Ray Wilson’s Sound Lab is truly a great synth project because it sounds good, easy to build, inexpensive and totally customizable for what you need. The Soundlab project is highly recommended! While being totally fine the way it is I have made my own customized version for my interactive art projects and live sound performance.

The point of redesigning is to visually simplify the lay out, and to facilitate complex control voltage routing. Inspired by the EMS Synthi’s signal matrix, I re-designed the Sound Lab to have signal matrix using toggle switches instead of patch plugs. Another important feature borrowed from EMS is their Synthi break out orifice that allows for external control. For my installations I need a dynamic change in signal patches and this can be easily automated by the microcontrollers running the installation.

The sound lab audio signals are still pre patched to the mixer and so the switch matrix is just routing CV signals. Around the pre-patched switch matrix are jacks that would normally bypass the connection. In this particular application they are actually discrete outs or ins to the modules and are not connected to the switch matrix. Except for the jack saying EX CV that is external control voltage input connected to that switch row.

If you have a different take on this idea please email me your thoughts.

Ray Wilson's Web site http://www.musicfromouterspace.com

Soundlab Matrix Face Plate PDF

Sound Lab PAIA Fracrack Version PDF