Analog synthesizers have become a playground for DIY electronics builders, but the traditional playbook - breadboard everything and build through-hole prototypes - is slow, messy, and increasingly out of date. Modern tools make it possible for a single hacker to design and manufacture professional-quality surface-mount modules quickly and cheaply.

In this talk I’ll walk through my end-to-end workflow for designing Eurorack modules without breadboards. Using real modules as a case study, I’ll cover circuit simulation in LTspice, schematic capture and PCB layout in KiCad, and low-cost manufacturing with JLCPCB. I’ll also show the inevitable mistakes: debugging first prototypes, tweaking component values, and refining the design. The goal is to demystify modern PCB development and show how approachable it is to go from idea to fully manufactured hardware.

If you’ve ever wanted to design your own synth module - or any small electronic gadget - this talk will show how modern tools and manufacturing make it easier than ever.