$20 DIY Arduino Synth Example Sounds through Zoom CDR-70
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- A few example sounds from an easy to build Arduino synth. Build guide here: bloghoskins.bl... All sounds are played through a Zoom CDR-70, which is mostly responsible for making it sound nice. Also used was a Arturia Keystep. Full build instructions coming soon, but if you can read a schematic, you can follow this guide;
bloghoskins.bl...
I finally built this today. It sounds amazing. Its amazing what can be done with an Arduino Nano and a handful of components.
Great to hear! I'm still slowly working on the follow up, hopefully will be finished soon
@@gary909 I cannot wait. I love your work
Just received the parts in time for the weekend! 😍 Gonna be my first build with no electrical experience
Best of luck! If you think there's something that needs adding to the instructions let me know
How did it go? :D
you hand drawn schematic is really neatly drawn thanks!!!
Greatest arduino sounds ever. I'll wait for your instructions... thanks
Thanks very much - although I think the Zoom pedal might have something to do with this! I'm writing a detailed build guide that beginners can follow, but if you can read a hand drawn schematic you'll find all the information here; bloghoskins.blogspot.com/2020/09/helios-one-arduino-synth-part-4-final.html
@@gary909I'll wait your guide. I'm an absolute beginner, Bowie cit., but i will start to study something about electronic schematics meanwhile. I own a mightily Zoom too.
Hopefully I'll have the guide finished in the next week or so, will keep you updated
Here's a link to the build guide: bloghoskins.blogspot.com/2020/11/20-synth-project-complete-build-guide.html
Your schematic illustration is brilliant ! It''s a piece of art.
The Zoom MS-70 CDR is a gem for stretching the gamut on nearly any sound source... if it's a digital synth then the possibilities become nearly infinite. I like your designs and the sounds here are awesome. The wood cases with acrylic control surfaces look very classy. Extra points for the "Musik Von Harmonia" Kraut Rock cover in the background.
Good spot for the album cover!
you know what, I know nothing about electronics really, but this might be a nice little try out, Merry Christmas everyone!!!
This is great!! Finally I find something I’m thinking hey, I can do this! I might even have all the parts laying around
this is so cool, build guide looks great too. Thanks for your efforts
I ordered parts and will be making this soon as everything comes in! Cheers from reddit!
Hi there! Thanks a lot for this cool sounding synth! I built a double drone version (5.2 and 5.0) in one box with a few extras, a couple more LFOs, a joystick to control a couple of things, etc. I uploaded a super lo-fi demo of it to my channel. Happy new year and cheers from Argentina!
This is so simple and awesome! Thank you for sharing this.
ordered all my parts today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Awesome! Wishing you the most precious thing - Health. I look forward to your work. You make my dreams come true.
Here's a link to the build guide if you're interested: bloghoskins.blogspot.com/2020/11/20-synth-project-complete-build-guide.html
@@gary909 Thank you very much. I have already repeated your synthesizer. I'm waiting for your drum machine. It would be great if it could be synchronized via MIDI to other MIDI devices.
@@romanopekushin3099 The MIDI code is out on the web somewhere
Thanks for this my friend. I've ordered all the parts and am currently 3d printing a bright pink case. I'm calling mine FLOYD 😜
Love it!
@@gary909 Hi Gary . Do the potentiometers need to be taper type please?.
I managed to get some but they seem quite rare in the UK.
I don't know if there is a difference between 1m taper and just a normal 1m logarithmic pots?
Thank you.
Tony
@@tonywharton5220 They're not rare - I think maybe you searched for the wrong thing -> sometimes they're called alpha pots, or log or lin etc. A quick search on ebay for '1m Potentiometer' give you lots of results, this seller I think has the correct ones: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/16mm-Variable-Resistor-Potentiometer-Pot-Lin-Linear-Log-Logarithmic/283066568348?hash=item41e8150e9c:g:O0QAAOSwzcJd8Wum You need six 10k Linear, and one 1m Logarithmic for the volume pot. You *can* use linear, but you won't get the full wipe of the pot -> it'll go from silent to full volume in about quarter of a cm. Same if you swap the linear for log.
Man please do a version with 3 waves to choose(saw,sqr,tri) it would be soo cool
On the Mk2 version yep
Looking forward to that... Midi CC control too! 😁
truly amaizing!
AMAZING!
I'll be trying to build one
That sounds fabulous for something so cheap, I might try and build one myself
It's a fun project, but just bear in mind the complexity of the sound is mostly from the CDR-70 :-)
Хорошо сделано! Хороший звук!😎👍
Gran trabajo, gracias por compartirlo!!
looks dope
Hi there! I just finished my build of the Helios Drone (I built two in one box, one 8-knob 5.2 and one 6-knob 5.0) and I'm getting really loud clicks and high-pitch digital noise on every note I play with the Arturia Keystep. I suspect it is the MIDI part of the circuit because there is no noise in the drone modes. I added 10uF and 0.1uF decoupling caps and it got better, but still very loud clicks and noises. Also I'm getting weird behavior of some knobs, like the LFO amount: when I turn it all the way up the synth crashes and gets totally muted and I have to restart it. Any idea on how I could fix it? It may be with some code changes or adding more filtering caps? Thank you in advance!
