Tindie
PM Foundations
Overall Rating:
All Reviews
Alexander | March 14, 2020
Sweet Filter
For 3080 VCF (Eurorack PCB Set)
This was my first "front panel and PCB only" type eurorack purchase. Build was really easy. I bought the Mouser cart that was all setup in the documentation and that was all I needed. The filter is awesome. 10/10. Would buy again.
Richard | March 6, 2020
Happily ringing
For Eurorack Dual Ring Modulator (PCB and Panel)
This was my second PMFoundations kit, and like the first I bought it in part because I wanted to learn surface mount soldering and this is a pretty easy, low cost surface mount kit. The build went pretty smoothly. On first power up only one of the two modulators was working but I eventually found a bad connection and fixed it, now it's working great. (Having schematics would've made debugging easier, that's my one gripe.) Bring on more surface mount, these modules made me ready!
I love ring modulators, and I haven't had a chance to use one in hardware since my ARP 2600 days way back when I was in college a long long time ago. I've been having great fun with this one, or really just half of this one connected to a Befaco VCO and a Moog Mother-32, getting all kinds of otherworldly noisy and bell-like and crazy sounds. I've never had two ring modulators simultaneously and I'm almost afraid to hear what I can come up with using both! I recommend this module highly.
I love ring modulators, and I haven't had a chance to use one in hardware since my ARP 2600 days way back when I was in college a long long time ago. I've been having great fun with this one, or really just half of this one connected to a Befaco VCO and a Moog Mother-32, getting all kinds of otherworldly noisy and bell-like and crazy sounds. I've never had two ring modulators simultaneously and I'm almost afraid to hear what I can come up with using both! I recommend this module highly.
Mathew | Feb. 19, 2020
Great little VCO
For 3080 VCO (Eurorack PCB Set)
What a great sweet sounding little VCO, I used the 3080 reissue chips from Modular Addict and it sounds lovely! I bought 3 to make chords using the Ornament and Crime Harrington 1200, sounds awesome. I got the wooden panels which I sanded and oiled and they look sexy. Notes on the build; very easy build, it's stable after an initial warm up period, you must let it warm up for 10 mins at least, not terribly accurate over several octaves but also not too bad, still very useable with lots of smooth character, pairs really nicely with the Kassutronics Transistor ladder filter, the Sine wave is lovely. One thing to note is the right angled power header makes this module just too deep for my case with the ribbon cable attached so swap out the right angle header for a straight one. Don't just make one make 2 or 3, the hp is small, then you can create complex fat chords. Highly recommended. John is a nice guy too, sent me a free wood panel to match my set.
Benjamin | Jan. 31, 2020
Immediately useful - glad I got two!
For State Machine (Eurorack PCB Set)
This came together relatively easily - looks like a lot, and it kinda is, but the board is laid out well and the parts list isn't too complicated. Having two of these State Machine modules is a great idea - had a whole lot of new and interesting motion in the chaos, and already finding different things to both throw this at and throw into it - thanks again!
Austin | Jan. 15, 2020
Amazing little VCO
For 3080 VCO (Eurorack PCB Set)
This was my first DIY Eurorack module and overall it was a really fun build. Sourcing the parts was easy because of the provided mouser carts and the build guide had all the information I needed. Love the square wave sound and the PWM and FM inputs give it a lot of flexibility. Might get another to detune and add some depth. Definitely recommend.
Jeff | Jan. 14, 2020
You can never have enough LFO
This not only has an LFO with 2^3 = 6 modes, but it can mix in noise, sample and hold and all around provides great utility to any eurorack setup.
Jeff | Jan. 14, 2020
Midi Host control with CV + Gate
For 8 Voice MIDI-USB Controller (Eurorack PCB Set)
This polyphonic midi-usb controller works well, even with an "unlisted" midi keyboard.
This reads the commands from the midi keyboard and translates it to cv and gate outputs, it has a few modes and some other fun behind the scenes things that can be accessed by midi-keyboard commands.
Works well and was fun to build.
This reads the commands from the midi keyboard and translates it to cv and gate outputs, it has a few modes and some other fun behind the scenes things that can be accessed by midi-keyboard commands.
Works well and was fun to build.
Jeff | Jan. 14, 2020
Amazing Filter Module
For 2Q12 VCF (Eurorack PCB Set)
I got this to get some nice high-Q sweeps, which this does so well.
It was so easy to follow his instructions, and build this from PCB up.
He is also very quick to answer any questions I had.
It was so easy to follow his instructions, and build this from PCB up.
He is also very quick to answer any questions I had.
