MOTM

In a message dated 3/3/2001 10:34:25 AM, mark@... writes:

>At 11:48 PM -0500 03/02/01, jwbarlow@... wrote:
>>
>>>However, a dedicated motm envelope follower is in development.  Does
>>>anyone know how big (units wide) it will be when it comes out??
>>
>>Just guessing but I'd think 2U,
>
>Why is everything so @#$%&* big??  The Encore folks were able to fit 15
>knobs, four switches, and a button within 2U.  Space equals cost.


My original preference (when MOTM was just a gleam in Paul's eye) was to go 
much more dense with like 0.5" knobs -- very much like Serge. In retrospect 
I'm glad he didn't. It does take up more space, but it is also much easier to 
use, and several people on this list (not me) seem to find the Serge format 
too small so that larger format was apparently a popular choice.

I think the more prosaic reason is that the choice to have all the jacks at 
the bottom of the module (8 maximum, OK maybe 9) and the first four pots 
being PCB mounted were significant determining factors. As far as Encore 
using the smaller knobs, I can't respond -- it looks like a great module, 
though! This knob size debate comes up every time a sequencer rumor blows 
through, but I think most people on this list are very happy with the size of 
the modules, the way they are laid out, and the size of the knobs.


>>but you will also need the (soon to be released) MOTM preamp
>
>Why would I need a preamp??


I shouldn't have been so presumptuous, I don't know what you're doing with 
this stuff. However, I can't see any use for an envelope follower within a 
synthesizer (i.e., if you were to run a VCA into an EF, you'd only get back 
the CV for the VCA -- usually an EG -- am I wrong about this guys?). More 
typically (always in my case), one is bringing some other instrument into the 
synth and using the EF to model that instrument's envelope. This instrument 
will almost always have the wrong level of signal to match the MOTM (or any 
modular -- maybe the Minimoog signal output is an exception, but I doubt it). 
So if you want to use an EF to control a 420 for some great Sly and the 
Family Stone funkified filter effects on a bass or guitar, you'll need a 
preamp, same if you want to run a vocal, or trumpet mic (for that early 70's 
Miles sound), same if you are running a standard synth output (like a Juno 6) 
into the MOTM or any other modular. 

Note: the 410 (and maybe the 420 and 440, I can't remember) can be built to 
accept a lower level of signal so people don't have to buy a preamp if they 
are only using external instruments. Of course, that would be another problem 
if one wanted to use it in a modular context after this mod.

>>which I'd also think would be 2U.
>
>*head hits desk*


Again, it's just a guess. I believe the MOTM preamp will have two synth 
inputs, and a single mic/guitar input too.

>rfg57uy8njijn

Rhymes with BLOOG!

>A pre-amp is 2U??  These modules are 5U high, 2U of motm equals one entire
>19" rackspace.
>
>Since the PCB's are at right angles to panels, I have to ask why do modules
>with only three knobs like the 320 VC LFO take 2U of space??  If they were
>more space efficient, people could buy more modules.

This is to a great part determined by the number of outputs on the bottom of 
the 320 module -- I for one would not want to give up all the features of 
such an interesting module as the 320 to use a little less panel space. Most 
of us have given in to the idea of building a large modular system. My 
original idea was to make one rack for interesting guitar effects, and one 
rack for a few modules to compliment my other modular stuff -- I gave up on 
that long ago and the MOTM cabinet will be what most of my modular building 
efforts are dedicated from now on.


>>> I would also like to take envelopes and make them go the
>>>other way.   Is there any part of the motm system that can do this??
>>
>>Go the other way? The MOTM 800 has a negative going output (0 to - 5V)
>>>which mirrors the (normal) positive going output.
>
>Yes, it does, but I meant envelopes from other sources, such as the Lag
>Processor or UEG.

Note: the 420 and 440 VCFs all have reversing attenuators on a frequency 
control input to allow these VCFs to sweep down with a positive going 
envelope.


>The VC LFO can go up to 2800Hz, which is around an F7 -- a rather high
>note.


I don't think it tracks very well as a pitched source (especially compared to 
the 300).

>>the 101 S/H Noise with Vibrato, and the oft overlooked 700 VC
>>Router, and soon to be released Dual (multimode) VCA.
>
>What's a multimode VCA??  Isn't the 110 a dual VCA??


The 110 is a one channel VCA and an independent RM -- it is soon to be 
extinct as well.
The dual VCA I believe will be able to be configured as two independent VCAs, 
a single input stereo VC panning VCA, or a dual input single output VC cross 
fading VCA -- I'm really looking forward to this one!

>>I say a first rack because if you start into this you'll find yourself
>>hooked and need to get more.
>
>I sure hope not.  Frankly, I don't have the room.

I didn't have the room either, now I'm finding the room!
JB