Gakken SX-150 Mark II This odd little synth may be all but forgotten. However, with this DIY modification you could bring it back to life.
T
he Gakken SX-150 was first introduced in 2008 as a kit in the Japanese magazine Science for Adults. Once assembled, the SX150 could be played with a stylus and parameters like cutoff, LFO, and pitch envelope could be adjusted. Later, the SX150 Mark II was released, pre-assembled. In this version new functions, like cutoff resonance was added. Out of the box, the SX150 Mark II sounds pretty good for such an inexpensive synth. It sounds much like a 555 timer chip synth. However, if you run it through some effects, it sounds very nice and is capable of some extremely low bass tones. Soon after I got mine, I came across a mod to add cv/gate connections to it. This was a very easy modification and it adds so much functionality because it allows it to be played
MOBILE MUSICIAN
with a sequencer or keyboard with cv/gate outputs, instead of the stylus.
What you will need for this mod is: 2-1/8” mono or stereo jacks that are panel mounted. Insulated wire. Soldering iron and solder. Electric drill and bit large enough for the jacks.
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