PROGUE

OVERVIEW:

PROGUE is a monophonic analog DIY synthesizer inspired by the two well-known vintage synthesizers: ROGUE and PRODIGY. While both of them had their pros and cons, the goal with the PROGUE was to combine their best qualities into a single portable tabletop synthesizer.

The prime focus was maintaining those specific sound characteristics that still makes them desirable today and to add some of the features we always thought they lacked.

From independently modulated PWM and Oscillator Gate Sync to passive High-Pass Filter and precise Fine-tuning of the Oscillators, PROGUE delivers it all without forgetting the modern self-evident functionalities like Polychain via MIDI.

SOUND SAMPLES:

Filter Sweep


Osc Sync (using two units)


Polychain (using four units)

VIDEOS:

Prototype:

SPECIFICATIONS:

OSCILLATORS

• Two discrete oscillators with Sawtooth and Pulse waveforms
• Pulse width and pulse width modulation
• Hard sync: OSC2 to OSC1 with envelope control
• Oscillators can be synced to Gate
• OSC2 tuning: Interval and Beat (fine) amount
• Pink noise generator

MIXER

• OSC1 amount
• OSC2 amount
• Noise / External input amount

FILTERS

• Four-pole (24db/oct) transistor ladder Low Pass Filter with resonant control
• LPF can be driven to self-oscillation
• Keyboard tracking amount
• Independent passive High Pass Filter

ENVELOPES

• Two ADS style envelopes for LPF and VCA

LFO / SAMPLE & HOLD

• Triangle, Square and Random waveforms
• Rate, OSC amount, VCF amount

MIDI

• Built-in 16-bit Midi to CV converter with 2 channel DAC
• 1V/OCT and MOD amount (via mod wheel or aftertouch)
• Mod. sources: Tri & Sqr (MOD LFO) and Tri (PWM LFO)
• Poly-chain (for max. 5 units)

IN/OUT

• Mono output (1/4" phone jack)
• Headphones output (1/4" stereo phone jack)
• Mono external input (1/4" phone jack)
• CV input (1/4" phone jack)
• GATE input (1/4" phone jack)
• VCF CV input (1/4" phone jack)
• Midi input and thru (5-pin DIN)

POWER

• 12VDC (0.35A) power adapter (2.1mm DC jack)

DIMENSIONS

• Enclosure 10" x 6" x 2" (254mm x 152.4mm x 50.8mm)

TECHNICAL DETAILS:

PROGUE synthesizer consists of two PCBs filled with almost 500 components, both SMD and through-hole. The majority of the components are SMD's in 0603/SOIC package size, but there are a small number of even smaller size components like LQFP-48, MSOP-8/10, and TSSOP-6 (9 in total). These parts are deliberately chosen due to advantages in their performance and are, unfortunately for the DIYers, not manufactured in larger sizes. The professionally manufactured 4-layer PCB, which has the major part of the components, is connected via ribbon cable to the 2-layer PCB for all the back panel connectors.

Progue comes with two purchase options:

• the "PCB only" -version
• the "PCB-A (with pre-soldered SMD's)" -version

It's fair to rate the "PCB only" -version as an "INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED -level" project. If you have successfully completed eg. SMD Eurorack modules, there's nothing to worry about. If you don't have any experience with SMD's, then you might want to practice with something like the JSISYNTH's Resonator, which only has 0603/SOIC SMD's. With the proper tools and a bit of practice, working with SMD's can be as easy as working with through-hole components.

The PCB-A -version has all the SMD components pre-soldered, which converts the project to a "NOVICE -level" project, perfectly suitable for those who only have experience with through-hole components. Or for those that simply want to take a shortcut to the finished unit.

In the spirit of synth DIY, Progue can be built into a Hammond metal enclosure in which the backside needs to be drilled accordingly. While this is a cost-effective solution for standalone DIY gear, bundled with PCB front panel, it's also a good compromise between aesthetics, availability, and cost. If this kind of DIY work is not for you, no worries, a dedicated professionally manufactured custom metal enclosure with silkscreen graphics will be released soon by JSI.

The PCB offers over 20 test points (TPs) for convenient testing and troubleshooting. The calibration process is documented and easy to follow, with full access to trimmers without opening the front panel. The firmware can be updated via sysex. The schematics are available for buyers only. Other documents are freely available for download.

It is highly recommended to read the DIY section of this website thoroughly before starting the build.

DOWNLOAD: