Pete Edwards and Phillip Stearns are developing a new breadboard-based modular synthesizer.

The new system is designed for maximal scalability of size, quality and hardware format. This will allow experimenters to quickly and cheaply connect circuit boards with simple jumper wires, but also allow for adapting the circuits to be housed in rugged systems for live performance.

Here’s what they have to say about the new breadboard modular synthesizer design:

This system is based on minimizing the differences in the input and output ‘languages’ used in various musical electronic formats.  This means finding a way to allow free communication between logic, analog and eventually digital electronics.

We are working to achieve this by finding a middle ground between these mediums where signal format and amplitude can be shared freely with minimal need for translators and adaptors.

Our proof of concept models have shown that unhindered communication between binary logic and variable analog systems renders wildly adventurous possibilities and a unique musical character.

This video demonstrates some prototype modules being developed for a larger breadboard based modular synth system:

The current collection of modules demonstrated here were developed and designed by Phillip Stearns using a stackable, header-based form factor designed by Pete Edwards. Each module features CMOS chips configured into powerful core multipurpose functions.

The current lineup of modules includes:

• The Shifter: A complex signal generator that utilizes an 8-bit linear feedback shift register.
• Divide by 2 by 2 by 2 by 2…: a frequency divider that produces 12 sub octaves with three programmable 1 of 8 outputs.
• Divide by 3 – 10: A frequency divider that produces subharmonics
• The Digitizer: A real-time 3-bit ADC
• The Rhythm Brain: Three synchronized, independently programmable binary rate multipliers.

Future plans for the project include the development of VCO, VCA, and VCF modules that operate on 5 volts, releasing schematics and system specifications to the public and production of low profile breadboard compatible modules in kit and pre-fabricated form with options for either through hole or smd components.

See the STEIM (the STudio for Electro-Instrumental Music) site for details.