Analog Synthesizer Circuit Design

Researched, prototyped, and documented the process of building an analog “dub siren” synthesizer, a device historically used in Jamaican sound system culture to produce sweeping oscillator tones. My role combined circuit design, PCB development, and technical communication, with the goal of both reproducing the hardware and making it accessible for education and reproducibility.

Research & Cultural Context

The project situates the siren within its historical role in sound system culture, connecting technical circuit design with its use as a musical and cultural instrument. As part of the design process, I produced both technical schematics and public-facing educational materials that highlight this intersection.

System & Implementation

  • Designed and tested oscillator circuits (555 timers, op-amps, transistor loops) to generate variable-frequency tones characteristic of dub sirens.

  • Integrated user controls, including switches, potentiometers, and resistor banks for live performance modulation.

  • Transitioned from breadboard to PCB: produced schematics, developed manufacturable layouts, and fabricated a reproducible board.

  • Authored detailed technical documentation to accompany the hardware, ensuring reproducibility for future students and researchers.

Fabrication

I built and tested a fully functional dub siren prototype that was used in live demonstrations, then transitioned the design into a manufacturable PCB version to enable reproducible builds beyond the lab. As part of this work, I was awarded MIT funding to lead a Fall 2025 circuit design workshop for undergraduates, using the siren as a teaching tool. I also produced a multi-part educational video series that documents the schematics, build process, and cultural history of the device, making the project accessible to a broader audience.

Technical Skills

Analog Design: Oscillator circuits, op-amps, discrete transistors, biasing networks

PCB Development: Schematic capture, Altium Designer, board layout, FR4 fabrication, soldering

Simulation & Testing: LTspice analysis, oscilloscope measurement, signal characterization

Documentation & Teaching: Technical schematics, reproducibility reports, workshop instruction

Creative Tools: Adobe CC Suite, video production for technical communication