Is it a synth, is it a cat... it's a SynthCat 4000.
This is about as basic as an instrument build gets — electronically, and honestly physically too. One Arduino UNO, two potentiometers, a handful of 3D-printed parts, and you've got a small, noisy cat that anyone can pick up and play with no explanation needed. Head controls frequency, tail controls modulation. That's the whole interface.
What you'll need
Parts:
- 2× 10k PCB-mount potentiometers
- 1× Arduino UNO
- ~1m of wire
- 1× 3.5mm audio socket
- 3× header strip (usually comes with the Arduino)
- A few cm of heat shrink
- A small amount of 3D-printing filament
- 1× USB cable (power + programming)
Tools:
- 3D printer
- Computer to program the Arduino
- Soldering iron and solder
- Side cutters
- Hot glue gun
Step 1 — Print the parts
Print files are on Thingiverse: thing:6574190. Pick filament in your favourite cat's colours. I printed everything in one go, with supports only needed on the head and tail connectors.
Step 2 — Prep the board
Cut the 6 ISCP pins flush using side cutters (they're not always present) — this lets the head connector sit properly.
Step 3 — Solder it up
Wire the two pots and the audio connector. Heat shrink keeps it tidy.
Connections:
- Audio connector + → Arduino Pin 11
- Audio connector − → Arduino GND
- Head pot: left → GND, middle → A0, right → 5V
- Tail pot: left → GND, middle → A1, right → 5V
Step 4 — Fit the head and tail
Add the printed head and tail connectors. A little hot glue keeps them stable if needed.
Step 5 — Fit the legs
Same deal — hot glue for stability if you want it.
Step 6 — Mount the pots
Slide the two pots up into the head and tail supports. Remember: the pot on A0 is the head, A1 is the tail.
Step 7 — And head and tail
Place the head and tail into the 2 pots.
And I'll Form the Head... (yes, that's a Voltron line, no judgment if you didn't catch it)
Step 8 — Program it
- Download the Arduino IDE
- Add the "the_synth" library — grab it from github.com/dzlonline/the_synth
- Upload the SynthCat code to your Arduino (CatSynth.ino)
Step 9 — Play
That's it — you've built a SynthCat. From here, the real fun is in modifying: tweak the code for a different-sounding kitty, or edit the STL files for a different-looking one.
Happy noise making.
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