Synth module question: +/-12V or +/-15V?

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So I'm going to start building my own synth modules. I know I've got the option of building a +/-12V or +/-15V power supply for starters.

It seems like american companies that make their own modules generally use +/-15V and euro companies generally use +/-12V.

I'm thinking of using +/-12V, simply because I can take an old PC power supply and use the +/-12V leads without making any extra voltage regulation.

My question is this: Is there any appreciable sonic difference between +/-12V and +/-15V? The only reason I can think of for the discrepancy is that there would be less voltage ripple converting to DC between US (115V to +/-15V) and euro (240V? to +/-12V). But if that's the case, this is just an old engineering decision that has been grandfathered in. Any opinions?

― Songbirds of Darker Florida (cprek), Tuesday, 29 August 2006 16:28 (nineteen years ago)

Oh and I'm not really that interested in compatibility with specific kit module voltages (i.e. Blacet). That's kind of arbitrary to my decision, I'm just curious from an engineering perspective.

― Songbirds of Darker Florida (cprek), Tuesday, 29 August 2006 16:31 (nineteen years ago)

I doubt there's any sonic difference - I have a Serge panel that uses +/-12vdc and a bunch of modcan modules that use +/-15vdc, and as long as you join the grounds together (there's a socket on the power supplies I have for this) they're completely compatible in terms of signal levels etc, and sound equally good. The only voltage compatibility issues I've encountered across different brands are with signal and CV levels, eg blacet and wiard envelopes put out 0-10vdc, motm and modcan put out 0-5vdc.

I suspect compatibility w/the big euro brand doepfer - is the reason why most euro companies use use 12v supplies, along with the tiny eurorack panel format.

In theory, I suppose, if you pick up a +/-15vdc supply, it's relatively easy to convert it down to 12, not so easy the other way.

Short answer to yr question = not in my experience, no.

― Pashmina (Pashmina), Tuesday, 29 August 2006 20:52 (nineteen years ago)

Thanks Pash. Seems like +/-12V is the way to go, since there's no real audible difference and I already have an ATX that I can cannibalize.

― Songbirds of Darker Florida (cprek), Wednesday, 30 August 2006 02:05 (nineteen years ago)

What's the current rating of yr atx case?

― Pashmina (Pashmina), Wednesday, 30 August 2006 07:05 (nineteen years ago)

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