Just from my perspective:
I will be the first to admit that the overall "look" of MOTM is boring, but I did NOT want it to
look like a Moog. I think that look is unique, and I for one disagree on .com's choice of that
format. Call it 'sacred ground' or whatever.
Believe me, I looked at front panel graphics/colors/formats/etc for at LEAST 3 months straight.
It's like finding the perfect car: it doesn't exist. The really nice/cool panels cost too much.
For example, I talked to Millennnia Media (
http://www.mil-media.com/docs/products/origin.shtml)about their gorgous anodized panels (1U 19" size). Gee, the "cheap" ones they pay $80ea and the
"relly nice ones" are $140ea. Of course these are $3500 mic pre/compressors, but you get my
drift. Then, actually ∗finding∗ somebody to make them is a nightmare. Ask Larry H. about the
HORRORS of dealing with machine shops. As a broad generalization, many of these places are on the
level of a Honest Fred's Plumbing, Honest Sid's Car Repair and Used Car Emporium, etc. MOTM is
tough on these guys because of the small runs. I have ∗already∗ been given the boot by a supplier
because they "only accept orders in excess of $50,000".
Trust me, I agonized many sleepless nights over the panel "look and feel". Is it
ugly/boring/nerdy? Again, I am a boring EE nerd. My #1 gear lust is an Audio Precision System II
(
http://www.audioprecision.com/products/system_two/index.htm) which is as stupid-looking as
humanly possible, yet contains (literally) the world's best audio circuitry. I ∗completely
understand∗ the look of something being important, especially something you spend multiple
thousands of dollars for. There is obvious a "pride of ownership" involved.
It would be nice to be CMS, sell 1 modular a year and have engraved panels :) I elected for a
more DIY-look, boring sort of panel that I could ACTUALLY GET MADE. But, if I ever go to product
in a 19" rack, it's $150 panels, baby!!
<Paul S>