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'''Frac Rack''' 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">[http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1461 List of Frac module manufacturers], Muff's Modules & More forum, August 2008</ref>
'''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 will take up three vertical units in a 19" equipment rack. Each vertical rack unit is 1¾", so a 3U module is 5¼" tall. The Frac format has a standard width unit of 1½". So 3" and 4½" wide modules are common in this format.<ref name="measures" />
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 ==
Note that even though the height of both Frac and Euro modules are 3U, differences exist in the mounting system.<ref name="an" /><ref name="faq">[http://www.blacet.com/FAQ.html Blacet FAQ]</ref><ref>[http://www.blacet.com/tech.html Tech Notes], Blacet Research</ref>
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&nbsp;mm connectors and plugs for patching, although there are companies that offer modules with banana jacks e.g. [[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>
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 ==
Power requirements for Frac modules are typically ±15VDC. Current draw depends on the module. The power connectors are 4 way [[MTA|AMP MTA-156]] headers. The [[CV/gate|control voltage]] is 1V/octave.<ref name="measures" /><ref name="an" /><ref name="faq" />
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 ==
== Frac brands ==
Line 17: Line 21:
* [[Bridechamber]]
* [[Bridechamber]]
* [[BugBrand]]
* [[BugBrand]]
* [[CGS]]<ref>[https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2462 which frac filter?], Muff Wiggler forum, Dec 2008</ref>
* [[CGS]]<ref>[https://www.modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2462 which frac filter?], Mod Wiggler forum, Dec 2008</ref>
* [[Cyndustries]]
* [[Cyndustries]]
* [[Encore Electronics]]
* [[Encore Electronics]]
Line 26: Line 30:
* [[Magic Smoke Electronics]]
* [[Magic Smoke Electronics]]
* [[Metalbox]]
* [[Metalbox]]
* [[Music From Outer Space|MFOS]] – not format specific and can be powered by +/-15V<ref>[https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=167974 Modular Addict has MFOS PCB's!], Muff Wiggler forum, Sep 2016</ref>
* [[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.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=42303 Source for MOTM Frac DIY], Muff Wiggler forum, Sep 2011</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
* [[PAIA]] – pioneers of the Frac format
* [[STG Soundlabs]]
* [[STG Soundlabs]]
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* [[Wiard]]
* [[Wiard]]
* [[YUSynth]]
* [[YUSynth]]

⚫
{{From Muff Wiggler wiki|Frac}}


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


== References ==
== References ==
⚫
{{From Mod Wiggler Wiki|Frac}}
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
* [https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=15 Fractional Rack Modules], Muff's Modules & More forum,
* [https://www.modwiggler.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=15 Fractional Rack Modules], Mod Wiggler forum,
* [http://www.electro-music.com/forum/topic-18281.html Standard measurements in front panels], electro-music.com, DIY Hardware and Software forum, May 2007
* [http://www.electro-music.com/forum/topic-18281.html Standard measurements in front panels], electro-music.com, DIY Hardware and Software forum, May 2007
* [http://www.blacet.com/about.html About Blacet Research]
* [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
* [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
* [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"