--- title: "AI Synthesis: AI106 West Coast Mixer | Takazudo Modular" url: "https://takazudomodular.com/en/products/ai-west-intro/" language: en description: "An introduction to the AI Synthesis AI106 West Coast Mixer. The AI106 is a mono 3-channel mixer module that incorporates mixer design elements from vintage West Coast synthesizers, adding character and harmonic changes to input waveforms." alternate_ja: "https://takazudomodular.com/products/ai-west-intro/" source: "Takazudo Modular" --- ![AI Synthesis: AI106 West Coast Mixer](https://imgs.takazudomodular.com/images/p/west-white-0-front__og/revisions/production/r1-326d028267762931a5f649a714ff2babcaab1b88eee32ee05a49ffce21d939ea/1200w.webp) # AI Synthesis: AI106 West Coast Mixer Author: Takazudo | Published: 2024/07/14 - [# AI Synthesis](https://takazudomodular.com/en/tags/ai-synthesis/) - [# Modular Synthesizer](https://takazudomodular.com/en/tags/modular/) - [# Mixer](https://takazudomodular.com/en/tags/mixer/) This is an introduction to the **AI106 West Coast Mixer** by AI Synthesis, available at Takazudo Modular. The AI106 is a **mono 3-channel mixer module** that incorporates mixer design elements from vintage West Coast synthesizers — a **mixer module that adds character and changes to input waveforms**. It comes in two panel options — aluminum and black — and DIY kits are also available. This product is available for purchase below. [![AI Synthesis: AI106 West Coast Mixer (Aluminium)](https://imgs.takazudomodular.com/images/p/west-white-0-front__og/revisions/production/r1-326d028267762931a5f649a714ff2babcaab1b88eee32ee05a49ffce21d939ea/1952w.webp) AI Synthesis: AI106 West Coast Mixer (Aluminium) 16,800 yen (tax & shipping included)](https://jp.mercari.com/shops/product/ZuXiYJRCbQ4VGaxfYABa66) [![AI Synthesis: AI106 West Coast Mixer (Black)](https://imgs.takazudomodular.com/images/p/west-bk-0-front/revisions/production/r1-56e20a9f2b9b870b2dbc28b6f111d3bf700d09b0d479a1a5012f9d48029acb3b/1980w.webp) AI Synthesis: AI106 West Coast Mixer (Black) 16,800 yen (tax & shipping included)](https://jp.mercari.com/shops/product/STKf8dqPp2DXEEtpEDBsn9) [![AI Synthesis: AI106 West Coast Mixer (Aluminium) DIY Kit](https://imgs.takazudomodular.com/images/p/diy-west-white-0-front/revisions/production/r1-34e69d0f838d1ff3f4a61a8cc734fc433dfdd3b15bea197e6d5ef77f8946466b/2000w.webp) AI Synthesis: AI106 West Coast Mixer (Aluminium) DIY Kit 10,800 yen (tax & shipping included)](https://jp.mercari.com/shops/product/2wgJsBJPT9GWwk7AMBSfXb) [![AI Synthesis: AI106 West Coast Mixer (Black) DIY Kit](https://imgs.takazudomodular.com/images/p/diy-west-bk-0-fton/revisions/production/r1-0afabc165d920d6ab7095d96957109615e856448fb9f3b6e078116523aafdee0/2000w.webp) AI Synthesis: AI106 West Coast Mixer (Black) DIY Kit 10,800 yen (tax & shipping included)](https://jp.mercari.com/shops/product/tbe4thcoAxbVxzCbBx5jxE) - [Buy this item via Buyee (International shipping)](https://buyee.jp/mercari/item/ZuXiYJRCbQ4VGaxfYABa66) - [Buy this item via Buyee (International shipping)](https://buyee.jp/mercari/item/STKf8dqPp2DXEEtpEDBsn9) - [Buy this item via Buyee (International shipping)](https://buyee.jp/mercari/item/2wgJsBJPT9GWwk7AMBSfXb) - [Buy this item via Buyee (International shipping)](https://buyee.jp/mercari/item/tbe4thcoAxbVxzCbBx5jxE) ## Product Photos: Assembled ![Product photo](https://imgs.takazudomodular.com/images/p/west-white-0-front__og/revisions/production/r1-326d028267762931a5f649a714ff2babcaab1b88eee32ee05a49ffce21d939ea/1952w.webp) ![Product photo](https://imgs.takazudomodular.com/images/p/west-bk-0-front/revisions/production/r1-56e20a9f2b9b870b2dbc28b6f111d3bf700d09b0d479a1a5012f9d48029acb3b/1980w.webp) ![Product