Note the LushOne kits are no longer available - these pages are kept for reference and interest. You can find the schematics and source code in these documents, but the PCB designs are not currently public.

About the LushOne

Have you always wanted a modular synthesizer but never been willing to pay the price?

With the LushOne kit you can experience the strange, fun world of modular synthesizers without breaking the bank.

The idea for the LushOne occurred when I was thinking about buying a modular synth but couldn't bring myself to pay what they cost. I thought "wouldn't it be good if someone would make an equivalent a Sinclair computer for the modular synth world?". I tried to design a modular synth that stripped out all the costs while providing an instrument that is cheap and flexible to allow people to get started without a big commitment. The LushOne is the implementation of this vision.

The LushOne kit was designed to provide the core functions of a modular synthesizer in a low-cost single board design. The LushOne can be controlled from a MIDI keyboard or PC interface to allow you to play the instrument with equipment you already have. The LushOne can be interfaced to analog control voltages to allow you to play using alternative controllers like joysticks, optical or distance sensors. The signal paths between modules are routed with patch leads so you can combine the modules in different ways to create new effects or you can interconnect the LushOne with other external modules.

Note the LushOne kits are no longer available - these pages are kept for reference and interest. You can find the schematics and source code in these documents, but the PCB designs are not currently public.
The built-in modules of the LushOne create classic sounds that are reminiscent of much-loved early synthesizers. On its own the kit is capable of some amazing effects. Analog controls allow you to "nail" the sound and fluidly interact with the instrument in ways that emulations don't permit.
LushOne features:

• Modules connected by patch leads (3 leads included in kit) to allow many combinations and to allow interconnect of external modules
• Dual digital oscillators with eight wave shapes to provide stable tuning and a range of Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO) effects
• Analog voltage controlled low pass filter with cut-off and resonance controls to create classic synth sounds
• MIDI DIN input to oscillators to allow LushOne to be played from commonly available keyboards and computer controllers
• Analog control voltage inputs to filter and oscillators to support alternative controllers and crazy external effects
  
• Single board design including all controls and connectors (except power-in) providing straightforward construction and neat presentation. The LushOne can easily be incorporated in to a "project box" case.
• Detailed illustrated and video tutorials that introduce all the key features and show how the different modules work and how to get the full range of sounds.
• Open-source access to schematic and software

Version 2 software, introduced in January 2016, features include:

• Three additional wave shapes for greater sound effects
• Ability to select which MIDI channel to use for improved compatibility with sophisticated MIDI systems
• Additional settings to help building systems with more than one base module
• Settings memorization over power-off for more convenient usage

The LushOne is straightforward to build but it does have quite a high component count. It is recommended that you have some experience in building electronics before starting on this kit.


LushOne sounds. All sounds are recorded directly off the LushOne live with no post processing (except the Bach which was multi-tracked)

Techno loop with controls adjusted on each bar to give idea of range of sounds:


LushOne in pure self-oscillation. Not exactly music but some exciting noise:


LushOne with more percussive sounds:

And we must have Bach: