Maybe it looks like that when you only look to each card at its own but each modules has all the CV’s it needs. By using a VCAx8 card with sub matrix and mixers in combination with them, it becomes very versatile. I.g mixing an envelope generator with a LFO signal to feed into any of the CV inputs of a module and being able to set the depth of those sources and/or also modulate them.
The amount of modules is limited to start with but, once we will succeed many more modules are to come and designer rules will be outlined for other module designers and the DIY world.
To jasonw22 and others: I got the message that I’m not allowed to place more than 3 comments because I’m new here. That make it a little hard to respond to the questions, critics and suggestions.
One answer I had ready and post it now in this edit:
That’s is indeed what’s going on here. The SM010 Matrixarchate most likely also uses an Analog Devices matrix chip. They use a single 16x8, we the 16x16 in a multiple cascading configuration to achieve a larger matrix.
“” jansonw22 I think some of the ideas you are working with here are pretty unique and maybe some of us are having a little trouble grokking the vision. Would you mind backing up a little and telling us about the motivations for the project and the types of problems it manages to solve in new ways?"
Let me first say that the Kick Starter gets a lot of criticism about being not very clear. I think that is true.
In essence it is an analogue matrix connected to a module board for any module connecting to the matrix and a 32 channel DAC card. The DAC card and the matrix can be steered by a HTML based application to set the matrix connections, the DAC channels and interfaces like a Keyboard. It depends what a user likes to achieve to have certain modules (X-mods) required to patch in. The vision is to create a bridge between the modular world and vintage fixed synthesizers and other gear like that. To be more portable with an in-board modular set (inside the X-Bay case) to have presets to recall instantly. It never will replace the full extend of a large modular system and the joy of a Dr. Frankenstein with all those patch cables. Nonetheless, it gives the opportunity to run sessions with a set of modules (in or out the X-Bay case), store and recall complex patches to make a production go more smoothly. Even when not all parameters of an external connected modular can be patched to the X-Bay matrix, still one can switch instantly a patch of for example 32 ins and 32 outs (or more). When it comes to modular systems with all those patch cables I do not see it as a replacement. It is a bridge to fulfil certain gaps.
“Edit: is it wrong to think of something like the Behringer X32 as the nearest mass market competitor?”
The X32 is a mixer and although X-Bay could be transformed into a mixer this would be foolish to do so.
