This is an introduction to the AI017 Low Pass Gate by AI Synthesis, available at Takazudo Modular.
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.
It is available in two panel versions — aluminum and black — and we also carry DIY kits.
This product is available for purchase below.
Takazudo Modular publishes manuals and related documents with Japanese translations. See the links below.
- Product Photos: Assembled
- Product Photos: DIY Kit
- Features of the AI017 Low Pass Gate
- Technical Specifications
- DIY Guide
Product Photos: Assembled
Product Photos: DIY Kit
Features of the AI017 Low Pass Gate
The AI017 Eurorack Low Pass Gate module can be set to one of three modes using the switch on the center left:
- VCF (top position)
- Low Pass Gate (center position)
- VCA (bottom position)
The AI017 is an updated version of the classic Buchla 200 series low pass gate, with the addition of an adjustable resonance circuit and depth control. It uses a vactrol to achieve the classic “ringing” and “bongo” effects.
Below is an official demo video from AI Synthesis.
Technical Specifications
- Width: 8HP
- Depth: 40mm
- Power consumption: +12V:19mA / -12V:17mA
DIY Guide
The DIY kit includes the panel, PCB, all components, power ribbon cable, and mounting screws.
AI Synthesis provides detailed DIY guides on their website. The guide linked below includes an assembly video along with step-by-step instructions with photos, making it a great resource for those new to DIY as well.
Assembly Impressions
I, Takazudo, also assembled this kit myself. Below is a video of the process. It’s not specifically designed to be instructional, but it may give you a sense of what the kit is like. You can see that the components are sorted into individual bags, making it a well-organized and user-friendly kit.
The components are all through-hole parts that are easy to solder. The soldering itself is not difficult, but there are many types of potentiometers, jacks, and switches, and their heights vary considerably, so you may want to pay some attention to aligning the front panel height.
What I typically do in such cases is place all the components on the PCB first, then attach the panel, lightly tighten the nuts, align the heights, and then solder. The idea is to push the components toward the panel side for positioning before soldering them to the PCB. The module will function even if the panel and PCB heights are slightly misaligned as long as there are proper electrical connections, but paying attention to this will result in a cleaner build.
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。
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。
About AI Synthesis
AI Synthesis is a modular synthesizer maker based in Portland, 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?
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!
That concludes the introduction to the AI017 Low Pass Gate.
Takazudo Modular publishes manuals and related documents with Japanese translations. See the links below.
We hope you found this helpful.