Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: MOTM
Subject: Modular Synth Layout Query
From: mbedtom@...
Date: 2003-09-09
As I ponder module location for my new synth cabinets I felt compelled to canvass this list for ideas related to module location. Each synth owner has a unique idea on what sort of sounds they want to make and probably locate modules according to those needs. However, is there some sort of ergonomic "ideal" based on some well-thought plan? It seems to me that modules that get patched often or tweaked a lot should be located closer than say, special effect modules. I would put VCO, VCA, VCF, and envelope generators in the used/tweaked a lot category and ring modulators, sub-octave muxes, and so on in the "not used very often" category. But is that really a workable arrangement? (That already shows my bias… look I what I grouped into the "not used very often" category. Others may gasp when they realize they use a ring modulator 'all the time'. When I have one, a fixed filter bank will be front and center for me, whereas others may not even want one. Like I said, 'different strokes' makes my query somewhat complicated to address.)
Modulars by definition can be reconfigured at-will and favored modules moved to locations formally held by lesser-used modules as the system grows. But making changes can be painful! Imagine if the controls in your automobile were "modular" and could be moved. That sounds like a bad idea to me. I want to instinctively reach for the needed control in my car without having to really think about it. If one moves those controls, one has to pay close attention to anticipate the end result. (Imagine flipping the left turn signal in your car, only to find out that you just engaged the parking brake - yikes!) Applying a similar logic to a modular synth, I want to start out with a module location that can be workable for many years. Every time one moves a module they will have to relearn a portion of the user interface. Maybe I'm just that dim, but I would rather carve out a comfortable "rut" and stay there. (Or maybe I'm just too old to want to keep adapting to change… maybe an entropy sort of thing.) Whatever the cause, I don't want to keep changing things in my system. Only when the layout is essentially fixed can my pea-brain learn to use the synth as an extension of myself in autopilot, rather than constantly fumbling around looking for a particular module location.
So how does one arrange modules such that over time, one spends more time making glorious noises and an ever-decreasing amount of time learning how to use the system? Thank you in advance.
Cheers!
Tom Farrand
P.S. I did download the www.algoart.com MOTM layout program to help with module placement... very useful but wish I could print what was created!
P.P.S The "new MOTM color scheme" pushed the envelope for 'hideous' IMHO.