[sdiy] Definition of Modular (regarding FatMan)

[Peter Grenader]

I think Peng's point defines 'large' or 'small' modular, amore than it's
it's 'top layer' description.

If not, then please somebody tell me what a Putney is - what category.  It
needs to be patched in order for it to do anything, yet you cannot move the
functional blocks around.  Does this make it just a patchable system?  Or a
non-modular patchable system?  The fact the it is broken into separate
functional blocks, or modules, that must be routed together externally
doesn't qualify it as a modular system?  I think so.

The 'official' definition of the word 'modular' via the Oxford Dictionary,
which in academic circles is considered the sole reference of the English
language lists two definitions - one pertaining to something being based on
a module or modulus, and one pertaining to a design with standardized units
or dimensions for flexible arrangement.

Argument for my point is it is included in the definition of the word
modular.  Remember, something does not have to apply to all the definitions
of a given word to be legit, that's why the alternate definitions are
numbered.  A second point in my argument being that taken to the letter of
the (Oxford Dictionary) law, a 'design with standardized units' implies that
modules are identical dimensions and can be swapped around for one another
in all cases.  Given that modules within most synthesizers share only the
height as a common reference and come in a set group of widths,  then they
cannot be swapped for one another in al lcases and this second definition
does not wholly apply.

...and obviously I have too much time on my hands, which is a lot of c at p,
so....back to VCOs!

- P




megaohm wrote:

> From reading definitions on the term 'modular', it would seem Paul hit
> the nail on the head. A module is self contained and can be added or
> subtracted to and from a larger or smaller collection of modules, and
> placed in any desired physical space. If I wanted to put a small
> modular system together to bring to the studio tonight I simply take
> the modules I want out of my large cabinet and put them into my
> portable one. If I wanted to bring ONE vco and the ADSR from the
> Fatman, I couldn't do it. Though, the Fatman can be a module if you
> think of it as a synth module or one voice module as opposed to a
> filter module or a VCO module. Therefore, I could have a modular
> Fatman if I had a few of them together. The voices would be modular,
> but not the subcircuits that make up the voice. In the same way that
> my 440 lopass is a filter module with a mixer subcircuit. The mixer
> couldn't be considered a seperate module because the output can't be
> tapped and it can't be seperated from the VCF itself.
> There's nothing wrong with a synth just because it's not fully
> modular. Fully patchable is way more important and useful.
> 
>
> 
> On 8/21/05, Scott Gravenhorst <music.maker at gte.net> wrote:
>> 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
>> -- Linux Rex         | RedWebMail by RedStarWare
>> -- FatMan: home1.gte.net/res0658s/fatman/
>> -- NonFatMan: home1.gte.net/res0658s/electronics/
>> -- Autodidactic Master of Arcane and Hidden Knowledge.
>> 
>> 
>