AJHSynth Complete Systems

Fully configured and ready to go

In response to demand we are now offering a range of ready built systems! With each size of system we have selected the best combination of modules to give maximum versatility - of course the full configuration has been fully tested and designed for maximum productivity and reliability so that you can concentrate on the most important part of using any modular system - making music!

Putting together a complete Eurorack system from scratch can be quite a daunting prospect, so we have taken the pain out of it for you. Trying to choose the best mix of modules for maximum versatility and arranging them so that there is no unused space is often just the start of the process. We also need to find the power consumption of each module, and then calculate total power draw per rail for the chosen case to ensure the PSU can provide sufficient power without being overloaded. There is also the problem of having audible noise on the power rails from a noisy power supply, which can range from barely noticeable to unacceptable. And we didn't even mention the time it takes to put it all together, then fully testing everything to make sure it is all working as it should.

6U Full system

This is our ’starter’ system of two-rows (6U), built around a complete MiniMod voice and additional modules. This is a great, straight-forward instrument to use, learn and understand. It is however deceptively capable, and with it’s 3 VCOs, 2 sub-bass generators, mixers, 2 LFOs, 3 envelopes, and 2 VCAs, the following examples are possible:

One huge, single Minimoog-style, 3-VCO monosynth/voice, with 2 additional sub-octaves.
As above, but using the Gemini 2412 as a stereo filter with the 2 VCAs.
Three different sounds using separate filters, sharing VCO & noise, using Muting Mixer to switch each sound on and off.
A simple, single-VCO, 2 voice polyphonic patch with matching filters (Gemini 1 & 2).
Two completely separate monosynths - a 2-VCO synth similar to a Prodigy or Odyssey, AND a single-VCO synth with 2 sub-basses, similar to an early Roland SH101 or Micromoog, but with 2 sub-octaves and multiple mixable waveforms.

The Precision Voltages additionally adds (among other things) the ability to immediately and accurately shift the pitch of the VCOs in relation to an incoming CV signal from a keyboard or sequencer. Having all of this power and flexibility, in a single box with a single plug, is an excellent entry into the MiniMod world of unrivalled, rich analogue sounds.

Here's a breakdown of the modules, case and power supply used in this system:

Glide Noise Glide / Noise Module - Glide up and down, CV buffereing and splitting, White, Pink and Red Noise Source
3 x MiniMod VCO - The best sounding Analogue VCO based on the early RA Moog circuitry.
MiniMod Transistor Ladder Filter - An absolute legend, based on the early MiniMoog filter.
Dual Contour Generator - two independant envelopes using Model D transistor circuitry
Discrete Cascaded VCA - two stage VCA using early MiniMoog circuitry
Precision Voltages Module - Transpose and mix pitch CV's wth sufficient accuracy to keep everything perfectly in tune
Dual LFO with VCA - Provides two multi waveform LFO's along with a DC coupled VCA for extra level control
Ring SM - Our award winning Ring Modulator, Dual Sub Bass generator and five channel CP3 based discrete transistor mixer
Gemini 2412 - Hugely versatile Dual Multimode VCF based on the vintage Oberheim SEM circuitry
Gain Switch Multi - Control Overdrive of the MiniMod VCF and VCO, and passive multi
DH-ADSR Envelope - Envelope with Delay, Hold and invert features, this also allows the system to be configured as two voices
Muting Mixer and VCA - Both a mixer and a Linear / Exponential VCA
Case - Doepfer A100 LC6V Vintage Black case, 6U with two rows of 84HP for a total of 168HP of rack space.
Power supply - Doepfer PSU3 extra low noise power supply and distribution rails, suitable for 230V or 115V operation

Specification

Dimensions: 44.5 cm x 27.5 cm x 16 cm

6U with 2 rows of 84HP, total of 168HP rack space.

Weight: 6.5 kg

Voltage: 100V to 240V, auto sensing

Notes on patch cables for 6U system:

Patch cables are a very personal choice, so we supply our systems without these, however here is a suggestion of suitable sizes to get started:

10 of 25-30cm,

5 of 50-60cm,

2 of 80-90 cm

The 2 longest cables will be useful for connecting the CV & Gate outputs of a controller or sequencer to the CV IN of the Glide + Noise and the GATE inputs of either contour/envelope generator module. The medium-length cables will comfortably reach from one side of the case to the other, whilst the short cables will be most useful for connecting VCOs & noise to the Ring SM or filters, and the envelope generators to VCAs or filter frequency inputs - since these are mostly in close proximity to each other, it will reduce cable overhang, and so make accessing the pots easier

9U Full system

Building on the 6U system, this case offers 3 rows (9U), adding an extra VCO, VCF, VCA, and even more modulation. This system also features a complete MiniMod voice, but with enough modules to add an additional, distinctly different voice to play along side it. It can do everything the 6U system can do, but with the Wave Swarm’s dual waveform animators, wave-folding diode filter, and ‘clockable’ multi-waveform, voltage-controlled LFO, this system offers a huge increase in capability. Such configurations might include:

A 2-voice polysynth, with each voice featuring 2-VCOs, 2 envelopes, and their own matching waveform animator/multiplier (Wave Swarm), LFO, VCF and VCA..
Two huge sounding 2-VCO monosynths, each with distinctly different characteristics and voice architecture. One serving as a lead synth, the other controlled by a sequencer with syncopated filter modulation (Tap Tempo VC-LFO).
Three modest, completely separate mono voices, with their own modulation, all melodically controlled, or perhaps one providing a clocked percussive beat or sound effects.
One ridiculously huge sounding, 4 VCO and 2 sub-octave monosynth! Or perhaps, in order to preserve the structure of nearby architecture, patching a range of variations of the sound sources through the various filters and Wave Swarm, then bringing them together via the Muting Mixer, so that multiple sounds could be selected during a performance.

