Fully Wired Electronics - Mini Quad Stereo Mute (MQSM)

[FWE]

This is the official thread for all things related to the Fully Wired Electronics - Mini Quad Stereo Mute.

The Mini Quad Stereo Mute is a four channel stereo mute module, in an 8HP package. As the MQSM features four stereo signal paths the module features four pairs of stereo inputs (implemented through Mono jack sockets). Each of the left inputs are cascaded into the associated right inputs, for all four channels. This makes the MQSM versatile as it can be used as a 'quad Mono-to-Stereo converter'. To ensure the module remains compact, the MQSM is equipped with 4 TRS stereo jack sockets for its outputs.

Each of the channels on the MQSM is controlled by the associated LED buttons located at the top of the module. By default when a channel is active the button LED corresponding to that channel will be illuminated, and off when the channel is muted. Should you prefer the opposite, the inverse of this can be achieved thanks to a DIP switch located on the rear of the MQSM.

The MQSM also includes four 'Gate/Trigger' inputs. These 'Gate/Trigger' inputs (labelled as 'G/T' on the front panel) allow the module to be controlled without the need to press each channels corresponding buttons. These inputs have dual functionality thanks to the ability to detect the difference between Gate and Trigger signals. If a Trigger is detected on one of these inputs, the current state of the associated channel will be updated to the opposing state (eg. if the channel is muted, the channel will unmute). When a Gate signal is detected, the channel will become unmuted for the duration of said Gate Signal. When the Gate signal ends the channel will return to a muted state.


https://www.modulargrid.net/e/fully-wir ... tereo-mute

The thread for the MQSMs mono counterpart, the Mini Quad Mute, can be found here: viewtopic.php?t=272988

[stripou]

been looking around for this, had to DIY it but its one of those modules i need to be very sturdy for performance hazard.
are they clickless or not?

[FWE]

been looking around for this, had to DIY it but its one of those modules i need to be very sturdy for performance hazard.
are they clickless or not?

Both the MQSM and the MQM are vactrol based mute modules, and therefor are designed to be click-less. We hope this helps

[stripou]

great!

[al2o3cr]

Picking up the discussion about inverting the module from viewtopic.php?p=3945108#p3945108

Good point about the signal flow; after staring at ModularGrid for a while I've realized the other "reversible faceplate" modules I've seen deal with it a couple different ways:

• Some, like the Soundmachines LS-1, are narrow/small enough that it doesn't really matter

• Some, like the Noise Engineering Lapsus Os, keep everything organized in vertical columns. The panel design also exploits the symmetry of the module - all 4 sliders are identical with no normalization, so there's no harm in calling whichever one happens to be leftmost "1"

• A third group just accepts weird labeling on the inverted setup; the first-gen Intellijel Planar's "180" panel has outputs labeled "D", "C", "B", "A" and inputs normalled from right-to-left

A "mostly #2 with little #3" approach for the MQSM might be to rotate the existing jackfield by 90 degrees; then all the "Left Ins" would be in one row, all the "Right Ins" on the next, etc with outputs across the bottom. See also the Doepfer polyphonic modules (A-105-2, A-132-8, etc) for similar control setups.

One other thing I completely failed to notice on a first read: the TRS output jacks. I'm not sure about that choice, as it seems like stereo modules are mostly still connected with 2xTS apart from a few manufacturers (eg Endorphin.es has some, even had TRRS for a while!). One keep-the-options-open approach could be to have a 2hp "expander" that's 100% passive and just breaks out the outputs to 8x TS jacks.

[FWE]

Picking up the discussion about inverting the module from viewtopic.php?p=3945108#p3945108

Thank you from bringing this over.

A "mostly #2 with little #3" approach for the MQSM might be to rotate the existing jackfield by 90 degrees; then all the "Left Ins" would be in one row, all the "Right Ins" on the next, etc with outputs across the bottom. See also the Doepfer polyphonic modules (A-105-2, A-132-8, etc) for similar control setups.

