PLAN B analog blog

>I too love my EMS Synthi and love the matrix...I was under the
>impression matrix boards are hard to come by now days and the pins too

Harder to come by then in the past but not impossible.

Matrix style patching has its advantages and disadvantages. As far as 
programing goes they are easier to make certain types of patches, 
such as feedback type patches, they also work well with smaller fixed 
systems and everything is in one convenient location.

With larger fixed systems you need more pin points so your matrix 
takes up more space or you can try to cram more pin points in the 
same area which is what Analogue Solutions did with the  Vostox. The 
consequence of this is its harder (at least for these middle aged 
eyes) to read which each in/output is as the type is smaller and 
closer together. Its also harder to follow where everything is going.

But when you are dealing with an open ended system such a modular, 
matrix patching tends to show its limitations. They are not really 
flexible enough to change as your system does. Plus their greatest 
disadvantages - specifically when mentioning the EMS matrix -  is 
they are very noisy due to their being several layers of unshielded 
wires running horizontal and vertical to each other. As someone once 
told me a matrix pin patch system makes a nice radio antenna.
-- 
Take care.

- Loren Nerell

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