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'''Frac rack''', '''FracRak''' or '''Frac''', from ''Fractional Rack'', is the modular synthesizer format designed by [[John Simonton]] of [[PAiA Electronics Inc|PAiA]]. It has a mainly USA following largely through the popularity of [[Blacet Research|Blacet]] modules.<ref name="measures">[http://www.electro-music.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18281&postorder=asc Standard measurements in front panels], Electro-music.com forum, April 2006</ref><ref name="an">[http://www.analognotes.com/ Analog Notes]</ref><ref name="list">[https://www.modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1461 List of Frac module manufacturers], Mod Wiggler forum, August 2008</ref>
'''Frac Rack''' or simply '''Frac''' is a modular synthesizer format.


== Panel format ==
Like the [[Eurorack]] format, Frac is considered a [[3U]] format. The height of most modern modular synthesizer modules is measured by the number of vertical units it consumes in a standard [[19-inch rack|19" equipment rack]]. Modules conforming to the 3U format, for example, will take up three vertical units in a 19" equipment rack. Each vertical rack unit is 1.75", so a 3U module is 5.25" tall.
Like the [[Eurorack]] format, Frac is considered a [[3U]] format. The height of most modern modular synthesizer modules is measured by the number of vertical units it consumes in a standard [[19-inch rack|19" equipment rack]]. Modules conforming to the 3U format will take up three vertical units in a 19" equipment rack. Each vertical rack unit is {{sfrac|1|3|4}}", so a 3U module is {{sfrac|5|3|4|}}" (133.35&nbsp;mm) tall. The Frac format has a standard width unit of {{sfrac|1|1|2}}". So 3" (76.2&nbsp;mm) and {{sfrac|4|1|2}}" (114.3) wide modules are common in this format.<ref name="measures" />


== Difference between Frac rack and Eurorack ==
The Frac format has a standard width unit of 1.5". So 3" and 4.5" wide modules are common in this format. Frac-Rac is an American format designed by John Simonton of [[PAiA]], which has found a wide following largely through the popularity of [[Blacet Research|Blacet]] modules.
Although both Frac and Euro modules are 3U, use V/octave and have similar signal levels the modules aren't interchangeable. Frac modules are deeper and have a different mounting system. The module power connectors are different and so are the voltages; Frac modules are powered with ±15V and Eurorack with ±12V. Check the specs of individual modules for CV compatibility. To patch between a banana Frac system and a Euro system a common ground connection will need to be made.<ref name="an" /><ref name="faq">{{Cite web |url=http://www.blacet.com/FAQ.html |title=Blacet FAQ |accessdate=2015-06-11 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212075001/http://www.blacet.com/FAQ.html |archivedate=2015-02-12 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150608175134/http://blacet.com/tech.html Tech Notes], Blacet Research</ref><ref>[http://forum.vintagesynth.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=71748 Difference between Frac rack and Euro], Vintage Synth Explorer forum, May 2013</ref><ref>[http://www.elby-designs.com/webtek/panther/euro-frac.pdf EuroSynth – FracRak Comparisons] by Laurie Biddulph, 2015</ref>


== Patching ==
Note that even though the height of both Frac and Euro modules are 3U, differences exist in the mounting rails and screws. Thus, each format requires its own mounting system (screws, rails, etc).
Frac format modules typically use 3.5&nbsp;mm connectors and plugs for patching, although there are companies that offer modules with banana jacks e.g. [[BugBrand]], [[Metalbox]].<ref>[https://www.modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7514&sid=6d5c4caf944e77c085f0437cf90ce3be Banana Frac: The Definitive Guide], Mod Wiggler forum, August 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.metalbox.com/ Metalbox Info]</ref>


== Power ==
Frac format modules typically use 1/8" or 3.5mm connectors and plugs for patching, although there are several companies that offer modules with banana jacks ([[BugBrand]], [[Metalbox]]).
Power requirements for Frac modules are typically ±15VDC. Current draw depends on the module. The power connectors are 4 way [[MTA connector|AMP MTA-156]] headers. The [[CV/gate|control voltage]] is 1V/octave.<ref name="measures" /><ref name="an" /><ref name="faq" /> [[PAiA P9700S]] modules are designed for an ±18V unregulated power with on module regulation where necessary, although ±15V regulated supplies can be used.<ref>[http://www.paia.com/p9700s.asp P9700S Series Analog Synthesizer Modules]</ref>


== Frac brands ==
Power requirements for Frac modules are typically +/-15VDC. Current draw depends on the module.
* [[Ad Infinitum]]
⚫
{{From Muff Wiggler wiki|Frac}}
* [[Analog Metropolis]]
⚫
==See also==
* [[Bananalogue]] – Frac with [[banana connector|banana jacks]]
* [[Barton]]
* [[Blacet Research]]
* [[Bridechamber]]
* [[BugBrand]]
* [[CGS]]<ref>[https://www.modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2462 which frac filter?], Mod Wiggler forum, Dec 2008</ref>
* [[Cyndustries]]
* [[Encore Electronics]]
* [[Flight of Harmony]]
* [[j3rk]]
* [[KissBox]]
* [[Livewire Electronics]]
* [[Magic Smoke Electronics]]
* [[Metalbox]]
* [[Music From Outer Space|MFOS]] – not format specific and can be powered by +/-15V<ref>[https://www.modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=167974 Modular Addict has MFOS PCB's!], Mod Wiggler forum, Sep 2016</ref>
* [[Oakley Sound Systems]] – some support for Frac and some [[5U]] PCBs can fit behind a Frac panel.<ref name="src">[https://www.modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=42303 Source for MOTM Frac DIY], Mod Wiggler forum, Sep 2011</ref>
* [[PAIA]] – pioneers of the Frac format
* [[STG Soundlabs]]
* [[Stroh Modular]]
* [[Synthasonic]]
* [[Synthesis Technology]] [[MOTM]] – never supported Frac but some 5U PCBs will fit behind a Frac panel.<ref name="src" />
* [[Wiard]]
* [[YUSynth]]

