XODES
New Member
Posts: 39
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Post by XODES on Feb 11, 2021 19:33:56 GMT
Even though the price per HP with the AE format is really reasonable, there are times when it looks like a lot more could fit behind these front panels, mostly when it comes to utility modules, where there's no user interface elements like potentiometers or switches. Plus, there's a moment when one might not be able to physically add more rows to a system! 
So I had the idea to adapt the concept of the 1U derivative format from the 3U Eurorack standard to the AE format, and created 1/3 height modules.
The system is based on a power distribution PCB on the back to which one would attach the sub-modules, which sits lower than usual, and for which a right angled connector had to be used for the power input. Due to the limited space, only the power is transferred to the sub-modules, for which 1/3 and 2/3 heights would be possible (the 2/3 height would eventually allow adding pots/ switches).
The first module presented here (2 more are coming...) is a logic module based on one of my Euro products, and was made because... just like what some say with VCAs, I think you can never have enough logic modules BTW, the goal is not to compete with the existing AE logic module, and it was more a matter of validating the mechanical aspect of things, while having something simple to assemble that just works. On the left connector, the A & B inputs are buffered, so that one could create a logic signal out of... pretty much anything. The two last inputs are for an assignable (buffered) LED. The row on the right should be self-explanatory...
I haven't planned production yet, so please don't ask about "when" or "how much" : I first need to evaluate if people would be willing to adopt this sub-format, and regarding prices just know that I will do my best to stay in the ranges usually seen with AE products.
Any inputs welcome!
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Post by solipsistnation on Feb 11, 2021 19:53:38 GMT
Yeah, that could be useful for things that don't need a lot of interface or for utilities like you say. I'd probably go for it.
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Post by keurslagerkurt on Feb 11, 2021 20:03:15 GMT
LOVE the idea! For me, physical space is a big issue. I live in a small appartement, and every time after making music, i need to free up the kitchen table again. So big racks are really not a possibility for me, however cheap they might be.
Small utility modules like this looks right up my alley! Logic modules for weird triggering, mixing XOR square Waves, etc, would already be down for three of these in 1U 😁 or maybe a small noise generator? I'm hyped!
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Post by tIB on Feb 11, 2021 20:07:29 GMT
That's genius! As someone who is trying to keep within a 2 x 16 config, the idea I could get (for example) logic, noise and sample and hold inside 1 width is pure win. Interested!
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Post by slowscape on Feb 11, 2021 20:35:35 GMT
Awesome idea!! Would love to have a few micro-modules!
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Post by rockysmalls on Feb 11, 2021 20:38:13 GMT
Love it! love it love it love it....
space saving is the raison d’etre of AE from my point of view .. i’ve always wanted a few obvious things contracted into 1u spaces .. eg: the Noise and the S&H in one unit seems logical to me .. though robert does try with Vca’s , dual OSCs and 2xEnvs
i actually have bought less of the new modules as they have become more 2u to 4u size and that is often enough to put me off ( unless it’s something i REALLY need. )
SO .. it’s a big yes from me... the logic looks great ,,, can you hint at what the other two first prototypes might be?
very much into yr capacitance touch plate idea too ( that was you ?? my memory is bad )
what part of the world are you in?
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andy
New Member
Posts: 38
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Post by andy on Feb 11, 2021 20:40:43 GMT
Wouldn't a 1/3 row "rack" be just awesome?
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Post by rodney on Feb 11, 2021 20:44:15 GMT
Feeling love-bombed? clearly, it's an idea whose time hath come! ❤❤❤ |
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Jihel
Full Member
knobs, knobs, and knobs !
Posts: 241
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Post by Jihel on Feb 11, 2021 20:52:27 GMT
Great idea !  |
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XODES
New Member
Posts: 39
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Post by XODES on Feb 11, 2021 21:03:23 GMT
Wow, thanks for the positive feedback...! I have to admit I was a bit worried about what the reactions could be, and it wouldn't have been a big deal if it had to stay as a one-off thing. I now feel a bit more confident with this idea, and I'll try to make it happen
I should be able to share info about a second module tomorrow, and the third one... as soon as missing components are delivered... |
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XODES
New Member
Posts: 39
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Post by XODES on Feb 11, 2021 21:11:54 GMT
Love it! love it love it love it.... space saving is the raison d’etre of AE from my point of view .. i’ve always wanted a few obvious things contracted into 1u spaces .. eg: the Noise and the S&H in one unit seems logical to me .. though robert does try with Vca’s , dual OSCs and 2xEnvs i actually have bought less of the new modules as they have become more 2u to 4u size and that is often enough to put me off ( unless it’s something i REALLY need. ) SO .. it’s a big yes from me... the logic looks great ,,, can you hint at what the other two first prototypes might be? very much into yr capacitance touch plate idea too ( that was you ?? my memory is bad ) what part of the world are you in? The thing with this format (as I imagined it at least) is that you have a constraint to make modules that do not require the use of user tweakable elements (unless you go for 2/3 height but then these should be placed on the bottom rows).
A noise source + S&H in this format could indeed be a good idea, and I guess it could even include something more, to avoid making too much mults out of the patch points that would be available.
