Format and Front Panels

Format

I went for Eurorack, seemed to be the most cost-efficient in terms of space. I didn't want large retro knobs or 1/4" jacks. The more compact it gets the better.
An A-100 DIY kit from Doepfer containing 19 inch rails and +/- 12V power supply and distribution was used. These rails are now mounted in an oak frame.

Front Panels

I spent several weeks planning front panel layouts. Early on I decided to use sliders instead of rotary potentiometers where feasible. Alpha makes some very nice slider potentiometers with a built-in LED. Three colors are available, but not all resistance values. (5, 10, 50 & 100k lin only). Three different travel lengths. All versions have center detent, which is removable if you have steady hands.

Jacks used are the Kobiconn 1640 EX. I like these because the hex nut is on the back instead of the front. My personal view is that hex nuts should be avoided as far as possible on the front side of panels, they look too DIY...
See the Components Used page for more info.

Front panels were created with Front Panel Designer from Front Panel Express (Schaeffer in EU). The Schaeffer panels are very high quality but of course cost more than drilling your own. Since I use sliders a lot I had really no option. Making rectangular holes with sub-millimeter precision with some hand tool would be a nightmare.

Panels arrive on a piece of cardboard covered with protecting plastic.
From left to right; 16-step sequencer, dual VCF, dual VCO + ring mod.

Next: LFO & ADSR