Reader Nick Culbertson shared this video, demonstrating how to make a simple, lo-fi $1 synth.
It’s based on a 555 timer module, which is the heart of the classic Atari Punk Console DIY noisemaker project.
Culbertson includes the mistakes he made in his video, so viewers can hopefully avoid making the same ones.
Video Summary:
“In this video, we’re building the cheapest and easiest synth ever using a 555 Timer module! It’s raw, lo-fi, and as you’ll see, not everything went according to plan.
From breadboarding the circuit to hacking the built-in trim pots, we’ll explore how to turn this simple chip into a tiny synth. Along the way, we’ll deal with torn traces, questionable soldering, and some happy accidents.
If you’re into DIY electronics, synths, or just making weird sounds then this one’s for you!”
A 555 timer circuit can be an oscillator but not a synth without more elements. The 555 timer is a subject of all basic electronics courses and there are plenty of excellent resources on it. This video shows someone connecting wires to a premade 555 module and calling it a synth. This video is click bait, like harvesting rubbish.
For anyone interested in learning about 555 timers, simply search for “555 timer circuits”. Once could perhaps add “multivibrator” to the search to weed out more click bait sources.
Hey Kenny. Don’t take this the wrong way, I’m just curious to see where you are coming from. First, I did updated the title to reflect that it is a 555 timer module so thanks for that. However, I don’t agree with you that it’s not a synth and it’s clickbait. I’m actually fine with you calling it clickbait—that’s your opinion, you’re entitled to it, and I happen to disagree as it is a synth made with components under a dollar.
But is it a synth? Let’s break it down. It has an oscillator that generates a square waveform with variable frequency control and a button to start and stop playback (if you got that far into the video). Is a Stylophone or an Atari Punk Console a synth, because that is basically what this is. If it needs a full keyboard to be a synth, then what about modular? Does it need a filter section, because I have another pot lying around? I’m actually curious at what point does this stack of wood become Pinocchio in your eyes. Surely you don’t think it needs full on subtractive synthesis to be considered a synth?
multivibrator – teehee!