Frac rack: Difference between revisions
m (Text replacement - "dead-url=yes" to "url-status=dead") |
|||
(11 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown) | |||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
'''Frac |
'''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 == |
== 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 {{sfrac|1|3|4}}", so a 3U module is {{sfrac|5|3|4|}}" (133.35 |
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 mm) tall. The Frac format has a standard width unit of {{sfrac|1|1|2}}". So 3" (76.2 mm) and {{sfrac|4|1|2}}" (114.3) wide modules are common in this format.<ref name="measures" /> |
||
== Difference between Frac rack and Eurorack == |
== 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"> |
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 == |
== 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]].<ref>[https://www. |
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]].<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 == |
||
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" /> [[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> |
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 21: | Line 21: | ||
* [[Bridechamber]] |
* [[Bridechamber]] |
||
* [[BugBrand]] |
* [[BugBrand]] |
||
* [[CGS]]<ref>[https://www. |
* [[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 30: | 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. |
* [[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. |
* [[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]] |
||
Line 39: | Line 39: | ||
* [[Wiard]] |
* [[Wiard]] |
||
* [[YUSynth]] |
* [[YUSynth]] |
||
⚫ | |||
== See also == |
== See also == |
||
* [[3U]] |
* [[3U]] |
||
* [[Comparison of 3U module brands]] |
* [[Comparison of 3U module brands]] |
||
* [[Frac |
* [[Frac rack DIY parts]] |
||
* [[Banana Frac]] |
* [[Banana Frac]] |
||
== References == |
== References == |
||
⚫ | |||
{{reflist}} |
{{reflist}} |
||
== External links == |
== External links == |
||
* [https://www. |
* [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 |
||
Line 61: | Line 60: | ||
** [http://sonic.net/mjones/archive/docs/index.html#pdocs PAiA documents], Synth & Studio Docs Archive |
** [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
- Ad Infinitum
- Analog Metropolis
- Bananalogue – Frac with banana jacks
- Barton
- Blacet Research
- Bridechamber
- BugBrand
- CGS[11]
- Cyndustries
- Encore Electronics
- Flight of Harmony
- j3rk
- KissBox
- Livewire Electronics
- Magic Smoke Electronics
- Metalbox
- MFOS – not format specific and can be powered by +/-15V[12]
- Oakley Sound Systems – some support for Frac and some 5U PCBs can fit behind a Frac panel.[13]
- 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.[13]
- Wiard
- YUSynth
See also
References
This page uses Creative Commons Licensed content from Mod Wiggler Wiki:Frac (View authors).
- ^ a b c Standard measurements in front panels, Electro-music.com forum, April 2006
- ^ a b c Analog Notes
- ^ List of Frac module manufacturers, Mod Wiggler forum, August 2008
- ^ a b "Blacet FAQ". Archived from the original on 2015-02-12. Retrieved 2015-06-11.
- ^ Tech Notes, Blacet Research
- ^ Difference between Frac rack and Euro, Vintage Synth Explorer forum, May 2013
- ^ EuroSynth – FracRak Comparisons by Laurie Biddulph, 2015
- ^ Banana Frac: The Definitive Guide, Mod Wiggler forum, August 2009
- ^ Metalbox Info
- ^ P9700S Series Analog Synthesizer Modules
- ^ which frac filter?, Mod Wiggler forum, Dec 2008
- ^ Modular Addict has MFOS PCB's!, Mod Wiggler forum, Sep 2016
- ^ a b Source for MOTM Frac DIY, Mod Wiggler forum, Sep 2011
External links
- Fractional Rack Modules, Mod Wiggler forum,
- Standard measurements in front panels, electro-music.com, DIY Hardware and Software forum, May 2007
- About Blacet Research
- Frac on ModularGrid
- EuroSynth – FracRak Comparisons by Laurie Biddulph, 2015
- 1978 PAIA catalog
- PAiA at Marvin Jones' website, also has some issues of Polyphony
- PAiA documents, Synth & Studio Docs Archive