Hi Tom,
I haven't tried it, but internal normalization sounds like a great idea for
live performance situations - obviously less patching needed to create a
sound. I could especially see this for those who are using the SKB
mixer-case with an installed MIDI-CV module.
One possible downside: it might tend to lead patch creation in primarily one
direction, e.g.: VCO->VCF->VCA. One could become "lazy" in terms of
creative energy expended when trying to find a new patch. This is a modular
after all, one should be trying all sorts of interesting connections!
But seriously, I agree that there is some normaling that would be quite
useful in any situation, including the keyb gate/trig to the gate-in/trig-in
on 800s and the keyb CV into one or more 300s, etc. Having normalization
configurable on an internal connection-matrix board sounds like a great
solution. In larger studio cabinets, I think Larry's "MagicBus" would be a
nice alternate solution - all of the "normalling" would be available out
front.
George
----- Original Message -----
From: mbedtom@...
To: motm@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, August 30, 2002 1:58 AM
Subject: [motm] Normalization
Has anyone tried a normalization patch with their MOTM? I'm referring to
the EMU modular synths of decades ago wherein a simple patch is made behind
the panels of the modules. That way, common connections are made by default
but can be disabled by simply plugging in a patch cable as normal. A VCO or
two would have the KBD control voltage going to the MIDI-CV, gates/triggers
go to envelope generator inputs, envelope outputs would go to filter control
inputs and VCA control inputs, and so on.
Since all MOTM modules use a Switchcraft 112A, and it has the "switched"
pin on it, why couldn't a "Normalized Patch Panel" be installed inside the
synth cabinet? Maybe each module would get one or more 'flying' leads with
a pin connector on it. Make a small, one-off board that has a grid of
connections to keyboard control voltages, gate and/or triggers, and another
grid section of "multiples" for connecting audio sources/destinations.
Since all connections are broken by plugging in a patch cable, I don't think
any functionality is lost. I mean, why does every 800 require that a
separate patch cable be plugged in to get the GATE signal propagated?
Normalize that connection in the back of the synth and save all those patch
cables for other things.
I'd create a basic Arp Oddessy or Mini-Moog assemblage of modules as the
starting point. With enough modules, maybe have more than one "synth".
That could be a nice starting point or possibly make a modular synth more
useable in a live situation. Your thoughts?
Cheers!
Tom Farrand
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