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Subject: Re: [motm] The MODCAN Quantizer 55B - a mini review

From: Mark <yahoogroups@...>
Date: 2007-04-16

On 4/15/07, Richard Brewster put forth:
>What ∗is∗ noticeable of course is the color.

Yes, it is extremely noticeable. I have absolutely no idea why
Modcan decided to make white modules in "MOTM-format" when not only
are the Synthesis Technology modules black, but all of the other
third-party modules and panels (Stooge, Encore, Blacet, Oakley, etc.)
are black. It makes no sense to me whatsoever.

>There is also a TRANSPOSE pot and CV input; the Miniwave has nothing
>like this. It is a key transposition, not just an offset. (I don't
>really understand the difference. Maybe one of you will explain it.)

Transpose is moving the current note to the next note of the scale
for each unit of transposition (which is arbitrarily set to a certain
amount of voltage -- I don't believe there is any sort of standard).
Offset is simply adding a voltage to the input (which might not
transpose correctly) or output voltage (which has the same result as
adjusting the tuning of the VCO). Transpose is a superior feature, imho.

>With nothing patched to the CLOCK input, quantizing happens when the
>input crosses a quantized boundary, just like with the Miniwave. On
>each transition you get a short pulse out of the PULSE output. It's
>something I have wished the Miniwave had. (I saw a schematic somewhere
>describing a pulse output Miniwave modification.)

I built a device to generate pulses when using the Encore UEG as a
"loop sequencer". The schematics were up on the Stooge site. It's a
differentiator followed by two comparators (one for positive voltages
above a fixed threshold, the other for negative voltages), the
outputs of the comparators go into an OR-gate which fires a pulse
generator.

>Overall impression is of a very nice module that I will use a lot. Now
>maybe it needs a few Modcan siblings in my cabinet. The Clock 53B looks
>very interesting....

It does, but imho, it is only useful with a large CV step sequencer,
using one row with the voltage-controlled clock division to create
notes of different length. One of the Modcan modules that impresses
me is the CV recorder. While I've never played with one, or even know
anyone that has one, it looks awesome.