[sdiy] the white whale - modular synth patch memory

[Ģirts Ozoliņš]

Dear colleagues, 
	Here's what we did for saving patches:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo_KviHAyh8

Girts

-----Original Message-----
From: synth-diy-bounces at dropmix.xs4all.nl
[mailto:synth-diy-bounces at dropmix.xs4all.nl] On Behalf Of Roman Sowa
Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2015 11:26 AM
To: synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl
Subject: Re: [sdiy] the white whale - modular synth patch memory

This is exactly my idea I had 3 years ago. Even had partly done the routing
PCB, that would be an interfacing part to the backplane for every module.
Originally planned 16 analog buses for single row of modules, and routers
between rows. At some poind I had hoped it would become some sort of
industry standard, like now it's only few power input standards in modulars.
Unfortunately because of day-to-day business workload I dropped the idea.

So good luck, and I'll be watching the progress of your project with great
interest!

Roman

W dniu 2015-03-18 o 02:48, Richard Moore pisze:
> I couldn't resist.  I'm planning a DIY modular and I haven't yet convinced
myself that patch memory is too ambitious.
>
>
> And yes, I did check the archives.  It sounds like different concepts have
been kicked around on the list for modular patching busses and patch memory
for 20 years.  I probably missed a bunch of good stuff, though.  If you know
of someone who has done a good job of this in their system, let me know.  I
would very much like to see it.
>
>
> The strategies seem to be:
> 1. Switch matrices.
>
> 2. Sample everything and send lots of data on a digital bus.
>
> 3. Octopus modules (like WMD sequential switch).
>
> 4. Analog signal buses.
> 5. Use a software modular (Pd, MAX/MSP, etc) instead
>
> 6. Why would you want to store patches on a modular?
>
>
> There will always be use cases for #5, but everyone on this list is
probably already convinced of the virtues of hardware.  Pin/switch matrices
make for very clean modular synth builds, but they're not easily expanded.
Sampling and sharing a digital backplane is a good option, but may beyond my
skills/time constraints/budget for a DIY modular.  #3 is limited and
inelegant.  Right now I'm thinking about #4.
>
>
> Here's how I think a useful modular patching bus and memory should behave:
> 1. Patch memory - It should be able to route module inputs and outputs.
Hopefully without some patch cable octopus that keeps you from using the
jacks normally.
>
> 2. Easy patch storage - You should be able to patch your system with
cables and have that configuration stored to be recalled by a bus patching
module later.
> 3. Ability to edit - You should be able to load a patch, patch in
additional modules, and save an edit.
>
> 4. Portability - You should be able to share patches with people that have
similar modules.  Moving your modules around shouldn't break the patch
memory.
> 5. Knob position storage - Ideally knob positions could be stored and
recalled until edits are made.
> 6. Retrofitting - It would be really nice to be able to retrofit modules
from commercial makers to make use of patching buses.
>
>
> Here are my current thoughts:
> 1. Have ~16 signal buses available on the backplane that modules can 
> connect to (like in the ARP 2500)
>
> 2. Give every input and output on each of my modules an analog 
> multiplexer (there are 8 channel ones on Mouser that start at <$1)
>
> 3. Have a single module that stores patches and commands the multiplexers
(over SPI or I2C, perhaps).
> 4. Assign some kind of ID to modules or module types to allow for storage
of portable patches.
> 5. Have a microcontroller that can "ping" the module inputs/outputs to
determine where patch cables are for patch storage.
>
>
> I've got some thoughts for knob position storage and retrofitting, but
nothing certain yet.
>
> What else should I be thinking of?  Who else's synth should I be looking
at?
>
>
> -rkmoore
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