workshop
Two-day workshop on designing and soldering a synthesizer based on the 40106 chip

No prior experience in electronics is required — everything will be explained from scratch, and all materials are provided on site.
25-26.10.25. / 16.20
Polina Shmonina
SPEAKER
The Microchip
as a Score
more
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP
This weekend we invite everyone who wants to take their first step into the world of electronics and synthesizer building.

During two days of theory and practice, you’ll create your own analog synthesizer, learn how electronic components work, and understand how to read and design circuits.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll have your own unique instrument, a solid understanding of analog logic, and a foundation for future DIY experiments in sound.

Format:
  • 2 days
  • 2 hours (1 hour theory + 1 hour case studies)
  • Language: russian

Entrance:
  • 60 GEL 1 lecture/ 110 GEL 2 lecture
All materials are provided.

Location:
Tbilisi, Ana Kalandadze st, 5 (Saburtalo)
register
WORKSHOP program
  • Introduction to analog sound and basic electronics
  • How to read and understand circuit diagrams
  • Components overview: resistors, capacitors, ICs, potentiometers
  • How professional synthesizers are built — example of Microrack / MFOS
  • Building your first sound circuit on a breadboard
  • Exploring alternative interfaces: light, body, graphite

We’ll end the day with a small jam session using our first circuits)
Day 1
Theory and breadboard prototyping

October 25, 16:20

  • Preparing components and soldering basics
  • Assembling your own synthesizer on the MFOS Microrack board
  • Modifying the circuit and experimenting with custom control methods
  • Designing and finishing the enclosure
  • Testing, tuning, and final adjustments

By the end of the workshop, each participant will take home a fully working handmade instrument.
Day 2
Soldering and final assembly
October 26, 16:20
About speaker
Polina Shmonina is a media artist and synthesizer builder. She explores technology as a creative medium and electricity as a co-author. Her practice engages with DIY aesthetics, circuit bending, and a critical approach to the utilitarian use of technology.

She curates the educational program phatch lab, which presents analog and digital algorithms as an open canvas accessible to everyone.

A graduate of the workshops of Andrey Smirnov, Oleg Makarov, and Alexey Shulgin at the Rodchenko Art School.
Polina Shmonina
SPEAKER
Who is this course for
Beginners and curious makers
to explore how sound is born from electricity and build your first simple circuit. No experience needed — just curiosity.
Artists and media practitioners
to gain a deeper understanding of the symbolic and anthropological dimensions of sound.
Musicians and sound designers
to expand your toolkit, build your first analog synthesizer, and feel how an electric signal transforms into sound.
register