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 Forum index » Instruments and Equipment » Modular Synthesis
[CONTEST] design a synth module and pin up to $2000
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synthcube



Joined: Dec 21, 2011
Posts: 64
Location: boston

PostPosted: Sun May 06, 2018 1:30 pm    Post subject: [CONTEST] design a synth module and pin up to $2000 Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Synth Module Design Contest

Win up to US$2000, recognition for your design capabilities and a lifetime royalty for your winning module!

Are you an aspiring synth module designer? A hobbyist with a desire to do commercial synth work? A quality synth module builder who wants to try your hand at module design work? A budding synth maker looking for a little boost?

Here’s your chance!

synthCube is sponsoring the inaugural ‘Make-a-Module’ design contest. It’s intended to encourage innovation and creativity in synth module design, by focusing on a few of the recently-introduced ICs that are modular-synth friendly.

Design requirements:
- Design 1, 2 or 3 modules that feature the Sound Semiconductor SSI2144 VCF, the Sound Semiconductor SSI2164 VCA, the OnChip CEM3340 and/or the Xvive MN3005 Bucket Brigade Delay, individually in each module, or in any combination.
- Modules must operate on either +/- 12V or +/- 15V; If your module(s) require different components to run on 12V vs 15V, those components must be specified
- Modules must be designed to be compatible with one or more of the established modular formats, eg eurorack, MOTM, dotcom/MU, 4U, Frac-rack, et al. Module technical specifications must be specified and be consistent with the established standards for the chosen format(s).
- Through-hole, DIY-friendly SMT or hybrid PCBs are acceptable. Note that the featured ICs represent both through-hole and SMT configurations
- Maximum PCB size is 6” X 8”; minimum size is 1” X 3”
- Your module design can utilize pcb-mounted pots/switches/LEDS/jacks, or flying wires to panel components, or a combination. If you need help with component selection for PCB-mounted panel parts, contact us for suggestions.
- Digital, analog or hybrid A-D designs are acceptable
- Complex designs are not necessarily required; simple but useful modules will be judged on equal footing
- By the due date, please submit:
o Schematic design and BOM
o List of controls, inputs, outputs, features, functions
o Calibration instructions (if required)
o One or more sample patch description/module use(s)
o Video, photo, or written proof of design success- demonstrate that your module(s) work as expected
o Production-ready PCB gerber files
o Panel designs will be accepted but are not required
o Proposed module names/brands will be accepted but are not required

Restrictions, Limitations and Conditions
- Do not copy other people’s work. We’ll know it, they’ll know it, the synth community will know it, and its bad form. If your module is inspired in part by other’s prior work, please acknowledge, recognize and credit it.
- People and companies with more than three modules available in the assembled or DIY markets do not qualify. This contest is intended to encourage newer designers, so if you’re a pro, please respect the goal of the contest -- don’t play.
- If you are a ‘smaller’ entity with three or fewer modules in the marketplace, you may qualify to compete. You can submit a design that is associated with your name/company, or you can submit something independent.
- Teams of up to three individuals are permitted. Each team member must meet the qualification requirements.
- Any individual can join up to three teams; Each individual/team is limited to submitting no more than four module designs.
- If you have any questions about your qualification to compete, please contact us. We reserve the right to make final decisions around eligibility.
- No purchase required.
- Employees/family members of synthCube cannot participate.
- In exchange for your entry to the contest, synthCube retains the right to modify, produce, market and/or sell modules based on the design(s) you submit. By submitting your design(s) to synthCube you acknowledge this reflects a transfer of the design rights in exchange for consideration related to prizes.
- You may utilize software simulation tools, but it’s not required.
- If you do not have the necessary CAD layout skills, software, libraries, etc. you may get help from someone who does. You must tell us who that is, so we can ensure fairness. Someone you rely on solely for CAD production does not count against your three-member team limit, and some CAD-fluent people may help multiple people/teams. We are doing this so people who lack CAD tools or skills are not penalized.

Key Dates
- By 20 May 2018 Entrants required to register with synthCube
- By 15 July 2018 End of design period; submissions due
- By 5 August 2018 End of judging period; winner(s) announced
- Dates subject to change

Prizes and Recognition
First Prize:
- $1000 cash prize
- $1000 store credit to synthCube and/or Music From Outer Space
- Lifetime royalty for synthCube sales of PCBs, panels, kits, modules etc. for the winning module(s)*
- synthCube will commission a panel design for your module(s) and will consult with you on branding, style, logotype, layout etc.
- synthCube will commission a demo video for your module(s)
Second Prize:
- $500 store credit to synthCube and/or Music From Outer Space
- lifetime payments for synthCube sales of PCBs, panels, kits, modules etc. for the third place module(s)*
- synthCube will commission a panel design for your module(s) and will consult with you on branding, style, logotype, layout etc.
- synthCube will commission a demo video for your module(s)
Third Prize:
- $100 store credit to synthCube and/or Music From Outer Space
- lifetime payments for synthCube sales of PCBs, panels, kits, modules etc. for the third place module(s)*
- synthCube will commission a panel design for your module(s) and will consult with you on branding, style, logotype, layout etc.
- synthCube will commission a demo video for your module(s)

Judging:
We will review and evaluate the submissions against some objective criteria and subjective opinion. We will rely on a small group of friends/business partners for input to the review process.
Objective criteria:
1) do(es) the module(s) use one or more of the required ICs? (YES is required)
2) is the module unique (sufficiently different from one or more existing designs available today)? (YES is required)
3) do(es) the module(s) pcb(s) meet the PCB size requirements? (YES is required)
4) Are all of the submission requirements met (YES is required)

Disclaimer:
Our intent in sponsoring this contest is to encourage newer designers and synth enthusiasts to learn, experiment, and be creative. We believe this is in the spirit of the synth DIY community If feedback from the community is negative, we reserve the right to postpone or cancel without notice. If questions arise during the contest we will provide answers to all contest participants equally. We reserve the right to cancel the contest if we have fewer participants than planned.
To register for the contest, please email us the following information:
- Name(s) of each team member; team name (if any)
- Where you heard about the contest
- Will you do the PCB CAD work yourself or rely on someone else for assistance?

NOTE: There’s no registration fee and no purchase is necessary

Use this thread for contest questions, comments, feedback, requests for advice/help, suggestions, ideas, etc!


*Royalty note: Typical royalties range from US$5 to $US25 per PCB made/sold depending on module complexity, cost, retail price and other factors.

_________________
web store: www.synthcube.com/cart

we've acquired MFOS to help carry on Ray Wilson's work: www.musicfromouterspace.com
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