online to create their own visions thanks man.
I know right! He’s soo good
Good analogy. Pretty accurate. :)
I get the same good vibes with Dave's vids too - great analogy.
Am I delusional or do you leave this comment on several videos from different creators?
Edit: I just checked a mylar melodies video and it was in fact a different user commenting that mylar is the bob Ross of synths. So I conflated things.
Yeah man. This guy and hainbach are super Bob Ross like
Incredible...
FYI: In Japanese, the first line on the label of the box says: "Please enjoy this new sound in a new era", the second line: "Desktop (or Tabletop) Electronic Organ Realized by means of IC" and the third: "KIT 103". ;-)
Thanks!
Hmmm where are the 102 other kits?!
The oscillator IC (LA-6458) is a dual operational amplifier. It is (was) manufactured for SANYO maybe in Japan, maybe in China, making it a rare IC in Europe and the US today. *A close US equivalent is a 555 oscillator IC.* It's wired on the PCB in a feed back loop where each amplifier controls the other amplifier, resulting in hysteresis, outputting a square wave. The square wave is put into a passive, low pass filter (signature curving sides of the triangle) to turn it into a triangular wave. The LA-4140 is an output amplifier. It uses a noise reduction, passive, capacitor filter at it's output. At high volume the capacitor reaches full charge before the wave has reached full amplitude and clips the top and bottom (in this case) of the triangle turning it back into a square wave with slightly sloped edges. There is actually a note in the data sheet of clipped output signal if a small value capacitor is used. The effect was probably intentional. For not being too much into the meat and bones of electronics, you did a good job of piecing this together.
[edit] electrolytic capacitors don't degrade in the bag - they can degrade over time when in use ... but not always.
Ah, thanks so much for this detailed explanation. Really helpful!
A 555 isn't a very close match to any kind of opamp!
It's more like an LM358 or similar.
@@erroneousbosh *You are correct.* to a point.
The 555 timer is a dual opamp IC but it is hardwired internally as an opposing comparator pair. It's meant to be used as a multivibrator - a signal or trigger generator, and impossible to use it any other way, where the LM358 has other uses as two separate amplifiers. Some "re-engineering" of the PCB and a 555 could be used in this circuit including the resistor ladder for tuning. The 555 also can sink 4 times the output current of the 358.
@@3DPDK It's got a couple of differential pairs and a totem-pole output, that's about the only similarity between a 555 and a dual opamp.
You could not use a 555 in this circuit.
@@erroneousbosh I said "with a little re-engineering of the PCB" You couldn't just drop the 555 into the socket and expect it to work. If this was on my test bench, I'd spend no more than 10 minutes trying to find the data sheet on the LA-6458 I would cut the traces going to the socket, set a 555 IC up as an astable multivibrator and recalibrate the resistor ladder for the 555.
I don't know your experience but trying to locate replacement Chinese ICs or find their data sheets is a nightmare. And when you CAN find them, the published maximum parameters are usually wishful thinking.
I love how the sound is produced by metal tabs that get pressed down by the keys into a bar. It's quite simple yet genius.
literally how combo organs from the 60s work, except they were doing this with 3-5 bars (for extra harmonics), with 5-6 octaves and with full polyphony
This is so cool! RE: the effect the volume control has on the waveform/timbre of the synth, it seems like that volume control is more of a "preamp" volume than a "master" volume, in the sense that when you boost it, the circuitry following that gain stage begins clipping. So the true waveform of the oscillator is that initial sine/triangle shape, and as you bring up the volume control, rather than the signal increasing in strength in its unadulterated form, it comes up against a ceiling, the peaks get clipped off and it becomes closer to a square wave. So where a filter would reduce the high or low frequency content, this actually adds more harmonic overtones, kind of like having a fuzz pedal built into the circuit!
Went to the comments to point this out. Thanks for explaining this better than I could have!
That was exactly what I was thinking when hearing it and seeing the waveform. Wonder if the volume potentiometer can be adjusted for boosting to get more texture!
@7:37 This is actually caused by the increased volume itself because it's giving it so much voltage that the device's limit is reached (harmonic distortion) and this leads to the 'cut' waveform and creates overtones. :p
A tip for making better solder joints on PCBs - don't bend the leads flat like this. Instead, just use the long-nose pliers to kink them at about a 30° angle close to the board. (grip the lead in the pliers a short distance above the board, pull gently upwards and across at the same time until the lead is bent in two places - one at the board, and one at the pliers). The solder will flow around the lead more easily, and it's much easier to clip off the lead neatly, making for an overall better appearance. It also makes it a lot easier to get the part out again if you need to later.
