Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: MOTM

Having cooled off from my last message, I'll start by observing that the market for modules today is significantly different from a few years back. There are now MANY formats and manufacturers to choose from, most of whom can ship with minimal lead time. I can't even count the number of "standard" modules (e.g. VCA, Noise, VCF, VCO) there are out there. To make sales a new module has to rise above the din with unique, desirable and useful features.

I applaud design decisions (i.e. alternate power connectors) that streamline 3rd-party alternate format repackaging. This obviously multiplies the size of the market for any new design. It would be best for the customers if MOTM's release of new modules were coordinated with 3rd party repackagers to make delivery (and support) in any of a variety of formats a seamless shopping experience.

I'd vote FOR:
∗ Cloud Generator + Expander
∗ Morphing Terrarium
∗ Digital Additive Synthesis module: Very simple envelope control of many harmonics. Maybe a "learn" mode to allow analysis of incoming audio and subsequent resynthesis. Voltage control of "chaos" in harmonic levels. Mode where multiple detuned and otherwise slightly randomized copies of the voice are output. Simple interface. Musical results.
∗ Physical Modeling modules: think specific models, like a "pipe" module, or a "Karplus-Strong" module with voltage control of a couple of key parameters.
∗ Digital Fixed Filter Bank: with FFT analysis mode and storage of settings, with presets for acoustic instruments and other effects that could be shared across a user community. Resonant settings.
∗ Other innovative products that don't replicate features already provided in the marketplace

I'd vote AGAINST:
∗ Noise/S&H
∗ More straightforward VCF clones
∗ Sequencers (been done)
∗ Digital Delays (I have all the Eventide pedals, for example)
∗ Envelope generators (these have been done to death)
∗ MOTM-540 Munging Decimator (complex distorting/wavewarping modules don't sell all that well anyway, I suspect)
∗ Any CV Digital Delay, Reverb, Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Sampler, Echo (these have been done to death and are best done "in the box" on the computer, anyway)
∗ Traditional Fixed Filter Bank
∗ Envelope Follower/Compressor

Best regards,
Roger