PAiA Fatman vs ASM-1

[Byron G. Jacquot]

>I posted a previous message asking about the ASM-1.  I've done more 
>researching and read about the PAiA Fatman.  I'm a beginner when it comes to 
>synths, but I've built several electronic kits, some fairly challenging.  I'm 
>wondering if the Fatman might be a better starting block than ASM-1.  Can I 
>achieve the same/similar effects from the Fatman?  I know the Fatman isn't 
>modular like the ASM-1, thereby not as versatile.  Anyone have experiance 
>with both?

I've built both.  They're both pretty good synths, and are both very
different, both in building and sound.

If you want reasonably instant gratification, the Fatman is a good bet.  It
comes with all of the parts you'll need to make a working synth.  If you've
got decent assembly skills, it should work the first time you power it up.
If you want a solid "starting block" as you mention, then the Fatman will do
you well.

And to say it's not modular is a bit of an understatement.  You can add
patchpoints wherever you want them, and there are lots of mods you can to to
beef it up even more.

It also speaks MIDI, which might be a plus...it was for me.  But it also
uses V/Hz CV, rather than Volt/8Ve, which isn't the most common interface.

The ASM1 is a very different beast.  You get a circuitboard and a stack of
paper from Gene.  The rest of the beast you'll have to source for yourself.
The ASM1 is more complex than the Fatman to assemble and test, as well...it
took me quite a bit longer the get the whole ASM running than it did the
Fatman.  If you aren't positive where you want to put attenuators between
modules, than the ASM probably isn't the easiest place to start.

The end product is also more expensive, if you use decent jacks, pots and
knobs.  (especially by the time you've added MIDI!)

But the sound is more flexible.  Without any mods, it has 2 ADSRs, an LFO, 2
VCAs and a noise source, all as patchable as you build them to be. 

Both of them are good synths, and each fills a slightly different niche...it
comes down to which niche you feel needs filling.

Byron Jacquot

>Any info is appreciated
>
>Thanks
>Morgan
>
>