photo](https://imgs.takazudomodular.com/images/p/west-white-1-side/revisions/production/r1-02fcff5b1edf0d565e4aac6cc7a5ee4751091417cceda7381fbd926ff4bf65a9/2000w.webp) ![Product photo](https://imgs.takazudomodular.com/images/p/west-white-2-back/revisions/production/r1-e24b757f7f8b88eb5dbdcfa1a6e86055628a6fcde58bc7b300fc9ffc86a6bd97/1940w.webp) ![Product photo](https://imgs.takazudomodular.com/images/p/ai106-in-case/revisions/production/r1-114bc1b91f2630573e9e10a82671014722a95b2013f4a7b3ab2ac6df8bb5bb89/2000w.webp) ## Product Photos: DIY Kit ![Product photo](https://imgs.takazudomodular.com/images/p/diy-west-white-0-front/revisions/production/r1-34e69d0f838d1ff3f4a61a8cc734fc433dfdd3b15bea197e6d5ef77f8946466b/2000w.webp) ![Product photo](https://imgs.takazudomodular.com/images/p/diy-west-bk-0-fton/revisions/production/r1-0afabc165d920d6ab7095d96957109615e856448fb9f3b6e078116523aafdee0/2000w.webp) ## Manuals and Guides Takazudo Modular publishes manuals and guide articles for this product. Please see below. - [AI106 West Coast Mixer: ManualJapanese translation included](https://takazudomodular.com/manuals/ai106-west-coast-mixer/) ## AI106 West Coast Mixer Features The AI106 West Coast Mixer is a modern update of the mixer designs found in vintage 1960s-70s West Coast synthesizers. It is a fully discrete mixer module that uses no ICs or digital components, housed in a Eurorack format module. True to the original circuit, the output of this mixer is an **inverted sum of the input values**. When using audio signals, the phase inversion is barely noticeable, but with CV signals, please note that the output voltage will be inverted. Additionally, due to the nature of the circuit, when the mixed voltage gets high, **clipping-like waveform distortion occurs relatively early, adding character to the sound**. The following diagram gives a rough idea of the input-to-output relationship. ![Diagram](https://imgs.takazudomodular.com/images/p/west-in-out/revisions/production/r1-2dffd3b75a93edc4fc91a3601cc77b4f6f27e0b095c908be507e57190f71d090/1163w.webp) Below is an official demo video from AI Synthesis. [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcvzrpNrtCk) ## What is West Coast? The term **West Coast** in this module's name refers to the American West Coast. Synthesizers developed primarily on the U.S. West Coast during the 1960s-70s extensively employed **Wave Shaping** techniques and designs with **multiple VCOs**. Synthesizer designs following this style are referred to as West Coast Synthesis or the West Coast style. Representative brands of West Coast synthesizers include [Buchla](https://buchla.com/) and [Serge](https://serge-modular.com/), both of which continue to release outstanding instruments today. Many synthesizers are influenced by the West Coast design philosophy, and you'll frequently encounter this term when exploring the characteristics of modern modular synthesizers. For more on West Coast Synthesis, the following articles from Perfect Circuit provide detailed explanations. - [Perfect Circuit: East Coast vs. West Coast Synthesis Explained](https://www.perfectcircuit.com/signal/east-coast-west-coast-synthesis) - [Perfect Circuit: What is West Coast Synthesis? Buchla + Beyond](https://www.perfectcircuit.com/signal/what-is-west-coast-synthesis) The AI106 West Coast Mixer is a module built based on the mixer designs used in these West Coast style synthesizers. ## Can a Mixer Change the Sound? This module is functionally a **mixer that additively sums three inputs**. Throughout this article, I've described it as "adding character to input waveforms," but what exactly does that