Sequencing

I started a new rack, this one is intended to handle sequencing duties.

It is another Frac based rack, although it's housed in a home made case, made from some black shelving picked up from B&Q. I just about managed to cobble it together into a half-decent looking unit - but it's about as far as my wood working skills will go :)

Currently it contains a Blacet Binary Zone, Sequential Switch and the new Frequency Divider; a DIY Fonitronik VCPS, a DIY MFOS Quantiser (Quantizer?), a Metalbox Analog Logic and a PAIA Multiple/Splitter.

There is still a bit of room for 1 or 2 other goodies, but I'll see how this goes for now.

One thing about the new Frequency Divider - are they the brightest LEDS ever seen on a module? Think I might have preferred normal red or green...

New modules on the way

I had to wait until the New Year before ordering up some more modules to finish up my Frac case. On the way are a Paia noise generator, balanced modulator and passive mixer/splitter; from Blacet, a Binary Zone, Window Comparator and Cloud Generator (this is the repackaged Synth Tech E340).

I also took delivery today of a BugBrand Wavefolder - they are starting to offer some modules in minijack again, the Wavefolder is the first.

Some things I need to finish off are a Fonitronik VCPS & MFOS Quantiser. I've spent too long trying to finalise a panel design for the VCPS, but I think I'm just about there now and have worked out all the hardware mounting issues.

Once they're done, they'll go into a 'sequencing' case - 1 row consisting of the VCPS, Quantiser, Binary Zone, Seq Switch & Divider.

Current State

Well, here's a (bad) picture of my Frac system as it stands today.

The panel at the bottom is a patching panel, containing loads of multiples and a couple of attenuators. There are just a few more jacks to wire up before I mount it in the panel - but I detest that kind of wiring so it's a slow job. There are also a couple of quarter inch jacks on the panel so I can patch between the MOTM system & this one easily.

The space next to the VCO is for another VCO, which I hope to order in the new year, along with other modules to fill up the rack.

Module line up (top row): Blacet VCO, Blacet Mixer, LPG (Thomas White), Mattson Mini Modular JP VCF, Fonitronic Attenuverting Mixer.

(Bottom row): Blacet Midiverter, Blacet Micro LFO, Bugbrand Bugcrusher, Blacet DAD, Blacet Seq Switch (modified), Blacet Micro LFO, Blacet Dual VCA.

I'm currently trying to decide on what modules I'll get to complete the rack - hard job! But I won't have any cash for anything else for 2 or 3 months, so I've got plenty of thinking time...

I've recently got a couple of other modules - another Blacet Micro LFO & Blacet Sequential Switch. I should take a photo of the system and post it, but that will have to wait until later. I also need to finish off my Mattson VCF. I got the PCB from and wire kit, I just need to make up a mounting bracket and order the front panel.

When I've done that one, I reckon my case will be about half full. Then I'm going to have to wait a while to see how much money I have left after our new Kitchen is fitted before I can get anything else :-(

We have sound...

Well, I have finally made progress and got a working system!

I built up the Oakley compact PSU, which was a fairly easy build - even so it's still a bit nerve wracking plugging in a DIY power supply for the first time. Luckily there were no bangs or any smoke.

I've also finished up my Low Pass Gate - wow, it sounds amazing.

So I've got a small working system with a Blacet Midiverter, VCO, DAD, Dual VCA, Micro LFO & Mixer, a Bugbrand Bugcrusher (minijack version) and my DIY Low Pass Gate.

I now need to finish off my Fonitronik Attenuverting Mixer & Mattson VCF.

I should also get some pictures together.

More Modules

While I've been spending endless weeks working out Power Supply options, I've bought a few more modules, ready for the day when I have some power. I have got a Blacet VCO, Blacet Micro LFO & Blacet Dual Linear VCA. All picked up second hand.

I'm also about to order from Blacet a Midiverter & the new DAD.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot - I've also ordered a DIY VCF from the Mattson Mini Modular range (it's not that DIY, the board is already populated). Once that little lot is in place I should be able to make some noise :-)

Power Supply

A synth is nothing without a power supply. So I've been looking at the available options to power my new rack.

The obvious option is the Blacet PS505, which is rated at 500mA. The problem is the modules I currently have planned will consume around 460-470mA, plus I have left a couple of gaps in my rack for other modules, so I'd be a bit worried that I'd be pushing supply beyond its limits. Then I need to factor in that being in the UK, by the time I've paid shipping it works out at almost £100, not including the usual import duties/VAT/admin charges that usually add on another 20%. So it starts to look a rather expensive option.

The other options are all DIY based.

First off, there is the Oakley power supply based around a Yamaha power pack that should safely run up to 750mA. This is quite a good option as there is a minimal amount of wiring up to do, apart from having to build up the supply board.

Next up is an open frame Linear type supply from Power One or Calex. These are available in various configurations & current ratings, but require more wiring up to get the required power options.

The other option is a Traco switch mode power supply. These are enclosed and deliver around 1A. Wiring up is minimal, and as it is enclosed the risks are lower. However, I'm yet to find a definitive answer as to whether switch mode supplies are good to use with modular synths. They usually are more noisy than regular linear supplies.

So at the moment, I'm undecided. I've narrowed it down to either the Oakley DIY option, or the Traco option (if I can find out for sure if switch mode supplies are OK).

Decisions, decisions...

Thinking of Modules

I've been thinking about which modules I might have in my new Frac system.

I've already got the Blacet 2790 Mixer, plus a Lo Pass Gate PCB & Attenuverting Mixer PCB. Others I'm tempted by include:

FOH Plague Bearer
Blacet Midiverter
Blacet Micro LFO
Blacet Mini Wave
Blacet Dual VCA
MOTM Moog VCF
Synthasonic Phaser
Metalbox Digital Noise
Metalbox Psycho LFO

I can feel some Rackplanner sessions coming on...