I think any type of matrix would be great, except Matrix
Revolutions, I was a bit disappointed with that.....

Seriously, matrix mixers can be very handy for creating mass
feedback loops (as previously stated in the thread), minimzing the
amount of required patching when working live, even creating an
analog DX style FM router. One thing I really wanted to be able to
do when I started buying my A-100 stuff was to recreate some of my
often used Reaktor ensembles, especially the Newscool machines, but
they would require matrix mixers. The Ken Stone Matrix looks good
enough at 5x5 (I think) with level pots for each point, although 5x5
would not be enough for many users/patches.

The Pin style matrix wouldn't be good enough for for applications as
it has no controls and if your destination doesn't have a CV in pot
you are screwed with full voltage. Even if it had an input pot, it
would be a mix of all patches through the pin matrix and not 50% of
input one, 10% of input 2, etc.

The VC matrix is a dream machine. The Synapse by Analogue
Solutions was a great idea. A Patch Matrix with MEMORY....that is
awesome! That would mean modular memory with the exception of a few
tweaks of tune and cutoff. This would be the true DX FM style
router, like the list of possible algorithms printed on the DXs. But
capable of much more than just this. However, without programmable
levels for each matrix point this is just a pin matrix with memory.

HOW ABOUT A STAND-ALONE 10X10 MATRIX MIXER This would eliminate
the restriction of the 3U case, inputs and outputs could run along
the top edge of the face so cables lie between the modular and the
matrix, and (this is a bit of a step back in time but....) perhaps
even plastic lay-over sheets for marking your settings in a sense
giving you memory, or maybe there is a way to install memory that
will save the current settings of all knobs (like the MAQ but with
MORE THAN 32 SLOTS!!!!!! What's up with that anyway ) This unit
would need to be patched to all relevant modules all the time if the
memory is to do its job, so that may be a case to make it 16X16 (I
guess this is a bit much as a 16X16 would be the size of an 10U rack
module, so perhaps fewer after all). With some memory you could get
hard jumps from one group of setting to another, but with the lay-on
cards more like a morph between settings (unless you stop between
songs to set levels). If it had the real memory it might be cool to
include a morph time control anyway.
Icing on cake would be built in PSU, not an AC adapter.

What about the LIN/LOG issue Wouldn't it be best to have one
matrix with linear controls and one with log/audio I personally DO
use audio signals as modulation sources (vco, noise, external, etc)
but I would just patch these into the linear matrix when needed. The
log matrix would be for routing audio signals to LinFM inputs and my
different filters. Maybe the first half of the inputs should be
audio taper and the second half should be linear.

So anyway, what do you guys think Sorry if this has all been said
before on the forum, I didn't do the research.

I think I would be more inclined to buy a stand-alone unit with more
funtion than a tiny thing in a 3U space, no offence. I suppose for a
smaller system a 4x4 might be sufficient, like throw it in the next
Expansion System...... but I'm up to three G6's full and some DIY so
4x4 is not going to help outside of creating some feedback arrays. I
actually made a feedback module for linking to others, mainly for a
not-so-good spring reverb, but it has a feedback control and an
insert loop in the feedback path and in all it really helps that
reverb to draw out (really just a simple 2-ch mixer, but it frees my
A-138s for real work).

ps I like the look of that new Modcan system too (7335), but only
one VCO What's that about.

pss Ingo please see 7325

thanks for reading and feel free to tell me I'm crazy, it's no secret.

Nick Keller