# Help: A Newbie's Drone Synth **URL:** \ **Category:** DIY STUFF\ **Created:** [February 21, 2020, 9:32am UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/help-a-newbies-drone-synth/292 "2020-02-21T09:32:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![PekTeragon](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/pekteragon/32/547_2.png) [@PekTeragon](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/PekTeragon)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2020, 9:32am UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/help-a-newbies-drone-synth/292/1 "2020-02-21T09:32:17Z")
Hello everyone! I’m new to this DIY stuff but it has always been a dream of mine. Problem is I know nothing about eletronic circuits but I’m studying hard and trying to keep up. But to be honest I really need help. So my goal to begin this journey is to build a drone synth mostly like Sam’s (except with a lot less than 100 OSC). So basically 8 OSC, 1 LFO and 1 Low Pass Filter and fit into a box and plug it to the eletric current. I’m going to start by building 1 OSC using the simple OSC schematics that sam provided. My main issue is beyond that point. But I’ll start with a simple question and then I’ll ask more along the way: how do I combine the sound from all 8 OSC? I noticed in Sam’s video he had all the out coming from the different OSC connected into a stripboard ou then to a jack output but I have no idea how to do it. Thank you for your time and I’m really glad to have found and to be part of this community! ---
**Author:** ![Caustic](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/caustic/32/15588_2.png) [@Caustic](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/Caustic)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2020, 9:43am UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/help-a-newbies-drone-synth/292/2 "2020-02-21T09:43:28Z")
You can join them together using a mixer circuit. See my thread on sam’s stripboard design: > [@LMNC Super Simple Mixer \[Strip Board Layout + BOM\]](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/lmnc-super-simple-mixer-strip-board-layout-bom/97/10): > > I built the mixer the other day to use with the Performance VCO’S. Didn’t work at first, but found a connection problem under one of the pins on the TL072. My brother works at a sign company, so I was able to get the panel for free and cut to dimensions from their scrap pile. You are also going to want to power it. If you want you can build your own power supply. Link here for reference as well: > [@FREQUENCY CENTRAL Microbus (Power Supply) \[BOM\]](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/frequency-central-microbus-power-supply-bom/151/26): > > Oh right! Point 2! Now I understand it! Thank you! I really enjoy this community! Learning so much! If you just want a simple project cause its all intimidating, just do like sam said and use some batteries! A lot of us here are beginners learning. There are also plenty of experienced folk. If you have any other questions just ask yo. Dont be scared to try it! ---
**Author:** ![PekTeragon](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/pekteragon/32/547_2.png) [@PekTeragon](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/PekTeragon)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2020, 9:49am UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/help-a-newbies-drone-synth/292/3 "2020-02-21T09:49:14Z")
Thank you very much for your reply Caustic. I’ll definitely look it out! I’m going to start with the simple stuff building just 1 OSC first and then connect using the batteries. When I’m confident enough I’ll try to connect everything and ask for help along the way because there’s already a lot information to process. Any tips on where to buy boxes for the final product? ---
**Author:** ![Trumac22](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/trumac22/32/3900_2.png) [@Trumac22](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/Trumac22)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2020, 10:18am UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/help-a-newbies-drone-synth/292/4 "2020-02-21T10:18:42Z")
Hey Pek - also new here. Have you seen the 40106 hex oscillator setup? Might be a good place to start for a drone synth - it’s a really easy way to get 6 oscillators from one chip. I haven’t built one yet as I’m not to fussed about drone synths, but I’m hoping to build one for a video synth soon. Just came to mind! As for boxes, it depends - the cheapest way to do it is either to get some cheap plywood (offcuts are often free from timber yards) and bolt it into a box or re-puropse an old cheap box. I’ve always thought cheap jewellry/craft boxes would be good, something like this: [https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/A4-Size-Documents-Magazine-File-Storage-Wooden-BOX-Plain-Unpainted-Craft-Box/153044756653?hash=item23a22da8ad:g:N00AAOSwHf5bEPIZ](https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/A4-Size-Documents-Magazine-File-Storage-Wooden-BOX-Plain-Unpainted-Craft-Box/153044756653?hash=item23a22da8ad:g:N00AAOSwHf5bEPIZ) ---
**Author:** ![Trumac22](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/trumac22/32/3900_2.png) [@Trumac22](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/Trumac22)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2020, 10:22am UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/help-a-newbies-drone-synth/292/5 "2020-02-21T10:22:21Z")
Oh, and if you don’t know, the more professional metal enclosures people use for pedals/small synths are usually called Hammond enclosures (don’t know if that’s the style or the brand tbh). They’re good and tough, but can get expensive for anything larger than your average guitar pedal ---
**Author:** ![fredrik](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/fredrik/32/682_2.png) [@fredrik](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/fredrik)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2020, 10:36am UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/help-a-newbies-drone-synth/292/6 "2020-02-21T10:36:36Z")
It’s a brand: [https://www.hammfg.com/electronics/small-case](https://www.hammfg.com/electronics/small-case) Many stomp box sizes (the 1590 series) are also made by no name manufacturers and can be found on Tayda, eBay, etc. ---
**Author:** ![PekTeragon](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/pekteragon/32/547_2.png) [@PekTeragon](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/PekTeragon)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2020, 10:39am UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/help-a-newbies-drone-synth/292/7 "2020-02-21T10:39:36Z")
Hello Trumac! Thank you for the info will definitely check that out and see if I can get some ideas from there that might be a good way to start it it looks really simple. As for the boxes, the jewellry box is a really nice idea never thought about it. I don’t really want anything expensive since it’s my first try and I know something will probably go wrong so better buy cheap first and then upgrade. ---
**Author:** ![PekTeragon](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/pekteragon/32/547_2.png) [@PekTeragon](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/PekTeragon)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2020, 10:41am UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/help-a-newbies-drone-synth/292/8 "2020-02-21T10:41:34Z")
Hello Fredrik, Thank you. Will check it out for sure. ---
