MOTM

With the addition of the new AP geek toy, will MOTM modules now get published 
specifications for:

       *  signal-to-noise ratio (with specified weighting)
       *  THD+N at various frequencies for all applicable modules
       *  carrier suppression for ring modulators
       *  worst-case error voltages for modules that muck with control 
voltages (like 820)
       *  other applicable or useful specifications

I think MOTM modules kick ass but I'd like to know quantitatively, how much 
ass they kick.  Comparing performance to other module manufacturers is 
interesting I suppose, but less so to me.  (Hey, I've already decided on 
MOTM.  If brand "X" differs in specs by a few dB, I don't care... I'm 
sticking with MOTM.)  I'm more interested in knowing what to expect 
performance-wise so I can determine if a given module has a "problem" or is 
operating as designed.  For example, my lone 110 has a "knee" in the 
amplitude control.  When the control voltage drops below a certain point, the 
output signal drops abruptly (by about 20 dB) to the residual noise level .  
The control range is therefore limited to approximately 50 decibels.  Since I 
don't know what it is supposed to do in the first place (no specs), I don't 
know if my 110 is "sick" or is operating as designed.  I don't want to call 
Synth Tech every time I notice some aspect of a module that I think is 
"funny" as that wastes Paul's time and takes him away from doing more 
interesting things.

I'm usually "way out there" on such things.  Anybody else care to weigh-in on 
the spec issue?  (If nobody else cares, then I must ask why did Paul drop a 
ton of cash on such a spiffy piece of test equipment.)

Cheers!
Tom Farrand

First off, the intent is NOT other module bashing. The LAST THING ON EARTH that I want to get
into is the tired "specs don't matter" issue. They matter to ME, and that's why I got the AP
(besides, the thing is so cool. Next to my Mark Levinson 383 amp, it's the most beautifully made
piece of gear I have ever seen (looking inside)).

Unless you are *quite familar* with graphs of this sort, the data means little. That's why you
won't see this "formally" anywhere. I get beat over the head enough as it is touting MOTM as "the
best". If I try to 'prove' it, I'll get pounded even more.

In the Moog filter case, I wanted to verify that the MOTM-490's noise floor was at -100dB or
better. I also wanted to see the THD+N plot over *frequency*, because the *shape* of the curve
needs to resemble the Moog 904A in order to be "moog-like". I also wanted to verify the 904A is
designed (as is the MoogerFooger) for *very small* signals (like 300mv pk-pk) which is the THD vs
amplitude plots (not shown).

The AP is just another "tool in the arsenal". It's a geekfest. I just like to ponder how they
generate a sine wave oscillator that sweeps from DC to 350Khz, with THD+N at -153dB and amplitude
control from 0 to 40V pk-pk, settable to 0.01dB. No wonder it costs so much :) All I need is a
MIDI input........

Paul S.

> All I need is a MIDI input........
> 
> Paul S.

Yeah right, talk about a sterile sounding VCO!  :)

George

I'll do that! (Midi it)... JUST KIDDING!!!!!!

The AP is a nice tool!

Have fun,
Tony

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Paul Schreiber [mailto:synth1@...]
> Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 2:12 PM
> To: motm@yahoogroups.com; mbedtom@...
> Subject: Re: [motm] AP Plots & Specs
>
>
> First off, the intent is NOT other module bashing. The LAST THING
> ON EARTH that I want to get
> into is the tired "specs don't matter" issue. They matter to ME,
> and that's why I got the AP
> (besides, the thing is so cool. Next to my Mark Levinson 383 amp,
> it's the most beautifully made
> piece of gear I have ever seen (looking inside)).
>
> Unless you are *quite familar* with graphs of this sort, the data
> means little. That's why you
> won't see this "formally" anywhere. I get beat over the head
> enough as it is touting MOTM as "the
> best". If I try to 'prove' it, I'll get pounded even more.
>
> In the Moog filter case, I wanted to verify that the MOTM-490's
> noise floor was at -100dB or
> better. I also wanted to see the THD+N plot over *frequency*,
> because the *shape* of the curve
> needs to resemble the Moog 904A in order to be "moog-like". I
> also wanted to verify the 904A is
> designed (as is the MoogerFooger) for *very small* signals (like
> 300mv pk-pk) which is the THD vs
> amplitude plots (not shown).
>
> The AP is just another "tool in the arsenal". It's a geekfest. I
> just like to ponder how they
> generate a sine wave oscillator that sweeps from DC to 350Khz,
> with THD+N at -153dB and amplitude
> control from 0 to 40V pk-pk, settable to 0.01dB. No wonder it
> costs so much :) All I need is a
> MIDI input........
>
> Paul S.
>
>
>
>
>
>
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>
>