Filter Layout question

[List, Christopher]

Sorry Andrew, but I must respectfully disagree with you on this one.
Having a made a couple of these filters with each topology (2 from
scratch with 4 jacks and two as part of the ASM-1 board) I have to say
that having 4 output jacks takes up only slightly less panel space as
the switch + pot + single output jack, and gave me very little in
functionality. (If you're using 1/4" jacks, a mini-switch takes up LESS
space than a jack!) 

Yes there's more flexibility, but it's sort of that old 80/20 (or in
this case for me more like a 95/5) rule. I hardly ever use multiple outs
from the filters that have them. OTOH, I constantly sweep from low-pass
to high-pass with the mix knob, and also flip the switch back and forth
between lowpass and bandpass while the synth is playing for a dj-cut
kind of filter sound. With a "pure modular" setup, this is would only be
possible with 3 or 4 extra patch cords and another module. I dunno, It's
just my opinion. I started out building things that were very flexible
from a patching point of view, and more and more I'm wishing that I had
switches and pots for the most common functions instead. Unfortunately,
switch holes are smaller than jack holes, so switching to switches gets
messy. Obviously, if all your gear is hard-wired together in a generic
way, it's not going to be that "special" for you - but if you hardwire a
few choice things that are a little unique to begin with (like sweepable
LP to HP) I think the convenience is worth it.

(Note for clarity to any who don't realize: With a knob to sweep from
lowpass to highpass, a 50% setting is the same as a notch output - so
all the same settings are available.)

I guess it's easy for me to say because I have one of each, and if
you're building two of these filters, I think that's the way to go - one
for flexibility, one for practicality. Otherwise, If I had just one, I'd
probably go with; pot + switch + 3 output jacks (lowpass, highpass, and
variable) - a little more panel space, but hell, if you've only got one
state-var. filter in your setup, panel space is probably not that much
of an issue for you...

Oh yeah, one more thing, I think switches look way cooler than jacks :)

Just MHO,
- CList


ps.
For notes on converting the ASM-1 PCB so that it can do the switch + pot
method described, check here;
http://www.mindspring.com/~clist/resource/asm1tips.html  


> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Andrew Schrock [SMTP:aschrock at cs.brandeis.edu]
> Sent:	Thursday, December 10, 1998 9:36 PM
> To:	Rob
> Cc:	synth-diy at mailhost.bpa.nl
> Subject:	Re: Filter Layout question
> 
> IMO, seperate jacks for different passes all the way. It's nice to
> have
> the option to mix the outputs. I believe the concensus is that it's
> bad to
> make modular gear with lotsa switches to go between modulations..
> sorta
> defeats the purpose, plus once you've filled up a box with switches,
> you'll have trouble expanding.. plus it doesn't look as cool. 
> 
> Andrew
> 
> | Andrew Schrock
> |
> | Network Programmer, Synthesizer and electronic music enthusiast
> |
> | aschrock at cs.brandeis.edu
> |
> 
>