# 230: What the Hell Is Wrong with Unicorns? (Repeat)

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2021-09-09
- Length: 1h 20m
- Episode: 230
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-09-09-230-what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-unicorns-repeat
- Listen: https://embedded.fm/episodes/230-repeat

## Summary

Sunshine Jones, an electronic musician and author, discusses his User's Guide to the Roland SE-02 synthesizer, explaining how he created it to address the device's insufficient official documentation. He details the technical architecture of the SE-02, including its voltage-controlled oscillators and filters, while arguing that deep engagement with hardware is superior to screen-based music production. Jones shares his self-taught journey of building and repairing synthesizers, emphasizing that debugging and failure are essential parts of learning electronics and building robust products.

## Chapters

- [0:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-09-09-230-what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-unicorns-repeat#t=11) Introduction: Sunshine Jones and his musical background
- [7:54](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-09-09-230-what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-unicorns-repeat#t=474) The Roland SE-02 and Studio Electronics collaboration
- [10:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-09-09-230-what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-unicorns-repeat#t=625) Critique of the SE-02 leaflet and Jones's User's Guide
- [14:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-09-09-230-what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-unicorns-repeat#t=877) Analog hardware vs. digital screens and computers
- [23:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-09-09-230-what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-unicorns-repeat#t=1410) Technical breakdown: VCOs, filters, and amplifiers
- [39:55](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-09-09-230-what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-unicorns-repeat#t=2395) Self-taught learning through trial, error, and repair
- [51:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-09-09-230-what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-unicorns-repeat#t=3085) Building relationships between synthesizers in performance
- [1:01:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-09-09-230-what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-unicorns-repeat#t=3699) Songwriting, improvisation, and live performance philosophy
- [1:07:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-09-09-230-what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-unicorns-repeat#t=4056) Open-source hardware 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)
- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)
- [Maker community & events](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/maker-community)
- [Direct-to-consumer & e-commerce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/direct-to-consumer)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Roland (company)
- SE-02 (product)
- Studio Electronics (company)
- Mini Moog (product)
- SE-01 (product)
- TB-303 (product)
- Commodore Vic 20 (product)
- iTunes (other)

## 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)
- [An Interview with Fran Blanche](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2015-08-21-an-interview-with-fran-blanche) (The Amp Hour)
- [Old Books, New Tricks - Iterant Inscription Irrationality](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2015-02-27-old-books-new-tricks-iterant-inscription-irrationality) (The Amp Hour)
- [380: Big Jug Handle in the Woods](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2022-12-09-380-big-jug-handle-in-the-woods) (Making It)
- [Open Hardware and Self Publishing](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2010-09-28-open-hardware-and-self-publishing) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

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