mean? Isn't a mixer just something that blends sounds together? Let me briefly explain the mechanism. ### What Happens Inside a Mixer First, like all modules, whether CV or audio, the waveform output cannot reach infinitely high voltage. In a typical modular synth system, outputs are designed to produce voltage swings of roughly ±5V. Simply adding three ±5V signals together could produce ±15V, but the internal circuit design constrains the result to the ±5V range. How this constraining happens depends on the combination of components used, and this becomes the module's character. For example, digital modules use internal software for waveform synthesis, so they might simply clip anything beyond ±5V, or the voltage summing process might be programmed to avoid such extreme clipping. Analog modules use combinations of resistors, diodes, op-amps, and transistors to reduce, mix, amplify, and compress voltages. The interesting part is that this processing **produces output that isn't simply a mix of the input signals**. ### Examples of Input Signal Alteration Below are screenshots from the [official AI Synthesis demo video](https://youtu.be/lcvzrpNrtCk), showing waveforms on a [Mordax: DATA](https://takazudomodular.com/en/products/data-intro/) oscilloscope. ![Example of distorted input signal: Sawtooth wave](https://imgs.takazudomodular.com/images/p/west-mixer1/revisions/production/r1-884a4a3a62a76f1cc6d29b88c3fd9c0c2b6bbad55979b711995e22fa9a689c01/800w.webp) ![Example of distorted input signal: Triangle wave](https://imgs.takazudomodular.com/images/p/west-mixer2/revisions/production/r1-1e48b33af53967926c66b81bde62f5b717ccfa8d9999a73c7951f4f06f7594e8/800w.webp) On the left, the red trace is a Sawtooth Wave output from a VCO, and the green trace is the result of passing a higher-pitched Sawtooth Wave through this mixer. Notice that the green waveform is an **inverted version** of the red waveform. The green trace on the right shows the result of mixing a Square Wave (at the same frequency as the red VCO) with a Sawtooth Wave through this mixer. As mentioned, the additive synthesis result gets clipped, **creating complex timbres from two different waveforms with different shapes and periods**. In this way, the AI106 West Coast Mixer flips and clips waveforms. Mixing outputs from multiple VCOs and enjoying these characteristics is a great way to use this module. ## How to Use the West Coast Mixer I (Takazudo) have also tried using this West Coast Mixer. My impression is that it's convenient for casually combining things in a compact way. ### Mixing VCO Waveforms One recommended use is mixing multiple waveform outputs from a VCO to create your desired sound. For example, from our lineup, the following are basic oscillator types: [ADDAC System: ADDAC701.REV2 VCO An introduction to the ADDAC701.REV2 VCO. The ADDAC701 is a standard analog VCO from ADDAC System. This module is the new REV2 revision, featuring improved pitch accuracy and additional functions over the original REV1.](https://takazudomodular.com/en/products/addac701-vco-intro/) [Weston Precision Audio: TZ0 Thru-Zero Oscillator An introduction to the Weston Precision Audio TZ0 Thru-Zero Oscillator.](https://takazudomodular.com/en/products/tz0-intro/) These can output multiple waveforms such as Sine Wave, Triangle Wave, and Square Wave. Mixing them with this mixer and adjusting the blend lets you craft your ideal sound. When a sine wave is too soft and a square wave is too harsh, blending them to find your preferred balance is one enjoyable approach. You can then pass the sound from this mixer to a Low Pass Gate or Low Pass Filter, treating the VCO and mixer combination as a