Kristofer | Jan. 1, 2020
Great VCO!
For 3080 VCO (Eurorack PCB Set)
After a long time I finally got this project completed, I had trouble to get one of the needed components in Sweden but the seller was helpful and sent me what I needed together with a new order. The build is well documented and the VCO tracks well and is easy to calibrate and set up! It also sounds great!
Response from PM Foundations | Jan. 1, 2020
The first 2020 review on 1/1. Thanks Kristofer!
Jeff | Dec. 22, 2019
awesome eurorack module
For Clock Divider (Eurorack PCB set)
This module does exactly what it says, divides a clock signal into binary increments. The instructions online are top notch, as well as having mouser carts for the components needed to build one.
I've bought a few modules from him and they are all similarly easy to assemble if you follow his directions.
I've bought a few modules from him and they are all similarly easy to assemble if you follow his directions.
Jeff | Dec. 22, 2019
great eurorack module
For ADSR-D Envelope Generator (Eurorack PCB Set)
This module does exactly what it says, Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release Or Delay. The instructions online are top notch, as well as having mouser carts for the components needed to build one.
I've bought a few modules from him and they are all similarly easy to assemble if you follow his directions.
I've bought a few modules from him and they are all similarly easy to assemble if you follow his directions.
Randy | Nov. 4, 2019
Very cool module
Combination of modulation, sample and hold and noise in one module. Multiple modulation waveforms, ability to change the width on the pulse wave and a button to take it up to audio levels so you can use it for audio-rate FM too. Also has multiple simultaneous outs. I have two of these, one for my portable rack and one for my big rack.
Randy | Nov. 4, 2019
Easy and quick build, great intro to SMD soldering.
Built two of these, gives me four slew generators. It's a combination of through-hole and surface mount parts so it's a great practice module. SMD is not as difficult as people seem to think, and I use a standard soldering station and have no issues, even with the IC.
Morgan | Oct. 25, 2019
Amazing VCO
For 3080 VCO (Eurorack PCB Set)
I've been playing this as my main square wave voice for 1 year now, I just have to say after that much time it STILL draws me back in to use it! The build process is also fun, with a lot of parts but not a super difficult build. The pwm control is GREAT. I recently started using it with a 3 channel mixer module to mix the three waveforms together which yields excellent sounding subtle results! Also one great feature is that the warm up time for stable tuning is practically zero. Nice work!
Costantino | Oct. 18, 2019
My first VCO!
For 3080 VCO (Eurorack PCB Set)
Finally I had my first VCO assembled! It is a really nice device. It was the first time for me to build a DIY project with this kind of complexity. I really enjoy the building and finally it sounds really great!!!
Dmitri | Sept. 12, 2019
An outstanding envelope generator with full CV over adsr
For State Machine (Eurorack PCB Set)
TLDR: Pcb and panel kits for eurorack EGs that have cv control over each segment of the envelope are surprisingly hard to find. Other manufacturers’ designs either don’t provide a full 4 stage envelope, or use expensive and hard to source slider pots. Not only was this a fun build, but it’s a very useful and usable module, and it looks cool too 😎
I made a pledge to myself about six months ago when my modular obsession started to get a bit out of hand: no more pre-built modules. I would only build, and as I built I would replace the functionality of my pre-builts and sell those pieces off. The one type of module that has long stymied me in this is the cv controlled envelope generator.
Having this kind of control allows you to use any voltage source to inject semi-random or evolving elements into a patch. It’s highly useful for designing pads and ambient effects. It’s probably some of the best fun you can have with a synth.
The gates per segment are very useful for, say, building out larger structures in a patch, or as an erratic clock. You can use them to trigger other envelopes or to trigger the module itself. Or both.
The loop function provides a more usable wave than some of the other EGs with the same function I’ve built, part of which is down to the shape of the attack portion of the envelope as it plays out over the turn of the pot, but part of it is how fast this will oscillate. Sequencing different envelope segment CV ins while feeding a VCO 1v/o from this module looping very fast provides some very interesting blips and bloops indeed. Like I said: a lot of fun is possible here.
One thing I have to caution about: definitely read the build guide closely and keep it handy when you build. This project has some tricky assembly order stuff with the jacks and the plastic latching switches that can get you into some trouble if you stuff the board in the wrong order, like I did. I have a steady hand and some nice fine iron tips so I got everything in without melting any switches, but it could very easily have gone wrong.
Also I have to mention the panel, it’s this rich red pcb. I actually like pcb panels, some people don’t, I do. The pictures don’t really do it justice. Honestly I love this module and this designer, and I’m looking forward to putting together more of his stuff.
