[My Synth Efforts]

[Andrew Schrock]

On 9 Jun 1999, INDRID COLD wrote:
> Tim Ressel  wrote:
>> mod....you get the idea. My big problem right now is deciding on a form
>> factor
>> for my module front panels; any insight would be appreciated.
> Due to a very inconvenient problem (poverty) i decided to use inexpensive mini
> boxes for my synth. at first it seemed a stupid idea but now i am quite
> pleased with the result. the boxes are very easy to work with, compact, cheap,
> and come in many sizes. i  also found that they have plenty of panel space and
> are almost indestructable. check out the "modular" page of my web site for
> pics. the coolest thing is being able to fit 8 modules, power supply, and
> cables into hardshell camcorder case i found in the trash. Mike.

The only problem with this is it has a very large footprint compared to
rackmount equipment. I was a big proponent of the 'little box' school of
synth building, until I realized a few things: 

1) I needed a power supply per box, or a way of distributing power between
   boxes. 
2) I was quickly running out of desk space. 
3) It was becoming a bigger and bigger pain to patch between boxes. If you
   have a 8-10 module unit in a suitcase I can see that being handy, but
   once you pass a certain number of seperate boxes it becomes awkward to
   really get the spaghetti going. 

Raw front panels are pretty cheap, you can always build a pine case for
them for around $15. (just get a 6' length of 7" board, cut it to size,
glue and screw it together) I personally don't like un-reinforced front
panels because they tend to bend a lot.. at least the cheap ones. 

Andrew

-| Andrew Schrock | aschrock at cs.brandeis.edu |-