x0xi0 Mod - Full kit 1st Run Details

[knarleybass]

It's totally worth the wait, get it right the first time and you have something that will last a lifetime if not longer.

[bcbox]

I called over for an update this morning and they're spreading ink as we speak. I hope to have them on Friday.
In regards to those 4-turn pots I tuned the first couple boxes last night and they are awesome. I was able to tune both VCO's dead on without hassle. My recommendation above was mediocre, I didn't want everyone to think they had to spend $24 for 4 trimpots but they are well worth it.
For you eight guys who requested them already I'll be sending out a paypal request in the next few days before I mail the kits.

[bcbox]

The panels didn't come on Friday. I've got a tracking number and they should be here on Monday. As soon as I can get everything packed up I'll get them in the mail. I've been spending a few hours here and there working on the install manual. It's not done yet but it's about 80%. The PCB stuffing directions are all done, it's the install steps I'm still working on. I have all the pictures and text etc.. I just need to get it all in the document and send it to Booster for the finishing touches. I got to say the box looks really good. Everything fits nice and tight and it's got some weight to it. everything draws attention away from the simple plastic case. I don't really have much desire for a custom case. I think you'll see what I mean when you get it in your hands.

Here's a couple demo's of my own x0xi0 - all done sans top panel. Yes that's right.. I finally have my own x0xb0x. These demos were done with just a single x0xi0 Full kit, no other synths or effects aside from the delay and 909 that comes in at the end of the first demo.
Demo1 is just the same pattern playing for 7 minutes, I'm just messing with all the controls including vco levels, noise, vco xmod, filter tracking, vco to filter mod, vco sync, ENV2 to vca, vcf, and vco2, gate on modes, vca envelope, vcf overdrive, manual envelope trigger, inverted ENV2 shape, built-in overdrive, etc... I could have played with the same pattern for an hour.
Demo2 is something you might hear in the Star Trek movie or something. Again using several controls including filter, vca, and pitch sweeps with ENV2. Filter Tracking, both VCO's, Noise, VCO Xmod, manual triggering of ENV2, etc... all this noise coming the little x0xb0x.

[AngryChef]

Glad to hear that things are coming together. I don't think anyone was actually worried about it, but as always your detailed and forthright updates are always immensely appreciated!

Once I build mine, I think I will actually find a pattern to play with for and hour... Or until everything sounds like a 303... Those tracks are great!

[bcbox]

by the way something I haven't mentioned yet the full kits and full kit upgrades will be shipping with the version 2 overdrive. The circuits were changed to narrow the amount of distortion and high frequency range. These are component value changes only. When I originally designed those circuits I allowed tons of gain and I left the top end open to allow more range of adjustment for overdrive and tone. I mentioned this in the users manual but at the end of the day I have learned this was not the way to go. Nobody reads users manuals and they tend to just crank up the controls. In this case the noise level becomes pretty drastic because of the high amounts of gain and the amount of high frequency that is let through when the controls are at the top end of their range. I have found this has been more of a burden for most people. What I have done is make some tweaks to limit the amount of gain and the max low pass filter range for the tone control. This has worked out very well and I find the new range of controls is more usable. I also tweaked the distortion circuit to give it a little more oomph.
So, those of you with x0xi0 I/O & Overdrive kit from #001 to #083 you can request the upgrade parts and instructions. Those of you that have bought the x0xi0 full kit upgrade already have the new parts including with the kit so you have the option to upgrade to version 2. All of you who have bought Full x0xi0 kits they will come with version 2 overdrive. Also, all future I/O & Overdrive kits above #083 will come with version 2. I am confident that at the end of the day many of you will agree that this is an improvement.

[bcbox]

I will be sending out the first batch of kits this weekend. You will get an email when yours goes out.
I spoke too soon on the top panels, I haven't seen them yet. I have to pick them up this afternoon at the local UPS depot. They were delivered with signiture in person required so I was not able to sign. I'm anxoius to see them, hopefully they look good.

The install manuals are done. I will be sending them to Booster tonight for editing and formatting.
There are two different manuals, one for the Full kit, and one for the Upgrade kit.
The Users manual is also close to being done.

[kroutshev]

Great news Brian !!
Have a good week-end and many thanks.

[bcbox]

just wanted to confirm kit are now shipping! If you haven't received an email yet that your kit has shipped you should be getting one in the next few days. I'm sending them out in batches of 15. I'll upload some more pics as soon as I get a few free minutes.

[bcbox]

I took a break from packing to takes these pics. Aestheticlly and functionally they came out exactly how I wanted. Click on the pics to view or download very hi-res versions.

[AngryChef]

This is precisely what I have been waiting for... I can't wait to start building... I've already started sourcing the rare parts and all of the Digikey stuff (pots, switches and caps [thanks for the updated BOM, by the way]) is on its way. Quick question, what blue LEDs are you using and what (if any) are corresponding resistor changes that you made for them? They look awesome!

[bcbox]

Quick question, what blue LEDs are you using and what (if any) are corresponding resistor changes that you made for them?

That's not my box. I've asked the onwner before when I worked on it, I believe they're kingbright from mouser, I'll ask him for the part# and I'll check the resistor values. The box on the left is mine. You can see it's slightly different, 3mm led's, an off-center hole, and a missing hole (it's an earlier panel). The one you're talking about with the 5mm led's and blue ones looks better though.. looks great in person. The pictures kind of suck.

[Computer Controlled]

Wow, those look WONDERFUL! I just got a job recently, so i may have to grab a kit soon. If there's any left when i have the funds =o]

[knarleybass]

blue led's

http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?qs=sGAEpiMZZMuus4pmcqQnzjdJk9uJpC4rS1l%252boAAabD4%3D

[Decay]

Woah... The detuning system is it led indicated? if it is the way i think it is that is really really awesome. Man I cant wait for the manual this is gonna be fun.

i cant believe this even exists...

[maxtim]

i cant believe this even exists. . .

I' like to second that.


Fantastic work Brian!!!

This is going to be fun!
*rubs hands together*