PLAN B analog blog

All,

In working the prototypes, I have made some feature 
enhancements to the yet-to-be-released Models 16 and 18 sets:

Model 16 set:

Set?  Yes, this is one of the changes.  I have been messing 
around with the breadboard prototype and while it  was waaay 
cool, it wasn't quite cool enough.  To remedy this, I have added 
FOUR ADDITIONAL FILTERS TO THE MATRIX for a total of 12 at 
the following center freqs:

25Hz, 50Hz, 100Hz, 200Hz, 350Hz, 550Hz, 1.1k, 1.6k, 2,2k, 5.2k, 
7.5k and 11k.

Additionally, I've added LEDs to each of the filters showing it's on 
level.  

The individual non-attenuated outputs have now become a 
separate expander module called the 16A Matrix Bus.  A user 
can now determine whether they want this functionality or not.  
Personally, I would - non-attenuated outputs are extremely 
useful.

These additions are not only requiring a larger footprint for the 
M18 - to enhance node separation each filter in the matrix must 
now to go from single pole to two pole, and then of course there 
is the additional circuitry required for the LED drivers.  This 
withstanding, the target price for the model 16/16A will come in 
less than the Doepfer A-129 pair in USD.

Model 18A:

After working and testing with this prototype, I've come to realize 
that the 18A Expander without attenuators for the panning control 
was lame.  What was I thinking?  So - the Model 18A Expander 
has grown to 8HP and now has four bipolar attenuators, one 
each for the four panners.  Despite it's size, the Model 18A is one 
of the most complex circuits I've ever worked on, containing no 
less than 12 VCA's and four on-board voltage processors!

You can see renderings and descriptions of the new 16/16A and 
18A at:

http://www.ear-group.com

Go to the Plan B tab and click on the appropriate module number 
in the Module Summary list.

Estimated release dates for the Models 18 and 18A are April 
2006. As far as the Models 18, it will go into full production 
design in May, with it's estimated release date concurrent with 
the Milton 2 (M21) release in  June or thereabouts.

- P