SergeModular

--- In SergeModular@y..., Bill Sequeira <bill@a...> wrote:

> Excellent! Now we can stir the conversation into a more fruitful

thread,

> so if you do not mind, here are a few constructive questions:
>
> 1. What is the I/O format? I am assuming bananas from your

description.


prestopatch (synthi or any edge connector connected synth) ,
Banana jacks and 1/4" jacks.

>
> 2. Will the device support interconnection between systems?

I.e.,

> can I hook up a Serge panel say with a Doepfer or MOTM?

yes sirreee..........you'd need 1/4" to 1/8" adaption for the
doepfer -easily sorted of course.

>
> 3. If I can connect two separate systems, how do you handle the
> grounding problem? Say, I want to connect a Fenix and a
> Serge, or two Fenixes, or Serge and Modcan. Is the

assumption

> that grounding is taken a priori?

there is ground/earth connection for banana systems ,.

>
> 4. What is the physical form factor? Desktop, rackmount? If

the

> latter, what is the size? Power?

110 or 220 .
the prototype is desk top approx 17" x 4" x 5" .the final
version will be available as rackmount too.

>
> 5. Will there be voltage scaling or trimpots if converting

between

> systems? Is this supported at all, or is the view that the
> matrix will have to work within a single system?

yes , you have to stick to one system (i.e 1 volt per oct , or
Synthi "Standard" (?) v per O

>
> 6. Can I concatenate several of these units in a daisy chain to
> form, say, a 16x32/48/64, or any other multiples of 4? Note,
> this is different from having separate units working

together,

> I am talking about integration.

yup , they can be built to these specs , but not user connected .
we plan a 32 x 32 too.Plus possibly others as custom orders

>
> 7. Will I be able to label the inputs/outputs within the LCD?

If

> not was is the approach?

yes . and when you use a row /column it's text
reverses to show rows/columns in use for even speedier patch
checking -matrixs excel at clear patching as we all know ......

>
> 8. Any attenuation/summation available? Has to be done a

priori?

yes , on input or output . not within this unit at this sorta
cost .

>
> 9. How do I keep track of knob status for each patch? Use

paper?

same as you would normally ? no tricks there.....

>
> 10. Will you offer customization of the device? I.e. can I work
> with you in designing some derivative customized to my

setup?


ofcourse . within the realms of feasibility & cost.

> (I am assuming as long as it works with your integrating
> subsets of your components).

yes sir.

>
> 11. Availability? Warranty? The usual.

not till next year . warranty - fully garanteed for 12 months
under normal use .longer warranties negotiable I'd guess.

>
> Agree with you that this device may not be for everyone - this q's
> will go some way in helping folks figure out how to integrate the
> thing into their configurations.

sure . thanks Bill . Of course , irrelevant here (I'm feeling...)
but imagine it in combo w/ most guitarists effects boards - re-
routing/ordering effects in a flash , including removing unnecessarry
units from the chain........
regards
sonicsynthi

>
> Regards,
>
> Bill
>

______________________________________________________________________

> Bill Sequeira, Ph.D.
> Principal, Axon Hillock
>
>
> > From: "sonicsynthi" <sonic@s...>
> > Reply-To: SergeModular@y...
> > Date: Wed, 25 Sep 2002 02:52:31 -0000
> > To: SergeModular@y...
> > Subject: [SergeModular] Re: DIGI-TRIX Microcontrolled patching

matrix.

> >
> > --- In SergeModular@y..., Bill Sequeira <bill@a...> wrote:
> >> Comments below.
> >>
> >>> From: "sonicsynthi" <sonic@s...>
> >>> Reply-To: SergeModular@y...
> >>> Date: Tue, 24 Sep 2002 00:48:51 -0000
> >>> To: SergeModular@y...
> >>> Subject: [SergeModular] Re: DIGI-TRIX Microcontrolled patching
> > matrix.
> >>>
> >>> --- In SergeModular@y..., Bill Sequeira <bill@a...> wrote:
> >>> Dear , Dear Bill, I've been using my Serge for around a
> >>> decade .Might It be you who is "missing the point " (this is
> > common
> >>> amongst folk who have yet to grasp the inherent simplicity in a
> >>> matrix.....so I wouldnt hold it against you .). You

cannot "fan"

