Frac rack
Frac Rack, FracRak or Frac is the modular synthesizer format designed by John Simonton of PAiA. It has a wide following largely through the popularity of Blacet modules.[1]
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 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. [1]
Note that even though the height of both Frac and Euro modules are 3U, differences exist in the mounting system.[2] Paia, Blacet and some Wiard modules are Frac mounting compatible.[3]
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.[4][5]
Power requirements for Frac modules are typically ±15VDC. Current draw depends on the module.[1][2]
See also
References
- ^ a b c Standard measurements in front panels, Electro-music.com forum, April 2006
- ^ a b Blacet FAQ
- ^ Tech Notes, Blacet Research
- ^ Banana Frac: The Definitive Guide, Muff Wiggler forum, August 2009
- ^ Metalbox Info
External links
- Fractional Rack Modules, Muff's Modules & More forum
- Standard measurements in front panels, electro-music.com, DIY Hardware and Software forum, May 2007
- About Blacet Research