Mattson Mini ModularPower/ MIDI set
MIDI I/O- Mode Select
Note this marks the last module in the series. Click here for the full module list.
Friday, September 21, 2007
MMM PS Module
Mattson Mini ModularPower/ MIDI set
MIDI I/O- Mode Select
Note this marks the last module in the series. Click here for the full module list.
54 comments:
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MATRIXSYNTH - EVERYTHING SYNTH
© Matrixsynth - All posts are presented here for informative, historical and educative purposes as applicable within fair use.
MATRIXSYNTH is supported by affiliate links that use cookies to track clickthroughs and sales. See the privacy policy for details.
MATRIXSYNTH - EVERYTHING SYNTH
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haha, i knew it! i knew PSU would also be a MIDI2CV :D
ReplyDeletenice one!
what's the "rate" KNOB for?
Wish all the other modules looked as cool as this.
ReplyDeleteThe Phoenix series seems to be lacking in lots of typical support modules. Hopefully another series is already done.
ReplyDeleteThat looks nice - looks like lab gear, which I'm firmly in favour of. There should be a moving coil meter on at least one panel. And a scope.
ReplyDeleteNOW we're talkin'!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely looking module.
props 2U, doode.
Will this module series come with a magnifying glass ?
ReplyDeleteHow comes there's two glide modules in effect? I thought the glissando and fixed/rate switches would normally be included on the dedicated glide module. Is one digitally done and the other analog?
ReplyDeletelooks good mate!
ReplyDeleteMmm, fixed rate (normal) or fixed time (exceptional!) glide. Plus glissando. Kewl.
ReplyDeleteThis glide here is dedicated to the pitch CV. The Glide module can process any CV. You can use it for pitch - it has different options than the MIDI module - or for making a simple envelope from a gate or LFO, or for other purposes.
This glide on the PS is for portamento/gliss, the other one is a directional slew module that can be used to process any CV like a LFO or an envelope. Very cool stuff!
ReplyDeleteThe fixed time glide is wonderful. Always wanted that!
This is by far the best module of the series. The fixed time glide (akin to the 303's sequencer slide function I'm assuming), is great to have, as is the slew along with the midi in.
ReplyDeleteI would still prefer a standard module format though. Ive seen no reason other than "I wanted to be different" which is kind of the problem.
Tomorrow is the big day. Looking forward to seeing it all together.
ReplyDelete"part of the problem"
ReplyDeleteI don't see it as a problem, Its all subjective.
One thing....the knob you have on the power supply module......every potshaft on the system should have one of those.
ReplyDeleteIt's not subjective, it's functional. Adding to the cluttered myriad of module formats with yet another one is like the dark ages of the computing era when there were 15 different standards for everything from memory allocation to file allocation tables to device interfaces.
ReplyDeleteBuy it...convert it to your format...like George said.
ReplyDeleteNo arms being twisted here.
That's a RIDICULOUS hassle that nobody wants to endure. While possible, it makes so much more sense to just START with a standard format.
ReplyDeleteThat's the nice thing about standards, though; there's so many to choose from.
ReplyDeleteAbout the format.
ReplyDeletemany of you forget that PCB are roughly estimated as €/cm2.
The smaller the cheaper, then.
Kudos to George for the very intelligent mechanical structure of the modules. No wires, everything is mounted on the pcb. Less assembly costs.
I guess that we can sell this kind of modules, in a run of few thousands (turning everything to smt), at half the price.... without turning to far-east plant!
BTW, the concept is very smart, and some of the not-so-big limitations comes exactly from the business model.
Keep up the good works!!
There are already 2 dominant formats to begin with and a third that may or may not ever become dominant.
ReplyDeleteThe field is open, take it for what it's worth.
I think "standard" is the only single word oxymoron.
ReplyDeleteA differe format wouldn't necessitate a larger PCB....
ReplyDeleteEurorack is the most popular small form factor format and thus it would make sense to produce a new small form factor modular in that format.
The notion that standards are useless or don't exist is silly. The PC you're posting on uses several, for instance!
Now *that* is cool.
ReplyDeleteI've never needed to buy a synth module in my life, but I'd seriously consider the MMM system if I ever did.
