CEM3394 Test
Posted: September 26, 2011 Filed under: Electronics 1 Comment »The CEM3394. A synth-on-a-chip, made by Curtis Electromusic Specialties, during the golden age of synthesizers.
The IC contains a VCO, VCF, VCA, a wave shaper, an external mixer and a cool sounding VCF modulator. Check out the datasheet for
a nice and tidy block diagram.
The CEM3394 was used in the Akai AX60, Sequential Circuits Six-Trax, MAX, Split8, and is still being used in the Doepfer Dark Energy.
Since I didn’t have much experience with op amps, this project became quite a challenge for me.
However, after some reading and simulation, I got around and did a PCB layout.
For pitch and gate CVs, I used the MIDImplant from Roman Sowa. Worked perfectly out of the box.
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After populating the PCB, wiring the pots and hooking up the powersupply, I fed it with some MIDI from my computer and it actually did work
on the first try. Didn’t expect that. I tend to mess up the simplest circuits most of the time.
Audio demo:
Filter modulation, filter, waveforms and more
http://www.djodin.com/cem3394_test3.mp3
3 tracks with the 3394, and software drums. A bit out of tune.
http://www.djodin.com/cem3394_test2.mp3
I don’t think the schematics is very useful, but if anyone really wants it, don’t hesitate to ask.
Hi
I came across a forum post from you on the web about using integrating thel CEM 3394 IC’S, I have pull out 6 of these from my not working Sequential Max keyboard.
I would like to know if you have realize this project or if you can give me some info on how to make a simple synth with CV
Where or how can I find or make PCB
or maybe with an arduino??
Any help is really appreciated.
Best regards,
David
Montreal Canada