[sdiy] re: presets on a modular

[john mahoney]

Welcome to SDIY, Larry. :-)


> How could we build the system (or something similar) that John M.
laid out
> at http://www.bitshifted.com/Q200.asp?

I'm glad you like it. Nothing unusual is required to build this stuff.
It's little more than the typical assortment of pots, switches (both
electromechanical and electronic), op amps, and jacks. DIPs and
trimpots are only slightly unusual. Making the front panel is often
the biggest hassle.


> Sticking with simple modules and
> using existing technology of voltage controls, what other modules
might be
> useful?

That's a big question. SDIY isn't necessarily the right forum for
this, though. In theory, Analogue Heaven or the modular pump at TGS
(the gas station) would be more appropriate. I haven't been to TGS in
some time...


> 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.

Actually, we've can use the common system ground. Think of banana jack
synths that use single conductor cables. A 6-pin cable can carry a
6-bit address.


> 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?

Using the address cables for analog data? Not really a good idea,
IMHO. ("Not good" as in not compatible with what I've laid out, more
complex, etc.)


> 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?

As you can see, there's little consensus on that.


> Is
> anyone willing to help design this beast so that we can actually use
it?  Am
> I full of s..t?

Roger could design those modules in his sleep! Oh, you want a DIY
version? Just wait long enough and I'll get around to it. (At which
time I'll probably be here asking more questions, LOL!)


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

No way, Larry! You can check in, but you can never leave. ;-)
--
john