I gots to have my triggers - not necessary for the MMM, but it is for interfacing with other equipment that do require them. That would be easy enough, could even be done outboard, which would probably be a better idea than modifying the MMM circuitry. I think John Simonton would have agreed with you here, though.
Contrary to your philosophy, I also would put in a few standard mults. +1 on the buffered mults, they're a great idea for CVs controlling pitch, but when you're multing VCA, etc. EG signals, I personally have never found buffers to be necessary. I never mix with mults, that's what mixer modules are for (and this one is a hum-dinger - the punch-in is a marvelous idea).
That's in my humble, wet-behind-the-ears 45 year old opinion of course, so what do I know? =0)
My parents didn't use synths :(
Congrats, thanks for the hard work, prosper and cheers,
Scott S.
I just want to know where/when I can buy some! Looks great.
ReplyDeleteIf you want multiples, buy some jacks, poke some holes in one of the blanks (he did say the graphics covered the holes), mount them and wire the tips together. voila' instant, cheap muliples. Why should he make them and sell them for $105.00 when the panels are there to make your own for whatever you pay for your jacks.
ReplyDeleterumor has it that you may be able to order the MMM tomorrow. can anyone confirm?
ReplyDeletenow that i see a knob, i'm at a loss for words...
ReplyDeletewhat's the deal with regulatory issues? are you going to get UL/CSA/CE/FCC Part 15/blah blah blah on this thing?
one of the reasons for wall warts is to avoid the whole certification problem.
Mucho Excelante Hombre!!! : )
ReplyDeleteI may have wall warts. But, for now give me some credit. I hold virtually every commercial and amateur FCC license available starting 40 years ago, Virtually my entire male family, including myself, has degrees in electronics (so does my mother), I've manufactured before and I have a variety of close connections with the certification labs.
ReplyDeleteThose issues have been addressed.
George Mattson
> A [different] format wouldn't necessitate a larger PCB....
ReplyDeleteActually... If the post and jacks are PCB mounted, a larger front panel would require a larger PCB.
I haven't figured out the dimensions of the MMMs but I think they are smaller than Frac and Euro.
George...
ReplyDeleteWe didn't know this about you! I hope you choose to put up an 'About Me' page on your website. A lot of the synth 'designers' out there today have no degree in electronics and are just copying existing designs found on the net. Its great to have a real EE designing modules. Really, actually designing modules. Not just struggling to found schematics into pcb design software. Thanks.
I may have wall warts. But, for now give me some credit. I hold virtually every commercial and amateur FCC license available starting 40 years ago, Virtually my entire male family, including myself, has degrees in electronics (so does my mother), I've manufactured before and I have a variety of close connections with the certification labs.
Those issues have been addressed.
George Mattson
Yeah, I forgot, I also have an FAA license to fly helicopters. :)
ReplyDeleteThey're fun too.
George Mattson
Will this module be $105 or $210?
ReplyDeleteThis module is not "stand-alone". It's integrated into the system and won't be for sale individually. Sorry.
ReplyDeleteGeorge Mattson
As for yet another "standard" so many are complaining about... who said this was going to be one? It's a modular synthesizer. Period.
ReplyDeleteWill Moog, Emu and Synton modules fit in your MOTM system? Will a Doepfer rack accept Serge modules?
Wanna know what standard is? I have a fat catalog that says: "Over 10.000 standard switches".
I agree,senso. Who cares about the "standards", I mean a Doepfer rack will not even accept an ASys module mounted flush unless you mill the holes out an 1/8" so even in Euro rack, there are two different "standards". ASys, and everyone else.
ReplyDeleteI want to get my backorder ready now, where and when can I sign up dang it?
ReplyDeleteok I gotta ask...what is it about this one pot that deserves a knob? what makes it so special? or is there just some perverse sense of humor at play? some sort of inside joke?
ReplyDeletebtw regarding certification: i wasn't trying to be negative. in general i wonder how much the boutique electronics companies even pay any attention to this issue, or whether they just try to fly under the radar (and then there are companies like behringer that completely skipped testing some products and got busted for it). the cost of certification and ongoing charges is not insignificant for a small company.
thus after seeing your supply, the question about not using a wart. many of the small/medium sized outputs don't want to deal with international power issues and certifications. DSI being one notable recent example - buy a wart with a bunch of adapters - done.
