[sdiy] PAiA

[J. Larry Hendry]

I own some PAiA gear.  The old saying that you get what you pay for is
generally true.  I will say in the case of PAiA that John Simonton has to be
the king at squeezing the most out of a dollar.  He clearly watches cost
like a hawk to sell at the prices he does.  I mean crazy stuff like no plug
on the DC side of the power supply -- wire in and tie a knot.  Guys like me
that are too anal for that can always add the things back in that John has
cut cost corners on .  Over the last few years, the quality of PCBs that
PAiA produces have increased significantly.

Of all my PAiA kits, the one I think that has been the best value for the $
is the vocoder.  Yes, it is a 8 band design.  Yes, it could use a new
updated smaller PCB.  Yes, it could use level controls on the bands.  Of
course, it could be better.  But, it is damn good for the money in my
opinion.  I only use a vocoder on occasion.  I'll don't need lots of money
tied up in a vocoder.  If you want some real live examples of what that
vocoder can sound like, visit the PAiA vocoder page at my website:
http://www.wiseguysynth.com/larry/vocoder.htm

I also like the spring reverb.  Except all spring reverbs suck (saying it
before Harry does).  But, if you like "that" spring reverb sound, the PAiA
kit is OK in my book.  I rack mounted mine (tanks and all).

On the other hand, I don't care for the PAiA tube circuits.  I have a tube
head, and it is certainly worth what I paid for it.  But, I don't care for
the distortion method of starving the plate with low voltage.  It's not MY
idea of what tube distortion should sound like.  But, that is just an
opinion.

On EQ and compressors, I'm not sure I'd go kit consider the very low prices
you can buy 1/2 way decent stuff for.  I'm amazed how much those prices have
fallen in the last few years.

My $.02
Larry Hendry

----- Original Message -----
From: Steve Begin <Steve.Begin at pwgsc.gc.ca>
To: Synth (E-mail) <synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl>
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2002 12:25 PM
Subject: [sdiy] PAiA


I'm not quite sure if this counts as DIY related, but...
I just wanted to know what the general opinion here of PAiA designs and
equipment is.  I have a compressor and a 9700 modular (not finished yet),
but I haven't had much opportunity to use either yet.
I'm looking at their downwards expander, parametric equalizer, and vocoder
and I'd appreciate some opinions as to whether I should go with PAiA or save
my money for a commercial unit or what.  At this point I don't think I'm
quite ready to do it on my own, but I'd like to get some more gear while I
have the money.