I would start by using the original code - then you can rule that out from being a problem. Also, when you upload the code, you need to set the switch (found near the RX pin on the arduino nano) in the upload position, did you remember to switch that back into play mode so you can use midi? I would also check the orientation of the diodes/chips/caps etc in case any are in backwards. After that, make sure the solder connections are good. Hope this helps!
Hi! I'm still working on it. I smoothed the LFO Rate control (0, 1023, 73, 500) and got rid of some digital noise by adding define OSCIL_DITHER_PHASE before include. If I want to try out some different waveforms I should change:
line 174 Oscil oscil1; //Saw Wav
And line 421 oscil1.setTable(SAW2048_DATA):
That's right? Thanks again!
@@percherondrone3516 Yep, you can replace with things like:
Oscil oscil3; // Sin Wave ***New waveforms***
Oscil oscil4; // Tri Wave ***New waveforms***
(just change 'oscil3' and 'oscil4' to whatever your name is). There's a list of waveforms in the mozzi documentation, you can even use wavetables etc. I once made a version of the synth with 4 waveforms, the code is here:
github.com/gary909/Helios-6.1-4-way-osc-switch/blob/main/helios6_1_4wavSwitch.ino
...but I think it requires an extra switch? Either way, it might help you!
Super!!!!!!!!
you whon the heaven for this
Really simple and cool sounding project! Thank you for sharing! It's my first time with Arduino. I'm planning to make two Helios Drone in one box and running them in parallel for stereo sound. Is it possible to hook up both with the same MIDI input o should I use two 6N138? Thanks again and cheers from Argentina.
Thanks! You could probably use just the one input (although I haven't tried it so I'm not 100% sure). You could also alter the code so you had different waveforms on each arduino. Good luck!
@@gary909 Thanks for the reply! I'm building it, it's almost ready. I added another switch to the second Helios (it's one Helios/Drone and one Helios running in parallel) and it would be cool to use it to rise the general frequency from 440hz to 441hz or 442hz to create a detune effect between both oscillators. Would it be possible? Any idea of how the code would look like? Thanks again!
@@percherondrone3516 It's only a guess, but on line 154 of the code:
void HandleNoteOn(byte channel, byte note, byte velocity) {
oscil1.setFreq(mtof(float(note)));
envelope.noteOn();
digitalWrite(LED,HIGH);
}
...this is where you're setting the note frequency. It might be as simple as changing
oscil1.setFreq(mtof(float(note)));
to
oscil1.setFreq(mtof(float(note + 12)));
...which might make it an octave above (+12). I'd start playing here and see if it works. -12 would be an octave belove (assuming the notes are set like scales). Then if you hear that working, you could try quarter notes etc (-4?). This is only a guess though... I'm assuming 'note' is set as a number. If it doesn't work, try uploading the code to chatgpt and explain what you're trying to do, it's very possible it might come up with a better suggestion
Nice one!! Could it be done with a nano, right? I have a few lying around!
Also,read your i te tion of building another version with analog vcf -> yeah!!! I would suggest, if possible, trying to use the 2 pots you'll as variable controlers -> usong a switch to change between a comolete adsr or 2 ad (or ar) env being able to assign the 2nd ar to the filter, pitch or other parameter, for ex! Adding analog noise shouldn't be much of a pain also!
Nice little project! Thanks for sharing
Nano is recommended. I've started a new job so MK2 is a little delayed but I'll take onboard your suggestions. Many thanks!
which code should i upload. the code from helion one or the blue code text below? do i have to code it myself? Sorry, I'm still a beginner
This is the code you need to upload: github.com/gary909/Helios-One-Synth-V4.6/blob/master/helios4_6.ino In the build guide, under section 2, it'll explain how to upload it etc
howcome I'm not getting the same sounds? uploaded latest sketch...
Are you playing through a Zoom CDR-70? Adding FX is where the magic happens
I think I'm going to build this. Will I be able to control it with my Arturia MiniLab 3?
Yep, if it has the same midi socket (the big round one, not USB)
Congrats!!
Yooo this video is awesome I am exitet to starti building my own next week. I have also one question, could you make a vide like this for that litle drum machine that is inbetween the speaker and the synth in the picture?
You can see an earlier built version here: ua-cam.com/video/KQcI7oKE1pc/v-deo.html
Even if I do like this project, and I'll try to go deeper into it, there are some "issues" to me, or things I don't understand. Regarding the analog input, resistors limiting potentiometers are not of the same value, I don't see any objective reason to that but I may be wrong. There's no DC filtering on the output meaning a permanent DC voltage is applied to the headphone, a simple capacitor could solve that. An important, but not easy, upgrade would be using encoders instead of pots, if you want to store the "presets" they won't be altered when recalling. It's been two years you didn't post so I guess you cannot go further. Thx anyway.
Another question... can it be controlled via CC, ADSR, filter, etc? or just via the pots?