He's asking for shorts. But there's no need to use pliers. Just splay the leads with your fingers, away from eachother. That will hold the part just fine. If you want it held even better, start with the smallest components and work your way towards the taller ones, and laying the PCB on the table will hold the part in place.
@@CristiNeagu Yes, I don't mean use pliers to use a lot of force, just long-nose pliers used gently, which will give a sharp bend, but not a steeply angled one. I just got into that habit years ago and find that using the pliers is much faster with practice than fingers, and more precise. Hard to say if it's really better, but that's the habit I got into. It's definitely better not to bend the leads flat though, however you do it.
I usually just little bit bend them so they act little bit like a spring and then put match between the component and the board so there is bit of a gap between component and the board, so then all components have even gap from the board. And it helps little bit with cooling too.
Oh man those parts on cards are the *deluxe* treatment compared to bags of parts I got with my Brunswick synth. A tip for your next build: start from the shortest components first and move your way up through the heights. So start with diodes, then resistors, transistors, MOSFETs, IC sockets, capacitors, jacks, and finally potentiometers. This makes it easier to fit parts flush with the PCB since you can just flip it over and rest the parts on the table.
This might be my favorite video you’ve done yet. It’s personal, educational, and entertaining. Well done.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Seems to be on slider short of a "happy meal". A bit more pinch clip experimenting with another pot and contact points should be able to seperate wave shape and volume.
Added filter optional...I'll know more when I slice one into the ol' Yamahas I have available. Nice find.
given that you showed clean shots of the un assembled PCB, it wouldnt be too hard to make this from scratch these days
i was just thinking that, actually.
both the circuit board designing software and means to print said designs are literally at our fingertips.
could be a fun project in the future 👀
Pretty easy to add in a second oscillator and panel mount the pots for some detuning.
Literally my first thought on seeing that - "Oooh I hope he shows the track side" :-)
Though it will likely take some learning, you can design and build far better oscillators using modern, general-purpose op-amp packages (TL074), hex Schmitt-trigger inverters (CD40106), and a couple transistors (BC546-BC550) for like $5 per populated PCB. While this kit is kind of cool, there is little control over the waveform, the keyboard mechanisms will quickly degrade, and, well, it will sound like shit without additional processing and effects. It is also likely heat sensitive, meaning the tuning will change depending on the temperature, given I don't think there are any compensating components I could see. From my experience with power amplifiers similar to the one used (LA4104), temperature and EMI will also cause undesirable fluctuations, degradation, and interference. I know that's not what this video or kit is for, but I also think we should encourage modern design and engineering, over broken, nostalgic projects, as there will indefinitely be someone inspired by this video to hunt down $30 of counterfeit, obsolete, antique, non-functional/damaged packages that produce endless headaches and an even worse oscillator than this. As a bonus, investing in the modern parts and education I mentioned will also enable you to make all sorts of LFO/VCO/VCF/VCA modules that you can expand this crappy oscillator with.
@@zvnavv3w5 Well yeah, i hope we see a slightly adjusted version of this kit using modern OpAmps and possibly more access to certain values to change and really making this more than just an "Organ". It would be amazing because most of the 555 Timer synthesizer kits i see are too expensive and boring.
It's incredible you find soldering relaxing, ...
Seeing those 40 year old carbon resistors, I was all prepared to jump in the comments when the tuning was completely out of wack. What a wonderful surprize to hear such a great sound from it.
I’m working on assembling a vintage HeathKit rf signal generator, is that something I should be worried about when building it?
@@CrobinHood8BitGuy It seems that some can to drift up in value a bit over the years. I'm guessing it'll be OK in your build. But if there's concern, try quickly testing them with multimeter. Anyway, sounds like a fun project.
Totally radical. Once that reverb hits, the sound just warps you to another world.
Never seen a kit like this... wonderful! I absolutely love how the components were all laid out on the cardboard.
absolutely love this channel, hope you keep making content for the foreseeable future
This is soooo frik'n disturbingly kool. First off, it is beyond me how you manage to track down these rare gems. Brilliant work assembling... and just nothing short of amazing sounds. Seriously, this wins the internet today 👊🧡👍
I was comparing my level of anxiety I’d experience to yours of patience and enthusiasm while building. It’s the “what if” and not knowing that you took on in good spirits that encouraged me. Thanks for another great video!
