Why I like uniformly spaced knobs.
2002-04-16 by echophazer
For my purposes the MOTM cornrow look works. I don't use a keyboard or any other input devices other than my selection of modules. This means I have to move around on the knobs to keep things from getting boring. One thing I like about the evenly spaced layout is that it's easy to anticipate where my hand should stop when i'm reaching for a knob. I don't have to think as much about 'relative position' as much because there is consistancy along the z axis and x access of the working surface. The jack placement helps as well for the same reasons. I have a favorite central spot to stand in front of the synth and that is my sweet spot for moving fast becasue my body/mind has just gotten used to the relative movements. As far as knowing where the modules are, that is something that is much different than knob placement. If you are having problems finding your modules it's time to do this (it will be frustrating but help tremendously): Start with the modular set to all zeros and no wires in the jacks. Envision a favorite patch. Turn out the lights, put on a blind fold, close your eyes (too easy to cheat) do what ever you have to do not to look at the synth. Now pick up wires and slowly start to assemble the patch. You may end up having to run your fingers along the surface counting gaps between the panels, counting jacks, counting knobs and finding other tactile clues. All the while while this is being done the mind will be trying to recall what it has seen a million times but has taken for granted because of how easy it is to just use our eyes. This excersize is a form of cross training for the brain. Now go ahead and set the knobs. Find them just like you went about finding the jacks. Once you find the first knob start from it's zero position and turn it all the way to it's full position. Pay close attention to the travel that your hand/wrist makes to complete the sweep. now based on the reference you just set up in your mind try to place the knob in it's proper position for the patch you are going for. Get everything to sound roughly as you would like to hear it and then go back and fine tune the sound. I promise that this will help whether you have evenly spaced knobs or not. Peter B. Small deviations in the