This system is a real powerhouse, with an absolutely huge range of sonic and performance possibilities.

Here's a breakdown of the modules, case and power supply used in this system:

Glide Noise Glide / Noise Module - Glide up and down, CV buffereing and splitting, White, Pink and Red Noise Source
4 x MiniMod VCO - The best sounding Analogue VCO based on the early RA Moog circuitry.
MiniMod Transistor Ladder Filter - An absolute legend, based on the early MiniMoog filter.
Dual Contour Generator - two independant envelopes using Model D transistor circuitry
2 x Discrete Cascaded VCA - two stage VCA using early MiniMoog circuitry
Dual LFO with VCA - Provides two multi waveform LFO's along with a DC coupled VCA forextra level control
CV Mixer with VCA - mix, invert, amplify and attenuate CV voltages
Ring SM - Our award winning Ring Modulator, Dual Sub Bass generator and five channel CP3 discrete transistor mixer
Sonic XV - Vintage style Diode Ladder filter and Wavefolder
Tap Tempo LFO - Amazing Voltage Controlled LFO with Tap Tempo, 16 waveforms and VCA
Precision Voltages Module - Transpose and mix pitch CV's wth sufficient accuracy to keep everything perfectly in tune
Muting Mixer and VCA - Both a mixer and a Linear / Exponential VCA
WaveSwarm - 6 x 2 channel Waveform animators, make 1 VCO sound like twelve!
Gemini 2412 - Hugely versatile Dual Multimode VCF based on the vintage Oberheim SEM circuitry
Gain Switch Multi - Control Overdrive of the MiniMod VCF and VCO, and passive multi
2 x DH-ADSR Envelope - Envelope with Delay, Hold and invert features, this also allows the system to be configured as two voices
Case - Doepfer A100 LC9V Vintage Black case, 9U with three rows of 84HP for a total of 252HP of rack space
Power supply - Doepfer PSU3 extra low noise power supply and distribution rails, suitable for 230V or 115V operation

Specification

Dimensions: 44.5 cm x 42 cm x 16 cm

9U with 3 rows of 84HP, total of 252HP rack space.

Weight: 9.0 kg

Voltage: 100V to 240V, auto sensing

Notes on patch cables for 9U system:

Patch cables are a very personal choice, so we supply our systems without these, however here is a suggestion of suitable sizes to get started:

10 of 25-30cm,

10 of 50-60cm,

4 of 80-90 cm

The 4 longest cables will be useful for connecting the CV & Gate outputs of a controller or sequencer to the CV IN of the Glide + Noise or 1V/Oct of a VCO, and the GATE inputs of the contour/envelope generator modules. This system can easily be used as 2 separate synth voices, so having a pair of cables for these purposes is helpful. Also, one could be used to connect the clock output of a sequencer to the CLK IN of the Tap Tempo VC-LFO, but it could also be sent a duplicate of the Gate signal triggering an envelope by using the multiple.

The short cables will be most useful for connecting VCOs & noise to the Ring SM or filters, and the envelope generators to VCAs or filter frequency inputs - since these are mostly in close proximity to each other, it will reduce cable overhang, and so make accessing the pots easier. Otherwise, the medium-length cables will comfortably reach from one side of the case to the other, accommodating connections where the shorter cables cannot reach.

What is the AJH Synth MiniMod?

We have recreated what is probably the most epic and fattest sounding portable monophonic synthesiser of all time and adapted it to the Doepfer Eurorack modular synthesiser format. First and foremost the MiniMOD had to replicate the sound of the vintage Model D as closely as possible, so we have used exactly the same internal circuitry and every module runs at the same internal signal and control voltage levels as the original.

The MiniMod is based on the circuitry of most desirable Model D of all, the very early R A Moog Mk1 model with its unique and sweet sounding VCO design, the core of which uses discrete transistors only, with no integrated circuits. We have also based the transistor ladder VCF on the early design, which uses fully matched transistors throughout. Less than 300 Mk1 Model D’s were built with this very early VCO design out of a total of around 17,000 which were produced between 1970 and 1981.

The Minimod has been more than 18 months in development, thousands of hours have been spent analysing the original Model D using both real world measurement and computer based Spice circuit simulation programs, we have carefully selected components and built many prototypes before we were happy that we had done justice to the original sound and circuit behaviour.