set: [Meng Qi: DPLPG An introduction to the Meng Qi DPLPG. DPLPG stands for Dual Passive Low Pass Gate — a 2-channel low pass gate module.](https://takazudomodular.com/en/products/dplpg-intro/) [AI Synthesis: AI017 Low Pass Gate An introduction to the AI Synthesis AI017 Low Pass Gate. The AI017 is a modern low pass gate based on a classic design, with added resonance and depth parameters, as well as the ability to function as a VCA and VCF. DIY kits are also available.](https://takazudomodular.com/en/products/ai-lpg-intro/) [ADDAC System: ADDAC604 Dual Filter An introduction to the ADDAC604 Dual Filter. The ADDAC604 Dual Filter is a dual-channel multimode filter. The two channels can be used as two independent mono filters, or as a stereo filter.](https://takazudomodular.com/en/products/addac604-filter-intro/) [Weston Precision Audio: SF1 Dual / Stereo VCF An introduction to the Weston Precision Audio SF1 Dual / Stereo VCF.](https://takazudomodular.com/en/products/sf1-intro/) ### Compact Mixing of Drums and Other Sources Another use is as a general mixer for combining multiple sound sources before routing to effects — a typical mixer application. For example, our AD110 from the lineup can output CH (closed hi-hat) and OH (open hi-hat) separately: [Weston Precision Audio: AD110 Analog Drums An introduction to the Weston Precision Audio AD110 Analog Drums. The AD110 is a 6-voice analog drum module inspired by a vintage Japanese machine bearing the same number. Despite its compact 16HP size, it can generate six voices: Kick, Snare, Hand Clap, Closed Hi-Hat, Open Hi-Hat, and Ride Cymbal.](https://takazudomodular.com/en/products/ad110-intro/) If you want to apply Delay or Reverb only to hi-hats (using something like the [OAM: Time Machine](https://takazudomodular.com/en/products/time-machine-intro/)), you can mix CH and OH with this mixer and route the output to the effect. ### Early Clipping In both use cases above, the West Coast Mixer's characteristic of **clipping the sound relatively early** actually works quite nicely. This is a matter of personal taste, but I (Takazudo) tend to prefer harder-edged music, so I often want to clip and distort sounds regardless of what they are. This mixer brings that kind of character fairly early on, making it a good fit for those with similar preferences. ## Similar Modules Similar modules include the AI022 Harmonic Mixer from the same brand. Additionally, ADDAC System's ADDAC712 Vintage Pre and ADDAC714 Vintage Clip, while not mixers, are distortion modules focused on the kind of clipping discussed in this article — worth checking out if you're interested. [AI Synthesis: AI022 Harmonic Mixer An introduction to the AI Synthesis AI022 Harmonic Mixer. The AI022 Harmonic Mixer is a mono 3-channel mixer module. As you increase the gain, it enriches the harmonics and adds warmth and distortion to the input audio signal.](https://takazudomodular.com/en/products/ai-harmo-intro/) [ADDAC System: ADDAC712 Vintage Pre An introduction to the ADDAC712 Vintage Pre. The ADDAC712 Vintage Pre is a dual-channel discrete gain stage amplifier based on a famous discrete preamp board used in legendary equipment from the 1970s. In short, it produces a pleasing saturation/distortion effect.](https://takazudomodular.com/en/products/addac712-vintage-pre-intro/) [ADDAC System: ADDAC714 Vintage Clip An introduction to the ADDAC714 Vintage Clip. The ADDAC714 Vintage Clip is a dual-channel soft clipping module. It produces a pleasant distortion effect through its combination of analog circuits.](https://takazudomodular.com/en/products/addac714-vintage-clip-intro/) ## Related Article I wrote a column comparing and