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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>
== 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
== 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.<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 ==
Frac format modules typically use 3.5 mm connectors and plugs for patching, although there are
== Power ==
▲Frac format modules typically use 3.5 mm connectors and plugs for patching, although there are several companies that offer modules with banana jacks ([[BugBrand]], [[Metalbox]]).<ref>[https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7514&sid=6d5c4caf944e77c085f0437cf90ce3be Banana Frac: The Definitive Guide], Muff Wiggler forum, August 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.metalbox.com/ Metalbox Info]</ref>
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 ==
* [[Ad Infinitum]]
* [[Analog Metropolis]]
{{From Muff Wiggler wiki|Frac}}▼
* [[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]]
* [[Comparison of 3U module brands]]
* [[Frac
* [[Banana Frac]]
== References ==
{{reflist}}
== External links ==
* [https://www.
* [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 rack]]
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