Syntom Snare Mod

Brian Jones, Grenofen, Devon.

After some experimenting with the Syntom circuit (E&MM April 1981) it was discovered that a very simple and cheap modification could increase the variety of sounds available, to include that of a snare drum. A white noise generator is added as shown in the circuit diagram. The noise generator is the National MM5837, which produces its signal digitally, and thus is very consistent.

The noise generated swamps out the previous signals in the circuit, although the pitch and sweep controls still have some effect. The decay pot controls the length of the noise produced. The pitch and sweep alters the noise produced. The pitch and sweep alters the noise from pure white to very coarse sounds, which, when activated, are very similar to rapid gunfire! (Quite realistic through a 100 watt amp...) If the noise output is fed through a graphic various types of cymbal can be passably produced. The addition of phase livens things up even more.