MOTM

>a) I can design a version that is good enough for sampling noise (not keyboard
>voltages). I can still add quantizing to the 88-note scale, but the 
>pitches will
>be "not perfect", but *very close*, say within +-1.5mv. The cost of 
>the ADC/DAC
>chips, assuming 6 outputs per Richard's suggestion, is around $26. This is a
>12-bit +-4LSB system (worse case).

So this would output voltages in the chromatic scale? Is this 
actually of any use to anybody? I currently use a miniwave with the 
scale prom for quantizing. I don't think I've ever used the chromatic 
scale. I usually need some kind of key-based quantizing (Cminor, 
Gmajor, pentatonic, etc).

>b) Or, I can do a 14-bit, +-1LSB INL system (good enough to 'hold pitch' for
>quantizing). The ADC/DACs needed makes the cost jumps to about $56.
>
>Adding the 0.1% resistors, proper low drift op amps, etc means a 
>end-user price
>delta of $100.
>
>So, the quest is: is it worth $100 to get that 14-bit accuracy?
>
>Or, will most folks just sample the noise and save the $100?
>

I just need more S&H.

>I caould do a $50 retail difference by only having 3 outputs, but they are
>14-bit.

Now I'm confused. Which 3 outputs would these be? Can you describe 
the panel layout?