Doepfer

> I understand the design philosophy for the unit - a stand alone
> table top unit like a Dark Energy . I just thought that a lot of
> users would like to incorporate something like that into their
> modulars. I was thinking of a board mounted parallel to the front
> panel but the length of the current design looks like it would
> take up over half or more of the 84hp of a euro rack. If it were
> 3 times as wide and 1/3 as long it would fit behind a panel on
> standoffs quite easily - sort of like a SEM's circuit board is
> mounted behind the pots. I guess I was projecting the perfect
> layout for me! Like I said a DIY A-111-5. I would one of those
> but I guess I will get a A-111-5 instead. Looks like you will get
> my cash either way :-)
>
> -James

The main idea behind the DIY synth is not to save money but to have fun with
building your own synth with the type/size/color of controls, switches and
sockets (e.g. even 1/4" or banana) you want to have. From my point of view
it does not make sense to built something like A-111-5 from it. The DIY
board will be in the 100 Euro range and you have to add about 30
potentiometers with knobs, about 30 sockets (or less you don't need access
to all functions) and some switches. And don't forget the case or front
panel. Even if you can get inexpensive parts e.g. from a surplus supplier
the total charges (DIY synth board + controls, knobs, sockets and switches)
will be in the 200 Euro range. And it took me about two days to built the
prototype example shown on the web site (drilling the acrylic glass was the
hell :-). Taking all that into consideration I would buy the A-111-5 instead
of building an A-111-5 "clone" from the DIY synth board. As already said:
only if you have fun to built your own DIY synth and if you have some
experience with electronics and mechanical skills it makes sense to use the
DIY synth board.

Best wishes
Dieter Doepfer