pol
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Posts: 1,349
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Post by pol on Jul 27, 2022 16:39:41 GMT
I'm looking at making something like a 3.5mm patchbay, as I have a lot of gear around the AE that uses that size socket; currently I have a one 4I/O module which gets used a lot! (2 3.5mm sockets are permanently connected to my mixer). The external gear is 0-5V only, so I am not concerned about the extra protection the 4I/O gives you for cvs etc. and don't really want to use up more module space in my rack.
The patchbay would be on the top or side of my AE rack. My idea is that, say, eight 3.5mm sockets in a panel/box; then the AE patch leads are soldered to the back of the sockets, and can be plugged in to wherever they need to be.
I have thought I can just cut one end off a patch lead, and solder that to the 3.5mm sockets, probably the easiest way to go?
Another thought is that, if I cut off one end of a patch lead, is it feasible to solder a 3.5mm plug on the other end? (i.e not need a patchbay at all). Do 3.5mm plugs need 2 wires? Basically be a smaller version of the 3.5mm to 6.35mm cables I already have in abundance!
The thought I am leaning towards, (hence the thread title) is to buy 3.5mm mono leads, cut off one end and then solder on an AE "pin"; the main thing putting me off this is I know Robert has improved the cables beyond all recognition since the origianls really meant for electronics, not music use. Any suitable "pins" anyone knows about?
Any other ideas around this are welcome, 
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Post by robertlanger on Jul 27, 2022 16:56:51 GMT
When connecting other gear to AE, you always have to make sure there is a common ground connection. with a minijack cable, this is always the case via the shield / sleeve part of the plug. So a simple "3.5 minijack to AE cable" will not work, because the common ground is missing. But if you make a box with a number of minijack sockets, connect the ground pole of these and with one cable to the AE ground (e.g. to the bus connector at the case), then you can have floating AE patch cables from the sockets to wherever you want. I hope this is clear enough? 🤔
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pol
Wiki Editors
Posts: 1,349
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Post by pol on Jul 27, 2022 21:20:24 GMT
When connecting other gear to AE, you always have to make sure there is a common ground connection. with a minijack cable, this is always the case via the shield / sleeve part of the plug. So a simple "3.5 minijack to AE cable" will not work, because the common ground is missing. But if you make a box with a number of minijack sockets, connect the ground pole of these and with one cable to the AE ground (e.g. to the bus connector at the case), then you can have floating AE patch cables from the sockets to wherever you want. I hope this is clear enough? 🤔 Yes, brilliant, thank you. I didn't think a single wire connection seemed right and you have answered that perfectly. The patchbay route beckons... |
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Post by pt3r on Jul 28, 2022 6:13:42 GMT
I'm looking at making something like a 3.5mm patchbay, as I have a lot of gear around the AE that uses that size socket; currently I have a one 4I/O module which gets used a lot! (2 3.5mm sockets are permanently connected to my mixer). The external gear is 0-5V only, so I am not concerned about the extra protection the 4I/O gives you for cvs etc. and don't really want to use up more module space in my rack.
The patchbay would be on the top or side of my AE rack. My idea is that, say, eight 3.5mm sockets in a panel/box; then the AE patch leads are soldered to the back of the sockets, and can be plugged in to wherever they need to be.
I have thought I can just cut one end off a patch lead, and solder that to the 3.5mm sockets, probably the easiest way to go?
Another thought is that, if I cut off one end of a patch lead, is it feasible to solder a 3.5mm plug on the other end? (i.e not need a patchbay at all). Do 3.5mm plugs need 2 wires? Basically be a smaller version of the 3.5mm to 6.35mm cables I already have in abundance!
The thought I am leaning towards, (hence the thread title) is to buy 3.5mm mono leads, cut off one end and then solder on an AE "pin"; the main thing putting me off this is I know Robert has improved the cables beyond all recognition since the origianls really meant for electronics, not music use. Any suitable "pins" anyone knows about?
Any other ideas around this are welcome,
That is a pretty nifty idea, you can connect this bay to the ribbon cable connectors situated on the sides of your case, that way you have immediate access to GND signal that needs to go the the sleeve connectors of the mini jacks connectors. |
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pol
Wiki Editors
Posts: 1,349
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Post by pol on Aug 6, 2022 0:40:32 GMT
When connecting other gear to AE, you always have to make sure there is a common ground connection. with a minijack cable, this is always the case via the shield / sleeve part of the plug. So a simple "3.5 minijack to AE cable" will not work, because the common ground is missing. But if you make a box with a number of minijack sockets, connect the ground pole of these and with one cable to the AE ground (e.g. to the bus connector at the case), then you can have floating AE patch cables from the sockets to wherever you want. I hope this is clear enough? 🤔 Hiya Robert, pt3r. I have successfully built my prototype patchbay, works a treat. I attached a patch wire which goes to the ground on the power module so didn't need to mess with the bus. Thanks both for your help, probaly saved a module burning or something!
Details will be in the DIY section soon....
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Post by pt3r on Aug 6, 2022 17:16:40 GMT
Just remember that this patchbay is in no way overload protected, so don't plug in cv's that are outside the 0-5v range 'cause that could do some serious damage.
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pol
Wiki Editors
Posts: 1,349
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Post by pol on Aug 7, 2022 19:01:29 GMT
Just remember that this patchbay is in no way overload protected, so don't plug in cv's that are outside the 0-5v range 'cause that could do some serious damage. Oh yes, very aware, was one of reasons I went with the MPC1; I had fancied it for a while but when I found out the CV/gate outs were 0-5V that was my Christmas present sorted,  . I am in the process of putting my build into an article format with photos for the forum or DIY section of the Wiki and I mention this several times! |
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. I am in the process of putting my build into an article format with photos for the forum or DIY section of the Wiki and I mention this several times!