PCB design for "Alien Screamer" (modified) synthesizer (original design by Ray Wilson) in 4-layer stackup using THT components.
The Alien Screamer Analog Noise Box is a classic Lo-Fi analog synthesizer designed by Ray Wilson of Music From Outer Space capable to creating Sci-Fi sound effects. It serves as an excellent introductory project for synth-DIY enthusiasts, providing a hands-on way to learn about oscillators, modulation, and integrated circuit amplification.
For more detailed technical information and the original schematics, visit the MFOS Alien Screamer Noise Box
- Wide-Range VCO: A ramp-core oscillator driven by an exponential V-to-I converter, capable of frequencies from sub-audio clicks to 10kHz.
- Integrated LFO: A square-wave oscillator with adjustable rate and depth.
- Waveform Shaping: Toggle between square, low-pass filtered, and differentiated "tweet" waveforms for diverse modulation.
- Sync Effects: Hard-sync capability where the LFO resets the VCO for aggressive, complex timbres.
- Built-in Audio: Includes an LM386-based 1W amplifier and 8-Ohm speaker for portability.
- 9V-Battery Powered: Optimized for low current draw (~10mA) on a single 9V battery.
The circuit is built around 2x primary ICs:
- LM324 (Quad Op-Amp): Handles the VCO exponential converter, the ramp generator/comparator, and the LFO
- LM386 (Power Amp): Drives the internal speaker
- 4x Control Potentiometers: LFO Frequency + LFO Modulation Depth + VCO Frecuency + Volume
- 2x Control Switches: LFO Modulation Waveform Selector + Synchro Effect
doc/- KiCad schematic and Datasheets.bom/- Bill of Materials (BOM) for component sourcing.hardware/- KiCad Design files (schematic and PCB layout routing).gerbers/- PCB gerber and drill files for production.renders/- High quality PCB images.
- Layers: 4
- Thickness: 1.6mm
- Width: 250mm
- Heigth: 119.5mm
KiCad: 9.0.4
Note: This project is designed for educational and DIY purposes. Original design by Ray Wilson (Music From Outer Space).
**This design is provided "AS-IS" without any express or implied warranties.** The author is not responsible for any damage to equipment, fire, or personal injury resulting from the assembly or use of this PCB.