RCA connectors as patch points?

[Tim Ressel]

Jim --
Jim Wrote:
> What's everybody's thoughts on using RCA(phono) connectors (right angle,
> or normal) for a modular synth's patch points?
> 
Jim:
I am using RCA-style jacks on my DIY synth for the audio path, and banana plugs
for the CV paths. RCA connectors have the advantages of small size, positive
mechanical connection, and are available in high-quality (DGS-Deltron and
Neutrik). The disadvantage as I see it is they are not a "closed" connector.
That is to say, the back of the jacks are open to the elements. Another minor
problem is some RCA connectors are very hard to connect and even harder to
disconnect.

I know some of you are going to balk at the thought of using banana plugs for
CV. My thinking was this: If I use bananas I can make use of their stackable
nature and reduce the number of jacks needed on sources. That means I lose the
ability to directly connect signal paths to CV paths. I decided that was not
going to happen enough to matter. And besides, I would need some between
processing on the signals anyway. So bananas it is.

--Tim Ressel