Rick Jelliffe sent me a link to an article he wrote on O'Reilly Digital Media which proposes a new form factor for modular synthesizers. The form factor? A4 - the standard size for a sheet of paper outside North America and the Phillipines. The article is in response to Grant Richter of Wiard calling for the use of different materials for modular faceplates to cut down costs (see this post). Title link takes you to full article. The following is an excerpt:
"But for the rest of us, Grant is entirely right, but it is more than just the cost, it is also the time delay and logistics and also the lack of flexibility that causes users problems. Why is it that we currently have the several dozen different form factors for synthesizer modules?
I think there is another way to approach the issue that solves several other problems, especially for the new and DIY maker: adopt A4 (the paper size used outside North America and the Philippines) as the standard size for module front panels. 210 x 297 millimeters or 8.27 x 11.69 inches.
The first question that probably will pop up is Rick are you insane? A4 is about the same size as US letter paper, surely that is way too big? Plus it isn’t an even multiple of any of the current standard sizes…what gives?
Well, lets start off by redefining the problem. DIY people need to buy the expensive panels because they don’t have the skills or tools to cut and make decent panels themselves. But buying in a good-looking panel has a hidden cost: it makes it difficult to evolve and experiment with the module, in particular with anything that requires new knobs, lights or jacks: so new functionality has to go into a new module, which then needs a new panel. Plus if spend your cash on panels, you don’t have a brass razoo for other modules: there is a substitution cost. So Grant is right that the cost of panels is a disincentive to purchasing panels, but it is also a disincentive to incrementally evolving them."
Sunday, April 01, 2007
18 comments:
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I don't like the aesthetic ratio of A4, or US LETTER.
ReplyDeleteIt's not a pleasing ratio. It always appeared to be a compromise to me.
As for DIY, I think there are many affordable options for panels:
a) You can often get nice rack-mount panels at electronic surplus stores for around 40 dollars.
b) No end of plastic/creative panels. They are easy to cut. Want to electrically isolate? Get some aluminum sheeting and cut it down (the .5 mm sort of stuff). That's easy to cut.
The most important thing to me for panels is that they can be rack-mountable.
I also like module depth to be limited like the new Cwejman.
Don't like pots and jacks to be attached to the PCB directly.
"I also like module depth to be limited like the new Cwejman.
ReplyDeleteDon't like pots and jacks to be attached to the PCB directly."
These are mutually exclusive, no? Anybody have pictures of Cwejman from the back side showing the mechanicals?
ya, the Cwejman isn't a perfect match.
ReplyDeleteOld Serges are more like a perfect match, 'cept you can't re-org the modules.
The new Serges seem deeper than the older ones.
I don't like the size of the proposed A4 either. Setting up a size form like that is only good for newbies that do not already have an existing modular. I doubt those of us that already have modulars withh convert every module to conform with this new size. A novel idea, yet I doubt it would really work out as well.
ReplyDeleteWhat's wrong with pots and jacks being connected to the PCB directly? If you want to reconfigure it, just desolder the pots or jacks you want to move and solder wire on instead? If you're worried about the mechanical strength, the pots and jacks are mechanically mounted to the panel, so there isn't any stress on the PCB.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I really wasn't asking for a picture of Mr. Cwejman's back side, rather the back side of one of Mr Cwejman's modules.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to clear that up.
A4 is sort of against the instinct behind "modular" synthesis isn't it? having a different panel for each is the point behind it all. also plastic is not a bad idea. shielding has never really been an issue for me.
ReplyDeletenarrow depths are hard to design for small time op's that hand design and build their boards.
i prefer pcb mount components. fewer parts = fewer points of failure, clean design, faster build time, etc... it does limit panel placement a tiny bit but the trade off is more then worth it.
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ReplyDeleteI think the A4 size is brilliant. The modules could be built right into the walls of my home. Actually, the modules are the walls. The leftover modules that I decide not to use will make nice roof shingles after I plug the holes with bondo. No guys really, no seriously...
ReplyDeleteNo, no, no...this isn't a good idea at all. The first thing that immediately came to mind was the fact that this A4 idea gets in the way of any sort of standardized rackmount hardware, something which a lot of synth users/builders rely on for their cabs. Then of course there's the form-factor point, with the resultant modules being simply huge and clunky.
ReplyDeleteWhile it does get annoying that there's a number of differing form-factors out there, at least we've come some distance in the fact that most synthesizer modules are operationally compatible, unlike the bad old days when there were all sorts of wars over CV standards, gate/trigger levels, and the like. That's a good thing. Comparatively, the form-factor differences are an annoyance, but not much more than that.
Hmmm...A4 proposed as a "better" form factor? I am trying to decide if this is an april fools joke or just a genuinely stupid idea.
ReplyDeleteBut seriously, I agree with whats already been said about it, this is just a bad idea.
If you want cheaper modules, you'll need to accept jacks, switch, pots, etc on the pcb. This is the only way to get rid of the high assembly cost of hand wired pots and jacks.
ReplyDeletethis is obviously an april fool's joke.
ReplyDeletey'all got punked!
Bah, A4 is much too small. I propose a new form factor made of recycled plastic milk cartons. Each panel will be 14.69134" by 20.34673" just to keep it obscure. Whos with me?
ReplyDeletePS, STG, I thought it might be, but you never know. I have heard much more stupid ideas proposed that actually ended up not being jokes!
I only really get into talking about fictional subjects.
ReplyDeleteIn some alternate universe, peoples modules are tabloid size, knobs are the size of paper plates, and the #1 brand of modular synths is "Moloch".
A4 would fit two modules into a 7U rack with a bit to spare (space for power switch, mults?)
ReplyDeleteAesthetically, the EMS/4600 is sexy. Maybe its just the pins.
For DIY makers, the real "module" is the PCB nowadays. People already make quad LFOs/quad VCOs/quad VCOs: a module can be a collection.
If we could spend less on panels and they were larger, we could then move to, say, having a VCA built into each input. Only a couple of dollars of components and a saving on sockets and panels. Small panels just ramp up the cost.
The original post with hole grid is at http://www.oreillynet.com/digitalmedia/blog/2007/03/a4_a_better_form_factor_for_mo.html
ReplyDeletelosers ,if u can't invest into manufacture serious aparatus,stop with it and don't spread crap.
ReplyDelete