" radio flyer said...
ReplyDeleteThis glide on the PS is for portamento/gliss, the other one is a directional slew module that can be used to process any CV like a LFO or an envelope. Very cool stuff!"
Basically an upward or downward slope that's triggered upon every note, and whose length is proportional to the Glide knob setting? (And of course to Glide itself)?
Sweet. I've seen this before, but that, along with some of the other nice little tricks in this series, place it above any "budget" label. Nice work George (even though I haven't heard it yet).
Any number of degrees in engineering fail to imply that their holder knows the first thing about synthesizers, especially using them and thus knowing what is interesting, what is useful, and what is necessary. And most importantly, what is musically compelling and makes for a satisfying relationship with the user. I of course have to hear and use what you've made to decide, but kudos on the nice performance tricks you've included especially on something at a new price point.
George,
ReplyDeleteNice work. Others have said it; but it does have a very "Simonton" look and feel. And that is meant as a large compliment! But you've done more than that; combining the Old Serge panels holes and lamination idea with Chris Macdonald's Evenfall Mini pot non-knobs. The modularity of the panel connections themselves that you've hinted about is most interesting. Brings EASY customisation to the panel level. Nice!
From the pics, It looks like the modules are 2U sq. and the 16 hole grid is on .8 centers? 3x3 PCB's?(maybe 80x80mm? 1/4 euro PCB; very inexpensive...)
How deep are the modules? A better question might be How deep does a case have to be to accomodate all present and planned modules?
I'm not yet familiar with SynthWood. It seems the suitcase thoughts mentioned in the thread are pretty compatible with the apparent module dimensions. These could bring a nearly laptop modular together. mmm indeed. Exciting!
It will be nice to see the whole thing tomorrow!
I do have a question about the full system only (at first) biz model. At what point will a person be able to buy extra modules that perhaps were out of reach financially at the original purchase time?
IOW, I buy a system for $1595 tomorrow :D and I cannot presently afford to fill in the rest of the 12 holes in the first cabinet. A couple months from now I know I can. So I would want to get in on the next wave...
But if I understand your prior explanation; I will have to wait some undetermined time until you are able to sell modules independently of the full systems?
If I order a new whole system to get what I want; I don't need the power, MIDI and cabinet... And if I have to buy the "works" a second time; then again I cannot get the mix of modules I want due to stretched funds?
(I am sure you've already got this worked out; and that I probably just missed it amongst the meh's and such. But I didn't find it in a re-read just now.)
I am also bringing some new synth products to market this Fall and Winter; and can certainly appreciate the amount of time effort, blood and guts that is required. Once again, I commend you! Nice work.
I wish I'd known about the PNW synth meeting sooner. I don't know If I can get a reasonable flight on such short notice; would have liked to be there when you roll this out!
Perhaps we can offer some "third party" compatible modules of things you're not offering (in your new format and price point?) I'd like that very much. What you are doing here is VERY much needed and I hope it succeeds beyond measure!
Kind regards,
Randal
Oh wait, it's patched only as a slew limiter? That's not bad, but not what I was hoping for.
ReplyDeleteIt'll still be a fun system, Mike. ;)
ReplyDeleteWall warts are like catching space herpies. Avoid when possible.
ReplyDeleteRandle,
ReplyDeleteWait until the "official" announcement tomorrow, and a lot of your questions will be answered.
As far as "when" can a customer buy extra modules for an existing system? I'm trying to work it out so we can slide those in with a production run. But, for now, I have to tell you that it all depends on the demand.
Tomorrow, we unlock the web site. I have tonight to try to write up a bunch of stuff for it. And, it may be a little sparse on information because of the time I've spent here this week. I'd guess that most of the people that go to the site have pretty much been following this series. The majority of the information is already here. I'll get it over "there" as time permits.
As I said, These will be for sale starting tomorrow. The first production run will be 3-month-ish while we work out the production flow. Shipping of the first lot is estimated around years end. (where did the summer go?) The only way to determine where the bottlenecks are is to jump in. So, I'm giving myself a month to finalize designs and tie up a few loose ends before the "actual" production starts. We will be ordering the materials we positively know that we will need. We'll need them to work out the production flow.
