Howdy folks,
I just wanted to drop a line about something I found out after the fact. As
you know, I started my MOTM system recently. For my Midi to CV solution, I
ended up choosing the Encore Expressionist. It turns out that there is a
compatibility issue with the MOTM-800s to be aware of. I'm posting this for
those of you who haven't made a decision yet, so that your decision can be
an informed one.
Turns out the Expressionist sends only gates, not separate gates and
triggers as I'm informed the Kentons do. This means I won't be able to get
true ADSR response out of a stock MOTM-800 when hooked to the Expressionist.
FYI, the Expressionist handles "multi triggering" by forcing the gate off
momentarily when it gets a new MIDI note on the same output channel.
I'm not terribly disappointed, since I still think the Expressionist's 8
full CV/Gate channels and 3 synchable LFOs win against the Kentons feature
for feature. Also, Tony sez he's adding a 4th LFO and real time LFO freq.
control in the next software rev!
I'm planning (when I get the time) to stick a little daughterboard on my
800s with a 555 one shot, to derive a trigger signal from the incoming gate.
The trigger output will connect to the normalling lug of the trigger jack,
so that it is defeated if you plug an external trigger signal in. Also, I'm
pretty sure I'll stick a transistor driver on this board for a gate lamp. I
just can't live without my gate lamps! If I get really ambitious, I may add
a small circuit to support a manual gate pushbutton, with some debouncing.
This will give full ADSR capabilities from my Expressionist, but also if I
gate from any external signal like a sequencer stage output, an LFO, etc.
BTW, Paul tells me that all this stuff is already built in to the new VC EG
he's planning.
I may post the mod when complete if there is interest - just don't expect
anything for a few weeks.
So, be aware of this issue if you consider an Expressionist.
Dave Bradley
Principal Software Engineer
Engineering Animation, Inc.
daveb@...