PAiA 9700

[tomg]

The Midi2CV8 does indeed come up in v/oct if you build it that way. However 
you have to hold the lowest key to set 0V when you turn it on. If you build it 
for v/hz you can just turn it on, no need to hold a key. This is minor but inconvenient
for v/oct users if your rack if more that say 6' from your master keyboard. 

I would like to be able set 0V for say C0 or C1 and leave it there. Even waiting
for the first key-press to set 0V would be better than having to hold a key while
turning it on.

While we are talking about this...Tony A..could you please tell us again what 
you replaced the stock DAC with and the difference you observed. You did
say you got it to work a lot better didn't you? Or am I wrong?
 
The "normalized modules" are normalized through switched 1/8"(I think?) jacks.
To patch anything to anything you just plug-in. But to get up and running
you need maybe 8 patch cords for a normalized-synth. I though that was a 
pretty cool idea. 

> >From:Andrew Schrock
> > A general comment of mine about the paia modular gear is that I don't like
> > the normalled connections so much. IMO It spoils the fun of a modular...
> > which in my mind is _full_ of mistakes and quirks achievable only by
> > connecting the different units in new/unusual ways.. the more modules you 
> > put together, the less opportunity for wackiness. 

> From: Andrew Hutchison 
> On a system of this size, it doesn't seem like the possibilities for
> new/unusual sounds that work are that expansive.  It doesn't seem to want
> to be a moog/synthi system which can do music/sfx/ufo's/birds chirping
> etc, but more like a monosynth with extensive twiddling capability.  I
> have looked at any of my synths manymany times and thought "gee, it'd be
> nice to add distortion before the filter." or something like that, and
> that is what this synth offers.  Also, a lot of PAiA's market is in diyers
> who need a decent platform to spring from.  The FatMan honestly kinda
> sucked for this.  If you are like me (shitty EE skillz) and can design
> kickass distortion and LFO cirkts but can't touch stable VCO design, you
> can build an LFO and patch it anywhere you like, and not hafta use xtra
> solder, switches, etc. to patch it to the PCB.  John is making a pretty
> smart move IMO in not trying to compete with the other modular kit
> manufacturers but instead aiming for more my market, esp since doing the
> former would raise the price.  I'd much rather spend $425 for a midi
> controlled monosynth with modular connections and voltage controlled
> eveything than $2000 for a provide-your-own midi and don't-you-dare-
> modify-me modular from someone else.
> 
> -Drew