I made a pledge to myself about six months ago when my modular obsession started to get a bit out of hand: no more pre-built modules. I would only build, and as I built I would replace the functionality of my pre-builts and sell those pieces off. The one type of module that has long stymied me in this is the cv controlled envelope generator.
Having this kind of control allows you to use any voltage source to inject semi-random or evolving elements into a patch. It’s highly useful for designing pads and ambient effects. It’s probably some of the best fun you can have with a synth.
The gates per segment are very useful for, say, building out larger structures in a patch, or as an erratic clock. You can use them to trigger other envelopes or to trigger the module itself. Or both.
The loop function provides a more usable wave than some of the other EGs with the same function I’ve built, part of which is down to the shape of the attack portion of the envelope as it plays out over the turn of the pot, but part of it is how fast this will oscillate. Sequencing different envelope segment CV ins while feeding a VCO 1v/o from this module looping very fast provides some very interesting blips and bloops indeed. Like I said: a lot of fun is possible here.
One thing I have to caution about: definitely read the build guide closely and keep it handy when you build. This project has some tricky assembly order stuff with the jacks and the plastic latching switches that can get you into some trouble if you stuff the board in the wrong order, like I did. I have a steady hand and some nice fine iron tips so I got everything in without melting any switches, but it could very easily have gone wrong.
Also I have to mention the panel, it’s this rich red pcb. I actually like pcb panels, some people don’t, I do. The pictures don’t really do it justice. Honestly I love this module and this designer, and I’m looking forward to putting together more of his stuff.
Response from PM Foundations | Jan. 20, 2020
Thank you for your kind words Dmitri. I designed this module to be almost as good as you describe it. I can't thank you enough for experimenting with the module and I think you may have a second career as a writer!
Costantino | July 19, 2019
My second DIY module
For ADSR-D Envelope Generator (Eurorack PCB Set)
I just started building my own DIY modular synth and this was my second module I made.
Easy to build and very powerfull! The right project to start!
I have not yet understood well the function of the ADSD mode and the trigger Input, but, since it is only recently that I started playing with analogue synths, I still have to do a lot of practice to fully understand how they works!
Easy to build and very powerfull! The right project to start!
I have not yet understood well the function of the ADSD mode and the trigger Input, but, since it is only recently that I started playing with analogue synths, I still have to do a lot of practice to fully understand how they works!
Response from PM Foundations | July 19, 2019
Thank you for your kind words Constantino. If you need any help understanding the module and modular synthesis in general, just let me know.
Denis | June 15, 2019
Very easy build, documentation is ok for building only.
For Voltage controlled sequential switch (PCB Set)
Wish there was a schematic available in the documentation . I had one issue - could not select the 4th step via the pot worked out I needed to change the value of R13 from 1K8 down to 1K5 the voltage reference U1 was giving 4.99 volts so after the voltage divider I was only getting 3.69 volts changing R13 brought that up to 3.85 volts which seems to work consistently now. overall a good module I would recommend !
Response from PM Foundations | Aug. 13, 2019
Thank you Denis. This is a very good observation. I checked the prototype and the reference is 5.02V so if it was much less than this it would upset the thresholds for the window comparators that set the steps and the final one was not being reached on your example. I will update the documentation to take this into account.
Georgi | May 17, 2019
Great quality!
For Micro VCO/LFO (Eurorack PCB Set)
The PCB and the panel both look amazing and I'm eager to assemble it soon! Recommended for starting simple eurorack DIY synth! Thanks!
EDIT: Managed to build it, but took me a while to figure out how to tune it, now it sounds amazing even with no perfectly matched transistors it tracks very well! Although more detailed tuning procedure documentation or a simple diagram/schematic of tuning circuit will be much appreciated! Thanks again!
EDIT: Managed to build it, but took me a while to figure out how to tune it, now it sounds amazing even with no perfectly matched transistors it tracks very well! Although more detailed tuning procedure documentation or a simple diagram/schematic of tuning circuit will be much appreciated! Thanks again!
Response from PM Foundations | June 11, 2019
Thank you for your kind words Georgi. I see you have a couple more modules on the way. I hope you like them as well.
Randy | May 14, 2019
Nice vintage-style EG
For ADSR-D Envelope Generator (Eurorack PCB Set)
This is an easy-to-build envelope generator for people who are looking to duplicate the functionality of vintage synths such as an Oberheim SEM or MiniMoog. It can act as a 3-stage EG, as those two synths have, or a 4-stage. It's a great part of a vintage-sounding Eurorack setup. Combine this with a pair of 8080 VCOs and a 3080 VCF and you're on your way to coming very close to the sound of an SEM.
