MOTM

I just can't resist adding to this thread.
Assume a filament voltage of 6.3VAC.  My old tube databook says about 
300mA per tube for filament current.  You would need a transformer 
with a primary of about 40 Amps at 120 VAC and a secondary at about 
550 Amps (assuming you run at about 80% capacity.)  If you use AC for 
the filaments the thing is going to hum like a SOB even if the 
transformer is located some distance away.  What size cable would you 
have to use to connect the transformer to the board?  Maybe two pair 
of 0000 gage?  It will be hot enough to easily fry eggs.  As someone 
else pointed out you won't need a microphone.  Try finding out which 
tube is microphonic out of 1539!  This thing would need its own air 
conditioner.  And thats just for the filaments!  Actual power 
consumption could be twice that.  You could series wire the filaments 
as someone else has suggested, until one goes bad and you lose 20 
tubes. (Like Chinese Christmas lights)  Maybe it's liquid cooled!  
Don't laugh, I've seen it done.  Looks like too much work to me.
Why not take the easy route and use superconductors and a liquid 
nitrogen cooling system for improved signal to noise?
From one of the old fart tube heads.

>I just can't resist adding to this thread.

Well, it is off-topic.  Several years ago, Paul S. discussed the
possibility of MOTM tube modules.  I'd imagine there would be power supply
and safety issues.  Afaik, Metasonix offers tube modules that can be
mounted in MOTM rails.

> It will be hot enough to easily fry eggs. As someone else pointed
>out you won't need a microphone.  Try finding out which tube is
>microphonic out of 1539!

I'd assume they'd test the tubes first.  According to the website, it has a
cooling system, and computer-controlled power management and diagnostics.
While the designers certainly seem fanatical, it doesn't mean that they are
careless or incompetent.

>Actual power consumption could be twice that.

According to the website, it draws 160W per channel  So I'd guess a 40
channel version would draw around 60A.  Which is a massive amount of power
compared to a solid-state board with similar features.  Then again,
compared to a VA modular running on a laptop, comparable MOTM system would
require a massive amount of space and power.

Sure, this Vintec board might seem crazy, but imho, it isn't any less crazy
than buying a megabuck digital console that's guaranteed to become obsolete
in a few years.  Tubes are a mature technology.  A Neve Capricorn that cost
a couple million dollars when it came out is only worth a few hundred
thousand today.  Back in 1995, I spent thousands of dollars on a Digidesign
system that is now worth next to nothing, and $200 on an Ampex tube mixer
which is now worth $1,000.

Regardless how ridiculously extravagant an all-tube console might be, all
of the other tube mixers on the market (Manley, Summitt, TLA) are hybrids,
and  none of those, nor any of the vintage all-tube mixers, are
full-featured consoles.  So Vintec is providing a new option.  I have no
idea how this flew as a business plan, but I salute their courage.

Does anyone need an all-tube console??  I don't think so.  Then again,
Master P doesn't need a gold-plated bedroom, and Tommy Lee doesn't need a
Starbucks in his house.  I don't think anyone needs several hundred synth
modules either.  Yet, at least this console is breaking new ground, which
might benefit the rest of us by leading to more affordable tube technology.

I don't have any motm modules that generate gates (afaik, the 850 is the
only one).  So I have a few questions regarding the system:

1.  What is the maximum output impedance for a gate source??

2.  What is the maximum gate voltage??  The 800 says it can handle up to
+13V, which is very useful for external signals, but that seems too high
for signal generation within the system.  My guess would be +7V.

3.  What is the minimum gate voltage??

Heres another one. If I plug +15v straight into the gate input of an 800 EG 
will it short out/blow up/catch on fire/die of miss-use? Or can it take it 
to a max and dump the ret with no stress?

What about for the FM inputs of modules? Are they also protected. I would 
assume so since we are talking MOTM. Hope so would more fit the bill I 
guess. Not sure from memory so...

"h e l p"

Thomas White


>From: media.nai@...
>To: motm@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [motm] motm gate specs??
>Date: Sun, 24 Mar 2002 14:56:56 -0500
>
>
>I don't have any motm modules that generate gates (afaik, the 850 is the
>only one).  So I have a few questions regarding the system:
>
>1.  What is the maximum output impedance for a gate source??
>
>2.  What is the maximum gate voltage??  The 800 says it can handle up to
>+13V, which is very useful for external signals, but that seems too high
>for signal generation within the system.  My guess would be +7V.
>
>3.  What is the minimum gate voltage??
>
>




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