DIY Synthesizers

Music From Outer Space (MFOS)

Beginner Friendly

Legendary archive of analog synth circuits with detailed schematics and PCB layouts. Perfect starting point for DIY builders.

Mutable Instruments

Advanced

Open-source Eurorack modules with exceptional code quality. Study ARM-based DSP implementations and hardware design.

Moritz Klein DIY Synth

Beginner Friendly

Excellent YouTube series building synths from scratch with clear explanations of both electronics and sound synthesis theory.

Synth DIY Wiki

Intermediate

Comprehensive knowledge base covering analog and digital synth building, from basic circuits to complex modules.

Look Mum No Computer

Intermediate

Creative DIY synth builds, modular experiments, and inspiring analog chaos. Great for unconventional approaches.

Teensy Audio Library

Beginner Friendly

Microcontroller-based audio synthesis with visual programming. Perfect for digital DIY projects with real-time DSP.

💻 Software & Code

SuperCollider

Advanced

Real-time audio synthesis and algorithmic composition platform. Powerful live coding environment with a steep but rewarding learning curve.

Pure Data (Pd)

Intermediate

Visual programming for audio and multimedia. Create custom synths and effects with a modular patching interface.

VCV Rack

Beginner Friendly

Virtual Eurorack modular synthesizer. Experiment with modular concepts in software before investing in hardware.

JUCE Framework

Advanced

C++ framework for audio applications. Build VST/AU plugins with professional-grade tools and comprehensive DSP libraries.

Sonic Pi

Beginner Friendly

Live coding synth for education and performance. Ruby-based with excellent tutorials for learning synthesis through code.

Web Audio API

Intermediate

Browser-based audio synthesis and processing. Build synths with JavaScript that run anywhere without installation.

Faust

Advanced

Functional programming language for real-time audio DSP. Compile to multiple targets including VST, web, and embedded systems.

Tone.js

Beginner Friendly

Web Audio framework for creating interactive music in the browser. Clean API with scheduling, effects, and instruments.

🎛️ Modular Design & Engineering

Doepfer A-100 DIY

Intermediate

Technical specifications and schematics for Eurorack modules. Essential reference for understanding the Eurorack standard.

KiCad EDA

Intermediate

Free and open-source PCB design software. Professional-grade tool for designing synth circuit boards.

Modular Grid

Beginner Friendly

Plan and visualize modular synth systems. Database of modules with specs, helping you design your perfect rack.

Befaco Open Hardware

Intermediate

Open-source Eurorack modules with exceptional documentation. Learn from well-designed, manufacture-ready projects.

Eurorack Power Standards

Intermediate

Technical documentation on Eurorack power distribution, protecting your modules with proper voltage regulation and filtering.

Daisy Seed Platform

Advanced

Embedded DSP platform for Eurorack. Powerful ARM processor with audio codec, perfect for custom digital modules.

📚 Technical Resources & Learning

The Art of VA Filter Design

Advanced

Vadim Zavalishin's essential paper on virtual analog filter design. Deep dive into the mathematics of filter modeling.

Designing Sound

Intermediate

Andy Farnell's book on practical sound synthesis for Pure Data. Teaches sound design from first principles.

Julius O. Smith III DSP

Advanced

Free online books on music DSP from Stanford professor. Comprehensive coverage of audio signal processing theory.

Andrew Huang Tutorials

Beginner Friendly

Accessible synthesis tutorials covering basics to advanced techniques. Great for building fundamental understanding.

ElectroSmash Pedal Analysis

Intermediate

Circuit analysis of guitar pedals and synths. Detailed breakdowns with simulations and explanations.

Filter Design Calculator

Intermediate

Online calculator for analog filter design. Calculate component values for various filter topologies.

Sound On Sound Synth Secrets

Beginner Friendly

Gordon Reid's legendary series explaining synthesis from the ground up. 63 articles covering every aspect of synthesis.

Learning Synths (Ableton)

Beginner Friendly

Interactive web-based synthesis tutorial. Learn by playing with visual, hands-on examples in your browser.

👥 Community & Forums

r/synthdiy

All Levels

Active Reddit community for DIY synth builders. Share projects, get help, and discuss technical challenges.

Muff Wiggler (now ModWiggler)

Intermediate

Premier forum for modular synthesis discussion. Deep technical conversations and build logs.

Electro-Music Forum

Intermediate

Long-running community focused on electronic music DIY. Extensive archives of projects and technical discussions.

Lines (llllllll.co)

Advanced

Community for Monome and algorithmic music. Discussions blend software, hardware, and experimental approaches.

GitHub Audio Topics

Intermediate

Explore open-source audio and synthesis projects. Find libraries, tools, and collaborate with developers.

TOPLAP Live Coding

Advanced

Community for live coding music and visuals. Explore algorithmic performance and creative coding practices.