PM Foundations

807 orders since Mar 25, 2016

Lakeland, FL, United States of America

Ships from United States of America.

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Please always use genuine ICs. Switchcraft jacks available at DigiKey instead of Mouser: https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/35RAPC2AV/SC1457-ND/772080

Overall Rating:

Review Breakdown

Average Ratings

Product: (4.97)

Documentation: (4.87)

Shipping: (4.95)

Communication: (4.90)

All Reviews

Alexander | Dec. 11, 2021

Functional and affordable

For Dual VCA (Eurorack PCB Set)

This is a straightforward build that someone with a little experience could easily tackle.

If you use a regular, shrouded 10-pin Eurorack power connector, instead of a right-angle one, the notch faces the faceplate - don't get confused by the silkscreen.

Make sure you can source a legitimate NE5517N or LM13700 before purchasing, as the DIP version is getting harder to find.

Suggested improvements:
- Reduce the panel side of the board about 1mm so the panel rests on the jacks not the board edge.
- Use a larger footprint for the through-holes so it's easier to solder, especially on pads to ground, as it's hard to keep the iron tip off the ground plane.
- Use a 16-pin power connector so that 5V is available for DC offset calibration. Put an easily-broken trace from 5V to each CV input. Add test points for ground and the VCA outputs. This will help people perform the calibration.

Cole | June 12, 2020

Great module and great support

For Voltage controlled sequential switch (PCB Set)

This is a really great sequential switch. Having the manual stage selection and CV addressing are awesome features.

The build and layout are really nice; very enjoyable to build.

I had some trouble with my build, but PM Foundations was super communicative and helped me debug my module.

I had some issues clocking the module using triggers, but PM Foundations suggested running the triggers through an attenuator or comparator which worked great!

Richard | March 6, 2020

Happily ringing

For Eurorack Dual Ring Modulator (PCB and Panel)

This was my second PMFoundations kit, and like the first I bought it in part because I wanted to learn surface mount soldering and this is a pretty easy, low cost surface mount kit. The build went pretty smoothly. On first power up only one of the two modulators was working but I eventually found a bad connection and fixed it, now it's working great. (Having schematics would've made debugging easier, that's my one gripe.) Bring on more surface mount, these modules made me ready!

I love ring modulators, and I haven't had a chance to use one in hardware since my ARP 2600 days way back when I was in college a long long time ago. I've been having great fun with this one, or really just half of this one connected to a Befaco VCO and a Moog Mother-32, getting all kinds of otherworldly noisy and bell-like and crazy sounds. I've never had two ring modulators simultaneously and I'm almost afraid to hear what I can come up with using both! I recommend this module highly.

Costantino | Oct. 18, 2019

My first VCO!

For 3080 VCO (Eurorack PCB Set)

Finally I had my first VCO assembled! It is a really nice device. It was the first time for me to build a DIY project with this kind of complexity. I really enjoy the building and finally it sounds really great!!!

Costantino | July 19, 2019

My second DIY module

For ADSR-D Envelope Generator (Eurorack PCB Set)

I just started building my own DIY modular synth and this was my second module I made.
Easy to build and very powerfull! The right project to start!
I have not yet understood well the function of the ADSD mode and the trigger Input, but, since it is only recently that I started playing with analogue synths, I still have to do a lot of practice to fully understand how they works!

Response from PM Foundations | July 19, 2019

Thank you for your kind words Constantino. If you need any help understanding the module and modular synthesis in general, just let me know.

Denis | June 15, 2019

Very easy build, documentation is ok for building only.

For Voltage controlled sequential switch (PCB Set)

Wish there was a schematic available in the documentation . I had one issue - could not select the 4th step via the pot worked out I needed to change the value of R13 from 1K8 down to 1K5 the voltage reference U1 was giving 4.99 volts so after the voltage divider I was only getting 3.69 volts changing R13 brought that up to 3.85 volts which seems to work consistently now. overall a good module I would recommend !

Response from PM Foundations | Aug. 13, 2019

Thank you Denis. This is a very good observation. I checked the prototype and the reference is 5.02V so if it was much less than this it would upset the thresholds for the window comparators that set the steps and the final one was not being reached on your example. I will update the documentation to take this into account.

Georgi | May 17, 2019

Great quality!

For Micro VCO/LFO (Eurorack PCB Set)

The PCB and the panel both look amazing and I'm eager to assemble it soon! Recommended for starting simple eurorack DIY synth! Thanks!

EDIT: Managed to build it, but took me a while to figure out how to tune it, now it sounds amazing even with no perfectly matched transistors it tracks very well! Although more detailed tuning procedure documentation or a simple diagram/schematic of tuning circuit will be much appreciated! Thanks again!

Response from PM Foundations | June 11, 2019

Thank you for your kind words Georgi. I see you have a couple more modules on the way. I hope you like them as well.

Joseph | March 27, 2019

Fun build, great sequencer! Totally recommend!

For Synthola Sequencer (Eurorack PCB Set)

I have now built quite a few PM Foundation kits. I have a decent amount of eruorack gear and combine this with a Behringer Neutron. With all of that said, I really wanted something that had a CV out for various uses. This little bad boy, while only having 8 steps, is exactly what I needed. I love the speed control and the glide as well. I use it almost exclusively for CV control on my filters, but also from time to time use it on my 3080 oscillators. It was pretty easy to build (its all pin through, so soldering is easy). The directions are, as always, excellent. One note: Take your time when soldering the pots, switches, and jacks. If you do them in the wrong order you will have a hard time doing the other items. I saw this when looking at the board and didn't have any issues.. just saying to be careful. I bought the pre programmed EEProm. Definitely worth it. I'm debating getting one of the expander modules or maybe just a 2nd one. Definitely worth the cost. I recommend these kits to everyone I know who is interested.