It's not currently set up for that, but it's using the '47 effects' midi library so it could be implemented, you'd just need to add the code
It's possible to control over usb, you'd just have to alter the code slightly. Check out the 47 effects & mozzi documentation for examples
@@gary909 actually, I tested it on a breadboard, no pots.. nothing.. just audio directly connected.. I had MocoLufa on my Arduino Uno.. and it worked!! MocoLufa is a flash file that turns the Arduino into a MIDI device... If you want to flash a sketch, you just have to put the jumper on...
@@danielmorales1639 haha! Good to know!
Excellent project!!! Congratulations. Does it work with "serial MIDI" input through the USB port of the ARDUINO? Thanks
I believe it's currently only setup to work with MIDI over a DIN socket, although it could probably be changed to work over USB. It's using the 47 effects midi library, if you take a look at their documentation there's some useful information to help you with that. Just by using this library, it's possible that it might already be set up but I haven't tried it. I know Teeny's are set up to work with midi over USB, perhaps if you get the code to compile for that it might also work without having to change the code?
Thank you a ton for putting all of this info onto the internet so people can build your design. Do you have any images of the back of the board after it is complete? Your illustrations are great but I am a suuuuper beginner and would like any extra help I can get trying to make sure I do all of this right lol. Thank you again
Thanks! The second to last picture shows the back of the panel completed... Is that what you wanted, or a picture of the arduino board?
@@gary909 a picture of the board, yes, if possible? i would appreciate it so much
@@jerbusf I'm just about to open my second beer, but I will try my best to remember tomorrow!
@@gary909 no worries! enjoy that beer
@@jerbusf Turns out I can take beer and have photos :-) I added 2 new images... the last image of part 3, and the second to last image of the entire project. Unfortunately the wires block some of the view but I hope it helps. Cheers!
Simple and great !!!
can I use this synthesizer without a midi or integrate one I made (using switches as an example) on the same arduino? I really loved the tone that it does, thank you for teaching! is to really find something of good quality and free!
Yes you could do all that, but you'll have to code it. If you go to the Mozzi forums there are people who have made similar things, then you could combine their code with this code. There are also tutorials on UA-cam showing how to turn a child's keyboard into a midi controller... You'd need another Arduino, but then you wouldn't need to code anything if you combined it with this project
@@gary909 thanks for your support! it's really an incredible project
Just ordered the parts to built this. Had a hard time finding the right octocoupler. Does it matter a lot if it isn't the same exact type you specified? Thanks
Branding doesn't matter but it needs to be the same model number (6n138) and also it should say something like 'DIP-8' in the title. DIP means it's about 1cm large with 8 legs. you don't want the SMT version, which is 3mm big. If you search '6n138 DIP' on ebay you should find quite a few results
@@gary909 Well I ordered 2 different kinds from Conrad. They were both DIP-8. If they won't work i'll order some off Ebay. Didn't want to pay €7 shipping for a €2 part.. lol
@@davidsmeets8815 Fingers crossed, hopefully it should be good
ty for open source
Hi all,I want realize this project, in which site can I find it ? Thank you all
Follow the link to the blog, then you'll find where to order the parts
Hi! Thank You so much for this, i'm looking forward to begin with this project! Btw, I was wondering where did you plug the power cable, is it right in the computer? And if so, is it secure for the computer? Thank You so much in advance!
You can plug it in the computer or a mobile phone charger... everything should be safe and secure
@@gary909 understood, thank you so much, lets see if i manage to build it, your tutorial is awesome btw!
@@SrHunnker thanks! I hope you have a trouble free build!
does it automatically turn on without power supply?
No you'll need to power it for it to work
@@gary909 how to turn it on?
@@gary909 is there no power input?
@@raxim4119 you use the Arduino usb to power it, but you could attach a battery instead. It might be possible to power it over midi, but I haven't tried this
this is great, can i use midi from ableton?
Yes it should work no problem
Is it possible to build this with an usb input instead of Midi?
It should be, but you'd have to implement it yourself... The midi comes from the import of the 47effects Library, if you go to their GitHub page I think it tells you more about it... It might be as simple as changing the #import line at the top of the code
@@gary909 thanks man 👍
2:00 i had to check the spelling of the word beautiful to write this comment.
That's really cool! I'll definitely build one. One question, though. Is there a reason you built it with nano, and not pro micro? It's just pro micro can be programmed to act as usb midi device, so it can be controlled from the computer without extra usb-midi interface
I'd not heard of a pro-micro so that's why I didn't use one :-) Hopefully you'll be able to get it work though
Love it
Mola!
It's wonderful! Is this synth monophonic?
Cheers! This version is monophonic but I've actually started on a poly version... It'll be many months before it's ready though (and that's if I can get it to work!). It'll also need a more expensive microcontroller, so the total cost will probably be around $50
@@gary909 That's cool as mono too though. I'd like to take it on and add an aftertouch feature to it with a keyboard. I got an sh2000 and I think its the way a mono should be.
@@zorgitron Do it! I'm hoping other people will eventually add to the code and give it lots more features. If you add anything let me know and I can publish it on my website
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That's wonderful. Maybe I make this into a "module" for my little mini modular series github.com/diysynth?tab=repositories
fucking grand