Elton | Aug. 3, 2020

Good starter module

After much online research, I decided on the 3080 VCO as my starter oscillator for getting into Eurorack and building my first modular system.
I really liked the simple layout and look of the kit. However, I took it one step further and sourced the majority of parts myself. This ended up saving me a bit of money rather than just going with the suggested BOM by PMFoundations, but I would caution those who are starting from scratch that this is a complicated task and if you are not familiar with electronics and parts and such, you can easily order the wrong version of components and end up spending even *more* money when you have to purchase the correct (assigned) parts.
The assembly instructions are straightforward, but again this DIY kit implies that you have the necessary equipment needed to build/test/tune the module yourself. That being said, I had a good time putting together the parts, soldering everything together and got the thrill of hooking it up for the first time and getting sound!
This VCO is well rounded, having a basic Sine, Triangle and Square wave output. This makes it well suited for a variety of roles, from an LFO timer, to a modulation signal, to just a pure tonal generator. I am still exploring all that this VCO can do.
I ordered a pair of these kits (PCB and face plate only), and with all the assembly and testing, I'd say it took me about 5 hours per module.
I have since installed them in my rack, and enjoy using them as the foundational tonal source for experimenting.
These kits have sparked more interest in other functional modules and I've begun working on my own builds to add to the VCOs.
Thanks, PMFoundations for making a solid VCO anyone would be happy to include in their modular system!

Response from PM Foundations | Aug. 3, 2020

Thank you for your feedback Elton and sharing the realities of the build process.

Morgan | March 28, 2020

Mathew | Feb. 19, 2020

Austin | Jan. 15, 2020

Kristofer | Jan. 1, 2020

Great VCO!

After a long time I finally got this project completed, I had trouble to get one of the needed components in Sweden but the seller was helpful and sent me what I needed together with a new order. The build is well documented and the VCO tracks well and is easy to calibrate and set up! It also sounds great!

Response from PM Foundations | Jan. 1, 2020

The first 2020 review on 1/1. Thanks Kristofer!

Morgan | Oct. 25, 2019

Costantino | Oct. 18, 2019

Vidar | Dec. 20, 2018

Had this for a year now and I still love it.

This was my first eurorack module and the first time I soldered anything else than guitar leads. Got it working on the first try and been building modules since. The soldering I did is probably pretty crappy and and the panel would be easier to mount if I knew what i was doing, but it was FUN. Got a ca3080 reissue six months ago and it sounded even better. It'll always be my favourite modul. Would really recommend using T18 potentiometers if you are sourcing your own parts, since the micro knobs from thonk (Befaco style) are kinda mandatory if you are suffering from sausage fingers like I do. Would also skip the right angled 16-pin header and use a straight one, might not be ideal since it'll be a little wider, but I doubt it will ever come down to the few extra millimeters the straight header adds. I use Tip Top Z-Ears and this module is just slightly too deep with right angled headers. It would make contact with the surface, alway applying little bit of pressure before I changed it.

Response from PM Foundations | Dec. 20, 2018

Takk Vidar for din anmeldelse og for å gi kundene noen nyttige tips. 3080-VCO er ikke den grunne av moduler, men er definitivt ikke en HP hog.

(Thank you Vidar for your review and for providing customers with some useful tips. The 3080-VCO is not the shallowest of modules but is definitely not an HP hog.)

Ralphy | July 12, 2018

Quinn | April 19, 2018

Ken | Jan. 31, 2018

Awesome VCO

Built one of these and two of the scaled-down mini VCO version (which I intended to use as LFOs, but they get used for everything!). They are awesome VCOs and track better than some more expensive modules. The sine output, which can be tweaked to give a pretty pure sine wave over much of the range, is a real plus! I'm glad I put sockets in for the 13700 and the 3080 (I don't usually) - I recently came across some old 3080s (the metal can version) so must try one out and see if there is any difference.

Response from PM Foundations | Feb. 1, 2018

It will be interesting. Here's a link to the pinouts http://www.circuitboardchips.com/photo/circuitboardchips/editor/20161123140825_40790.jpg

Randy | Dec. 8, 2017

Erik | Nov. 9, 2017

Morten | June 20, 2017

Mike | Feb. 19, 2017