(Sigh) I keep modifying my plans. Originally I was going for the IIIC "Wendy
Carlos Look-alike" console/permanent fixture design. Then I decided to go
for the "Tomita IIIp" system because I wanted to be at least a LITTLE
portable. The advantage of the IIIp type cabinets is that they allow you to
distribute modules amongst the cabinets in such a way that you can take one
or two with you and have a small core system with you. I was going to do
this in black Tolex, 10u across and three rows high.
Then everyone yelled at me that Tolex was crap and I should use fine woods,
which, the more I thought about it, the more I liked it. I used to do a
little woodworking in college, and I really do like wood as a material! And
I'm really not going to be going on the road ∗that∗ often, just to a
friend's studio for the occasional fun fest.
I still liked the idea of "smaller" cabinets as opposed to a huge console,
though, not only for portability and flexibility if I want to rearrange my
already cramped studio, but ∗mainly∗ because this modular will continue to
grow over the years. So either I make a HUGE console and have it 90% empty
for a while, or I can make my cabinet system "modular," if you will, so that
I can make new cabinets as I need them.
On the other hand, I like the ergonomics of the slanted console style!
∗So∗: My current plan, always subject to change, is to have IIIp-type
cabinets sitting atop slanted base cabinets, made from a decent hardwood.
The lower cabinets will probably house sequencers, etc., things I probably
won't need to take with me (also the sequencer is rumored to be deeper, so
if I relegate it to the bottom I can make the upper cabinets more shallow).
The bottom slanted cabinets can also be replicated and flipped upside down
on top of the portable cabinets for that "C-shaped" ergonomic space-capsule
thing. I may need to clamp the top cabinets to the bottoms in the back
because they may not weigh enough to prevent falling backwards as I stab a
patchcord into a high module in exuberance.
Attached is a quick Photoshop sketch of what my current plan is for the
starter system. It occupies roughly the same space, and vaguely echoes the
look, of the Carlos Moog at its peak. Ignore the actual modules-I just
rubber stamped a few modules around so that I can see some knobs. My plan is
to initially make the top two portable cabinets (I already have enough
modules to start the second cabinet, and they're still coming). I expanded
the width to 12u from 10u because I figure the MOTM-900 power supply can
support a few more modules. I'm figuring on a PS for each portable cabinet,
and one shared along the bottom, stationary ones. I could make these slanted
bottom cabinets into one, but firstly, it wouldn't match up with the
portable cabinets that way, and second, I want those to be modular too, so
that I can add a third "column" to the right if need be.
<<Cabinets4b.jpg>>
I'm still debating mounting the MOTM-900 PS's in front or on the back. Or
going with internal supplies with a 1u front panel that has power and maybe
a meter or headphone amp or something.
So this is the current plan. I'm buying a table saw Saturday, because I'm
sick of changing my mind about it and I want to mount my modules! It sounds
like the rails will be available shortly, so I just want to settle on
something and get it done!!
But I'm open to criticism and suggestions if any of you have sage counsel
that will throw my plans into disarray and set me back a few weeks ;) .
-----Original Message-----
From: Dave Bradley [mailto:
daveb@...]
Sent:Wednesday, 29 March, 2000 11:12 AM
To:
motm@onelist.comSubject:RE: [motm] Open Cabinet Question
From: "Dave Bradley" <
daveb@...>
Speaking of cabinets, what form factor are people planning on using for
large systems?