>
>I agree with this entirely. Many MOTMers seem to assume that only one
>device will be hooked into the modular, while I feel there are many
>potential candidates: digital reverbs and multieffects, graphic
>equalizers, parametric equalizers, compressor/limiters, etc.
Am I missing something here?? You can do all of that now. I've
already done all of that myself. MOTM system is 100% compatible with
unbalanced line-level.
The levels are fine -- 10Vpp is 13dB. Several of the modules can
handle even hotter signals than that (the 700 can handle over
20dB!!). Regardless, all of the devices you listed have level
controls of their own for input and output.
The typical impedances for MOTM, 1K output and 50K input, are also
the same as line level. One exception is the 820 (which is designed
for DC, and has its own special output circuitry), but if you plugged
it into an MOTM I/O module you would still be connecting to a device
with the same impedances as line-level.
The connectors are 1/4" TS, which is the most common way to connect
unbalanced line-level. Even the MOTM power supply (30Vpp) is the
same as the vast majority of studio gear (and I presume the I/O
modules would run off the same rails).
Yes, MOTM does not have balanced connectors. No modulars do. Nor
should they. Look at GML or Demeter or Charles Stella -- balanced
connectors are an option, as balancing adds noise. Balanced cables
are only beneficial for low level signals and long cable runs. It's
not necessary when using 10Vpp signals in a studio environment.
Nor have I had any problems with line hum or ground loops. MOTM is
very well grounded and shielded -- better than any other synth.
You'll notice that each module has two ground wires, and the boards
are designed so that the jack connectors are on the opposite side of
the board as the power connector. It's a beautiful low-noise design.
If you needed to run a balanced cable, or amplify or attenuate the
signal, there are hundreds of preamps, reamps, mixers, match boxes,
direct boxes, front ends, transformer adapters, etc. already
available. Using an external device for balancing or gain wouldn't
be any different than using an MOTM module.
Paul is a brilliant designer, but he has limited time and resources
to develop, produce, and ship modules. The current backlog is
already filled with modules that do things that are not available
from anyone else. Finishing those first would be what is best for
the system.
There has been much discussion over what different people want in
various I/O modules. The possible configurations are endless. This
is hardly surprising, as it depends entirely on what other gear each
person is using. The circuits needed are fairly basic, and their
quality depends largely on how much money one wants to spend. So if
someone, for whatever reason, needed a mic pre or headphone amp in
MOTM format, they could easily build their own.