I need to find that calm patience when soldering. My hands shake
Always get a real feel good, relaxed vibe from hearing you talk and make stuff. So so creative but also positive. Thanks. About time I did the patreon thing too. All the best to you.
Love these old builds and rebuilds! Thanks for sharing!
I love these videos about old forgotten synths. And I love how you’ve been releasing some of the decent sampler packs for free. I’ve been using a few of the sounds in some of my productions. Thank you!! Keep up the awesome work!!
Love the channel man. Your content is so well put together and very pleasing to watch. Great job!
Every time one of your videos drops into my notification David I know I'm in for treat. You are a class act and not long to go to 100k subscribers which you will richly deserve. This took me back to when I built a Clef Drum Machine in about 1981. Great work.
love the "Sound - , Coolness 10" in the green ad....and your adventure here put me into in a major good flashback this morning. In '75 I ordered a PAIA keyboard kit with about 6 modules and, having zero soldering experience, got my aerospace engineer dad to teach and supervise me through it. Got about the same sonic bang for the buck as your PET, but man that PAIA did some great extra long gliss glides, ha.
This was so cool and it's impressive how you were able to figure out how to assemble it without instructions! It sounds great especially with the reverb and it really is like a little time capsule from 1979. It's like its been sitting there waiting for its moment in the spotlight and we finally get to hear what it sounds like! Overall, great idea for a video and it was nice to watch you build it! It's definitely one of my favorites you've done. Keep up the good work!
You are such a delight to watch, thank you. Your videos are incredible.
I've built a few effect pedals from kits and you are so right that the process of putting together a relatively simple project like this is so meditative
never watched such calming youtube videos like yours before. keep your channel up, I really love it!
Another wonderful video Dave. So interesting and calming all at once. A fantastically romantic snapshot of the past put together with such skill and curiosity. Thanks!
Oh David thank you for showing waveforms the synth makes!! 🙏 I was liking its sound and now I can match them in a synth like Vital. 👏 AAAAAAA
Uh sorry I hope this doesn’t read as an undercut. This patch would be for personal use.
little tip: the volume slider doesn't change the wave form, its simply at the upper limit of the output amplifier, so the top of the original waveform gets cut off ;)
Yep! So it makes it from a triangle+sine kind of sound, to (basically) a square!
@@lzy2 first of: its not really a square... and second: he said it acts like a filter and that is also not true... it acts as a volume limiter. So, my point was: its not like a hidden feature, its just as I said, I amplifier going to its limits
Which leads to a thing named audio clipping :)
I looooove these videos, thank you so much for archiving these lost sounds
Such a joy watching these videos. Cant wait for what's next!
thankyou for a really good video with no ads at all
i absolutely love it, its so clean and is a gorgeous little time capsule
I wish they did these simple kits today, thanks for shareing =)
Fabulous video, thank you. Decent sampler is a favourite of mine, so this will be a lovely addition.
seeing someone so passionate and patient with this little piece of history is so refreshing after all the 5 minute EDM tutorials all over youtube
This is pretty cool. I love your presentation. Your videos are well shot and laid out. You have a new subscriber!
wow this a wonderful documentation! lovely writing
Excellent videos! You inspire me in exploring more electronics. Thank you
Thank you very much! Such joyful and beautiful journey!
I love the tranquility you spread while you are doing this beautiful and interesting thing
So cool, way to keep history alive!
It was interesting to hear how the volume control worked similar to old guitar tube amps of the time, turning the volume up also turned up the gain so there's different sweet spots to play with by ear.
Love this kind of video, relaxing but in the meantime very instructive ! Keep going mate
(btw the sound of the synth is pretty cool)
Loving this series. You are a living legend my friend. What a wonderful legacy.
Wow! Really a time box! Thanks for sharing, really enjoyed watching it :)
I really enjoyed this video. You describing how the repetitive act of soldering the board was relaxing makes me want to learn how to do this stuff. I had one of those 2001 kits from Radio Shack back in the day with springs to make all of the connections and I remember enjoying making things with that back in the day. I made an alarm and even a simple video game.
beautifully done. lovely!
Can't really solder due to health reasons, so I can't build stuff I'd like to, but watching peple solder and generally fiddling with microschemes is oddly relaxing.
I'm living vicariously through videos like this, and I love it. This video in particular is fantastic, it's educational, covers a very cool subject and the music is so nice!
Thank you for this.
Not even when you have a solder-fume vaccum working?
@@KRAFTWERK2K6 there are different reasons why people can be medically unable to solder beyond problems with fumes.