Whilst this would be the ideal solution, it would require an entire module redesign and wouldn't fit within the same 8HP width. Maintaining that 8HP width is important as we (FWE) need to honour all of the pre-orders which have purchased a MQSM at that module size. However, whilst writing this reply I may have thought of another option. It will add a little bit of extra development time to both the MQSM and MQM (as we are close to releasing both of them), however I feel it will be a worthwhile compromise. Please bare with whilst I explore the viability of it, and I'll update you once I know

One other thing I completely failed to notice on a first read: the TRS output jacks. I'm not sure about that choice, as it seems like stereo modules are mostly still connected with 2xTS apart from a few manufacturers (eg Endorphin.es has some, even had TRRS for a while!). One keep-the-options-open approach could be to have a 2hp "expander" that's 100% passive and just breaks out the outputs to 8x TS jacks.

You may have actually jumped the gun there a little bit While expanders don't sit well with me personally, I do 100% understand the need to break out the 4 TRS sockets into 8 TS jacks here, and we always like to try and find a "keep-the-options-open approach" as you say. That said, we do have some potential solutions in the works!

From a usability standpoint, we made the decision to use the TRS jack outputs for essentially two reasons. The first is from an accessibility stand point, reducing the amount of cables being used whilst patching. Naturally if there are 4 less cables floating around, the patch is much simpler. We also made the decision to use the TRS jack-sockets as we have other products in the pipeline (both Eurorack and other audio equipment) which utilise them. To us it makes sense for them to be standardised. On the flip-side of that it may be asked "why did we decide to use Mono Jack on the inputs?'. As you say there are a number of stereo modules which do still you TS cables, it does serve as a way of converting those TS cable into TRS cables. Plus it was intended from the left inputs to be cascaded into the right inputs.

[FWE]

I have an update on the potential solution as it is both a viable and workable option!

Both the MQM and the MQSM will now come with alternative front panels, and accompanying I/O boards. This means that two orientations (one where the buttons are at the top of the module, and another where the buttons are located at the bottom) are now possible. These alternative front panel and I/O board combinations are swappable and work exactly the same as applying alternative front panels to a module, as that is essentially what they are. Each I/O board will come pre-attached to its corresponding front panel for ease of use.

While we appreciate this isn’t the most glamorous solution, especially as this will increase the purchasing cost of both modules by a small amount, we feel this is the best compromise allowing us to maintain the 6HP and 8HP widths respectively and the same TUI designs. This will naturally add some additional development time to both modules, but as this is a minimally invasive workaround and very little will change we hope this will not be long at all.

All pre-orders and future orders of these modules will ship with both front panel and I/O board configurations. This will be at no extra cost for all current pre-orders!

[FWE]

Following on from our post earlier here are preview renders of what both MQSM orientations will look like. The first image is what we have been showcasing up until now, where the buttons are alined at the top of the module and the I/O towards the bottom.

This second image shows the inverted orientation which is now possible

Renders showing the same for the MQM have been created, and will be posted on the tread for that module. Again the MQSM and MQM will ship with both sets of front panels and I/O boards as standard, allowing for both configurations!

[TechForze]

Good idea with the TRS. Seems like you are in a final stage already, but it could even be possible to make the inputs also TRS. Which even can make the module 6HP. Don’t know if its possible PCB wise, because it will still require 8 vactrols at the back.

[FWE]

Good idea with the TRS. Seems like you are in a final stage already, but it could even be possible to make the inputs also TRS. Which even can make the module 6HP. Don’t know if its possible PCB wise, because it will still require 8 vactrols at the back.

Thank you, it's kind of you to say!

We are (other than the changes that I've been making today allowing for the new configuration) in the final stages already as you say. That said YES it would definitely be possible to make a version which features all TRS inputs as well as outputs, and fairly easy to do as well. The one thing which will change of course is the inputs will not be cascaded. Sadly the module would still need to be 8HP, again as you say because of the required 8 vactrols and the other additional circuitry.

If others would like an all TRS version of the MQSM, then I will more than happily create it and have it as an alternative variant! Of course from a business point of view (as stance that I don't always like taking) I would need to see that it makes sense to create it first

[FWE]

Please do excuse the crudeness, as this is just a quick mock up and the I/O is not quite labelled correctly, but this is what an all TRS version of the MQSM could look like:

[warrior_ant]

I can't believe how quickly you work on things suggested through feedback

[FWE]

It's something we also try to do as quickly as possible, as it makes for much better modules for you guys in the long run. Plus, whilst we are able to change course ever so slightly it makes perfect sense to do so!

