[sdiy] re: presets on a modular

[larry at unicode.com]

Hi all

I don't want to throw a damper on this whimsical discussion, but I would
like to get part of the discussion back on track.

The original idea was to implement a limited preset system ON AN EXISTING
MODULAR SYNTH such as a Synthesizers.com, MOTM, Moog, or other 1/4" jack
based system.  (There is no reason why the 1/4" jacks could not be replaced
with 1/8" or banana jacks for other formats.)  The purpose of this system
would be to allow more effective use of the modular synth in a live
performance environment.  Given these design guidelines, this will not be a
perfect system, but a major time and energy saver anyway.  It will have it's
imitations & flaws, just like the instrument itself.  (One mans flaw is
another mans feature!)

I have noted some really wild and interesting ideas, but most are of very
limited use with the actual design considerations at hand.

In discussing other instruments with 'presets', I note that NONE of the
other preset systems do more then make simple changes in the overall
characteristics of the sound.  The basic nature of the sound never changes.
This is of course NOT the case with an Analog Modular Synthesizer!

How could we build the system (or something similar) that John M. laid out
at http://www.bitshifted.com/Q200.asp?  Sticking with simple modules and
using existing technology of voltage controls, what other modules might be
useful?

I have suggested using the 6-pin RJ type connecter to allow 64 'scenes' to
defined, I have realized, however, that you will only get 32 'scenes' as you
need a ground line in the 6 pin cable to reference the other signals to.
Might it also be possible to use analog voltages in the cable to allow
mixing of 'scene' definitions as opposed to discrete definitions?  Would
this be useful in a performance setting?

I admit that I have only had my modular synth for 5 months, and I will most
likely never use it in a live performance situation (I dabbling in
composition, I'm not a performer).  But I am a systems analyst and have been
designing and building computer software systems for 20+ years and I can see
the value in an add-on design for current systems.

What do the performers want?  What do the performers need?  What are the
limitations of the existing synth systems that we need to contend with?  Is
anyone willing to help design this beast so that we can actually use it?  Am
I full of s..t?

I think that this is a neat idea and I'd like to add one to my small setup.
I can also see where this could be tweaked to be a form of sequencer.  Now
what can I do with that?

Larry (please don't kick me out) T.