[sdiy] Panels: early results

[Theo]

Hi Neil,
I first did my modules at 3U with mini jacks.
While I don't mind the small knobs I didn't like the mini-jacks.
Bananas was a option, but I need to be compatible with a other system.
So now I am "re-casing" my modules to MOTM 5U format with full-size jacks
and so far I really like it :)
However I use a bit smaller knob than MOTM does so the knob density can be a
bit higher.

Cheers,
Theo


> All,
>
> Some early results from the survey:
>
> ========================================================================
> Panels
> ----------------------
>
> Small
> -----
>
> 5 people have used small (3U) sized panels, of which two found them too
> small and fiddly to use.
>
> Large
> -----
>
> This is certainly the more popular, with 9 people going this way.  The
> general height seems to be either 5U (8.72") or 9", in various widths
> between 2-3".
>
> Huge
> ----
>
> Jim Patchell likes his panels REALLY BIG!
>
> Conclusion
> ----------
>
> Larger panels can accomodate larger knobs (titter ye not!) and connectors
> without getting all squashed up, so ideal for live performance on a dark
> stage, or for those of us with large fingers.
>
> But, smaller panels offer a higher density of function, which may or may
> not be as desirable, and only really practical for a studio-based synth.
>
> Jim's out there on his own :)
>
> =========================================================================
> Connectors
> ---------------------
>
> 1/4", 6.35mm
> ------------
>
> 6 people prefer these to their smaller cousins, and they are mechanically
> robust too.
>
> 1/8", 3.5mm
> -----------
>
> Not quite as popular, with 4 people using them, as they are compatible
> with the Aries, Paia and Analogue Systems modules.  Also tend to be a bit
> less robust than the larger jacks.
>
> Bananas
> -------
>
> Bit of an oddity.  Used by at least one person, and also favoured by
> Buchla, Serge, Fenix, ModCan, and Tony Clark's synth.  Quite a few people
> expressed a preference for them, while not currently using them.  The
> stackable feature seems to be the main benefit, together with
> colour-coding.  And electrically they are possibly the most robust.
>
> Conclusion
> ----------
>
> Most people seem to want to go bananas, with their colour-coding and
> stackability, but stick with jacks for compatibility with other systems
> (MOTM, Moog, Oakley, Digisound, Paia, etc...)
>
> Probably best summed up by Ken Stone:
>   3.5mm  - compact, normalized
>   6.5mm  - robust, normalized
>   banana - stackable, colorful (for color coding).
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Many thanks to all those who have contributed so far.  And if you haven't
> yet done so, please do.
>
> As for me, I'm kinda tempted towards the 3U+banana combination at the
> moment.
>
> Neil
>
> --
> Neil Johnson :: Computer Laboratory :: University of Cambridge ::
> http://www.njohnson.co.uk          http://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/~nej22
> ----  IEE Cambridge Branch: http://www.iee-cambridge.org.uk  ----
>
>