[FWE]

An update regarding the MQM and MQSM:

We are extremely pleased to be able to tell you all that the hardware designs and firmware of the MQM and the MQSM is now finalised. Thanks to this we can now confirm the feature set of both modules.

Both of these mute modules feature a unique capability as they can both detect the difference between Trigger and Gate signals and change the state of each channel respectively based upon what signal type is detected on each of the four "G/T" inputs. When a Trigger is detected on an input the associated channel will latch between the "Muted" and "Unmuted" states. When a Gate signal is detected the channel will hold an "Unmuted" state for the duration of the Gate, and switch to a "Muted" state when the signal ends.

Each of the four buttons on the MQM and MQSM also have dual functionality. Much like the "G/T" inputs, each button can latch between the "Muted" and "Unmuted" states when short pressed. Each of the buttons also feature a "Momentary" mode. When a button is long held it will automatically switch to "Momentary" mode, and the channel will be in an "Unmuted" state for the duration of the button being held.

Both modules feature a DIP switch on the reverse of the module, which is used to alter how the state of each channel is visually fed back to the user. By default the button LEDs will display when each channel is "Unmuted" through being illuminated. This means that when the LEDs are not illuminated, the channels are in "Muted" states. Through use of the DIP switch the opposite of this is true, meaning the LEDs will be illuminated when the channels are in a "Muted" state, and off when in an "Unmuted" state. This feature was added to accommodate your own preference for ease of use.

Both modules also feature swappable "I/O Boards" and front panels allowing for the orientation of the MQM and MQSM to be altered to fit your use. All of the relevant I/O boards and front panel orientations come with both of the modules, meaning no additional purchases need to be made!

The inputs on the MQM are cascaded meaning four identical copies of a signal is possible. When nothing is patched into the first input, the module is capable of outputting a 10V signal. On the MQSM, when using the "TS to TRS I/O Boards" (This is applicable for both the orientation A and B I/O Boards), the left inputs are cascaded into the respective right inputs. Much like the MQM, then a cable is not patched into each of the left inputs, the module is capable of outputting four pairs of 10V signals. When using the "TRS I/O Boards" in both orientations, the inputs are not cascaded and the 10V signal is not possible due to limitations from the 3.5MM jack sockets used in the design. Audio, CV and Gate/Trigger signals can all be routed through both the MQM and MQSM.

Currently we are waiting to finalised the front panels of the MQSM and the orientation "B" panel of the MQM. We will be sharing a demo video of the MQM within the next week, with the hopes the MQSM will follow soon after once the front panels have been finalised.

[warrior_ant]

I just saw that the mqm is in the demo video for the transistor ladder filter. Does that mean the mqsm is closer than I expect?

[FWE]

I just saw that the mqm is in the demo video for the transistor ladder filter. Does that mean the mqsm is closer than I expect?

Yes quite possibly!

As I say we are working on finalising the front panels, once done both the MQM and MQSM will be ready for release and will be shipped to all those who have pre-ordered.

[FWE]

As promised here is our first demo of the MQM:




In this demo the MQM is being used to mute and unmuted trigger signals outputted by the Stochastic Instruments - Stochastic Inspiration Generator, which is being routed through the Fully Wired Electronics Multi-Logic. This demonstrates the latching and momentary function of each button found on the MQM. The MQM is also being sequenced by the Stochastic Inspiration Generator thanks to its Gate and Trigger inputs and detecting functionality, which is muting and unmuting channel 3, which is being used to route an LFO into the synth voice being used.


A demo of the MQSM is to follow!

[FWE]

We are currently running a 15% storewide sale (until Jun 8th), with code "MMM15", to celebrate the first demo of the long awaited Mini Quad Mute.

https://www.fullywiredelectronics.com/store

[FWE]

There is currently only 6 days left on our 15% off Mini Mute Madness sale!

Get 15% off storewide while you can with code "MMM15"!

https://www.fullywiredelectronics.com/store