Abstract
For over a decade I have wanted a Moog Modular. It is the ultimate synthesizer, used for the distinctive early sounds of Wendy Carlos, Yellow Magic Orchestra, and countless others. My answer to this lasting desire was to build my own. But rather than directly dupe the existing item, I wanted to create something new.
Design
I was compelled to make an improvement upon the basic design of the Moog cabinets first, and decided it was possible to combine the shape of the cabinet profiles into a triangle shape that could hinge down as one unit while unfolding to a dual-stack setup common in uses of the original Moog Modular. Mixing measurements to get the right proportions for a comfortable interface while maintaining portability was tricky. So, I decided on a smaller than 5U format of module that I would create myself, with a width that could be derived from existing pieces of aluminum bar stock for easier fabrication. Each module would have a custom shape of 3D printed enclosure for protection, based around a contoured PCB shape derived from the shape of the triangle itself.
Fabrication
I CNC routed the case out of 3/4 baltic birch, using Rev extrusion to hold the modules.
Conclusions
Project is still underway, conclusions will be drawn after individual modules are fabricated, and the system is complete.
