Modular Synth Panels

> Very nice panel.  Not sure how often I would use both the AC and DC
> linear inputs at once.

I have used the motm lin/dc and FM2 periodically, so I thought I would
continue some experimentation with the cgs vco.  Maybe the reversible cv2
would have been more useful.

>But your large panel affords just about everything.
>

THis is mainly what I was after - bringing out as many features as I could
within the 3U confines.

> For a completely different and minimal approach, see the panel I've just
> uploaded to the same directory: dual-cgs-vco.fpd.

Very nice!  The exp/lin ac/dc switching is a good idea (I'm assuming they
are set up like the motm 300?).  You always have nice designs.  Because
yours is a dual vco unit, there is certainly the opportunity to provide
some normalizing socket connections for ease of operation (e.g.,
normalizing sync sockets or FM sockets).

>  It is the VCO core
> that interests me.  I put two CGS VCOs into a 2U panel (1 in 1U would be
> just half).

I suppose from a different perspective, I am interested in the full-blown
version, in particular, the vco/waveshaping section.  I had considered
eliminating the sub osc section, but thought it might be interesting to
experiment with.

> But after considering
> how much I use my FINE tune pots, I decided in favor of those, and as a
> bonus got separate jacks for SYNC and PWM inputs and could use the
> second switch for AC/DC linear FM.

Here I agree also - the Fine Tune pot is a must for me.  I have one simple
vco that I built from a schematic and I did not include a Fine Tune (I
should have).  After that, I decided to always have Fine Tune.

> Bye-bye cool reversible CV.  (Hey,
> but I have the Oakley Multimix!)

How true!  These are among the best 'utility' modules to have.

>  With a full featured panel you don't
> have this sort of dilemma.  Everything in design involves some sort of a
> tradeoff.  That is partly what makes it interesting.  The CGC circuits
> offer a lot of possibilities for different panel designs.  And Schaeffer
> let's us do our own thing.  1U, 2U, or 3U, it's a choice we can make.
>

Yes, Ken's pcbs offer minimal or maximal modules, depending on one's needs
and space.

Trade-offs seem to be the rule, especially with limited module 'real
estate', which I always seem to be running up against.  I had worked on 4
previous designs of 2U and 3U before I decided on this one.  My thinking
just evolved into the 3U.  That is one thing I like about having a program
like Front Panel Designer (or others): I can 'sketch' out ideas and think
about what aspects of the module that I would like at the same time - the
feedback is nice in exploring options.

> I haven't built my CGS VCOs yet, but I think they will turn out nicely.
> I am going to use high quality parts throughout.
>
I haven't spent a lot of time with this vco to date - just an overall
check out of sound and features.  I have yet to figure out the STAIR
output - I don't have it nailed down yet.

Jeff