MOTM

On 6/10/03, Paul Schreiber put forth:
>
>OK, the cat's out of the bag. Yes, I do plan some Buchla-based 
>modules. First up: 292 Low Pass Gate.

Paul probably doesn't want to hear this, but it needs too be said. 
Considering the massive size of the current design backlog, there 
should be plenty of time to think this over.  Imho, he should work on 
finishing modules already planned before announcing any more new 
designs.  Right now, Synthesis Technology is carrying as much 
vaporware as actual products.

>What I want discussion on is the front panel styling. One of the 
>err..unique aspects of the Buchla was that *every* module had a 
>different front panel. The SIZES were uniform multiples, and in 
>general flow was bottom-to-top-from the side :) Meaning:
>
>a) Inputs on the bottom
>b) CVs on the left side
>c) outputs on the top
>
>Some modules have everything on the top (filter banks, since there is no CV).
>
>So, what are thoughts about this? I want to still use the MOTM 
>panels sizes. But I can:
>
>a) change color

No, I don't think so.

>b) add graphics

I wouldn't have a problem with that if they added functionality.  In 
other words, no tribal etchings, chimera pin-up girls, or a different 
font on each module :)

>c) change knobs/add colored knobs
>d) not be "on grid"

I would not want colored knobs.

Changing the size of the knobs and the grid spacing would go 
together.  One of the great things about MOTM is its accuracy, so big 
knobs make ergonomic sense.  In comparison, Buchla designs are much 
less exacting.  So perhaps smaller or differently shaped knobs would 
not compromise their functionality.  Regardless, I still would want 
this newly-proposed series to be as rugged and mechanically reliable 
as the rest of the MOTM system.

>e) place jacks somewhere except across the bottom

While that works with banana plugs or even 1/8" jacks.  With 1/4" 
connectors placing the jacks near the knobs creates a problem.  All 
1/4" plugs are big, and military surplus Switchcraft and the best 
Neutrik plugs are even bigger.  So the plugs would get in the way of 
the knobs.  I suppose placing all the jacks on the top instead of the 
bottom would work, if it were important to make the modules look 
different, but imho that seems rather gimmicky for a system with such 
high standards.

There are ways to work with this.  For example, instead of a quad low 
pass gate, make a 1U dual low pass gate like at 190 with one less 
knob (or add a knob for an additional feature on one channel).

While there are detractors (including one crank in particular) who 
like Buchla and hate the MOTM layout, Paul did an excellent job 
making some very tough decisions.  The vast majority of MOTM's loyal 
customers love the current format.  Otherwise they wouldn't have 
chosen it in the first place, and even prefer to convert modules from 
other manufacturers to that format with Stooge Panels.

In short, if it ain't broke don't fix it.