Erica Synths FM Drum is a new punchy analog drum module in its EDU DIY lineup in collaboration with Moritz Klein.
The EDU DIY module series by Erica Synths and Moritz Klein combines theory and practice in a lovely way. Each module comes as a DIY kit and features a detailed manual that serves not only as a building guide but also provides in-depth insights into the circuit.
After completing the first system, the developers focused on a modular drum machine. The latest module addition in the EDU DIY series is the Erica Synths FM Drum.
Erica Synths FM Drum (EDU DIY)
FM Drum is a new analog circuit capable of producing metallic FM tones with analog punch, inspired by the 909. The module is one of the larger EDU DIY modules to date. The actual HP number of the module is missing.
Erica Synths FM Drum features two oscillators, each with a big CV-controllable tuning knob. You can switch between sine and pulse waveforms and activate frequency modulation (FM), using another switch. Then, you can fine-tune it with the tune depth control.
Part of the circuit is also an adjustable decay envelope that can be routed to the tune with a dedicated potentiometer.
The faceplate has a handy description that tells you which switch combinations produce which sounds. For example, with FM OFF and a sine waveform, you can achieve classic kicks and toms, while with FM ON, it produces metallic bell and gong sounds.
On the connection side, it offers various inputs: trigger, accent, tune CV, decay CV, and a main output. FM Drum offers a wide range of sounds, including kicks to toms, metallic clangs, and more.
We – Erica Synths and Moritz Klein – have developed a series of educational DIY kits under the brand name mki x es.EDU with one specific goal in mind: to teach people with little-to-no prior experience how to design analog synthesizer circuits from scratch.
What you’ll find in the box is not simply meant to be soldered together and then disappear in your rack. Instead, we want to take you through the circuit design process step by step, explaining every choice we’ve made and how it impacts the finished module.
First Impression
At first glance, this is a neat addition to the EDU DIY series. I like the sound. It’s not for me, though, as I’m not very good at DIY. However, I love the idea of combining theory with practice.
Erica Synths EDU DIY FM Drum is available now for 75€ + VAT + shipping as a DIY kit.
More information here: Erica Synths
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