What a lovely discovery! It's a bit of a shame its story is lost to time, it seems, but I am glad it is able to be preserved as a sample instrument. Your passion is a lasting value for us all ❤️
i am so blessed that i found this channel today! thnx man
I'm so glad that TH-cam decided to show your video in my feed.
what a beautiful example of "do what you can first and don't get stuck on what you don't know."
I am fascinated by your wide range of knowledge and skills and grateful for videos with valuable content. Thank you ;-)
I love his voice, its very calm and soothing. It gives me the vibes that I got in the first day of school and hearing my teachers voice for the first time.
I'm so excited for this!!! Thank you
Ive watched one or two of your videos before but i have to say, your work is so relaxing and just a joy to watch. Part music and sampling nerd and part electrical engineer who has his own giant box of capacitors lying around. The guy who said you were like the bob ross of music is spot on. I am also considering joining your patreon. Great stuff dude! Keep up the fabulous work! ❤❤❤
These old kits make me warm and fuzzy thinking of my childhood in the 80s, going to RadioShack with my dad. There is definitely something to appreciate here that’s been lost with time.
I'm so glad you explained the basics of adding pieces to the circuit board. There's seems to sometimes be an assumption (in many youtube videos) that certain knowledge is a given. I never learned anything about electronics, so your choice to take a short moment to go over basics, as well as mentioning how relaxing it can be, is much appreciated! Cheers, - Forrest
Love this man you’re so cool really inspiring trying to get more into analog gear def will b joining ❤
Love it! Fun to watch and listen to this Time Capsule come to life.
This is incredible, what an interesting project
really lovely work! might just sit down this holiday season and diagram this so i can make it open source
I love analog synths well done, amazing sound
WOW. After looking at you working I think of trying working on boards and soldering myself. Soooooo satisfying.
Whaowww… just discovered your channel : i m in !!! Go on !!! Cheers from France !!
The volume knob is not acting as a filter, it's a wave clipper at max volume since the amplifier can't supply the needed voltage to scale the original wave properly, hence creating distortion
This was so relaxing to watch!
Very cool lesson and fantastic sound...
You really rocks men!! amazing how you solve the puzzle.
makes me want to build my own synth!!!!! love your channel
amazing. thank you for sharing
Man, I get excited seeing these videos. Thanks for being a part of the reason I bought a Elektron Syntakt to start the fun hobby of beeping and booping about.
Wow! What a find, love it.
You're a instrument madman and I love it!
Just loved this video.
that.. was one of the most satisfying videos ever, great stuff
Very cool video enjoyed watching thanks for making 👍
the idea of having something new from 40+ years ago is amazing. very nice video!
Amazing video and channel. Thank you!
The volume isn't acting as a filter, it's just clipping; you can tell it's the same wave form with the peaks and troughs clipped off with the scoped wave, and it's overdriving the speaker. That effectively makes the wave form more square like, which is changing the sound; an amusing artifact of this simple circuit. A rudimentary synth kit you can build yourself, how cool. :) Great content.
I am from Serbia and I just found this listing, looks like a big brother of this organ. Anyway, your channel is great. Keep up with the great work! All the best.
Nice job troubleshooting without schematics. 👏 Looks and Sounds awesome. 😃
i just wanted to say that i went from not caring or knowing anything about synths to eating up all synth content and learning how to eventually use them for myself. you are for sure one of the best creators on the entirety of this website and i hope you continue to keep making awesome content!♥
Unbelievable! Absolutely awesome!
Awesome! What a nifty little synth!
I built a PE Minisonic synthesiser in 1975. I still have it!
it sounds so good ! i love it. you are a killer man !
I'm from 1979 too but don't feel like an untouched time capsule.
When you added the reverb, the sound reminded me of the synth lead at the end of All I Want by LCD Soundsystem
This synthesizer organ looks like new. Great video, thanks
Absolutely beautiful ❤
never thought you'd have to tune a synth. Loved this video
Tip. You bend the leads into the track, then clip them first before you solder them. The final soldering job looks much neater, there is also no chance of having exposed copper which might happen if you clip the leads later.
Sweet find! I wish I knew this was out then. In 1980 I had a science project that I built a monophonic sine wave synth. Got the idea from one of those science “150 in 1” experiment boxes they sold back then. Wow… I’m old as dirt!
Hello Mr. Hilowitz this video of very refreshing. I you know this video is what triggered me to follow you. Thanks for this great content.
Amazing as usual!!!!!!!!
This was such a cool video ❤
This is cool.
Amazing now I’m going to try and find one...