Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: MOTM

I've been thinking about things I'd like to see in future from synth
tech, and I find that I'm really into the idea of DIY top-quality studio
gear as well. It could be a way of "future-proofing" synth tech, ∗if∗
all that stuff abt thee market for modular analogue synths is true.
Heh, that and the fact I can't afford Oram Sonics, Crane Song etc etc
etc.

Here are some possible long term products/projects I can envisage:

1/ Stereo Compressor. Not just a way of getting a nice kit of Jurgen
Haible's stereo 1176 clone, oh no ;) Actually, I could envisage a kit
of a kind of semi-evolved 1176-type gadget, with usual MOTM quality and
excellent instructions being really popular. Alternatively, just a
really good comp, with flattering sound, possibly switchable vactrol/VCA
mode, a good wide range of control and all that.

2/ Stereo equaliser. As above. Take the best features of various
"classic" models, and try to implement as much as possible in one unit.
Try to aim for something with a "sound", but which can also be operated
in an ultra-clean mode as well.

3/(this is the idea that really excites me) Modular mixing desk! I can
visualise a really nice line of kits - one for the stereo output,
w/master sends, one for the 8 sub-groups with the stereo returns and a
bunch of different channels:

standard input channel, inc (from top down) nice mic pre, w/phase
reverse, pad, hi-cut filter (all switchable), really good EQ section
(possibly simplified version of EQ circuit from stereo equaliser?) w
either 2 swept mids, or a fully parametric mid, & Eq out switch. Six
FX/monitor sends, w/jumpers on PCB to select pre/post fade for each one.
VERY IMPORTANT (to me anyway) include a stereo effect send, possibly
sends one and 2 configured as a level control, and a panpot for
crossfading between sends to 1 and 2. Pan pot, routing buttons, nice
long fader

simplified input channel - as above but w/o the mic pre, to use for line
level instruments

Stereo channel - as above but with stereo effect send linked to balance
panpot.

It seems to me that a quality mixing desk would be an ideal project, b/c
we surely would all like something really really classy, but many of us
can't afford it. A range of modular mixer kits would rule IMO because
you could build it up piecemeal - start with stereo output module and a
couple of stereo channels and use it as a submixer, add more modules as
budget allows, until you've enough to replace yr current mixing board,
plus, using mounting rails similar to the current MOTM rails, you could
configure your desk in any way you see fit - classic desk console, stack
'em up in a rack, master/groups in the middle, at the end, etc etc

What d'you think?
--
Norman Fay