MOTM

O.k., o.k. already!

The problem is that I haven't had the pleasure of using such a potentially
full-featured analog hardware sequencer before, so I'm at a bit of a loss in
terms of comments, suggestions, etc.

Starting from scratch, here are some features I would like to see:

Before anyone bitches, let me point out that this is pie-in-the-sky and NOT
based on what I know so far about DOMOAS. So there's no need to tell me "I
think that was already going to be implemented" or "That's not possible." K?
:)

- Immediate change of number of steps -
I did this on my (former) Roland 104 (for the sys 100) sequencer via a
stepped knob. I'd like to be able to change it on the fly, perhaps using a
switch under each knob (push the appropriate switch to set that knob as the
last step) or even the ability to program one of several, generic "function"
buttons with several lengths that would be useful to me in a performance
(e.g. for straight stuff I might select 4, 8 and 16).

- Conversion to a straight trigger sequencer -
Each knob corresponds to a step. If the knob is pre-12 o'clock, it's off. If
it's post-12 o'clock, trigger on. This would let the sequencer act as a
trigger sequencer for percussive sounds.

- Preset- and user-defined voltage quantization -
Ability to quantize voltages to western scale as well as user-defined
increments. If the user input only certain intervals, one could randomly
spin wheels to come up with variations on a set-interval theme.

- Switchable, multiple clock outputs -
Let's have sync24 (Roland), sync48 (Korg) and various ppq amounts, two
dinsync outputs (switchable as mentioned), one dinsync input (switchable),
two 1/4" clock outputs (switchable), one 1/4" input. I want to interface my
whole studio with this bad boy!

- Room to turn knobs -
I know we've gone over panel design already, but if those knobs are too
close together, my clumsy fingers won't be able to grab 'em. The Roland 104
knobs are *almost* too close, but not quite.

- At least 16 knobs -
I can't recall the latest word on this, but I don't want any less than this
for live use.

- Rest switches -
Switches (buttons) above or below each knob that designate a rest. Put LEDs
in them to show that a step is active. Make these double as the
aforementioned pattern-length buttons, and you can put *two* LEDs in
each--one two show "on" and one to show "last step."

- Two equal rows of knobs and associated logic for order of sequence -
Two equal rows of 8 or 12 (call them A and B) that allow: A, then B; A and B
simultaneous, A, then B, then B reverse, then A reverse (for "up-down"
arpeggiation emulation without programming the "down"). E.g. row A has
notes, row B trigger + gate lengths; row A notes, row B voltages for cutoff
freq of a filter...

If this is going to be a device that requires a lot of user programming via
a couple buttons and a display, let's have several to many user-definable
button/switches. Users can then program said switches with their most used
functions.

I'm a big fan of having everything available on the panel with a dedicated
switch or knob. It sounds weird I'm sure, but I'm not crazy about the
potential for menus to go through--I'm building a modular to avoid that BS.
Even if the thing ended up being a full rack wide (and of course 5U tall),
just to fit the knobs, with the processor hidden away never to be seen by
assembler-phobics like me, I'd be a lot more happy than I would be with a
limited set of multi-function knobs in a small space. And I'd pay a lot of
money for it--well over $1000. It would probably become one of my most-used
studio tools, especially if it had all the clock options I outlined above.

How's that, Dave? :)


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dave Bradley [mailto:daveb@...]
> Sent: Thursday, September 09, 1999 12:14 PM
> To: motm@onelist.com
> Subject: RE: [motm] DoMOAS live performance features
>
>
> From: "Dave Bradley" <daveb@...>
>
> > OK, so we know some basics of what DoMOAS will contain (see Paul quoted
> > below).
> >
> > What I'd like to talk about is the possibility of optimizing the
> > controls to
> > make DoMOAS a kick ass performance sequencer as well.
>
> Nobody has any comments about this???!!! 100 emails about a 1 unit PREAMP
> for cryin' out loud, but none about the sequencer design???!!!
>
> Paul may or may not ever get around to building MOAS, so DoMOAS
> could be our
> only shot. Speak up, all ye windbags!
>
> Moe
>
>
>
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