The first lot will be 10 units. When there are 10 units sold, the lot closes and opens the next lot for orders. As long as there are at least 10 units ordered and up to 50 units, that lot will close and the production will start two weeks before the first production run is shipped.
If the demand is there, multiple lots of 50 units can stack up just waiting for the next one to finish. If it gets that intense, I'm going to find other means of producing some components in order to speed it up and ship sooner if I can. Otherwise, I was expecting to build the first production run of 10 units in 3 months. Then hopefully get 10 more sales by the time I started to finish those up. Then, have production runs of 2 months in duration from lot closure to ship.
I can build 50 systems in two months using 5 people to help me (after the first production run). At least, that's my current capacity. 10-50 every 2 months.
Obviously, If I get swamped, I need to find methods to expedite that to get the product to the customers sooner rather tan having them wait until say, next june?
At least, if they're expecting a June delivery when they purchased a system, they'll know it will be June. If I can get them produced faster, everybody is happier. If I receive more orders than I was expecting, I can explore other options.
I'm on it. What I'm not on is the web site. The first block is supposed to accept 10 units, close and accept up to 50 until it closes that block and opens the next. I'll be gone tomorrow so, If I get 25 orders and it doesn't automatically open a new block, I will have to split them manually in order of receipt. So, sorry if it does that. It may, it may not. We'll find out. I might not even have to worry about it but, it's good to plan for all possibilities.
George Mattson
I may need to post a FAQ :)
Bob Moog had 3 degrees - BS in Physics (Queens), BS in EE(Columbia), and a PhD in Engineering Physics(Cornell).
ReplyDeleteWhat was that again about what do EE's know?
My bad, I thought Dr. Moog's degrees were in Physics. OTOH, I did not say "What do EE's know?" I meant that you don't need an EE to design synth modules and I'll anonymously stand by that comment.
ReplyDeleteBeing an EE does not automatically make someone a good synthesizer designer, either. George happens to be an EE and a good synth designer. That puts him in good company with Bob Moog. :)
Was it astro physics? Cause Bob seemed to be a little out there sometimes too. he was a great dude. George seems to have a bit of a not always serious, yet professional side to him by his posts, respectable by me. Can I get a free module if I kiss enough hiney?
ReplyDeleteGeorge, let me ask you a question. I see no inductors, from what I assume the PS is not a switched one. Therefore, I'm guessing the ICs on heat disipators are serial regulators. The question is, is this a GOOD power supply design?
ReplyDeleteOf course it's a good design. Basic Xfmr, bridge, filter cap, linear regulator and post regulator filter cap. It's definitely not rocket science----mmmmmmmmmm. OK, I'm back. It's the exact filter I designed for the Syntar. It does the job, it runs cool, provides what is necessary and the ones on the Syntar have worked for 27 years. Well, except the $^**$# tantalum caps post reg. So, I used no tantalum caps in the design of this system.
ReplyDeleteThe rest of the circuit is all MIDI stuff.
George Mattson
(Getting back to tomorrows pix.)
fwiw, modern tantalums != 1970's tantalums
ReplyDeletei see a lot of tantalum cap bashing based on the experience many of you have had with the older versions. if you look at most any modern pcb in computing, telecom or networking products (and probably in consumer stuff as well, but i have no experience there) you'll find tantalums everywhere. the telecom products in particular are designed to very high reliability levels and the tantalum caps wouldn't be there if they weren't reliable
So what about export?
ReplyDeleteWith the current deplorable state of the dollar, the European market would gobble this up.
Today's dollar exchange rate has now made your system drop to 1310 Euros, and it could hit the 1295 any day now.
hi
ReplyDeleteit would be good to make the cabs to host the mini modular in perspex with leds mmmm ?? or what would you want ,interlocking bricks like lego ?? , i guess wood is old hat but could look good , think funky and let me know , if you can think it we can do it
jeff
www.customsynth.co.uk
There are countless innovators in the industry. Every single one of them should be respected.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the comparisons to MOOG and questions on innovation. We are not going there. Any further comments/questions on the subject will be deleted.
ReplyDelete