# Pin matrix

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{{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](/source/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](/source/patch_panel) (program) some [synthesizer](/source/synthesizer)s. 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](/source/ARP_2500)
* [EMS Synthi 100](/source/EMS_Synthi_100)
* [EMS VCS3](/source/EMS_VCS3)
* [EMS Synthi AKS](/source/EMS_Synthi_AKS)
* [ETI International 4600](/source/ETI_International_4600)
* [Maplin 5600](/source/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

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Pin matrix](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pin_matrix) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pin_matrix?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.