Eero | Feb. 26, 2019

Works as promised

For Clock Divider / Sub-Oscillator (Eurorack PCB set)

PMFoundations helped me in sourcing the parts from a vendor of my choosing. Documentation is adequate and the unit works as expected. I'm very satisfied with the purchase.

Daniel | Feb. 14, 2019

Super inexpensive and works well

For ADSR Envelope Shaper (Eurorack PCB Set)

With the price of eurorack modules averaging well over $200 each, it is silly not to build your own if you have even modest soldering skills. I highly recommend PM Foundations modules as one of, if not the cheapest DIY eurorack synthesizer option out there. For a $15 pcb and panel, $10 worth of parts, maybe 2 hours of time, I have a well functioning ADSR that was a snap to build. Worked first time it was plugged in. Calibration took all of 5 minutes.

If you're in the market for eurorack modules, you owe it to yourself to check out the PM Foundations line here on Tindie first. I wish I had discovered them sooner.

Joseph | Feb. 11, 2019

Awesome units for the money! Great flexibility!

For State Machine (Eurorack PCB Set)

I have two of these units. I can say that once you're done with them that you'll be happy you built them. The calibration is very easy for them. The outputs are very unique and I often times use them to add some sort of effect or filter change when you hit steady state or release. At any respect, I have yet to find a comparable module anywhere. No eurorack setup is complete without one! With the positives being said, these do take some time to build. There are alot of resistors. The first one took my 6 hours to build. I have about 30 years of experience soldering and the issue was simply that there are alot of parts. They're not hard to assemble and the instructions are great. But the time spent is well worth it. Just be patient, take your time, and follow the instructions closely. I highly recommend them.

Joseph | Feb. 11, 2019

I have two of these now. They're easy and fun kits to build

For Dual VCA (Eurorack PCB Set)

I have two of these units now and after doing the calibration setup they work great! They're pretty fast acting and can work well for percussion, although most of my stuff isn't percussive. I'd recommend these kits to anyone who is interested in DIY modular but not real familiar with soldering. Just make sure you take your time and follow the directions carefully.

Dan | Jan. 7, 2019

Does the trick for my Make Noise Bermuda VCO

For Saw Shaper (Eurorack PCB Set)

My Bermuda only outputs Tri, Sine and Pulse, so I needed this module to get Saw. The sound is good but on my oscilloscope I noticed the amplitude of every other positive peak is only about 66% of the Ramp peak ahead of it. Could be my cheapo oscilloscope or I didn't nail the calibration. Again, to my ears, it sounds every bit of a saw wave so I haven't bothered to mess with it more. I suppose if I ever want to use it for modulation, that could be an issue....or a great new feature. :-D

I noticed a discrepancy between the FET specified in the BOM (2N5457) vs. what is in the Mouser shopping cart (PF5102). Specs between these 2 parts are quite far apart. Either that's a slip or the application is not critical? I actually used a 2N5458 in mine.

Response from PM Foundations | Jan. 7, 2019

Thank you Dan for your review. It does sound like a calibration issue (R26 Ramp Trimmer) but if you are happy with the sound then there is no reason to change it. It is still rich in harmonics like a saw wave. I have changed the Mouser cart from time to time due to the fluctuating price and availability of various FETs. In any event the most economical solution is the SMD part MMBF5457.

Jason | Sept. 23, 2018

Highly recommend

For Dual VCA (Eurorack PCB Set)

First thing I have ordered from Tindie. The seller answered all my questions and sent the order within a day. Items arrived quickly without any problems. Both the boards and panels look good quality but I am yet to put them together as I am waiting on parts.
All in all very happy.

Philip | July 25, 2018

Great value for midi to CV

For 8 Voice MIDI-CV Converter (Eurorack PCB Set)

This is a well designed midi to control voltage unit.

The build isn't overly complicated, but requires some patience to get the boards and jacks aligned properly so that they fit into the face plate. Once assembled mine worked.

I don't have one of the recommended keyboards, but it seems to work with my minibrute - I haven't tried switching modes yet, which requires a midi source that sends volume out.

My mouser order was about $95 before shipping, so this module represents a fantastic value for a midi-cv interface - the befaco kit is about the same amount, but you get twice the number of cv and gates with the pmfoundations module.

Response from PM Foundations | July 25, 2018

Thanks for sharing your experience Philip. It is not the easiest build and I am glad to hear that you battled through the intricacies to get a nice 8 channel polyphonic keyboard controller. If you want to try out the mode switching/programming side of it with the Arturia MiniBrute, please email me at jnfrench@pmfoundations.com. I have some ideas for you.

Andy | June 15, 2017

Great module, great service!

For Dual VCA (Eurorack PCB Set)

I am not very experienced at soldering, and when I first started building this module I had a bit of trouble making solid connections as the pads are pretty tiny. I emailed the vendor for some advice, and I must say he was brilliant! Lots of help and suggestions, very quick to reply. It turned out that the pencil-tip on my soldering iron was not the best thing to use - you need a screwdriver-tip or a chisel-tip, things are much easier then.

The build document is probably the best I have seen (in my limited experience) - very full descriptions and useful photos. It would be difficult to go wrong I would say!

Testing and calibration are easy and the module itself works very well, and it has some unusual features. I personally really like the look of the panel too.

Overall, very happy and would recommend - will be looking at other modules in the range.