Randy | April 23, 2019
Love the sync on this one
For 6080 VCO (Eurorack PCB Set)
Very nice VCO, particularly like the sync, some great sounds available. I look at this one as a souped-up 3080 (I have 3 3080s in various racks).
Response from PM Foundations | April 23, 2019
Judging by that video, it looks like you know how to play it too!
Randy | April 23, 2019
Very interesting envelope / function generator
For State Machine (Eurorack PCB Set)
This is a really interesting module, capable of complex envelopes and cool interactions with other modules. It can act as a regular 4 stage EG, with linear or exponential responses, it can change the state of its stages based on CV inputs, it can loop and act as an modulation generator, it can trigger other actions at multiple times and in multiple ways, and it can even act as a percussion trigger generator.
I have this one sitting with my function generators and modulation generators instead of with my envelope generators.
I have this one sitting with my function generators and modulation generators instead of with my envelope generators.
Randy | April 23, 2019
Great envelope generator
This one is very handy, a classic 4-stage EG but with the addition of voltage control over the stages, gate or trigger inputs and linear or exponential response. Definitely worth having one or two in the rack.
Randy | April 23, 2019
Tribute to a classic and another great VCO
For 8080 VCO (Eurorack PCB Set)
Compact VCO but not too compact, controls are comfortably-spaced. Nice set of features, great sync and, hopefully I can mention this, a tribute to the VCOs on the classic Oberheim SEM.
Response from PM Foundations | April 23, 2019
Well, who do we have to thank for the comfortably spaced controls?
Randy | April 23, 2019
Great vintage-based VCF
For 3080 VCF (Eurorack PCB Set)
Very nice multi-response filter based on a vintage module that has the initials S.E.M. designed by someone with the initials T.O. This one can be built to respond like the original, without self-resonance, or a bit more modern with self-resonance. Either way, great-sounding and a good addition to any rack. I have two so far, and another on the way.
I have 22 modules currently in my racks from PMF, with a few still on the bench and more on the way. So I'm happy with their modules.
I have 22 modules currently in my racks from PMF, with a few still on the bench and more on the way. So I'm happy with their modules.
Joseph | March 27, 2019
Fun build, great sequencer! Totally recommend!
For Synthola Sequencer (Eurorack PCB Set)
I have now built quite a few PM Foundation kits. I have a decent amount of eruorack gear and combine this with a Behringer Neutron. With all of that said, I really wanted something that had a CV out for various uses. This little bad boy, while only having 8 steps, is exactly what I needed. I love the speed control and the glide as well. I use it almost exclusively for CV control on my filters, but also from time to time use it on my 3080 oscillators. It was pretty easy to build (its all pin through, so soldering is easy). The directions are, as always, excellent. One note: Take your time when soldering the pots, switches, and jacks. If you do them in the wrong order you will have a hard time doing the other items. I saw this when looking at the board and didn't have any issues.. just saying to be careful. I bought the pre programmed EEProm. Definitely worth it. I'm debating getting one of the expander modules or maybe just a 2nd one. Definitely worth the cost. I recommend these kits to everyone I know who is interested.
Eero | Feb. 26, 2019
Works as promised
For Clock Divider (Eurorack PCB set)
PMFoundations helped me in sourcing the parts from a vendor of my choosing. Documentation is adequate and the unit works as expected. I'm very satisfied with the purchase.
Daniel | Feb. 14, 2019
Super inexpensive and works well
For ADSR Envelope Shaper (Eurorack PCB Set)
With the price of eurorack modules averaging well over $200 each, it is silly not to build your own if you have even modest soldering skills. I highly recommend PM Foundations modules as one of, if not the cheapest DIY eurorack synthesizer option out there. For a $15 pcb and panel, $10 worth of parts, maybe 2 hours of time, I have a well functioning ADSR that was a snap to build. Worked first time it was plugged in. Calibration took all of 5 minutes.
If you're in the market for eurorack modules, you owe it to yourself to check out the PM Foundations line here on Tindie first. I wish I had discovered them sooner.
If you're in the market for eurorack modules, you owe it to yourself to check out the PM Foundations line here on Tindie first. I wish I had discovered them sooner.
