This repo is dedicated to the preservation of information for the Frac Modular format.
It will hold info / manuals / tidbits from various (some of them discontinued) modules from companies like Blacet (RIP), Paia etc.
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]
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]
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 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]
Ad Infinitum
Analog Metropolis
Barton
Blacet Research
BugBrand (only banana jacks)
CGS usually availiable through Metalbox if you cannot DIY
Flight of Harmony
j3rk
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
Stroh Modular
Synthasonic
Synthesis Technology MOTM – never supported Frac but some 5U PCBs will fit behind a Frac panel.[13]
Wiard
Currently Metalbox is the only one thats open to business availiable to buy things from. But you might find modules from the rest of the brands too...look on Ebay/Reverb
synthcube is a great resource for PCB/Panel/Kits etc in Frac Format