PAiA 9700

[J. Larry Hendry]

> From: Andrew Hutchison <ajhutchi at brain.uccs.edu>
>>>>>>>>>>>  liberal snip <<<<<<<<<<<<
> 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 agree.  John has always aimed at that niche market that wants it cheap. 
I have some PAiA stuff and like it for what it is.  My favorite is the
vocoder.  A great value IMHO.  There is a sizable market for products in
this price range.

> 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

Obviously, others will agree with your opinion and John will sell some 9700
stuff once he has it ready to sell.  However, I respectfully disagree with
your choice (for me).  In my modular, I don't want 3.5 mm jacks, I don't
want cheap open pots.  I think I will use and abuse both.  I want
faceplates that don't bend.  I want VCOs that don't drift. I want features
over and above what I will find on every other synth in my studio.  The
beauty of modular is to get away from the basics.  If you take basic form
modules (VCO, VCA, VCF) and don't have much else, what is the purpose of
being modular?  Yes, you get more "connecting" capabilities.  But, it still
does not vary significantly from the sonic yield of many already available
mono synths unless you add something different.

My $.02
Larry Hendry