Finnish synthmaker Olegtron has introduced the Olegtron 4060 – a compact oscillator/divider with a built-in patchboard.
The device can be used as a standalone sound generator that connects with a 3.5mm stereo jack output or to control a wide variety of machines, such as toys or synths with control voltage, clock or gate input. You can also use it as a test signal generator in your electronics lab, blink leds, drive small motors etc.
Using the 4060 doesn’t require any previous electronics skills, but experimenting with different components can help you get the idea of how they work, and your programming can become more systematic.
The name of the device comes from CD4060, which is an integrated circuit logic building block. This series of logic chips dates back to the sixties, but is still relevant in DIY. Olegtron 4060 interfaces directly with 4000B-series.
The Olegtron 4060 is based on the RC-oscillator example from CD4060 datasheet, with the addition of a starve potentiometer, known from the world of circuit bending.
The price of the Olegtron 4060 is 99€ (VAT 0%). See the Olegtron site for details.
via Olli Paakkolanvaara
This indeed a superb device, I have two. One for pure experimenting and the other one interfaces with my euro modular, triggering and clocking all kinds of things. Love it! Highly recommended!
I really really like all these little devices that are coming out that encourage experimentation with electronics:
Moog Werkstatt, Mute Synth II, the Korgs, now this…
2014 is the year DIY electronics really breaks into the music production scene!
99€ is quite some money for very basic circuit bending…
Sure, you’re right, if you know your way around electronics, schematics, etc… you could ostensibly build *anything* cheaper. I’m guessing that you’re a very talented musician and engineer and could do this yourself quite easily and probably build something much more advanced – probably already have several times – most impressive!!
I don’t think that’s the point here though, to build your own little synth like this requires a lot of knowledge and experience that many (most?) mucisians/synthesists don’t have. I know I certainly don’t have it and I’ve been messing with synths for 25+ years.
I’ve always known that if I wanted to I could spend the time and learn electronics, but never really found a reason or the inspiration to do so. The Werkstatt and the open culture that supports and develops it and the resources available for it, changed that. You’re right, it is relatively simple stuff, but it’s accessible on a very high level. There is precisely no knowledge of electronics required to start experimenting, yet there’s a strong learning aspect to these devices. In short simple lessons that have very quick results (that are also fun and engaging), I’ve learned some things already. That’s the true strength of these little boxes and why I think they are so good. I’ve already started to consider the possibility of combining several mods together into a little box – no one has ever managed to inspire me to think like that before.
If you like, this kind of open device that facilitates and positively encourages experimentation is a gateway drug into the DIY synth world. They are inspired & I’m very grateful for the people who spent all that time and energy to make them possible and release them in the way they have.
I made a little introduction video for the Olegrron 4060 for those of us not that fluent in the whole electronics stuff 🙂 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMhEx8mpcJ4