I just wanted to inform you that we are working on a 8x8 matrix made with
3.5 mm jack sockets. The reason is that we found a manufacturer that
produces a horizontal version of the 3.5 mm sockets at a much better price
compared to the vertical Cliff sockets used so far. Some of you may have
noticed these sockets in new modules (e.g. the Manual Gate A-164-1, Switched
Multiples A-182-1, A-186-1 Gate/Trigger combiner and the new version of
A-180 Multiples I). With these sockets it should be possible to built a 8x8
matrix at affordable costs. We are still looking for a manufacturer of
shortening 3.5 mm jack plugs (or with diodes or resistors).

I hope the matrix will be in the Euro 100-120 range but I still have to wait
for the quotations of our front panel manufacturer and our assembly company.

Best wishes
Dieter Doepfer

> I have one Doepfer portable rack configured with AS and Doepfer
> modules that are similar to the AKSs layout. I don't have all of the
> modules in a AKS of course - no meter or KS keyboard or fixed output
> filters for instance. I also haven't bought the trapezoid clones or
> EMS filter so it is not a real close clone - close enough for me to
> re-create the patches I commonly made on the Synthi A. I'm at work
> now so I can't give you the exact module list but mainly it is mostly
> Doepfer with 2 AS VCOs (the no longer made RS90 - it had the wave-
> shaping I wanted) and the AS joystick (modified to be mounted upside
> down - cables get in the way otherwise) and a custom made dual manual
> gate panel. The things it has that are different than the Synthi are
> dual Ring modulator, VC envelope generator, MIDI, mixer and VC
> panner, and some more. I have re-arranged it a few times and there is
> allot you can fit in that case. The main thing for me is to find or
> make a joystick module that feels and acts like you want. It is the
> main interface to play on the rig for me. A inverter module and lots
> of multiples are needed too. Having a inverter is great - the way you
> had to do inversion on the Synthi was a drag - I often have the
> joystick's axis used in both regular and inverted at the same time.
> The EMS matrix will spoil you totally and you will need to make or
> buy lots of mults. If I ever find a source for the jacks used in the
> Doepfer/AS modules in the US - I would love to make a matrix patcher
> - lots of jacks needed though! To make one cheaply you would have to
> hardwire it to the modules and there goes the flexibility of a
> modular placement. At that point you might as well make a large
> custom panel, take the panels off AS and D modules and mount them to
> it - hardwired to the matrix. I always wanted to make a SEM-like
> voice module that way with AS and Doepfer modules packed closely in
> one panel and normalized to a standard patch. Oh well - now I'm
> rambling - slow day here today.
> -James