> > 16
> >>> (seperate) outputs to 1 module w/out multiples/mixers (a

multiple

> > is
> >>> simply a mixer without individual attenuation (which all
> >>> Serge "Multiples " charmingly provide )
> >>
> >> Thanks for the unsolicited lesson but that is not necessary. I
> > owned
> >> a VCS3 for a number of years and know very well what a matrix can
> > do.
> >> The problem comes perhaps in thinking that this is the first

matrix

> >> the world has ever seen? ;-)
> >
> >
> > Bill.........really ! How imature of you.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > However I would like to balance that
> >> comment with the observation that maybe it is the first attempt

to

> >> create a general purpose matrix for use with modulars, which I
> > rather
> >> find interesting regardless of what anyone's opinions may be.
> >
> >
> > this is not an EMS clone . it has extra /differant functions . no
> > crosstalk , etc........
> >
> >
> >
> >>
> >> You are correct in terms of the total fan out count, and I

apologize

> >> as I was trying to clarify John's response rather than trying to
> >> offend you. The issue was one of a lack of multiples in a Serge
> >> system, not the multiplier in a NxN matrix.
> >>
> >> That said, the issue still remains the same.
> >>
> >> The issue at hand is not whether your approach is valid, but

rather

> >> how useful. As far as I am concerned all I am trying to do is
> > understand
> >> the usefulness of the device you propose without the hype.
> >
> >
> > like anything it is usefull to those who understand & value it .
> > right ? we all square there ? this will appeal to a select few , I
> > dont want to sell/give one to anyone who doesnt apreciate it .
> > Some of the most cutting edge & respected synth users have already
> > requested units.
> >
> >
> >>
> >>> there is no such correlation unless you require a massive matrix
> >>> system , which cost currently prohibits .that could only be the
> >>> opinion of someone who has yet to see the uses of such a

system .

> >>> think about it - how often do you use all the patch points ? 16
> >>> ins /outs goes a long way with purposefull thought .
> >>> Of course many "PATCH-PROGRAMABLE" features are best left in

that

> >>> domain . (and indeed would be a waste of matrix space without
> >>> justification within a patch.)
> >
> > for sure . however it is w/out doubt the easiest to read & neatest
> > method of complex patching , even without massive (and rare )

fanning

> > out.
> >>
> >> Hmmm...ok - if I follow your line of thinking, perhaps providing

an

> >> example of how one of your matrices can work with say, a 14 panel
> >> system would be helpful. I do agree that 16x16 can get some
> >> interesting stuff done.
> >
> > in the context of 14 panels all you could do is create a matrix
> > from your selected components . it can be phenomenally powerfull.
> >
> >
> >
> >>
> >> And again, please do not believe that because this is a Serge

list

> >> people own only Serge equipment. I actually happen to believe in
> >> equal opportunity for all equipment. :-)
> >
> >
> > exactly my thoughts . I honestly understand that it wont appeal to
> > everyone , but I associate Serge users with some of the most
> > experimental around . ofcourse , there will always be the Anal
> > anoraks.
> >>
> >>> If you were more familiar with the power of a matrix perhaps you
> >>> would understand why people pay (recently) $5000+ for a simple
> >>> monosynth connected in this fashion (the excellent synthi

a/vcs3.

> >>
> >> As I stated above, I am familiar, so enough of this assumption.
> >
> >
> > not like I'm condoning that price -but I do think $3000 is fair
> > moneyy.
> >>
> >> Rather than seeking to frustrate you I am seeking understanding.
> >> It is not obvious to me from your description how it would work
> >> in a large system. Maybe a bit of a better description of the
> >> physical characteristics of your device would serve the

