Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between chaos and randomness?
There are a lot of sites and resources dedicated to this topic, so I will just discuss in terms of synths. Random modules usually use white noise or a series of shift registers with various feedback paths to create signals. Random signal sources tend to be uninteresting to listen to or follow after a while as there is no discernible pattern and we get bored. Chaos creates patterns but never repeats itself so there is a path for our ears and minds to follow and we have some idea of where it will go but it always changes and is unpredictable. It keeps us interested.
J.C. Sprott and Ian Fritz are both inspirations in the field, their sites have a lot of good information.
Shipping / Postage
Shipping within Australia is now USD5. Larger orders will ship by Expresspost, smaller orders by registered letter, all will be sent with signature on delivery.
Shipping by registered post to NZ is USD10.
For the rest of the world, Auspost says that anything with "commercial value" has to go as a parcel ... even a single sloth PCB weighing 4 grams. So for everyone else in the world, everything goes by Standard International Post with tracking/signed delivery for USD20, no matter how big or small your order is.
If you are in a hurry and don’t mind paying a lot more, I can ship with DHL, Fedex or UPS, just get in touch for a quote.
It is very difficult to ship to Ireland these days, due to the customs regulations there of rejecting almost everything. I suggest you order via an email to 3u-Shop in Germany or synthCube in the US.
payment
I only accept payment by paypal at the moment.
If you do not have a paypal account, use the contact button at the top of the page to email me your order. I can then send you a paypal invoice which can be paid with a debit or credit card, you will not need to open a paypal account.
B stock panels
These panels will have some blemishes, scuff-marks or scratches on them. Mechanically they are fine, no need to drill out holes or anything drastic. I never send out anything really nasty, so if you are building for yourself it is a good idea to save a few $ and get B stock panels.
I’m having trouble with my build
The first things to do are: check the DIY page for more notes, read the build guides, reflow your solder joints and examine components for damage/polarity. Most of the time those will get you sorted. Do not start by replacing the chips, unless they are in backwards. Chips are pretty tough these days, most problems are due to soldering errors or components placed incorrectly.
If you can endure FB, the best and quickest way to get some help is from other builders in the NLC Builder's Guild on FB. There is also a NLC group on Discord, email me for an invite.
If you’re still having trouble you can use the contact button at the top of the page to email me and I should get back to you in a day or two at most. Sometimes I think about an email question for a few days and forget to reply, so if you don’t hear back from me after a few days, don’t be shy to send a gentle reminder.
It helps a lot if you can send some clear, close-up photos of your build.
CAN I MAKE MY OWN PCBS FROM YOUR DESIGNS?
Of course.
CAN I MAKE MY OWN PCBS FROM YOUR DESIGNS and sell the EXTRAS?
No.
I get at least one email a week asking this question, sometimes three. Imagine if I said yes to everybody? My only income is from PCB sales and Randy likes his chicken.
I used to say yes to this question but a few cheeky characters took it as an okay to copy a few other modules, then opened their reverb/etsy stores and started selling them.
So, thanks to them, the answer is now NO.
CAN I MAKE MY OWN panels FROM YOUR DESIGNS?
Yes, the panel templates are on the module pages, next to the build guides. Go crazy, send me pics!
CAN I MAKE MY OWN PanelS FROM YOUR DESIGNS and sell theM?
Yes, tho please not exact clones, bring some of your own art or aesthetics to the party. I am happy to see different aftermarket panels available. There are some fantastic designers around. If you have a webstore or Etsy/Reverb shop, let me know and I will compile a list of aftermarket panel sources.
Assembled modules
21 Dec 2022 - I have stopped selling assembled modules for the time being.
April 2024 update - I’m quite happy not selling assembled modules, so not in a hurry to restart. Plus the NLC Builders are doing a great job.
Aftermarket builders - there are a number of people building NLC (and other DIY) modules to sell. I have no control of this, some of them I know and like, others I have no idea who they are. If you go to buy a ‘new’ module off Reverb or ebay, be careful to check the warranty conditions and reviews/ratings first. Don’t use paypal ‘friends & family’ to make payments unless you know the person you are dealing with.
I have a list of people & companies in various countries willing to build and sell assembled NLC modules. If you want a copy, click here to download. If you live in Japan, best to just go to Beatsville who stock locally assembled NLC modules.
Frankly tho, I think everybody should get a soldering iron and try Synth DIY!!!!!
Do you have a distributor in my area?
You can purchase pcb/panel sets from these distributors, tho some may have limited stock or range.
workshops
If you live in Perth, we run monthly DIY workshops at the Artifactory in Osborne Park. Usually these are held on the 2nd Tuesday from 6pm. Go to the WAMod page on FB for info on the latest events. At each workshop, full module kits can be purchased and most people leave at the end with a working module. There is also a laser cutter available for cutting cases. Most kits are $50-70 each, plus there is a $10 entrance fee for the Artifactory. They have a well stocked bar btw.
I came here for the dog, where is the dog?
Randy helps out by asking me to take breaks, and hanging out with me in the shed while I work, it’s good for both of us. When I make demo vids, the sound level in my shed is very quiet. The modular is connected by an audio cable to the camera rather than using the camera mic, so the demo vid may sound loud but Randy’s ears are not subjected to it. He is a bit of a show-pony and knows when I walk into the shed with the camera that he will be required. He waits at the door to be called, ready for his big entrance.