# Building first modular synth - minimum modules required?

**URL:** <https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/building-first-modular-synth-minimum-modules-required/2358>\
**Category:** DIY STUFF\
**Created:** [November 22, 2020, 9:49pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/building-first-modular-synth-minimum-modules-required/2358 "2020-11-22T21:49:43Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
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**Author:** ![AdamDynamic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dbc845/32.png) [@AdamDynamic](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/AdamDynamic)\
**Post date:** [November 22, 2020, 9:49pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/building-first-modular-synth-minimum-modules-required/2358/1 "2020-11-22T21:49:43Z")

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Hi All,

Having gone down the rabbithole on the LMNC YouTube channel, I’ve decided to start building a modular synth (I’ve built guitar effects pedals for 10+ years and actually found the channel searching for info on the Valvecaster AKA [Safety Valve](https://www.lookmumnocomputer.com/projects#/the-safety-valve)).

My plan is to first build the _simplest modular synth I can_ (i.e. one each of the modules “essential” for making a usable noise) and then add new modules over time.

Having spent the last couple of months drinking from the internet firehose, I wanted to get someone’s opinion on what this “minimum set of modules” should be. So far I have researched (and ordered the parts for):

- Frequency Central euro-rack style power supply
- Eddy Bergman’s [AS3340 VCO](https://www.eddybergman.com/2020/01/synthesizer-build-part-18-really-good.html)
- The [Simple Low-Pass Filter](https://www.lookmumnocomputer.com/projects#/simple-filter)
- The AI Synthesis [Stomp Box Adaptor](https://aisynthesis.com/how-to-build-ai006-eurorack-send-return-module/) (not “essential” but looked simple and allows me to use my guitar effects pedals)

A couple of (probably quite “naive”) questions that I’m hoping some people here can help me out with:

1. What additional (“essential”) modules do I need that I’m missing? An envelope filter? Anything else?
2. (Probably a stupid question) - what do I plug headphones into that would allow me to listen to the synth? It’s still not completely clear in my head how I actually get sound out of it - do I need an amp? A mixing desk? Something else?
3. Are there any good DIY solutions to the rails that you screw the modules into when attaching them to your case? The eurorack-style ones I can find online seem expensive, and I’m concerned that using a wooden batten will get chewed up over time.

Any help on this would be appreciated 🙂

Thanks in advance,

Adam

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