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Post by gorkulus on Jun 13, 2019 0:32:13 GMT
Hi! I'm really excited about AE modular. I love modular workflows, do a lot of modular stuff on my computer, and have dreamed of having a modular synth for a long time. The price point of AE modular makes a fairly extensive modular system within reach for the first time. However, I have to admit I've had a bit of a hard time deciding between AE and low cost Eurorack/semimodular options, and the main reason is that I do appreciate high quality physical components, things that will last a long time, etc. Eurorack has been getting more affordable, and with DIY kits the cost is more like 2-3x (plus a lot of time) what AE modular would be. There's a part of me that feels like I should invest more slowly in something that will be more durable. A different part of me is extremely excited that these kinds of circuits are available for purchase in a system that makes everything but the sound generation as cheap as possible. I tend to think I'll build an AE modular system, then invest in some Eurorack to expand down the line. I've never worked extensively with hardware modular, so I'm glad there's a system available that will let me experiment with a lot of different modules without the cost being so high. I'm sure it will help clarify what my ideal system would be.
But I've also been thinking / wondering about how easy or hard it would be to modify AE modules (or a system as a whole) to have more durable connectors, case, etc. From what I can tell it seems like it'd be fairly straightforward.
1) What if I decided to wire all the connectors on my wires (or whichever ones I select) to a 1/8" (or whatever) patchbay? Is there any reason that wouldn't work? I know there wouldn't be protection against Eurorack voltage, but I'm just wondering if it would be possible to wire everything to a patchbay and then patch within the AE on the patchbay. It could be a nice way of focusing workflow by narrowing the selection of patch points and grouping them in a nice way. It could also allow for quicker / more reckless patching. Or could wire everything into a mod matrix that has memory and do the patching that way, be able to recall patches. It would help get all the wires out of the way of the knobs.
2) I could imagine deciding on a layout and then manufacturing my own faceplate for the system. Or making more durable faceplates for individual modules. Anyone experimented with this?
3) Anyone tried adding knob caps? Would there be room?
4) The modules are cheap enough that I could imagine wiring together a non-modular synth out of them, creating an enclosure, case, maybe a custom interface of knobs, etc. Or additional control / patch memory that's layered on top. Anyone thought about doing this?
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Post by moruial on Jun 13, 2019 6:49:14 GMT
Hello there and welcome to the forum.
Well you have to know that even if the AEM might look "weak", it is not. The whole thing is pretty sturdy and I personnaly never had problem with it. You can change the front panel if you wish to but I don't see the point to it as it will increase the price a lot. The point of robertlanger was to make something with as little cost as possible, that why there are no caps or the panel are made of wood.
I don't think you can add caps on the AEM though, but unless you have hands of a Giant, you'll be fine playing with them. As for the patch bay, I can't tell much, I have old modules, now they are diffrent and seems to be better (haven't use the new ones yet). And for wire, well there is also some news, if I'm correct robertlanger is making new ones and some members have the chance to try them out.
In the end I think you should'nt worry about the build quality of the AEM it's a nice beast and unless you like to throw away your gear on the floor, you'll be just fin with it  |
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bahm
Full Member
Posts: 154
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Post by bahm on Jun 13, 2019 7:12:20 GMT
I would also say test it and take the advantages of the design. Like you wrote, you can get at least 2 or 3 times as many modules than in a eurorack system and all in a small easily portable package. The price for cables is also a big difference.
Working with the system is no problem at all, I like it as it is and the pots are fine and have enough room. Reasons against the AE could be if you have bad eyes or kind of trembling hands.
It should be possible to build a hardwired synth with the modules but it just makes no sense in my opinion. If you just don't pull your wires out, it is like hardwired, right?
You can mod the system with bigger sockets and other frontplates and pots if you want to do that.
Before I had the AE I thought about that too, but since I have it I know it isn't necessary at all for me.
You could even turn it into eurorack compatible modules I believe if you put every module together with a 4cv module and a power converter into one big module. But i'm not 100 percent sure about that.
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Post by moruial on Jun 13, 2019 7:15:20 GMT
If you are worry about the pot on the AEM, i'd recommende you to try a Korg Volca. the pots are the same size and there is the same space in between them.
