[sdiy] Panel design

[Elby Designs]

I have, recently, been approached by a few customers with regard to front 
panel designs for the ASM-2. There are, of course, a few good ones out there 
already and I have the ASM2-Genie (concept) and the ASM2-Wizard (now 
available as a purchasable item) designs posted on my website as a couple of 
examples.

The biggest dilema, for me, in coming up with a design has always been the 
choice of a case based on the fact that I would like the case to be 
something that everyone has relatively easy access to and doesn't require 
that they have woodwork or metalwork skills. That means it has to be 
basically, off the shelf. Large 19" racks (taller than 5U and typically 7U) 
appear to be expensive so I have always finished up with the attache case 
approach. Of course the synth design (modular, semi-hardwired, hardwired 
etc) plus knob and connector sizes all add to the confusion, but for me the 
case has had to be the main steering element (as an example, the ASM1-Genie 
panel is a semi-patched design, whilst the ASM2-Genie was restricted to a 
hardwired synth. The ASM2-Wizard however is a modular styled unit) with the 
aim to be able to offer the constructor a `complete' system if desired.

Assumming that we don't want to get in to the debate regards the knobs and 
sockets, I would like to ask the many experts out there what the general 
consensus was on:-

(a) the preferred case style. Example: attache case, 19" rack, free-standing 
wooden cabinet etc
(b) the layout of the ASM2-Genie 
(http://www.elby-designs.com/asm-genie/asm2-genie-frontpanel.pdf)
(c) the hardwired connections used. Are they best or are there better. 
Should the choices be greater (eg most inputs to VCOs are from the LFO, 
should they be rotary switches with more options?)

Any other input that you feel is relevant would be greatly appreciated.

Best Regards

(Mr) Laurie Biddulph
Mobile: 0400 257 645

Elby Designs
ABN: 70 022 727 605
http://www.elby-designs.com

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