What I'll say for now about the next modules is only... one's digital, the other is analog
Not sure about what you're referring to about the touch plate, as the only "touch" thing I released so far is in Euro format...
I'm located in France.
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XODES
New Member
Posts: 39
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Post by XODES on Feb 11, 2021 21:21:52 GMT
Wouldn't a 1/3 row "rack" be just awesome? Got the same kind of suggestion on Instagram. As of now, it would need some adjustments I guess. Maybe this is something to be discussed before I release anything and we end up in the same situation as with the 2 1U formats in Eurorack...  |
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Post by keurslagerkurt on Feb 11, 2021 21:22:38 GMT
Hmm, digital, you know how to build up the hype! Something clock source-y? Divider/multiplier? Ultra small trigger generation? Excited for the future! 😁
Really like the LED idea too! Very clever design to make use of every last patch point!
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Post by rodney on Feb 11, 2021 21:38:37 GMT
What are you using for your patch points BTW?
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Post by funbun on Feb 11, 2021 21:44:26 GMT
This would be awesome! This would be the perfect fit between a double 16U case. It'd be nice to have all the utilities in a single 1/3 U row. That'd make mixers and such equidistant from everything.
Imagine a whole row of mixers, multiples, buffered mults. That'd make room on the main modules for more inputs and such!
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Post by rodney on Feb 11, 2021 21:47:52 GMT
This would be awesome! This would be the perfect fit between a double 16U case. It'd be nice to have all the utilities in a single 1/3 U row. That'd make mixers and such equidistant from everything. Imagine a whole row of mixers, multiples, buffered mults. That'd make room on the main modules for more inputs and such! I'm with funbun on this. It could also have some assignable bus lines running the whole length of the case, like a super-duper-mult. |
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Post by admin on Feb 11, 2021 22:11:58 GMT
I totally love this new 1/3 format! What a fantastic idea! I, too, am running out of space as I try to limit myself to a single 4x20 unit case. Having those utility modules in 1/3 would be amazing! Count me in, I'll buy it. Heck I'll buy 4 of each to also make them available on my Australian store. |
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Post by NightMachines on Feb 11, 2021 22:29:20 GMT
This is fantastic! I’d also like to see a single 1/3 row case to put between or above/below regular AEM cases.
Regarding the logic module’s panel graphics: Coming from a Tinysizer modular synth, for me the arrows point the wrong way. An arrow pointing towards a socket should mean that it’s an input socket, and arrow pointing away is an output socket.
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Post by rockysmalls on Feb 11, 2021 22:46:05 GMT
Love it! love it love it love it.... space saving is the raison d’etre of AE from my point of view .. i’ve always wanted a few obvious things contracted into 1u spaces .. eg: the Noise and the S&H in one unit seems logical to me .. though robert does try with Vca’s , dual OSCs and 2xEnvs i actually have bought less of the new modules as they have become more 2u to 4u size and that is often enough to put me off ( unless it’s something i REALLY need. ) SO .. it’s a big yes from me... the logic looks great ,,, can you hint at what the other two first prototypes might be? very much into yr capacitance touch plate idea too ( that was you ?? my memory is bad ) what part of the world are you in? The thing with this format (as I imagined it at least) is that you have a constraint to make modules that do not require the use of user tweakable elements (unless you go for 2/3 height but then these should be placed on the bottom rows).
A noise source + S&H in this format could indeed be a good idea, and I guess it could even include something more, to avoid making too much mults out of the patch points that would be available.
What I'll say for now about the next modules is only... one's digital, the other is analog
Not sure about what you're referring to about the touch plate, as the only "touch" thing I released so far is in Euro format...
I'm located in France.
yes... i followed yr signature link to yr site in the 3rd party modules thread.. i guess i imagined you might adapt that touch plate design to AE at some stage ,, it being passive so maybe not to so much dev work it’s certainly something i personally would pay for .. just for the sake of neatness .. anything i would diy would not be so ‘tidy’ |
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Post by solipsistnation on Feb 12, 2021 0:23:50 GMT
Wow, thanks for the positive feedback...! I have to admit I was a bit worried about what the reactions could be, and it wouldn't have been a big deal if it had to stay as a one-off thing. You underestimate our enthusiasm for cool things for our rigs. 8)
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jan musi
New Member
My first rack just arrived! Woohoo!
Posts: 25
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Post by jan musi on Feb 12, 2021 0:37:08 GMT
yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes That's how many 1/3 modules could fit in my 16x1 rack. Sign me up! |
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Post by joelbrave on Feb 12, 2021 1:38:09 GMT
This looks great. Would definitely like at least 3 of these Logic modules to fill a slot and strongly interested in more modules of the 1/3 size!
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cpruby
Junior Member
Posts: 73
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Post by cpruby on Feb 12, 2021 4:24:27 GMT
I'll add to the chorus of people saying that this looks awesome!
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Post by bearheadwood on Feb 12, 2021 6:36:07 GMT
Even the power distro PCB's would be super handy for me in bananaland! |
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Post by robertlanger on Feb 12, 2021 8:14:29 GMT
I really love this idea! Although AE is already a small format, I see that many people fight with and for every unit; and I like small stuff too, so I'm really excited, and I love to see I'm not alone ;-)
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