⚫
== See also ==
* [[3U]]
* [[3U]]
* [[Comparison of 3U module brands]]
* [[Comparison of 3U module brands]]
* [[Frac Rack DIY parts]]
* [[Frac rack DIY parts]]
* [[Banana Frac]]


==References==
== References ==
⚫
{{From Mod Wiggler Wiki|Frac}}
*electro-music.com, DIY Hardware and Software forum: [http://www.electro-music.com/forum/topic-18281.html Standard measurements in front panels]
{{reflist}}
{{Lacks references}}


==External links==
== External links ==
* [https://www.modwiggler.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=15 Fractional Rack Modules], Mod Wiggler forum,
*Muff's Modules & More forum: [http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1478&start=all&postdays=0&postorder=asc List of Eurorack module's depth]
*electro-music.com, DIY Hardware and Software forum: [http://www.electro-music.com/forum/topic-18281.html Standard measurements in front panels]
* [http://www.electro-music.com/forum/topic-18281.html Standard measurements in front panels], electro-music.com, DIY Hardware and Software forum, May 2007
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20131016125903/http://www.blacet.com/about.html About Blacet Research]
* [https://www.modulargrid.net/f/modules/home Frac] on ModularGrid
* [http://www.elby-designs.com/webtek/panther/euro-frac.pdf EuroSynth – FracRak Comparisons] by Laurie Biddulph, 2015
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20040813222835/http://www.my-scifi-stuff.com/paia/paia_1978.htm 1978 PAIA catalog]
* [http://sonic.net/mjones/paia/index.html PAiA] at Marvin Jones' website, also has some issues of Polyphony
** [http://sonic.net/mjones/archive/docs/index.html#pdocs PAiA documents], Synth & Studio Docs Archive


[[Category:Frac]]
[[Category:Frac rack]]

Latest revision as of 19:06, 19 December 2022

Frac rack, FracRak or Frac, from Fractional Rack, is the modular synthesizer format designed by John Simonton of PAiA. It has a mainly USA following largely through the popularity of Blacet modules.[1][2][3]

Panel format

Like the Eurorack format, Frac is considered a 3U format. The height of most modern modular synthesizer modules is measured by the number of vertical units it consumes in a standard 19" equipment rack. Modules conforming to the 3U format will take up three vertical units in a 19" equipment rack. Each vertical rack unit is 1+3/4", so a 3U module is 5+3/4" (133.35 mm) tall. The Frac format has a standard width unit of 1+1/2". So 3" (76.2 mm) and 4+1/2" (114.3) wide modules are common in this format.[1]

Difference between Frac rack and Eurorack

Although both Frac and Euro modules are 3U, use V/octave and have similar signal levels the modules aren't interchangeable. Frac modules are deeper and have a different mounting system. The module power connectors are different and so are the voltages; Frac modules are powered with ±15V and Eurorack with ±12V. Check the specs of individual modules for CV compatibility. To patch between a banana Frac system and a Euro system a common ground connection will need to be made.[2][4][5][6][7]

Patching

Frac format modules typically use 3.5 mm connectors and plugs for patching, although there are companies that offer modules with banana jacks e.g. BugBrand, Metalbox.[8][9]

Power

Power requirements for Frac modules are typically ±15VDC. Current draw depends on the module. The power connectors are 4 way AMP MTA-156 headers. The control voltage is 1V/octave.[1][2][4] PAiA P9700S modules are designed for an ±18V unregulated power with on module regulation where necessary, although ±15V regulated supplies can be used.[10]

Frac brands

See also

References

This page uses Creative Commons Licensed content from Mod Wiggler Wiki:Frac (View authors).

  1. ^ a b c Standard measurements in front panels, Electro-music.com forum, April 2006
  2. ^ a b c Analog Notes
  3. ^ List of Frac module manufacturers, Mod Wiggler forum, August 2008
  4. ^ a b "Blacet FAQ". Archived from the original on 2015-02-12. Retrieved 2015-06-11.
  5. ^ Tech Notes, Blacet Research
  6. ^ Difference between Frac rack and Euro, Vintage Synth Explorer forum, May 2013
  7. ^ EuroSynth – FracRak Comparisons by Laurie Biddulph, 2015
  8. ^ Banana Frac: The Definitive Guide, Mod Wiggler forum, August 2009
  9. ^ Metalbox Info
  10. ^ P9700S Series Analog Synthesizer Modules
  11. ^ which frac filter?, Mod Wiggler forum, Dec 2008
  12. ^ Modular Addict has MFOS PCB's!, Mod Wiggler forum, Sep 2016
  13. ^ a b Source for MOTM Frac DIY, Mod Wiggler forum, Sep 2011

External links

Retrieved from "https://sdiy.info/wiki/Frac_rack?oldid=21286"