Well said/typed. You're not alone; I agree with you 100% on this
topic. This trend also extends to the diy community. I've got 10
things in my "modules to build some day" box and every one either
requires or would benefit from a microcontroller of some sort. It's
inevitable, there are just some things that just work better, or make
more sense, with an embedded processor.
At 7:36 PM -0400 2007/10/01, Richard Brewster wrote:
>At one time I intended to be a purist and not buy any module containing
>a microprocessor. Part of my reticence was due to the lack of kits in
>this genre. That didn't last long. First I bought an Encore Frequency
>Shifter. Then of course a MOTM-650. Added to my collection now are the
>Encore UEG, Modcan Dual Quantizer, Modcan CV Recorder, and, soon, the
>Modcan VCDO. Of course I want a Cloud Generator too! I probably
>represent a small customer niche, but what I like about such modules is
>that they sport analog-like user interfaces (the MOTM-650 not
>withstanding its menu system). I like being able to set up modules
>using knobs and buttons. I do not wish to hook up a computer to my MOTM
>to control it. (I did try it to get a MIDI soft sequencer going - oh
>the pain - the pain of trying to control my MOTM with a mouse.) If you
>wander on over to the Modcan website and check out the latest Modcan B
>module, you can see the analog interface trend being continued there.
>The Quad Envelope Generator 60B contains 4 digital envelope generators,
>each with 6 parameters. It's is programmed with 6 knobs and 3 buttons,
>with a few LEDs to keep track of where you are. I like that sort of
>interface! It is clean and simple, and powerful. Settings are saved
>between power cycles. So you have a small programmable module without
>any screen, even an LCD. I'm impressed. I like this trend, and I hope
>Paul takes note. I'm not opposed to an LCD if there is room. I don't
>mind embedded microprocessors. But you can see why I lurked silently
>over the thread about how to extend the Cloud Generator be controlled by
>USB, MIDI, Ethernet, Bluetooth and iPhone. Give me some knobs and
>switches. I'm old fashioned. I love to kick back and play without
>having to boot up a computer.
>
>If this seemed like a rant, it wasn't. There are many ways to control a
>synthesizer and using a computer is a valid one. I'm just offering a
>point of view.
>
>Richard Brewster
>http://www.pugix.com
>