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Post by spacedog on Jan 19, 2019 18:19:47 GMT
I've been quiety playing and having fun with my AE Modular, and all massively great fun so far. I've incorporated the little fella into my basic setup and used quite a few sounds in my recent recordings. Then, of course, I want more modules. I am hooked and I have a need to try some new things.
I am after the benefit of any experience of those who have gone before me into the realm of adding a second unit. Looking, I think that I'll just go for a single (i.e. 16U) case - that should keep me occupied, especially as I intend to use a RACKLINK, which leave 15U for modules. OK, I'm currently looking at a further 10 extra modules without any duplication, so this may be short-sighted 
I imagine that it's just a 16U case and one of the ribbon connectors that I need, and then I start filling the second case, starting with a RACKLINK, shiny new modules and finally a few blank panels to make it look nice...?
Has anyone joined the two cases in any way...? Ideally, I would like to be able to angle the second case slightly, so a hinged arrangment might be best. I am also considering some kind of metal case (I seem to remember NightMachines posting on that), but that might take up slightly too much room in my crowded work area - yes, it is very small.
I have also considered the option of buying a second MASTER and having the possibility of independent units, but I could be buying a couple of oscillators for the same money. Before the RACKLINK was formally issued, this was the only choice, short of some DIY.
Ah yes, DIY. I would also like (gently) to flex my DIY muscles. Nothing too clever, perhaps starting with a simple attenuator module so that I can easily interface my BeatStep Pro with the AE Modular (you see, I was listening admin ). I did also spot robertlanger make mention of an interface module for the Korg Volca Modular, perhaps that could be a more general interfacing module...?
Any thoughts or observations would be really welcome as I venture into my second rack.
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Post by NightMachines on Jan 19, 2019 18:56:42 GMT
I would go with a Racklink and a regular 16U rack, like you wrote. To simply put an angled rack behind your current one, I’d suggest to use one of the many available angled laptop stands. Most of them require little space and won’t be as big as a metal carrying case around both AE racks. You could also DIY a simple stand out of some wood. Just get some triangle-shaped wood and stick it to the back of the rack with 3M Dual Lock |
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Post by robertlanger on Jan 20, 2019 9:18:20 GMT
I want to add that the new cases (available since two weeks) are now prepared for mechanical and electrical linking; via M5 threads at the sides and a link element two (or more) racks can be mounted together at any angle. For power supply/bus a ribbon cable is plugged between the cases. I'll post a photo ASAP, I just started to produce them.
For the previous cases the RACKLINK is the way to connect two racks.
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Post by thetechnobear on Jan 20, 2019 14:48:06 GMT
another +1 for Racklink - its easy to use - the 8 user connections are really useful to bridge racks - you can easily plug/unplug 'auxiliary' racks when not in use - you can have different cases, and switch them around. Ive a DIY case and another single row case (kind of an overflow, less used modules), sometimes I want to use one with the main 2-row case, sometimes the other, and its a simple mater of plugging in the ribbon cable (Im a bit challenged for space, as i like to have everything 'to hand' off one desk, so being able to attach/detach things is useful!) I want to add that the new cases (available since two weeks) are now prepared for mechanical and electrical linking; via M5 threads at the sides and a link element two (or more) racks can be mounted together at any angle. For power supply/bus a ribbon cable is plugged between the cases. I'll post a photo ASAP, I just started to produce them. For the previous cases the RACKLINK is the way to connect two racks. if you have two (2-row) racks connected, can you fold them closed (clamshell like) I was wondering about how to bring the AE to Superbooth, and was this would be a nice solution. (preferably enable gap to allow it to remain patches, but thats a 'nice to have') look forward to some photos |
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Post by spacedog on Jan 20, 2019 21:57:59 GMT
Thanks, all useful advice and very much appreciated.
I was thinking that I would have to go DIY for connecting the cases and a hinged affair was calling to me. Funnily enough, like thetechnobear I was wondering if I could make something that completely closed together. That would be quite a neat and compact unit and I always pull all of my cables anyway - I quite like the thrill of new patching. It would mean a two-row case and those empty spaces would just need to be filled.
I do also like the idea of one-row cases for a specific job and connecting them in as required. I may be a way off that just yet, but interesting as even more modules begin to appear. I have a very limited space and I generally set up a specific rig to do the job that is needed, then break that down and set up another to get the next job done. |
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Post by thetechnobear on Jan 20, 2019 22:31:36 GMT
I was thinking that I would have to go DIY for connecting the cases and a hinged affair was calling to me. Funnily enough, like thetechnobear I was wondering if I could make something that completely closed together. That would be quite a neat and compact unit and I always pull all of my cables anyway - I quite like the thrill of new patching. It would mean a two-row case and those empty spaces would just need to be filled. yeah, I was thinking something simple - similar to the RackBrute design, but not as elaborate, so still open at the sides, perhaps with a 'latch' to keep it closed during transport. (I actually think the rackbrute design is very clever, since not only closes but also puts in a good open patching position) |
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Post by thehandoflenin on Feb 7, 2019 22:50:36 GMT
I’m thinking of replacing my original case with a new case plus getting another case for expansion.
The bottom case will be full with my current AE, top angled case for expansion.
Power for both cases is connected via the main module bit a bit unsure which bus cable would be required for the single angled case?
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Post by admin on Feb 7, 2019 23:16:21 GMT
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