As a past Synthi owner (2 AKS and VCS3) the matrix is great for live
work - you can set the pins (or jacks in this case) half way in and
have a pre-patch change available. Especially if you devote the
matrix to only things you want to change - modulation sources etc.
Leave the meat of the patch to cords. It is much easier with push-
buttons bit they cost more unless you buy a TON of them. I work at
LOUD Technologies and Mackie is one of the brands here - I am gonna
look into seeing if I can get a hold of a bunch of the pushbutton we
use on our mixers. They are, or are clones of, a E-Switch and are
quite small. Many can be put in a small space. With color coded caps
it would be east to see rows/columns. The best would be illuminated
one of course but that would really CO$T!
-James

On Feb 4, 2008, at 10:07 AM, Stu Grimshaw wrote:
>
> i think i'd have to think seriously about devoting that much space to
> a patchbay. i use my stuff mostly on stage, putting various sound
> sources thru the doepfer, and i've thought about building a patchbay
> before. but how often will i need 8 inputs on the other hand,
> swapping destinations with a patchbay is much less of a headache. i'd
> certainly buy a 8x4 matrix.
>