explaining mixers of this type that we carry. If interested, please check it out as well. [News Notes003: Clipping Audio Through Mixers A column about how clipping audio can actually sound great. Explains what clipping means and how different mixers produce different results.](https://takazudomodular.com/en/notes/col003-mixers/) ## Other Reference Videos For more on the differences in mixer characteristics discussed in this article, the following video from [YouTube: Sound + Voltage](https://www.youtube.com/@SoundVoltage) is very helpful. It references circuit diagrams of both the AI106 West Coast Mixer and the AI022 Harmonic Mixer while explaining the differences. [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1eAsHxHG6g) ## Technical Specifications - Width: 6HP - Depth: 22mm - Power consumption: 12mA +12V / 0mA -12V / 0mA 5V ## DIY Guide The DIY kit includes the panel, PCB, all components, a power ribbon cable, and mounting screws. AI Synthesis provides detailed DIY guides on their website. The guide below includes a build video and step-by-step instructions with photos, making it great for DIY beginners as well. - [AI106 DIY West Coast Mixer Build Guide](https://aisynthesis.com/diy-west-coast-eurorack-mixer/) [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAbsWCAbnCQ) ### Build Impressions I (Takazudo) also built one myself. The video below shows the process. It's not a particularly instructional video, but it may give you a feel for the kit. You'll notice that the parts come neatly sorted into individual bags — a thoughtful touch. [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZkT5PiS2iM) All components are through-hole and easy to solder. The circuit is quite simple with few parts, and it can be assembled quickly. It's a versatile module — great for compactly mixing drum sounds, summing VCO outputs, and adding a bit of distortion along the way. At the DIY kit price, it's even more affordable, making it a module you might want multiples of. Both DIY beginners and experienced builders can enjoy this one. ### モジュラーシンセのDIYとは？ モジュラーシンセサイザーのDIYについて詳しくご存じない方向けに、以下にDIYの導入的なコラムを用意しました。DIYについてご興味のある方、始めてみようと思う方は、是非ご参照いただければと。 [Guide Created: 2024/08/03 Synth DIY and DIY Kits An explanation of synth DIY and DIY kits. For those wondering what it means to DIY a synth and what DIY kits are, this article provides an introduction.](https://takazudomodular.com/en/guides/col001-diy-kits/) [Guide Created: 2024/08/07 Tools Needed for Synth DIY An explanation of the tools needed for synth DIY. What does soldering involve? What else do you need besides a soldering iron? A column for those with such questions.](https://takazudomodular.com/en/guides/col002-diy-tools/) また、組み立てに際して不明点や不安な点がございましたら、以下Takazudo Modularのdiscordチャンネルにてお気軽にご質問等、頂ければと思います。 [Support: Discord Server Guide Information about the Takazudo Modular Discord server. Includes how to join, channel descriptions, and community guidelines.](https://takazudomodular.com/en/s/discord/) --- About the Brand ## About AI Synthesis AI Synthesis is a modular synthesizer maker based in Portland, Oregon, USA. Their lineup consists of simple, highly practical, basic-type modules. They put real care into supporting users who want to learn and build their own gear — every module ships with a detailed DIY guide, and schematics and BOMs are published alongside it. Why not start your synth DIY journey with an AI Synthesis kit? - [AI Synthesis Website](https://aisynthesis.com/) - [X: AI Synthesis (@AIsynthesis)](https://x.com/AIsynthesis) - [Instagram: aisynthesis](https://www.instagram.com/aisynthesis/) - [Facebook: AI Synthesis](https://www.facebook.com/AISynthesis) - [YouTube: