[sdiy] Definition of Modular (regarding FatMan)

[Scott Gravenhorst]

Heh, interesting.  Then it's really a matter of form factor.  If I were to cut a
FatMan's PCB into pieces and rewire them into a set of movable panels, it would
then be a modular?

Using the Paul S. definition, accordingly, ASM-1 isn't a modular unless you
build it from the schematics as individual PCBs with individual front panels. 
Neither is the TomCat and other similar synths a modular synth, even though they
function as such from the patchability standpoint.

So to make a FatMan truly modular, I must not only make it patchable, but I must
cut the board up so that each circuit is on it's own piece, and create movable
and separately mountable front panels.  I'm not going to do that because it
would serve no purpose, I'm just interested in the etymology at this point.

Magnus Danielson <cfmd at bredband.net> wrote:
>From: Scott Gravenhorst <music.maker at gte.net>
>Subject: [sdiy] Definition of Modular (regarding FatMan)
>Date: Sun, 21 Aug 2005 10:09:38 -0700
>Message-ID: <200508211709.j7LH9cK06798 at linux6.lan>
>
>> Perhaps my usage of the word 'modular' is incorrect, so I will ask:
>> 
>> What does 'modular' mean?
>> 
>> I ask because at least one person said that the FatMan is not modular.
>> 
>> I always thought that modular means "composed of modules".  The FatMan is
>> most certainly composed of modules.
>> 
>> IMHO, a FatMan is modular (and analogue, too), it's just not patchable out
>> of the box.
>
>Traditionally, modular really meant that you had a bunch of modules which
>shared chassi(s) and power (Moog Modulars). For some you also had various forms
>of normalized patches (ARP 2600) and routingpaths (ARP 2500), but you could
>still do quite alot of free patching, if not fully free. Pre-patches synths
>(such as MiniMoog) has a much reduced freedom, but is not modular. The MiniMoog
>originally (Model A) was really just normal Moog Modular modules stacked
>together, but then fixed patches replaced the free patches and you ended up
>with a more static design, for the benefit of cost and while still providing
>what many people thought they needed most.
>
>There is nothing wrong with post-patched synths, they are just not modular.
>
>The Oberheim Xpander is a real border-case, but it is still not a true modular,
>just a very flexible synth.
>
>I don't consider FatMan a modular, it doesn't have that extreme end flexibility
>as I have gathered it. You could certainly mod up one to become effectively a
>modular, but that is a separate case.
>
>Cheers,
>Magnus
>

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-- Scott Gravenhorst | LegoManiac / Lego Trains / RIS 1.5
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