Dieter-
I planned at one time to make a matrix with !/4" switchcraft High
density stereo jacks (I worked at a company that used them and I could
get them cheap - and I had a bunch of SEM modules). The plan was to
run the output lines on the tip's and the input lines on the Rings -
ground as ground. That way you could put trimmers in the plugs and use
them to have different levels at different patch points. This setup
also allowed any crosspoint to be used as insert jack to other
external equipment when a stereo plug "Y-cord" was used. This way you
could insert a VCA at a crosspoint for instance - very handy. if a
mono plug is inserted all the way it would work as a patch out (but
would short that row input - not a bad thing for a SEM) but if only
inserted half way would act as a input on that buss. I would also
suggest bringing the rows/columns out to a multi-pin header in the pcb
so that multiple matrixes could be chained together. Can't wait to see
this module. How wide a panel is planned

BTW loved the NAMM video. A short video on each just-released module
would be a great selling tool. No expensive production needed - the
camera aimed at the module and a hand and voice added. Ship me the
modules and let me keep them and I will do the videos for free! (like
everyone on this list with a camera would do also!).

-James

On Feb 1, 2008, at 12:52 AM, hardware@... wrote:

> I just wanted to inform you that we are working on a 8x8 matrix made
> with
> 3.5 mm jack sockets. The reason is that we found a manufacturer that
> produces a horizontal version of the 3.5 mm sockets at a much better
> price
> compared to the vertical Cliff sockets used so far. Some of you may
> have
> noticed these sockets in new modules (e.g. the Manual Gate A-164-1,
> Switched
> Multiples A-182-1, A-186-1 Gate/Trigger combiner and the new version
> of
> A-180 Multiples I). With these sockets it should be possible to
> built a 8x8
> matrix at affordable costs. We are still looking for a manufacturer of
> shortening 3.5 mm jack plugs (or with diodes or resistors).
>
> I hope the matrix will be in the Euro 100-120 range but I still have
> to wait
> for the quotations of our front panel manufacturer and our assembly
> company.
>
> Best wishes
> Dieter Doepfer
>
>
>> I have one Doepfer portable rack configured with AS and Doepfer
>> modules that are similar to the AKSs layout. I don't have all of the
>> modules in a AKS of course - no meter or KS keyboard or fixed output
>> filters for instance. I also haven't bought the trapezoid clones or
>> EMS filter so it is not a real close clone - close enough for me to
>> re-create the patches I commonly made on the Synthi A. I'm at work
>> now so I can't give you the exact module list but mainly it is mostly
>> Doepfer with 2 AS VCOs (the no longer made RS90 - it had the wave-
>> shaping I wanted) and the AS joystick (modified to be mounted upside
>> down - cables get in the way otherwise) and a custom made dual manual
>> gate panel. The things it has that are different than the Synthi are
>> dual Ring modulator, VC envelope generator, MIDI, mixer and VC
>> panner, and some more. I have re-arranged it a few times and there is
>> allot you can fit in that case. The main thing for me is to find or
>> make a joystick module that feels and acts like you want. It is the
>> main interface to play on the rig for me. A inverter module and lots
>> of multiples are needed too. Having a inverter is great - the way you
>> had to do inversion on the Synthi was a drag - I often have the
>> joystick's axis used in both regular and inverted at the same time.
>> The EMS matrix will spoil you totally and you will need to make or
>> buy lots of mults. If I ever find a source for the jacks used in the
>> Doepfer/AS modules in the US - I would love to make a matrix patcher
>> - lots of jacks needed though! To make one cheaply you would have to
>> hardwire it to the modules and there goes the flexibility of a
>> modular placement. At that point you might as well make a large
>> custom panel, take the panels off AS and D modules and mount them to
>> it - hardwired to the matrix. I always wanted to make a SEM-like
>> voice module that way with AS and Doepfer modules packed closely in
>> one panel and normalized to a standard patch. Oh well - now I'm
>> rambling - slow day here today.
>> -James
>
>
>
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