AI Synthesis](https://www.youtube.com/@AISynthesis) ![Logo: 電氣美術研究會](https://imgs.takazudomodular.com/images/p/denbi/revisions/production/r1-c35cb4eaf5f608733e69add54a5d951fcd8e67a5b52edf89e605c75dd0a0fd42/820w.webp) ## Bonus: Modular Accessory Set by 電氣美術研究會 (Denki Bijutsu Kenkyukai) Included In the hope that more people will get hands-on with modular synths, we have teamed up with 電氣美術研究會 to bundle a modular accessory set with this product. The contents vary by season — patch cables, power cables, a dress-nut sample set, a mono splitter, and more. The set is included with the product, so please give it a try! - [電氣美術研究會](https://ears-modular.com/) That concludes our introduction of the AI106 West Coast Mixer. [![AI Synthesis: AI106 West Coast Mixer (Aluminium)](https://imgs.takazudomodular.com/images/p/west-white-0-front__og/revisions/production/r1-326d028267762931a5f649a714ff2babcaab1b88eee32ee05a49ffce21d939ea/1952w.webp) AI Synthesis: AI106 West Coast Mixer (Aluminium) 16,800 yen (tax & shipping included)](https://jp.mercari.com/shops/product/ZuXiYJRCbQ4VGaxfYABa66) [![AI Synthesis: AI106 West Coast Mixer (Black)](https://imgs.takazudomodular.com/images/p/west-bk-0-front/revisions/production/r1-56e20a9f2b9b870b2dbc28b6f111d3bf700d09b0d479a1a5012f9d48029acb3b/1980w.webp) AI Synthesis: AI106 West Coast Mixer (Black) 16,800 yen (tax & shipping included)](https://jp.mercari.com/shops/product/STKf8dqPp2DXEEtpEDBsn9) [![AI Synthesis: AI106 West Coast Mixer (Aluminium) DIY Kit](https://imgs.takazudomodular.com/images/p/diy-west-white-0-front/revisions/production/r1-34e69d0f838d1ff3f4a61a8cc734fc433dfdd3b15bea197e6d5ef77f8946466b/2000w.webp) AI Synthesis: AI106 West Coast Mixer (Aluminium) DIY Kit 10,800 yen (tax & shipping included)](https://jp.mercari.com/shops/product/2wgJsBJPT9GWwk7AMBSfXb) [![AI Synthesis: AI106 West Coast Mixer (Black) DIY Kit](https://imgs.takazudomodular.com/images/p/diy-west-bk-0-fton/revisions/production/r1-0afabc165d920d6ab7095d96957109615e856448fb9f3b6e078116523aafdee0/2000w.webp) AI Synthesis: AI106 West Coast Mixer (Black) DIY Kit 10,800 yen (tax & shipping included)](https://jp.mercari.com/shops/product/tbe4thcoAxbVxzCbBx5jxE) - [Buy this item via Buyee (International shipping)](https://buyee.jp/mercari/item/ZuXiYJRCbQ4VGaxfYABa66) - [Buy this item via Buyee (International shipping)](https://buyee.jp/mercari/item/STKf8dqPp2DXEEtpEDBsn9) - [Buy this item via Buyee (International shipping)](https://buyee.jp/mercari/item/2wgJsBJPT9GWwk7AMBSfXb) - [Buy this item via Buyee (International shipping)](https://buyee.jp/mercari/item/tbe4thcoAxbVxzCbBx5jxE) We hope you find this helpful. ## Product information (catalog snapshot) This is the catalog information published on the site when it was built. It is not a guarantee of live Mercari Shops inventory; check the purchase page for current availability. This page covers 4 catalog items (variants). Availability is per item and may differ between them. ### AI106 West Coast Mixer (Aluminium) - Brand: AI Synthesis - Price: ¥16,800 (JPY) - Status: Listed for sale (on Mercari Shops) - Width: 6HP - Purchase page: - Purchase page: ### AI106 West Coast Mixer (Black) - Brand: AI Synthesis - Price: ¥16,800 (JPY) - Status: Listed for sale (on Mercari Shops) - Width: 6HP - Purchase page: - Purchase page: ### AI106 West Coast Mixer (Aluminium) DIY Kit - Brand: AI Synthesis - Price: ¥10,800 (JPY) - Status: Listed for sale (on Mercari Shops) - Width: 6HP - Purchase page: - Purchase page: ### AI106 West Coast Mixer (Black) DIY Kit - Brand: AI Synthesis - Price: ¥10,800 (JPY) - Status: Listed for sale (on Mercari Shops) - Width: 6HP - Purchase page: - Purchase page: