To expand on this a little...
In the posts from a few years ago it seems as if there's some misunderstanding as to what
this thing does (how it's different from a manual pin-matrix on an EMS Synthi, for
example).
This describes a 16x16 matrix that allows the user to route any input to any output,
making a patch, then saving this patch in memory, so that it can later be recalled with a
button or MIDI control, for example.
So it offers patch storage on an analogue modular synth with two limitations: first of all
the number of ins and outs is limited, in this case 16x16, and secondly this (obviously)
only saves the patch routing, not the knob settings.
The relatively small size of this matrix would probably make it more useful on smaller
systems than large ones. An "Animal" panel alone has close to 80 ins and outs, and only
32 of these could be patched into a 16x16 matrix. That sounds like a great setup to me,
though. One drawback of permanently patching one's favorite ins and outs on a panel into
an outboard matrix is that it would clutter the control panel with 32 cables, many of them
not even actively patched on the matrix.
I've been playing with the idea of (carefully) opening up a Serge panel and "hardwiring"
some of the ins and outs to my Synapse matrix. This way the control panel stays free of
cables, and can be used normally, but there would also be a multicore cable running out of
the panel into the matrix.
I don't want to actually start soldering inside the panel though. I should probably look for
miniature crocodile clamps or something like that to fix additional cables to the solder
points behind the panels without leaving any permanent marks.
Is anyone familiar with previous attempts at running multicore cables out of Serge's that
combined several of its ins and outs for interfacing with other gear?
Regards,
Thomas
In the posts from a few years ago it seems as if there's some misunderstanding as to what
this thing does (how it's different from a manual pin-matrix on an EMS Synthi, for
example).
This describes a 16x16 matrix that allows the user to route any input to any output,
making a patch, then saving this patch in memory, so that it can later be recalled with a
button or MIDI control, for example.
So it offers patch storage on an analogue modular synth with two limitations: first of all
the number of ins and outs is limited, in this case 16x16, and secondly this (obviously)
only saves the patch routing, not the knob settings.
The relatively small size of this matrix would probably make it more useful on smaller
systems than large ones. An "Animal" panel alone has close to 80 ins and outs, and only
32 of these could be patched into a 16x16 matrix. That sounds like a great setup to me,
though. One drawback of permanently patching one's favorite ins and outs on a panel into
an outboard matrix is that it would clutter the control panel with 32 cables, many of them
not even actively patched on the matrix.
I've been playing with the idea of (carefully) opening up a Serge panel and "hardwiring"
some of the ins and outs to my Synapse matrix. This way the control panel stays free of
cables, and can be used normally, but there would also be a multicore cable running out of
the panel into the matrix.
I don't want to actually start soldering inside the panel though. I should probably look for
miniature crocodile clamps or something like that to fix additional cables to the solder
points behind the panels without leaving any permanent marks.
Is anyone familiar with previous attempts at running multicore cables out of Serge's that
combined several of its ins and outs for interfacing with other gear?
Regards,
Thomas
--- In SergeModular@yahoogroups.com, "riluttante" <riluttante@...> wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> Below is a post that caught my attention from 2002. A lot of questions followed it, but I
> couldn't find an update on the design's progress.
>
> Does anyone know if the computer controlled patch matrix proposed here ever went
into
> production?
>
> Sonicsynthi, are you still on the list?
>
> I'm using a customized Analogue Solutions "Synapse" programmable matrix with my
Synthi
> A at the moment. Once my Serge arrives, I hope to use it in combination with a matrix
too.
> The Synapse has only 16x16 ins and outs though, and because it's a limitation of the
chip
> at the heart of the unit there's little I can change about that. I'm hoping by now someone
> else has developed a larger matrix with preset-saving for use with modular synths...
>
> Anyone? I'd also be interested in seeing alternative 16x16 matrices, like the "Digi-Trix"
> prototype.
>
> Thanks
>
> Regards
> Thomas
>
> --- In SergeModular@yahoogroups.com, "sonicsynthi" <sonic@> wrote:
> >
> > Digi-Trix.microcontrolled patching matrix
> >
> > digital patching matrix units - a small rackmount/tabletop unit
> > having an lcd screen with a backlit matrix similar in size (actually
> > clearer..) to an EMS synthi matrix .
> > by the simple use of up/down/left/right keys & a cursor it is easily
> > navigable . "pins" (Y to X connections) being visually
> > placed /removed with the "place pin" & "remove pin" buttons .
> > the unit has a prestopatch interface ideal for instant synthi
> > connection, plus the option of banana + 1/4" jacks . I
> > n this way the unit can create a matrix with any 16 outputs & 16
> > inputs & can equally be used to route guitar effects boxes , modular
> > syn , a mixture of both of infinite other possibilities for routing
> > AC or DC signals .
> > These patches once created can be stored . several stored patches
> > may even be "grown" on top of each other , adding other elements.
> > As I'm sure most of you realise . having instantly repatchable
> > matrices goes a long way to quick accurate changes .
> > the unit at present is a very quick & repeatable way to patch a
> > synthi plus the only way to store & recall those patches.
> > All well & good , but We are currently looking at implementing
> > midi patching & control in order to be able to sequence patch data
> > via midi.( patching a modular by keyboard or sequencer anyone )? If
> > anyone on the list has any experience with this area please contact
> > myself SonicSynthi or Steve Thomas via the Yahoo Putney list or
> > private email.
> > We are interested to hear of peoples orders , ideas , thoughts etc.
> > We plan to market a limited number of these next year , although non
> > midi models are already in beta testing.
> > We are planning to sell these for as little as possible , depending
> > on how many people pre-order it . Hopefully we'll be able to sell
> > them for around $450 /£300/Euro450 . Basically - a very reasonably
> > priced peripheral.
> > I created a matrix using Synton Fenix modules as a test & found it
> > transformed it into a formidable powerhouse , previously only
> > attributed to EMS & other (rare) matrix based problems .
> > Remember this lets you send aNY & ALL 16 ins to ANY & ALL 16
> > 0uts . Multiples become a confusing & boring thing of the past !
> > regards
> > SonicSynthi & Steve Thomas -New Atlantis Productions
> >
>