Analogue systems

Bob really raised the pole for everyone with the new PSU.  Its much better
mechanically and electrically, but let me just comment briefly on the socket
selection.

While some of this is my own conclusion, I think it's fair to say that
Analogue Systems, by virtue of coming after Doepfer, was conforming to the
Doepfer standards for power requirements, size, jack type, etc. This was a
supremely intuitive decision on Bob's part as it created a cross platform
which has unquestionably helped his sales.  A brilliant move.

But - for obvious reasons, he wanted to avoid using other companies PSUs if
at all possible.  It only makes sense.  You can easily guarantee a product's
performance if you can control it's operation.  Once a second party product
is introduced, you then lose a certain amount of control and therefore, you
can no longer unquestionably guarantee the operation.  I'm not speaking
about the user side of the faceplate here, that's 200% compatible - I'm
speaking about it's supply voltage source.  I am also not dissing the
Doepfer PSU.  It's a fine unit, it's just not made by Analogue Systems and
from a manufacturers standpoint, more of a risk.  The very same holds true
with Doepfer modules powered by A. Sys supplies.  It will work fine - but
it's not a controlled situation, that's all.

So how to you design in exclusivity?  You use another connector scheme and
that's what Bob did.  Analogue Solutions was willing to take that risk and
their modules have accommodations for both the Doepfer inline and the A.
Sys's DIP connections.

Bob's decision to go with DIP connectors make sense as they are a cost
effective functional alternative to the Doepfer scheme.  You just have to be
careful when connecting them, that's all.  Listen, I've got hands as large
as cricket mallets.  It takes a bit of getting used to, but you do and it
gets easy at that point. One thing I've noticed that really makes
connections easier is if you remove either the top or bottom panel from the
rack when making multiple connections (like when setting up your system
initially), because it allows you to view things from a shallower angle so
you're not covering up the area you need to see with your hand.

With Bob's new power distribution panel things are much better off because
he included Doepfer style terminations along with his DIP sockets on his new
motherboard.   He also fused the secondary side of the syste (not just the
AC mains, but the DC voltsges as well) so even if ther is a problem, the
chance of it doing little more than blowing a fuse is distant.

just my conjecture here...

- P