MOTM

Geoff wrote:

>The reason we went to MOTM in the first place is the quality, isn't 
it? Sure, we like the layout, and the selection of modules, but 
isn'tthe stability of the modules one of the major reasons we're 
not 'saving money' by going for a (I won't name names) cheaper but 
inferior company?<

In a word, no.

But I just can't limit myself to one word, so...

I generally do NOT like the MOTM format (The Black Sea), and I think 
Paul's mania for certain switches and jacks has more to do with 
marketing than functionality. Seriously, how many people have ever 
had problems with a toggle switch?!  In my 50 years on the planet, 
I've never had even the cheapest toggle switch cause problems. As for 
jacks, well, just about any *panel jack* is going to provide decades 
of use.

Also, sealed pots can indeed get scratchy and, when they do, your 
only recourse is to replace them. Indeed, one thing I very much 
dislike about MOTM pots is that they feel "cheap" to me, regardless 
of their expense. There is no dampening effect to them; they move far 
too easily. When you have lots of patchcords hooked up, all it takes 
is one tiny bump against a knob and you can be SOL. That is 
why "stiff" pots should always be used on a modular system--they tend 
to stay put.

My all-time favorite pots? Mouser pots from Rat Shack. Deliciously 
damped response and they never, EVER get scratchy. And I do mean 
after decades of use. Cheap too!

OK, so if I don't like the format and think the jacks, pots, 
switches, etc. are essentially a marketing gimmick, why MOTM?   
Because of the *circuits*. Some of the ones in the signal path, 
anyway. I love my sub-octave mux, and have a MOTM 440 on the way, as 
I was most impressed with it (if Synthtech ever comes up with a -24 
dB HPF, it is as good as sold). Having tested the MOTM FFB, I can 
vouch for the quality of that as well (IF THE DAMN THING EVER GETS 
PRODUCED!). I wouldn't buy one, as I no longer think FFB's make much 
sense, but it does what it is designed to do extremely well. Lordy, 
what a quiet design! 

My synthesizer is a dotcom. A very large one. And I love it. LOVE it, 
do you hear me?

OK, so if I love it so much, why am I buying MOTM modules here and 
there?

I can answer that, but first let me share a fantasy with you...

I'd love to rent a small motel room in Texas and invite Paul S. and 
Roger Arrick over for drinks.

Then I'd get them nice and liquored up.

When sufficiently pliable and willing, I would tenderly remove their 
shirts...

Then I'd tie them to a chair...

...And WHIP them with a Cat o' Nine Patchcords for not going into 
business together!  :-)

Just think-- Gorgeous dotcom aesthetics and cabinets and dotcom 
manufacturing! Those wonderful dotcom oscillators, ADSR's and that 
sequencer! MOTM filters and other signal path goodies! 'Tis enough to 
make my mind reel and my loins stir.

'Twas not to be, however.

So I'm solving the problem myself by creating the Ultimate Efficiency 
Synthesizer, which will be my base dotcom system plus modules from 
Synthtech, Blacet, and maybe a touch of Modcan/Cynthia. All in dotcom 
format, however. I have one more tier to go on my system, but will 
keep my vow never to create a modular that is taller than Wendy 
Carlos' Moog.

Did I ramble?  Sorry.  ;-)

Oh, and Geoff, what are you doing working on a Saturday?!

johnm