Joseph | Feb. 11, 2019
I have two of these now. They're easy and fun kits to build
For Dual VCA (Eurorack PCB Set)
I have two of these units now and after doing the calibration setup they work great! They're pretty fast acting and can work well for percussion, although most of my stuff isn't percussive. I'd recommend these kits to anyone who is interested in DIY modular but not real familiar with soldering. Just make sure you take your time and follow the directions carefully.
Joseph | Feb. 11, 2019
Awesome units for the money! Great flexibility!
For State Machine (Eurorack PCB Set)
I have two of these units. I can say that once you're done with them that you'll be happy you built them. The calibration is very easy for them. The outputs are very unique and I often times use them to add some sort of effect or filter change when you hit steady state or release. At any respect, I have yet to find a comparable module anywhere. No eurorack setup is complete without one! With the positives being said, these do take some time to build. There are alot of resistors. The first one took my 6 hours to build. I have about 30 years of experience soldering and the issue was simply that there are alot of parts. They're not hard to assemble and the instructions are great. But the time spent is well worth it. Just be patient, take your time, and follow the instructions closely. I highly recommend them.
Dan | Jan. 7, 2019
Does the trick for my Make Noise Bermuda VCO
For Saw Shaper (Eurorack PCB Set)
My Bermuda only outputs Tri, Sine and Pulse, so I needed this module to get Saw. The sound is good but on my oscilloscope I noticed the amplitude of every other positive peak is only about 66% of the Ramp peak ahead of it. Could be my cheapo oscilloscope or I didn't nail the calibration. Again, to my ears, it sounds every bit of a saw wave so I haven't bothered to mess with it more. I suppose if I ever want to use it for modulation, that could be an issue....or a great new feature. :-D
I noticed a discrepancy between the FET specified in the BOM (2N5457) vs. what is in the Mouser shopping cart (PF5102). Specs between these 2 parts are quite far apart. Either that's a slip or the application is not critical? I actually used a 2N5458 in mine.
I noticed a discrepancy between the FET specified in the BOM (2N5457) vs. what is in the Mouser shopping cart (PF5102). Specs between these 2 parts are quite far apart. Either that's a slip or the application is not critical? I actually used a 2N5458 in mine.
Response from PM Foundations | Jan. 7, 2019
Thank you Dan for your review. It does sound like a calibration issue (R26 Ramp Trimmer) but if you are happy with the sound then there is no reason to change it. It is still rich in harmonics like a saw wave. I have changed the Mouser cart from time to time due to the fluctuating price and availability of various FETs. In any event the most economical solution is the SMD part MMBF5457.
Dan | Jan. 7, 2019
A quick and easy mixer
For My Little Mixer (Eurorack PCB Set)
Worked first time I plugged it in. The build only took a leisurely two hours. I just use a small, long nose soldering iron and tweezers to solder the SMD parts. Very easy and works like a champ. I built the version without front panel switches and just use the pins with pc jumpers to change between DC/AC signals.
Vidar | Dec. 20, 2018
Had this for a year now and I still love it.
For 3080 VCO (Eurorack PCB Set)
This was my first eurorack module and the first time I soldered anything else than guitar leads. Got it working on the first try and been building modules since. The soldering I did is probably pretty crappy and and the panel would be easier to mount if I knew what i was doing, but it was FUN. Got a ca3080 reissue six months ago and it sounded even better. It'll always be my favourite modul. Would really recommend using T18 potentiometers if you are sourcing your own parts, since the micro knobs from thonk (Befaco style) are kinda mandatory if you are suffering from sausage fingers like I do. Would also skip the right angled 16-pin header and use a straight one, might not be ideal since it'll be a little wider, but I doubt it will ever come down to the few extra millimeters the straight header adds. I use Tip Top Z-Ears and this module is just slightly too deep with right angled headers. It would make contact with the surface, alway applying little bit of pressure before I changed it.
Response from PM Foundations | Dec. 20, 2018
Takk Vidar for din anmeldelse og for å gi kundene noen nyttige tips. 3080-VCO er ikke den grunne av moduler, men er definitivt ikke en HP hog.
(Thank you Vidar for your review and for providing customers with some useful tips. The 3080-VCO is not the shallowest of modules but is definitely not an HP hog.)
(Thank you Vidar for your review and for providing customers with some useful tips. The 3080-VCO is not the shallowest of modules but is definitely not an HP hog.)
Jason | Sept. 23, 2018
Highly recommend
For Dual VCA (Eurorack PCB Set)
First thing I have ordered from Tindie. The seller answered all my questions and sent the order within a day. Items arrived quickly without any problems. Both the boards and panels look good quality but I am yet to put them together as I am waiting on parts.
All in all very happy.
All in all very happy.
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