discussion

> >> better?
> >
> >
> > fire away. perhaps private might be suitable ?
> > my pleasure .
> >>
> >>> A challenge ? Hopefully , right ?
> >>> In a way youve disproved your own theory - you actually appear
> >>> to be getting it........ - .the Fenix is equivalent to over 2
> > serge
> >>> panels , and you are correct in your sassumption that a matrix
> > router
> >>> makes it a very formidable tool .
> >>
> >> I will oversee your condescension, as "getting it" is not a

function

> >> of faith but rather a function of learning and inquiry.
> >
> >
> >
> > excuse my apparent condescension sir . plain language with no ill
> > intent . apolagies.#
> >
> >>
> >> I do believe your device does have application for a small

system,

> > hence
> >> my post. There is no theory behind my discussion, unless you
> > misunderstand
> >> inquiry as a form of theoretical exposition. And BTW, it is not
> > clear to
> >> me that the Fenix is equivalent to two Serge modules. One panel
> > such as
> >> the Animal can generate up to six oscillating sources.
> >
> > the Fenix will generate 9 without thinking too hard (3 each
> > lfo ,osc,filter right ?) . If you wanted all those fenix features

at

> > 1 time youd need 2 panels right ? Plus ofcourse the fenix

oscillators

> > & filters sound in a league of their own,.
> >
> >
> >>
> >> Part of the battle of adopting a new device in a setup is
> > understanding
> >> its strengths and weaknesses. A matrix is clearly a strength, a
> > weakness
> >> appears to be its limited capacity, or is it?
> >
> > depends on size of matrix . 128 x 128 's are on our cards , plus

we

> > plan 32 x 32 to connect thoroughly 2 synthis .
> >
> >
> >
> > Here is the issue that you
> >> could answer for your benefit and the benefit of all of us,
> > potential
> >> customers. You know more about your device than we do. It is

your

> > burden
> >> to show us the goodness of it.
> >
> >
> > holy shit ? pourqoui ? I can open the gate , but I aint pushin'
> > no-one thru......
> >>
> >>> much of the beauty of the matrix comes from its inherent impish
> >>> quality of inviting you to explore the patches a regular modular
> > shys
> >>> from.
> >>> Perhaps mistakenly , this post was sent to the Serge group as I
> >>> expect it to be a forum for the intelligent & the experimenter .
> > I'm
> >>> often surprised at the lo ratio of such debate on line & thus
> > rarely
> >>> comment.
> >>
> >> Experimenting means questioning, inquiring, testing and trying.

If

> > you
> >> feel offended by the discussion your post generated, and by

people

> > wanting
> >> to understand what you are offering, then perhaps the post was
> > indeed a
> >> mistake.
> >
> > that comment was made in response to a specific point , which was
> > ill thought out. I really am only "offering" it to those who are
> > interested . IT is not for everyone . God forbid.
> >
> >
> >
> > You asked for feedback and you got feedback, maybe not in the
> >> format you expected, and maybe not in the a validation format -

your

> >> idea stands regardless of my belief or ignorance, if you prefer.
> >
> > some -sent privately (actually by you) was most intelligent&
> > worthwhile -as is some of these online points . plus several

orders ,

> > plus Peter Forrests wanting to include it in his soon due updated

N

> > to Z of Analogue synthesisers
> > believe me -it is possible to have attenuation at every matrix
> > junction -yes full mixer rows - nut it will not be cheap ,

regardless

> > it is part of our research .
> >>
> >> Rather than escalating in a flame war, I would much rather have

you

> >> provide a complete and solid description. I want to learn more
> > about it
> >> and if useful to my purpose I would want to have one. But if I
> > can't
> >> understand its pluses and minuses I will not acquire a unit.
> >
> >
> > To be fair Bill , its all about a study in ltd resources with a
> > 16 way matrix . usage & pondering it is the best advice I can

offer.

> > Please ask away .
> > yours
> > sonicsynthi
> >>
> >>
> >> Regards,
> >>
> >> Bill
> >>
> >

______________________________________________________________________

> >> Bill Sequeira, Ph.D.
> >> Principal, Axon Hillock
> >
> >
> >
> > To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > SergeModular-unsubscribe@y...
> >
> > Keep on Patchin'!
> >
> >
> > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to

http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

> >
> >
> >