MOTM

<<Excpt_CP35.gif>>  
 
(In my last posting, somehow the question mark at the end of the first line
got dropped, changing the apparent meaning of the sentence.)

To illustrate what I was talking about in that message, attached is a GIF
file which is an excerpt of the schematic from the Moog Console Panel 35
module. It's not a multiple (it's the attenuators I was talking about) but
it shows the simplicity of how a ganged normalization scheme works.

Plugging into any input "takes control" of the module from that point
downward. Simple as that.



[This message contained attachments]

Yes, I like this Ken.

----------
> From: Tkacs, Ken <Ken.Tkacs@...>
> To: 'MOTM Forum All' <MOTM@onelist.com>
> Subject: [motm] Normalization
> Date: Thursday, January 27, 2000 2:51 PM
> 
> From: "Tkacs, Ken" <Ken.Tkacs@...>
> 
> To illustrate what I was talking about in that message, attached is a GIF
> file which is an excerpt of the schematic from the Moog Console Panel 35
> module. It's not a multiple (it's the attenuators I was talking about)
but

> it shows the simplicity of how a ganged normalization scheme works.
> 
> Plugging into any input "takes control" of the module from that point
> downward. Simple as that.

Has anyone tried a normalization patch with their MOTM?  I'm referring to the 
EMU modular synths of decades ago wherein a simple patch is made behind the 
panels of the modules.  That way, common connections are made by default but 
can be disabled by simply plugging in a patch cable as normal.  A VCO or two 
would have the KBD control voltage going to the MIDI-CV, gates/triggers go to 
envelope generator inputs, envelope outputs would go to filter control inputs 
and VCA control inputs, and so on.

Since all MOTM modules use a Switchcraft 112A, and it has the "switched" pin 
on it, why couldn't a "Normalized Patch Panel" be installed inside the synth 
cabinet?  Maybe each module would get one or more 'flying' leads with a pin 
connector on it.  Make a small, one-off board that has a grid of connections 
to keyboard control voltages, gate and/or triggers, and another grid section 
of "multiples" for connecting audio sources/destinations.  Since all 
connections are broken by plugging in a patch cable, I don't think any 
functionality is lost.  I mean, why does every 800 require that a separate 
patch cable be plugged in to get the GATE signal propagated?  Normalize that 
connection in the back of the synth and save all those patch cables for other 
things.

I'd create a basic Arp Oddessy or Mini-Moog assemblage of modules as the 
starting point.  With enough modules, maybe have more than one "synth".  That 
could be a nice starting point or possibly make a modular synth more useable 
in a live situation.  Your thoughts?

Cheers!
Tom Farrand

Hi Tom,

I haven't tried it, but internal normalization sounds like a great idea for
live performance situations - obviously less patching needed to create a
sound.  I could especially see this for those who are using the SKB
mixer-case with an installed MIDI-CV module.

One possible downside: it might tend to lead patch creation in primarily one
direction, e.g.: VCO->VCF->VCA.  One could become "lazy" in terms of
creative energy expended when trying to find a new patch.  This is a modular
after all, one should be trying all sorts of interesting connections!

But seriously, I agree that there is some normaling that would be quite
useful in any situation, including the keyb gate/trig to the gate-in/trig-in
on 800s and the keyb CV into one or more 300s, etc.  Having normalization
configurable on an internal connection-matrix board sounds like a great
solution.  In larger studio cabinets, I think Larry's "MagicBus" would be a
nice alternate solution - all of the "normalling" would be available out
front.

George

  ----- Original Message -----
  From: mbedtom@...
  To: motm@yahoogroups.com
  Sent: Friday, August 30, 2002 1:58 AM
  Subject: [motm] Normalization


  Has anyone tried a normalization patch with their MOTM?  I'm referring to
the EMU modular synths of decades ago wherein a simple patch is made behind
the panels of the modules.  That way, common connections are made by default
but can be disabled by simply plugging in a patch cable as normal.  A VCO or
two would have the KBD control voltage going to the MIDI-CV, gates/triggers
go to envelope generator inputs, envelope outputs would go to filter control
inputs and VCA control inputs, and so on.

  Since all MOTM modules use a Switchcraft 112A, and it has the "switched"
pin on it, why couldn't a "Normalized Patch Panel" be installed inside the
synth cabinet?  Maybe each module would get one or more 'flying' leads with
a pin connector on it.  Make a small, one-off board that has a grid of
connections to keyboard control voltages, gate and/or triggers, and another
grid section of "multiples" for connecting audio sources/destinations.
Since all connections are broken by plugging in a patch cable, I don't think
any functionality is lost.  I mean, why does every 800 require that a
separate patch cable be plugged in to get the GATE signal propagated?
Normalize that connection in the back of the synth and save all those patch
cables for other things.

  I'd create a basic Arp Oddessy or Mini-Moog assemblage of modules as the
starting point.  With enough modules, maybe have more than one "synth".
That could be a nice starting point or possibly make a modular synth more
useable in a live situation.  Your thoughts?

  Cheers!
  Tom Farrand

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> I'd create a basic Arp Oddessy or Mini-Moog assemblage of modules as the
> starting point.  With enough modules, maybe have more than one "synth".  That
> could be a nice starting point or possibly make a modular synth more useable
> in a live situation.  Your thoughts?

Different strokes for different folks. I always fought against the
normalized, quasi-patchable nature of my Odyssey, and even cut some PC board
traces and added a couple of toggle switches on the front panel to defeat
some of its normalized signal paths. It's difficult for me to think of any
normalization in my MOTM that I wouldn't end up defeating as often as using.
Ganging together EGs or VCOs does make sense, but I already find that Y
cables work well for that.

(If anyone ever runs across a gold-faced Odyssey with two non-standard
bat-handle toggle switches near the left end of the keyboard, it was once
mine. I sold it to a friend when I was in college and was getting all
excited about them newfangled MIDI synths. Sigh.)

--Adam

I have plans to do this. In fact, the E-MU system will be my model 
(to nobody's surprise). I'm thinking in terms of small pcbs mounted 
flat above the jack field of each module, connected to the input and 
output jacks. Then add some kind of connectors, either individual 
pins that can be labelled or something else. That way the normalized 
connections can be unplugged so you don't lose easy module mobility 
in your setup.

Moe

>>>>
Has anyone tried a normalization patch with their MOTM?  I'm 
referring to the EMU modular synths of decades ago wherein a simple 
patch is made behind the panels of the modules
<<<<