**Author:** ![PekTeragon](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/pekteragon/32/547_2.png) [@PekTeragon](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/PekTeragon)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2020, 11:05am UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/help-a-newbies-drone-synth/292/9 "2020-02-21T11:05:02Z")
One more question: does the potency of the resistors matter or the only thing that matters it the resistance value? For example on the simple OSC circuit do I pick a 0,6W or a 2W resistor or it doesn’t matter? ---
**Author:** ![Trumac22](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/trumac22/32/3900_2.png) [@Trumac22](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/Trumac22)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2020, 11:16am UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/help-a-newbies-drone-synth/292/10 "2020-02-21T11:16:35Z")
So, my noob knowledge on this is basically just that higher powered circuits might need resistors capable of handling a higher wattage. Anything that you do at this ±12V level wont need anything more than the 1/4W resistor you find everywhere, at least, that’s what I’ve found from the few things I’ve built so far. the tolerence % however does kind of matter, just to make sure you have close to true values. It wouldn’t matter on a simple drone oscillator bank style synth but it does on something like a 3340 oscillator which you want to accurately track your 1v/oct pitch signal or whatever you’ll want 1% I just bought a bunch like this: [https://bit.ly/32geTnF](https://bit.ly/32geTnF) and it’s been sorting me out just fine so far ---
**Author:** ![PekTeragon](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/pekteragon/32/547_2.png) [@PekTeragon](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/PekTeragon)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2020, 11:38am UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/help-a-newbies-drone-synth/292/11 "2020-02-21T11:38:39Z")
Do you always buy stuff from ebay or do you have a website where you usually shop? ---
**Author:** ![fredrik](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/fredrik/32/682_2.png) [@fredrik](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/fredrik)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2020, 11:48am UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/help-a-newbies-drone-synth/292/12 "2020-02-21T11:48:52Z")
This thread links to a bunch of useful sources: > [@Cheap Component Search](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/cheap-component-search/30): > > if done right, these modules and format wont be that expensive at all. for instance im finishing off an envelope generator now that after panel/pcb the parts would be overall £6/7. stuff like the filter is under £10 and the vclfo is not far off! so please chat parts that relate to all of the modules on this topic! ---
**Author:** ![sketchie](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/sketchie/32/144_2.png) [@sketchie](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/sketchie)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2020, 11:53am UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/help-a-newbies-drone-synth/292/13 "2020-02-21T11:53:43Z")
the only dumb questions are the ones you don’t ask 👍 we are all learning new stuff every day 😉 and welcome to the community ---
**Author:** ![PekTeragon](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/pekteragon/32/547_2.png) [@PekTeragon](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/PekTeragon)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2020, 12:08pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/help-a-newbies-drone-synth/292/14 "2020-02-21T12:08:51Z")
It is indeed thank you! I’m searching for parts right now on rapidonline. Since I’m from Portugal we have no way to buy all the components in one place here so I really have to buy them online. ---
**Author:** ![PekTeragon](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/pekteragon/32/547_2.png) [@PekTeragon](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/PekTeragon)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2020, 12:09pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/help-a-newbies-drone-synth/292/15 "2020-02-21T12:09:32Z")
Thank you Sketchie hoping to learn even more everyday! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Caustic](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/caustic/32/15588_2.png) [@Caustic](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/Caustic)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2020, 6:03pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/help-a-newbies-drone-synth/292/16 "2020-02-21T18:03:03Z")
Ive just been going to a liquor shop and picking up cigar boxes they are going to throw out! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Caustic](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/caustic/32/15588_2.png) [@Caustic](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/Caustic)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2020, 6:04pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/help-a-newbies-drone-synth/292/17 "2020-02-21T18:04:31Z")
Ive been making posts related to lists of materials, where to get them, and how much it will cost for some cheap sourcing options. If you have suggestions, i dont mind making another post. ---
**Author:** ![twinturbo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8baadc/32.png) [@twinturbo](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/twinturbo)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2020, 6:45pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/help-a-newbies-drone-synth/292/18 "2020-02-21T18:45:00Z")
Look at the “Simple Mixer” project, this will show you how to combine the outputs of all your OSC’s . ---
**Author:** ![PekTeragon](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/pekteragon/32/547_2.png) [@PekTeragon](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/PekTeragon)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2020, 12:34pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/help-a-newbies-drone-synth/292/19 "2020-02-22T12:34:14Z")
I it will feel much better to build the box myself I will probably try it and I think I’m having some ideas on what to do and using what we consider “trash” might be a really good option. And I have access to a lot of wood so I can always start there 🙂 My main problem is the websites I’m looking are UK bases and the shipping costs to Portugal are huge and here I have no reliable source for all the parts I need. Do you know any places I can search outside the UK? I won’t mind a post with information and thank you for your willingness to make it. ---
**Author:** ![PekTeragon](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/pekteragon/32/547_2.png) [@PekTeragon](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/PekTeragon)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2020, 12:36pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/help-a-newbies-drone-synth/292/20 "2020-02-22T12:36:35Z")
Hello twinturbo. Already looking at the one Caustic posted but right now I’m going to focus on the OSC because I don’t want too much info on my head. 😀 [Next page](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/help-a-newbies-drone-synth/292.md?page=2)