[sdiy] Panel survey -- Final Results (was: Banana vs. 1/4" question)

[Stephen Begin]

Much appreciated, thank you!
-Steve

----- Original Message -----
From: "Neil Johnson" <nej22 at hermes.cam.ac.uk>
To: "synth-diy" <synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl>
Sent: Tuesday, April 15, 2003 6:55 PM
Subject: [sdiy] Panel survey -- Final Results (was: Banana vs. 1/4"
question)


> All,
>
> Here's my original panels and connectors survey results from last year.
>
> Neil
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> Date: Sun, 14 Jul 2002 17:46:13 +0100 (BST)
> From: Neil Johnson <nej22 at hermes.cam.ac.uk>
> To: synth-diy <synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl>
> Subject: [sdiy] Panel survey -- Final Results
>
>
> Ok, folks, I know I'm a week late, but here are the results of my panel
> survey!!  Hope you find it useful.
>
> <synthesized drum rolllllll....>
>
> --------------------
>       Panels
> --------------------
>
> The clear winner here is the large format with 70% of your votes.
> Typically 9" or 5U (8.75") high, and somewhere between 2.25" and 3" wide
> (or multiples thereof).  Clearly following in the footsteps of Uncle Bob!
>
> Smaller panels (3U) have a loyal following, capturing a credible 22%, and
> compatible with the smaller commercial synths from Dopefur, Paia, etc.
>
> And a couple of mad panellers out there like 'em BIG!!!  You know who you
> are, you weird sickos :-P
>
> -------------------
>     Connectors
> -------------------
>
> This issue is more widely spread than the panels, with arguments bouncing
> around between them.
>
> The winner is, unsurprisingly, the 1/4" jack.  Favoured by many
> influential companies (Moog being a notable example) and compatible with
> the majority of electronic and electric instruments (amps, guitars,
> mixers, etc) the old standard grabbed 43% of votes.
>
> But an usurper is in our midst.  And he's going bananas.  Yes, folks, the
> colourful 4mm banana grabbed an amazing 32% of your precious votes, and
> supported by the likes of Serge and Buchla.  Not shielded, true, but
> stackable, colourful, and its huge contact surface area means less contact
> noise.
>
> Following up in third place, with a credible 14% of votes, is the smaller
> 3.5mm jack, popularised by Digisound, Aries, Paia, Dopefur, Analogue
> Systems, Wiard, etc.
>
> The remaining choices included BNC, RCA phono and patch panels.
>
> ---------------
>
> So, there you have it.  The most popular format combination is large 6U
> panels with 1/4" jacks, or maybe bananas.  Smaller 3U panels fair
> reasonably well, but because of their small space restrict connector
> choices to 3.5mm jacks or bananas (again).
>
> So, it looks like the Moog/MOTM/Oakley format has staked its claim once
> more, but with maybe the banana nudging in for second connector choice.
>
> As for me?  I've settled on the banana for connector, as the combination
> of colour-coding and the large wiping contact appeals to me.  But my
> choice of panel size is likely to erupt cries of "Nooooo...":  I'm going
> with the smaller 3U format.  I like small, compact designs (like my mini
> synth modules) and am reminded of Tektronix scope plugins (ah, happy
> days...).
>
> Also, if I build big panels I just know I'll never get round to finishing
> a module as I'll be trying to squeeze more and more into each one, and
> never get there.  By keeping a tight reign on the size I stand a better
> chance of actually getting it made and working!
>
> Hope its of use, its been fun!  And many, many thanks to all those who
> responded with your votes and comments---without you this would not have
> been possible.
>
> Cheers,
> 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  ----
>
>
>
>