{{Short description|Signal routing technique}} right|thumb|330px|Routing matrix of an EMS VCS3 synthesizer.
The '''Pin matrix''' is a compact and visual to way to semi-permanently route signals or program devices, such as in early digital electronics<ref>[https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Electronic-Design/1974/Electronic-Design-V22-N24-1974-1122.pdf#search=%22pin%20matrix%22 Electronic Design 24, Vol. 22, 22 November 1974], p. 95</ref><ref>[https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Electronic-Design/1961/Electronic-Design-1961-12-20.pdf#search=%22pin%20matrix%22 Electronic Design, 20 December 1961], p. 73</ref> or lighting control boards.<ref>[https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Catalogs/Distributors/Bill-Daniels-Video%20Equipment-Buyers-Guide-1988-89.pdf#search=%22pin%20matrix%22 The Bill Daniels' Illustrated Trade References Industrial and Professional Video Equipment Buyers' Guide 1988], V-213</ref><ref>[https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Beat-Instrumental/Beat-Instrumental-1977-06-S-OCR.pdf#search=%22pin%20matrix%22 Lighting Survey], Beat Instrumental, June 1977, p. 84</ref>
== Disadvantages == The number of patches that can be made is limited<ref name="how" /> and the proximity of signal wires in the matrix can cause crosstalk.<ref>[https://www.modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=552186&sid=626e2e4186352735f9972b2ebc2aca1b ARP 2500!], Mod Wiggler forum, August 2011</ref>
== Synths that have used a pin matrix == Also known for being used to patch (program) some synthesizers. Generally inputs are on one axis and outputs on the other and a pin inserted where the two axes meet establishes a connection.<ref name="how">[https://www.modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=59836 How to use matrix pin panel?], Mod Wiggler forum, May 2012</ref> * ARP 2500 * EMS Synthi 100 * EMS VCS3 * EMS Synthi AKS * ETI International 4600 * Maplin 5600
== References == {{reflist}} {{Creative Commons text attribution notice|cc=bysa4|url=https://sdiy.info/wiki/Pin_matrix?mobileaction=toggle_view_desktop|authors=|vrt=|from this source=}}
== External links == * [https://www.modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1512460 Matrix switch options for modulation routing?], Mod Wiggler forum, October 2011 – warnings of circuit complexity * [https://www.modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=59722 Yes, we have some bananas. We have some bananas today.], Mod Wiggler forum, July 2010 * Hinton Instruments SwitchMix [https://web.archive.org/web/20160212194243/http://www.hinton-instruments.co.uk/paprod/modular/switchmix/info.htm background information] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20180222112255/http://www.strings.ph.qmul.ac.uk/~thomas/synthdiy/patchpanels.htm Making Audio PatchPanels] and [https://web.archive.org/web/20160108190742/http://www.strings.ph.qmul.ac.uk/~thomas/synthdiy/patchpins.htm Making Patch Pins] by Steven Thomas
{{improve categories|date=May 2025}} Category:Components Category:Electrical signal connectors