MOTM

Just got my first "Cynthia" brand module...a Schrieber Sub Octave
Multiplexer.

First, this module is an EXACT duplicate of the Modcan format. If it didn't
say "Cynthia-Schreiber" down on the bottom, there's no other way to tell
Bruce didn't build it. Panel anodizing, colour, labels and fonts are
*exactly* "Modcanian". This means you can go ahead and build your own
Frankensynth of Modcan and Cynthia and everything will match perfectly.

Build quality is great. Around back the cables are nice and neat and tied
down with no slop anywhere and the circuit board is nicely attached, using
the Modcan method, to the panel. Also, Cynthia knows how to use a soldering
gun too! Nice and tidy!

The module has the standard MOTM/Blacet 4 pin power configuration, which I'm
happy with, but different than the Modcan 3 pin configuration.  I'm using
MOTM power distribution blocks in my case, with 3 to 4 pin "converter"
cables for power. Easy to wire WRONG! I know, I blew up a Multimode Filter
early on! Ouch. The Cynthia "Combo/Distro" will solve this, as soon as it's
available, with both MOTM/Blacet 4 pin connectors, *and* Modcan 3 pin
connectors!

The only problem I had, and it's not a fault of the module, is that the
circuit board, being a different size than the standard "Modcan" board, is
mounted a little high, leaving me not a lot of room to squeeze my hand in
back of everything to get it mounted in my case. I'm using a custom "Anvil"
type road case for my system. I had to drill all the mounting holes myself,
and in my haste to get my system together so I could start patching, plus my
lack of metal-working knowledge, I have to use small bolts with nuts and
lock washers on the back side to hold everything in. This was a mistake on
my part! I should have threaded all those holes so I didn't have to have
both front AND back access to mount or unmount a module! ACK!  Anyway,
that's my problem and not that of the module. However, I've got a
"Tank-Strong" aluminium mini-fridge of a case, which also provides great
shielding for the modules, that will hold two rows of 16 modules, and with
the back and front latched on, I would feel safe dropping it off the back of
a large truck...but I digress..

Functionally, the module works exactly like the MOTM equivalent. I need to
experiment with it more, but having four sub-octaves certainly fattens up a
signal, and it's also possible to get some really nice rhythmic bleeps and
sequential patterns by using one audio frequency input and sub-audio at the
other.  If you run the right waveforms into it you can get some REALLY nasty
trash as well, which can be a good thing if that's what you're after!

This has really got me looking forward to the additional "Cynthia" modules
I've got on order.

Good quality stuff!

Les