Thumbwheel (was:Matrix board!)

[Haible Juergen]

>All my signal prcessing modules will have two mixable inputs, with a
thumbwheel for selecting among the ten >most used signal sources

This is an excellent idea, especially for a performance-type, non-modular
synth. What exactly is
this thumbwheel like ?

	>The problem is that if I include all signals, there simply will be
too many for a single patch matrix. I made a >quick list of the modulation
routings and came up with 28 sources and 39 destinations. T

Definitely too large for one matrix. There is a breakpoint somewhere between
15x15 and 20x20
connections; below that you can't beat a matrix, and above that patch chords
are a better choice.
(I would feel very lost on a Synthi 100 ...)

I see your concept of mixing the matrix and selector switch approach. But
take care that you don't
loose overview with such a system. The matrix has the effect that a new user
will be very confused
at first - even if the "new user" is the builder himself. Then, very soon,
you become accustomed
to the topology of your matrix, your fingers learn in which region to put a
pin for a desired connection.
This makes working with it so comfortable. (Besides the fact that you only
need "half of your set
of hands" to install and remove a connection.)
This pleasant effect may be spoiled if you are further switching certain
rows and columns to
different sources or destinations. There are exceptions, of course, like
having one matrix
column for several PWM inputs, and a switch to choose the VCO(s) that would
be adressed,
for example.

JH.