MMS (1973 - 1980)
Strand
MMS
Modular Memory System with 80, 120, 240, 360, 480 channels.
MMS was the first mass produced memory control and jumped two hurdles in a single stride: it took full advantage of low-priced integrated circuit technology, and dispensed with a rocker switch per channel in favour of a calculator style keypad and wheel, to control up to 480 channels.
The system consisted of self-contained function modules (which could be chosen by the purchaser) linked by a common buss, used singly or in multiples for facilties required.
Channel control was by a dedicated numerical keyboard including (the now common) THRU, @ and the first use of a digital fader wheel.
The Mimic module gave above-zero indication for each multiple of 120 channels.
Used Ferrite Core memory.
First in 1973 was for the Birmingham Hippodrome, and the last was in 1979.
A total of 208 MMS desks were sold.
The desk was replaced by the Galaxy (1980) and later the Gemini (1984) systems.
Overview:
The Modular Memory System consists of a number of modules, each providing complementary or alternative operational facilities, which all plug into a common digital data link. For 80 up to 360 control channels, with only two module types repeating for each multiple of 120, or less, channels. Virtually any operational facility required to suit the particular needs of each theatre or studio can be incorporated by selection from the many types of module that are now available; these include manual and/or sophisticated timed crossfades, cue-insert, group control, remote control, library storage, and print-out/type-in. All desks include fast, random-access high -density core storage and the Strand fader wheel for match-less intensity modification.
Active or preview mimic display can be either above-zero indication, or a colour and/or monochrome video display showing precise intensity levels.
Colour: Aircraft Grey-Green
Related Venues:
- Adelphi Theatre, London
- Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
- Aldwych Theatre, London
- Birmingham Hippodrome
- Blackpool Opera House
- Glyndebourne Opera House
- Royal Festival Hall
- Theatr Clwyd Cymru
- Theatre Royal, Glasgow
- Roundhouse London
- Nottingham Theatre Royal
- Theatre Royal Drury Lane
- The Noel Coward Theatre
- Jerwood Vanburgh Theatre
- Sadlers Wells Theatre
- Chichester Festival Theatre
- London Coliseum
- Prince Edward Theatre, London
- Victoria Palace Theatre
- Wimbledon Theatre
- Westminster Theatre, London
- Wyndhams Theatre
- Sydney Theatre Royal
- New Theatre, Oxford
- Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh
- London Palladium
Related Shows
See also:
Documents
MMS at Glyndebourne (Jim Thomas, LX manager)
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[769kb JPEG]
From Alan Luxford Collection
MMS at the Royal Festival Hall
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[843kb JPEG]
From Alan Luxford Collection
MMS at Theatre Royal Drury Lane
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[866kb JPEG]
From Alan Luxford Collection
MMS Stalls Wing at Glyndebourne
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[694kb JPEG]
From Alan Luxford Collection
System MMS - Boblingen Installation
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[432kb JPEG]
From David Bertenshaw Collection
First MMS Installation - Birmingham Hippodrome (Bill Wardroper at the desk) (1973)
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[828kb JPEG]
From Alan Luxford Collection
First MMS Installation - Birmingham Hippodrome (Bill Wardroper at the desk) (1973)
Click on thumbnail to enlarge
[777kb JPEG]
From Alan Luxford Collection
MMS Operators Manual (May 1974)
Includes mention of difference between MMS and Q-File
[35.7Mb PDF]
From Bob Anderson Collection
Advert: MMS (from Theatre Crafts, January/Feb 1975) (1975)
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[860kb JPEG]
From Strand Archive
Photo: MMS Installation in Usti Theater, Czech Republic (1975)
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[371kb JPEG]
From Bob Hartley Collection
Photo: Pyongyang Congress Hall complex exterior (1975)
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[268kb JPEG]
From Bob Hartley Collection
Photo: Pyongyang MMS desk in use (1975)
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[238kb JPEG]
From Bob Hartley Collection
Photo: Pyongyang MMS desk with venue staff and Bob Hartley. (1975)
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[166kb JPEG]
From Bob Hartley Collection
Photo: Pyongyang MMS Installation (1975)
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[161kb JPEG]
From Bob Hartley Collection
Photo: Pyongyang MMS Installation (1975)
Click on thumbnail to enlarge
[178kb JPEG]
From Bob Hartley Collection
Photo: Pyongyang MMS Installation with a watchful eye from the Leader (1975)
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[171kb JPEG]
From Bob Hartley Collection
Photo: Pyongyang MMS Installation with protective covers (1975)
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[178kb JPEG]
From Bob Hartley Collection
Advert: MMS (from Theatre Crafts, March/April 1975) (March 1975)
Click on thumbnail to enlarge
[1Mb JPEG]
From Strand Archive
MMS Lighting Fault Log from Chichester Festival Theatre (May 1978)
[13.6Mb PDF]
From The NEET Collection
Exhibits in the Backstage Heritage Collection
Catalogue & Journal Entries for MMS in the Backstage Heritage Collection
Back to Control - Memory (Strand)
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