Analog Synth Modules Rackmount Info?
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Posted on Jan 05, 2007 07:44 pm
niceracks
Member Since: Jan 16, 2005
I'm wondering if there's anyone out there familiar with any of the various analog synth module formats...specifically, dimensions and mounting hole placements and resources for parts (rails, etc...). I build standard 19" studio racks, but lately I've been getting requests to build analog synth cabinets and this is a whole new area for me. I know there are a whole bunch of formats...Eurorack, MOTM, etc..., but any info on any format at this point is a start.
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Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jan 05, 2007 11:22 pm The majority of them are actually configured to fit into the standard 19" rack width. It is mostly the fact that they will take up some major rack space's. I had a Roland unit that sucked up 6 spaces and a German made unit that sucked up 10.
Now if you are talking old school modular synth units then indeed they may require something completely different as they wer not all built around the 19" rack width spec. It would then depend on the model or module being done. I still have a rack full of analog synth modules and they are all 19".
Jan 06, 2007 03:09 pm OK, that's kind of what I thought. But since the formats differ in size (height), they must require some kind of bracket or horizontal rack rails, is that correct? And I'm guessing that the various formats all might have different mounting hole spacings??
One guy wanted a rack for Doepfer modules...he called them Euroracks. I've also had requests for MOTMs and Frac Rack units. Are these what you mean when you say "old school"?
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jan 06, 2007 10:54 pm Yep, that would be for the modules that create the modular synths.
Here is a look at the best mfg. I know for the Eurorack style cases. www.euromodule.fi/e/index.html
The Euroracks I have seen are usually very modular oriented and can be set up in numerous configs.
One thing that sets them apart I guess is that they are usually deeper to accommodate large pieces of gear like say the Korg WaveStation and the like. They also have mounting rack both front and rear which is nice for mounting patch panels, power stirps and such in the rear.
MOTM, that is kind of funny that they would ask for it that way. MOTM actually stands for Mother of the Modulars which are modular synth modules built by this company in particular. www.synthtech.com/motm.html This is the actual MOTM module page, they do other stuff as well. There is a description of the module sizes on that page as well as some photo's. Those type of racks are usually still the 19" width but with special rails running across at 5U intervals to do the actual mounting of the units to.
As for the Frac Rack it is basically the same as the MOTM set up only in a slightly smaller size with a bit differant hole config for the modules.
Hope that helps ya out some.
I'd love to see what you come up with.
On a side note, I may be looking into changing my rack set up in the future so I might be giving you the ring up.
Noize
Jan 22, 2007 03:21 pm Yeah Thanks! That does help to clarify the difference somewhat. I think I probably just need to pick up some blank panels for each module type and start from there. It's difficult to figure out all the specs without actually having the modules in hand. I'll check out those links you've suggested and see what I can dig up.
Sure...contact me whenever you're ready for a new setup...be glad to help you out!