Overview

MiniMod Eurorack modules comprise separate VCO, VCF, VCA, Dual Contour and Glide/Noise for maximum flexibility so that they can be easily integrated into a larger Eurorack format Modular synthesiser to tap into the endless control and expansion possibilities – we have removed all of the control limitations of the “closed system” of the original Model D synthesiser so that the sounds that you can now create are limited only by your imagination and the other modules that you add to your system. All of the modules can be used independently in your existing Eurorack system – want to just try a VCF or VCA with your own modules? No problem, all of the modules are compatible with the most common Eurorack audio and control voltage standards and should integrate seamlessly into your system.

MiniMod modules are available in two styles, Vintage Black or Classic Silver. They are electrically identical, only the cosmetics are different.

We have added lots of extra features, if it was possible to add extra versatility without compromising the sound and functionality then we have done so.
Here are just some of the extra features that we have included:

VCO: - added External Sync (2 Types), Linear and Exponential Modulation, fully adjustable PWM instead of fixed pulse widths and voltage controlled PWM.

VCF: - added Voltage Controlled Emphasis using a vactrol and have added an extra overdrive capability, switchable using an internal jumper.

VCA: - added voltage control for each individual VCA (yes, the original design had two VCA’s in series!), along with an overdrive capability, switchable using an internal jumper.

Dual Contour: - added individual manual trigger buttons for both envelopes and envelope status LED’s

Glide + Noise: - added glide up only and glide down only modes in addition to the standard glide mode. We have also increased the range of the glide from the original 44 notes to 5 octaves.

A MiniMod system would comprise 3 x VCO, 1 x VCF, 1x VCA, 1 x Dual Contour, 1 x Glide-Noise and this will take up 84hp of Eurorack space, so that it will fit into 3U of rack space with a suitable Eurorack frame and power supply (not supplied) Just add a Midi/CV converter and keyboard for a fully functional BIG and FAT monophonic synthesiser. Below is an example of how to patch a 3 VCO sawtooth sound with glide enabled on all VCO's.

New Modules added to the MiniMod range

The MiniMod system is undoubtedly the most authentic reproduction of a vintage synth available in Eurorack modular format, and it will faithfully re-create the iconic sounds of the Vintage Model D synthesiser - however, following requests from existing users we decided to develop a series of additional modules to hugely widen the range of sounds that can be created and take it well and truly into the 21st Century!

Firstly, we have introduced a new ADSR capable envelope generator to overcome the limitations of the original Contour Generators, along with adding extra Pre-Delay, Hold and retrigger options too. Then we added a compact Dual LFO and VCA module that makes it very easy to generate extra modulation without having to sacrifice VCO's or VCA's to this duty. Next, we have a versatile four channel Polarising CV Mixer which includes a voltage source, offset facility and VCA output stage - use it with the Dual LFO or any other modules as a CV mixer to create more complex modulations, or it can be used for level shifting and/or inversion of waveforms and voltages too.

Then we have the V-Scale Precision ajustable buffered multi, an excellent solution for interfacing other Eurorack modules with the MiniMod system and for solving more wide ranging and general Eurorack tracking and impedance mismatch problems. Lastly, we have the Gain Switch Multi, this allows front panel access to the internal gain jumpers on the MiniMod VCF and VCA modules, to add some extra grit and tube like distortion to your patches.

DUAL LFO / VCA: - Two LFO's with variable triangle and square waveshapes, including low range and sync/reset on LFO 1 and an onboard VCA.

DH-ADSR Envelope: - Model D envelope characteristics but with full ADSR and additional Pre-Delay, Hold and Retrigger modes too.

CV Mix-Offset-VCA: - Four channel Polarising CV Mixer with +/-6V voltage source, input and CV offset facility and VCA

V-Scale Buffer: - 1 in 5 out precision active buffered multi with unique tracking adjustment facility on four outputs.

Gain Switch Multi: - Allows front panel access to the gain jumpers on the VCF and VCA, and includes a 6 way passive Multi.

A video review of the MiniMod system from Tiziano at SonicVoltage.com

Below is an example of how to patch the original MiniMod system for a 3 VCO fat sawtooth sound with glide enabled on all VCO's.

Ever wondered how obese the Model D would have sounded with five VCO’s instead of three? – Easy, add two more VCO’s and a mixer and you can patch it up. Do you want to have a triangle wave LFO modulating VCO 2 for vibrato while at the same time have a different frequency triangle wave modulating the PWM width on VCO 1? Easy, just add two Eurorack compatible triangle wave LFO’s and you’ve got it. How about cross modulating VCO2 with VCO3 and feeding back some of the output back through the filter to overdrive it? Or, how about mixing the sharktooth and PWM waveforms together from a single oscillator?– easy, just patch both VCO outputs into a mixer and patch the output of the mixer to the VCF. If you want to go further and crossfade between the two waveforms then use a Voltage controlled panner module and a triangle LFO or other modulation source instead.

This is but the tip of the iceberg, the sonic possibilities are almost limitless in the Eurorack modular world!

Minimoog is a registered trademark of Moog Music Inc. We do not manufacture or sell Minimoog synthesisers.