Elektor to Host EEI #59 on DIY Synths and the Formant

Why It Matters

The Formant’s resurgence underscores the growing demand for tactile, educational electronics projects that bridge music creation and engineering skills, a niche that drives both hobbyist engagement and niche market revenue.

Key Takeaways

• Elektor Formant originated in 1970s, still popular among DIY synth builders
• New kit version modernizes components while preserving original analog character
• Event registration is free; ticket price €25 (~$27.5) for live stream
• Hosts Girts Ozolins and Jacq Noise discuss redesign and educational uses
• Attendees can win one of two Elektor Audio DSP FX Processor boards

Pulse Analysis

The Elektor Formant, first published in Elektor magazine in the late 1970s, has become a touchstone for the DIY synth community. Its modular analog architecture offers a hands‑on learning platform that contrasts sharply with today’s software‑centric music production tools. By revisiting the Formant, Elektor taps into a broader resurgence of hardware‑focused hobbyist projects, where makers value the tactile feedback and deep circuit‑level understanding that only analog gear can provide.

Beyond nostalgia, the Formant’s modern kit reflects a strategic blend of vintage design and contemporary components. Erica Synths’ involvement ensures that updated parts meet current safety and reliability standards while preserving the gritty character that original builders prized. This approach appeals to educators like Jacq Noise, who use the synth as a teaching aid to illustrate fundamental electronics concepts—frequency modulation, signal routing, and voltage‑controlled oscillators—within a musical context. The session’s focus on practical redesign demonstrates how legacy projects can evolve without losing their educational essence.

From a business perspective, the event highlights a lucrative niche where specialized hardware, community engagement, and content monetization intersect. Charging €25 (≈$27.5) for a live‑streamed workshop, while offering free registration and prize incentives, creates a low‑friction entry point that can convert enthusiasts into paying customers for kits and accessories. As the maker movement continues to grow, companies that curate authentic, hands‑on experiences—like Elektor and Erica Synths—stand to capture a loyal audience willing to invest in high‑quality, DIY audio equipment.