Doepfer

I think any type of matrix would be great, except Matrix 
Revolutions, I was a bit disappointed with that.....

 Seriously, matrix mixers can be very handy for creating mass 
feedback loops (as previously stated in the thread), minimzing the 
amount of required patching when working live, even creating an 
analog DX style FM router.  One thing I really wanted to be able to 
do when I started buying my A-100 stuff was to recreate some of my 
often used Reaktor ensembles, especially the Newscool machines, but 
they would require matrix mixers.  The Ken Stone Matrix looks good 
enough at 5x5 (I think) with level pots for each point, although 5x5 
would not be enough for many users/patches.

 The Pin style matrix wouldn't be good enough for for applications as 
it has no controls and if your destination doesn't have a CV in pot 
you are screwed with full voltage.  Even if it had an input pot, it 
would be a mix of all patches through the pin matrix and not 50% of 
input one, 10% of input 2, etc.  

  The VC matrix is a dream machine.  The Synapse by Analogue 
Solutions was a great idea.  A Patch Matrix with MEMORY....that is 
awesome!  That would mean modular memory with the exception of a few 
tweaks of tune and cutoff.  This would be the true DX FM style 
router, like the list of possible algorithms printed on the DXs.  But 
capable of much more than just this.   However, without programmable 
levels for each matrix point this is just a pin matrix with memory.

  HOW ABOUT A STAND-ALONE 10X10 MATRIX MIXER???  This would eliminate 
the restriction of the 3U case, inputs and outputs could run along 
the top edge of the face so cables lie between the modular and the 
matrix, and (this is a bit of a step back in time but....) perhaps 
even plastic lay-over sheets for marking your settings in a sense 
giving you memory, or maybe there is a way to install memory that 
will save the current settings of all knobs (like the MAQ but with 
MORE THAN 32 SLOTS!!!!!!  What's up with that anyway?)  This unit 
would need to be patched to all relevant modules all the time if the 
memory is to do its job, so that may be a case to make it 16X16 (I 
guess this is a bit much as a 16X16 would be the size of an 10U rack 
module, so perhaps fewer after all). With some memory you could get 
hard jumps from one group of setting to another, but with the lay-on 
cards more like a morph between settings (unless you stop between 
songs to set levels).  If it had the real memory it might be cool to 
include a morph time control anyway.  
Icing on cake would be built in PSU, not an AC adapter.

  What about the LIN/LOG issue?  Wouldn't it be best to have one 
matrix with linear controls and one with log/audio?   I personally DO 
use audio signals as modulation sources (vco, noise, external, etc) 
but I would just patch these into the linear matrix when needed.  The 
log matrix would be for routing audio signals to LinFM inputs and my 
different filters.  Maybe the first half of the inputs should be 
audio taper and the second half should be linear.

 So anyway, what do you guys think?   Sorry if this has all been said 
before on the forum, I didn't do the research.  

 I think I would be more inclined to buy a stand-alone unit with more 
funtion than a tiny thing in a 3U space, no offence.  I suppose for a 
smaller system a 4x4 might be sufficient, like throw it in the next 
Expansion System...... but I'm up to three G6's full and some DIY so 
4x4 is not going to help outside of creating some feedback arrays.  I 
actually made a feedback module for linking to others, mainly for a 
not-so-good spring reverb, but it has a feedback control and an 
insert loop in the feedback path and in all it really helps that 
reverb to draw out (really just a simple 2-ch mixer, but it frees my 
A-138s for real work).  

ps   I like the look of that new Modcan system too (7335), but only 
one VCO?  What's that about.

pss   Ingo please see 7325

thanks for reading and feel free to tell me I'm crazy, it's no secret.

Nick Keller