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Post by thetechnobear on Jun 13, 2019 10:57:31 GMT
its an interesting topic...
I think the first question is "Is it necessary?" (aka is AEM durable enough?)
Generally, Ive not had an issue with durability, and mine was one of the first Kickstarter units delivered.
the only 'fragile' aspect I found was patch cables not locating or falling out.
the new patch wires will I believe solve this (Ive got some samples and they are great)
I also had a couple of issues with some pots, oddly always on the 4-4 mixer - but its not been a big deal.
so i don't think its necessary...
second, is it possible?
different form factor:
I think so, if you're handy with a soldering iron.... you could move to a new faceplate
pots/switch etc.
as above, likely to add spacing you'd have to de-solder and then remount on new board.
or you could take the opportunity to replace pots, with panel mounting ones. (panel pots/switches are not cheap though)
jacks -
obvious, choice would be 3.5mm...but that gets expensive quickly.
BUT, ive a feeling it might be better to look at banana plugs - these are usually cheaper and actually quite closely aligned to AE patch wire.
(e.g. they single signal, not grounded) also, you could remove the passive multiples, since you can easily get stackable bananas
(many modular enthusiasts will tell you banana is superior/more durable than jacks used on eurorack)
another option, used by DIY module makers, is to not use sockets at all.. but to use metal posts, and then alligator clips for connections.
ribbon connector
you might want to review this... AE ribbon carries not only voltage/ground but also signals.
if I was doing this, Id be quite tempted to not bother exposing the BUS signals, other than on the master module.
this will save you LOTS of sockets.
instead Id probably build something like the make noise shared bus, which can be used for any (passive) signals.
eurorack compatible:
I'm personally not sure id go as far as making them eurorack compatible...
to be 'valuable' I think every module has to be compatible (i.e. protected for overvoltage, make audio bipolar and add gain)
so whilst not necessary, I think both projects could be really fun and interesting, and i'm sure once you've done a couple of modules - you'd get into a swing of it. also I think if longer term you want to do more module-diy, its an interesting way to start.
so yeah, its not necessary - but it could be a fun project...
in fact, I'll admit - as I started talking/thinking about it, I actually really started to like the idea of a derivative banana jack based system...
it'd be a really fun project to do, and it be quite a nice way to give a kickstart to your own DIY modular project, esp. as im starting to gather a few 'spare' modules... (due to replacing old modules with new ones etc)
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Post by gorkulus on Jun 13, 2019 21:52:21 GMT
Thanks for the replies! Great to hear that folks think there aren't really issues with durability. I don't really plan on trying any of this until I've had a while to experiment with the system as is. I might decide to not bother. But I'm always curious about the possibility of hacking / modifying / extending things. If I were going to travel or tour with it a lot, I think that's when I'd look into doing some of this stuff. The most problematic thing I think I've seen mentioned is that the patch cables can fall out. If I wanted to preserve a patch for a live performance, travel with it, that could be a problem.
I think the most interesting thing I mentioned is probably creating a patchbay with a different kind of plug. thetechnobear, thanks for mentioning banana plugs, that does sound like something to consider.
More than replacing plugs on individual modules, I think I'd be interesting in creating a patchbay with all the patch points close together. That would allow for a different kind of patching while not requiring modifying anything else permanently. Having a patch bay in one place is one thing that appeals to me about some semimodulars like the Mother 32, Neutron, Erebus. I can imagine it being less intuitive and inhibiting flow to a degree when getting started, learning where the patch points are and what modules they correspond to. But for performance, tweaking parameters, etc, having the cables out of the way seems like a big advantage.
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Post by admin on Jun 13, 2019 22:39:40 GMT
The new patch cables are now going into production and they will definitely solve the problem of dodgy connections. I have a small bag of samples and can attest to the huge improvement they offer. In terms of travelling with the AE ... all you would need is to build a nice sturdy case to house the AE and maybe a few gadgets, this was discussed in this thread: forum.aemodular.com/thread/69/ae-modular-travel-caseAlso Robert is currently designing a suite of cases of various formats ... but given his current workload after the hugely successful superbooth it may be a few months before we will see them in the shop. Here is a prototype that he showed off in April: forum.aemodular.com/post/1628 |
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