via the Plan B list:
"Along with the Synthbox Spacecase solution, Plan B will be releasing a desktop system of their own. The yet-unnamed chassis is a desktop unit which consists of three 25 1/4 inch rows and a total capacity of 630 HP (roughly 5 1/2 standard Eurorack rows). An optional top-mounted expander will provide an additional 25 1/4 inches of mounting space. The system will be powered by a single ultra low-noise DC power supply with an external transformer so that VCOs and other temporature-sensitive devices may be mounted anywhere. Further noise-floor safeguards come from a specialized motherboard configured with direct routing of all ground signals (no daisy-chaining).
The top and bottom rows will have an additional 1.75 inches (1 RU) of vertical capacity each, which will be used for mult strips, an extensive I/O patchbay for routing from and to the case itself and in time, touch keyboards for driving the Model 21 Sequencer."
Also:
"We're pleased to announce two Plan B college installations currently in production - one at Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA. and the second at the California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, CA. While the Evergreen instrument takes more of a large scale 'frankensynth' configuration, consisting of other manufacture's products along with ours, the installation at CalArts will consist entirely of Plan B goods and the first to be shipped in our new case which will available for purchase in the fall of 2007. More info will be posted on these systems as it is available."
It looks very nice, but I would prefer to see the 1.75" multiple panels between the module boats, instead of at the top and bottom.
ReplyDeleteI agree with wavedeform's sentiment.
ReplyDeleteSweet! The only significant hands on experience I've had with an analogue modular synthesizer prior to investing into my eurorack system last year was when I was at CalArts. At the time, they had a slammin serge modular. The first semester I was there, I don't think it was touched once by anybody. I think everyone assumed it was broken. By second semester, my curiosity got to me and I took the time to get it up running, which took a whole 5 minutes. From that moment, it was the hot item in the room. Sometimes, I'd find up to three people rocking out on that machine. I used to show up to class and hour and half early just to play with it. I still have four CDRs of recordings. I wonder if it's still there. Ahh, memories.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure the Plan Be will get lots of love at CalArts.
Pipe organs, harpsichords & even million-dollar stringed instruments stay in universities for years, carefully maintained & exercised, even if they aren't used for a few years. Along comes a timeless classic like the Buchla, and what do the schools do? They let it atrophy or trade it out the back door because they somehow think TX816's, soft synths or whatever flavor of the decade will "do more."
ReplyDeleteIt's poetic justice that they shell out funds in the new millenium for vactrol-based modules in curvy wood cabinets. Thank God a new generation of students will be the beneficiaries.
Lucky for the new manufacturers, if it were a cello instead of a synthesizer, the school would be hitting up wealthy investors to chase down a more vintage instrument.
plan Buchla
ReplyDeletePalN Buchla...i LIKE that.
ReplyDeleteThis is actually a copy of the case I made for my six panel Serge waaaay back in 78. But, who are we kidding, it's very Buchlidian. These though are going to be sharp - laser-cut wood side panels, powder-coated chassis boxes and a really high quality PSU. It doesn't foldup, it'll take a road case for touring, but it's small for it's capacity and functional.
That case design looks a bit "Space Family Robinson" to me. Sorta curvy.
ReplyDeletewill it be in parts for overseas buyers?
ReplyDelete