MOTM

I would make it three modules.  

An Input module with the really high quality mic preamp with phantom 
power, obviously a gain control and the bicolor LED indicator.  I 
would also include a guitar/line level input preamp as well.  I 
would use a second clip indicator for this as we're not all guitar 
players and may want to process a signal from somewhere else without 
clipping.  I would also include a phase reversal switch.  I would 
only put one mic pre and one guitar/pre per module.  For those who 
want stereo they can buy two.  I would use an XLR for the mic input 
and a TRS for the guitar/line level input.

An output module with 2 channels of output with 2 balanced line 
outputs for each channel.  I would use TRS jacks not XLRs anyone who 
needs XLRs could just make a special cable or the stooges could sell 
them.  Obviously an output level control.  I would also put the 
headphone amp in this module with two outputs and a level control.  
Anyone who wants quad could buy two.

The envelope follower module with all your tricks and speaking of 
tricks if you really want to be tricky make it a pitch follower as 
well.

I'll take two of each!!!

> An Input module with the really high quality mic preamp with phantom
> power, obviously a gain control and the bicolor LED indicator.  I
> would also include a guitar/line level input preamp as well.  I
> would use a second clip indicator for this as we're not all guitar
> players and may want to process a signal from somewhere else without
> clipping.

You can't use a guitar-specific preamp for signals "from someplace else". Guitar preamps have
different gains and input circuits than say a preamp to boost the output of an old tape deck.

That's why the Triple Preamp module has 2 "line-level" inputs and 1 guitar input.

> I would also include a phase reversal switch.

Why? Once you shove the incoming audio into any VCF, the phase is screwed anyway :)

>  I would use an XLR for the mic input and a TRS for the guitar/line level input.

Why TRS? That's for *stereo* sends/returns.

> An output module with 2 channels of output with 2 balanced line
> outputs for each channel.  I would use TRS jacks not XLRs anyone who
> needs XLRs could just make a special cable or the stooges could sell
> them.

That's missing the point of the module: I want *easy*, no-cables/adapters, crap-o-la.

> headphone amp in this module with two outputs and a level control.
> Anyone who wants quad could buy two.

As noted, many folks do not want 'redundant' headphone outputs. I don't blame them :)

>
> The envelope follower module with all your tricks and speaking of
> tricks if you really want to be tricky make it a pitch follower as
> well.

Maybe next year.

Paul S.

Please excuse if this post is a bit disjointed.  I'm actually 
replying to Paul's reply to me on list, but storms in the area have 
fouled up our email so I have to yahoo :(

I would include a phase reversal switch because phase reversal is 
sometimes useful if running two parallel signal paths, I agree it is 
not useful if only using one preamp.  On the other hand the signal 
could be inverted further downline.  I would point out that most 
consoles have phase switches and console EQ typically mangles phase 
as well.

The reason for the TRS is not for stereo, but for line level 
balanced lines both on inputs and outputs.

My preference for having both balance line TRS outputs and XLRs is 
that my active monitors use XLRs, while my line level inputs in the 
studio are TRS.

You are correct that having two headphone outputs is redundant, but 
after all I'm the guy who buys everything in multiples of two :)

And a pitch follower would be great.  It's high on my wish list, but 
very low on my list of things I'd try to design myself (along with 
frequency shifters.  C'mon Tony!)