MOTM

>
>I agree with this entirely.  Many MOTMers seem to assume that only one
>device will be hooked into the modular, while I feel there are many
>potential candidates: digital reverbs and multieffects, graphic
>equalizers, parametric equalizers, compressor/limiters, etc.

Am I missing something here??  You can do all of that now.  I've 
already done all of that myself.  MOTM system is 100% compatible with 
unbalanced line-level.

The levels are fine -- 10Vpp is 13dB.  Several of the modules can 
handle even hotter signals than that (the 700 can handle over 
20dB!!).  Regardless, all of the devices you listed have level 
controls of their own for input and output.

The typical impedances for MOTM, 1K output and 50K input, are also 
the same as line level.  One exception is the 820 (which is designed 
for DC, and has its own special output circuitry), but if you plugged 
it into an MOTM I/O module you would still be connecting to a device 
with the same impedances as line-level.

The connectors are 1/4" TS, which is the most common way to connect 
unbalanced line-level.  Even the MOTM power supply (30Vpp) is the 
same as the vast majority of studio gear (and I presume the I/O 
modules would run off the same rails).

Yes, MOTM does not have balanced connectors.  No modulars do.  Nor 
should they.  Look at GML or Demeter or Charles Stella -- balanced 
connectors are an option, as balancing adds noise.  Balanced cables 
are only beneficial for low level signals and long cable runs.  It's 
not necessary when using 10Vpp signals in a studio environment.

Nor have I had any problems with line hum or ground loops.  MOTM is 
very well grounded and shielded -- better than any other synth. 
You'll notice that each module has two ground wires, and the boards 
are designed so that the jack connectors are on the opposite side of 
the board as the power connector.  It's a beautiful low-noise design.

If you needed to run a balanced cable, or amplify or attenuate the 
signal, there are hundreds of preamps, reamps, mixers, match boxes, 
direct boxes, front ends, transformer adapters, etc. already 
available.  Using an external device for balancing or gain wouldn't 
be any different than using an MOTM module.

Paul is a brilliant designer, but he has limited time and resources 
to develop, produce, and ship modules.  The current backlog is 
already filled with modules that do things that are not available 
from anyone else.  Finishing those first would be what is best for 
the system.

There has been much discussion over what different people want in 
various I/O modules.  The possible configurations are endless.  This 
is hardly surprising, as it depends entirely on what other gear each 
person is using.  The circuits needed are fairly basic, and their 
quality depends largely on how much money one wants to spend.  So if 
someone, for whatever reason, needed a mic pre or headphone amp in 
MOTM format, they could easily build their own.