# 230: What the Hell Is Wrong with Unicorns?

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2018-01-17
- Length: 1h 20m
- Episode: 230
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2018-01-17-230-what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-unicorns
- Listen: https://makingembeddedsystems.libsyn.com/230-what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-unicorns

## Summary

Sunshine Jones, an electronic musician and San Franciscan, discusses his User's Guide to the Roland SE-02 synthesizer, a collaboration between Roland and Studio Electronics. He explains the technical architecture of the SE-02, including its voltage-controlled oscillators and filters, while criticizing the manufacturer's original leaflet for being insufficient for learners. Jones advocates for deep engagement with hardware over digital interfaces, sharing his self-taught journey of building and repairing synthesizers like the Raging Bull filter. He emphasizes that understanding the underlying electronics empowers artists to explore the full potential of their instruments without being limited by elitism or consumerism.

## Chapters

- [0:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2018-01-17-230-what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-unicorns#t=11) Introduction: Sunshine Jones and his musical journey
- [7:57](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2018-01-17-230-what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-unicorns#t=477) The Roland SE-02 and Studio Electronics collaboration
- [10:44](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2018-01-17-230-what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-unicorns#t=644) Critique of the SE-02 manual and Jones's User's Guide
- [14:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2018-01-17-230-what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-unicorns#t=877) Analog vs. Digital interfaces and the value of physical interaction
- [23:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2018-01-17-230-what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-unicorns#t=1410) Technical breakdown: Monophonic engines, VCOs, and filters
- [39:55](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2018-01-17-230-what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-unicorns#t=2395) Self-taught engineering: Building and repairing synthesizers
- [54:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2018-01-17-230-what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-unicorns#t=3242) The economics of being a musician versus a day worker
- [1:02:17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2018-01-17-230-what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-unicorns#t=3737) Songwriting, improvisation, and the role of failure
- [1:07:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2018-01-17-230-what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-unicorns#t=4056) Open-source philosophy and community building

## Topics

- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Analog & power electronics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/analog-and-power-electronics)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Direct-to-consumer & e-commerce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/direct-to-consumer)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Roland (company)
- Studio Electronics (company)
- Roland SE-02 (product)
- Mini Moog (product)
- Raging Bull filter (product)
- TB-303 (product)
- Commodore Vic 20 (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Open Circuits with Eric Schlaepfer and Windell Oskay](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-11-14-open-circuits-with-eric-schlaepfer-and-windell-oskay) (The Amp Hour)
- [The Secret Life of Circuits with lcamtuf / Michał Zalewski](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-06-04-the-secret-life-of-circuits-with-lcamtuf-micha-zalewski) (The Amp Hour)
- [Open Hardware and Self Publishing](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2010-09-28-open-hardware-and-self-publishing) (The Amp Hour)
- [Ep 319: Experimental Archaeology, Demoscene Oscilloscope Music, and Electronic Memories](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2025-05-02-ep-319-experimental-archaeology-demoscene-oscilloscope-music-and-electronic-memo) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Fremescent Floccose Fortification](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2012-01-03-fremescent-floccose-fortification) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

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