Modular Primer

slo

Hi all, enjoy this forum a lot and want to get into building again. Does anyone know of a primer for modular layouts? Specifically cabnet sizes, wether to go frac or the other way (moog)? banana plug or phone jacks. Does any of this info exist in one place?

v-un-v · Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2007 8:26 am Post subject:

Hi Slo,

to electro-music.com Very Happy

OMG! That's a BIG question, one I think, only you can answer. Personally I prefer banana jacks, but where to go to find more info?? Just look at the kit producers and the plain modular manufacturers etc. Alternatively, start your own standard Idea

jksuperstar · Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2007 10:08 am Post subject:

It is a difficult question to answer, since I also don't know a single source of this info, and yet I find my self also asking the same question. Somethings to help you though:

1.) What are the control signals like? Some use Volt/Hz to follow octaves, some use Volt/Octave scheme. Ideally, you should have modules that follow the same scheme.

2.) What's the power supply? +/- 12, 15, 18 volts?

3.) What's the rack mount size?

4.) what connectors are used in patch cables? pins, banana plugs, small or large (1/8" or 1/4") TRS jacks, RCA plugs?

Please post your findings here! (or anyone else, and maybe even the reasons for choosing one over the other!)

slo · Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2007 2:52 pm Post subject:

Hey thanks for the quick replies. At the moment I have nothing, just enough parts and enthusiasm to build about 4 different modules. So I want to pause and design it right from the start. The 2 main form factors seem to be frac and the moog/synth.com I think . Would I be right in saying the modules are not psyhically interchangable, leaving the voltage question aside for the moment. I plan on +/-15v.

bugbrand · Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2007 3:45 pm Post subject:

I saw this page recently and it may help::::

http://synthesizers.com/formfactors.html

Personally I use Paia Frakrak - probably the lowest cost?
And Bananas - oh yes, mmmmm
There's a thread about their pros (and a few cons) here:
http://electro-music.com/forum/viewtopic.php?highlight=long&t=15481

cbm · Joined: Oct 25, 2005 Posts: 381 Location: San Francisco

Synthesizers.com has a module comparison chart:
http://synthesizers.com/formfactors.html

slo · Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2007 7:55 pm Post subject:

That is an excellent list, thanks to both of you.

richardc64 · Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 5:28 am Post subject:

Also good diy cabinet advice there.
http://synthesizers.com/diycabinet.html