I remember seeing pictures of old analogue computers that had removable patch panels.
This way engineers could preserve and reuse their previous simulations without having to
always re-patch everything from scratch.

I always thought the same thing would be useful for modular synths. The matrix program
panels could be swapped in and out to for live patch changes. Also in the studio, you
could keep some of your favorite configuration panels as starting points.

--- In Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com , James Husted <the_ersatz_planet@...> wrote:
>
> On the modular I see this module's usefulness only in live
> situations, with "pins" half-way plugged in waiting to change the
> patch. Depending on how much needed to be changed, the switched
> multiples and Crossfader/Panning modules would do the trick for me.
> I think it would be a interesting DIY project though to take an array
> of Doepfer modules and remove them from their panels, remove the
> jacks, and mount and hardwire them to a single panel with a matrix of
> jacks like this - sort of a DIY VCS3. That assumes that the PCBs can
> be mounted without jacks which is not always the case. Fun to think
> about though. Maybe someday I will PhotoShop something up to see what
> it would look like.
>
> -James
>
> On Mar 20, 2008, at 2:44 AM, hardware@... wrote:
> > Dear members,
> >
> > after some discussions with Musikmesse visitors and my own
> > experience I
> > doubt if the patch matrix is really a useful tool within a modular
> > system.
> > From my point of view such a matrix is very useful in a semi-
> > modular unit
> > with fixed assignments of the inputs and outputs. But in a modular
> > system
> > one has to patch even the ins and outs, i.e. you have to remember
> > which
> > modules are connected to the patch matrix. I think this additonial
> > "openness" nullifies to a considerable degree as one could do most
> > of the
> > patches also without the need of a patch matrix.
> >
> > Maybe I missed something. Anyway, as I do not really stand by this
> > module we
> > will manufacture it only if there are a reasonable amount of pre-
> > orders.
> >
> > In addition a poll would be useful for us to find out if other
> > members have
> > different opinions. I'll ask Bakis to start the corresponding poll.
> >
> > Best wishes
> > Dieter Doepfer
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
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> >
> >
> >
>