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Analog Metropolis - FAQ's
Q1: What is the Analog Metropolis?
Q2: What do module numbers mean?
Q3: Are AM modules available as kits, like MOTM?
Q4: Can I buy finished AM modules or AM synths?
Q5: Will AM be teaming up with E-mu Systems?
Q6: Can I build an AM module?
Q7: What Standards do AM Modules use?
Q8: I have a MOTM format synthesizer, can I use AM modules?
Q1: What is the Analog Metropolis?
The Analog Metropolis is the brand and project name for all the analog synthesizers and digital sequencers that I am creating.
Q2: What do the AM module numbers mean?
There a number of diiferent ranges of modules.
- AM1000 - Sequencers from Roland and ARP
- AM2000 - E-mu Systems Modular based designs
- AM2500 - E-mu Systems Modular Sequencer based designs
- AM3000 - CEM and SSM chip designs from Sequential Circuits and others
- AM4000 - ARP 2500, 2600 and Odyssey designs
- AM9000 - special modules
Q3: Are AM modules available as kits, like MOTM?
No, the modules are not
available as kits. However I do offer bare and populated PCB's for sale. The PCB's are very similar to the MOTM/Oakley standard, and use the same 4 pin power connector and have a pot spacing of 40mm (close to the MOTM 1.625" standard).
Panels have to be created by the buyer.
Q4: Can I buy finished AM modules or AM synths?
Not yet. I don't sell completed modules or synthesizers, but FracRac modules may be available in the USA in mid 2006.
Q5: Will you be teaming up with E-mu Systems?
No. As much as I would like to see the team at Scotts Valley re-enter the analog synthesizer market, its not going to happen as the potential sales volume is
too small. I have asked Dave Rossum personally if he wanted to get back into analog synthesizer design, and his answer was a firm NO. He looks for new challenges, and he has done the analog "thing". We will never see a Dave Rossum
"Evolver". We will see advances on the Audigy chip that Dave designed for Creative.
Q6: Can I build AM Modules?
Yes, you can - buy a bare PCB! You'll need to populate the PCB with components and align any
trimmers. Project Notes (PDF files) are online at the relavant web page and contain all the information you need to build a module. Front Panel Designer files are also available for download.
PCB's typically cost UK 15 - 25 pounds.
I also have stocks of hard to find parts (e.g. 1k87 tempco resistors). Schematics are contained in the Project Notes where a copyright doesn't exist. All electronic designs, front panels and PCB's have been tested before being made
available.
Q7: What standards do AM modules use?
AM modules are based on the MOTM/Oakley Sound Systems standard:
- +/-10V signal and control voltages
- +15V and -15V power rails, with circuit GND and PANEL GND
- Power connector - 4 pin Molex as per MOTM
- Pot mounting via pot brackets (included with PCB)
- Pot spacing is 40mm, nearly the same as MOTM (1.625" or 41.275mm)
My own AM modules use my own unique (but inspired by Dave Rossum) panel standards:
- Plain Aluminium Panels - 3mm thick
- 4U high
- 90 and 135 mm wide
- High quality 3.5mm jack sockets
- Replica E-mu Systems Modular knobs for AM2000 Series Modules
I chose this panel standard because its close to the original E-mu Modular design, and
I switched to 3.5mm jacks because I hate synths looking like black telephone exchanges. Why no blue surrounds? It takes too much effort and the AM cabinets are blue anyway!
Q8: I have a MOTM format synthesizer, can I use AM modules?
Yes you can, just about! The AM PCB's are mounted at 90 degrees to the front panel using pot brackets (like the old Oakley Sound Systems). The AM pots are spaced at 40mm
which is just 1.275mm smaller than the standard MOTM 1.625" spacing. Therefore you can design a MOTM panel with 40mm spacing and fit the AM PCB, albeit the pots will not perfectly line up across AM and MOTM modules.
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