From: Greg James <gjames@kddlab.com>
Subject: RE: [motm] Essential modules
To: "'Paul Schreiber'" <synth1@...>, motm@yahoogroups.com
Date: Monday, February 16, 2009, 1:04 PM
Responses
" what essential modules, not available from other sources, are still
missing in the MOTM line."
I would say none, now that Bridechamber and Krisp1 are filling in the gaps
left behind from the MOTM/Stooge days. I would have preferred to buy ALL my
core modules from Synthtech. But the Oakley/Krisp1/ Bridechamber offerings
are MOTM-quality and are available now, so I have no regrets.
"if I spend all my R&D time on 'esoteric', SMT-only modules, will they be
sold in enough quantities to be worthwhile?"
I suspect you, better then most of us, know the answer to that one. I think
you are ~6 modules away from having the "core" locked-up. A VC-ADSR, a VCA
to end all VCA's, an uber-LFO, a killer, programmable DCO, the filters
you've already discussed publicly. If it comes down to "I can only offer it
and make a buck if it's pre-built, SMT" then I say do it that way.
"if there are other, modules I need to focus on ('blank board friendly' or
not) then what are they?"
My 2 cents: I'd love to have you forego a vocoder and maybe even the
filterbank and offer instead a 1U parametric equalizer/resonator type
module. Assuming it's an extremely well spec'd channel, I can buy however
many of these I want to build-up an n-way equalizer/vocoder. Full VC
frequency and Q control. Some of Elhardt's prior posts on this topic might
be worth reviewing. I may be glossing over some important details, but I
hope you get my intent.
" is my R&D time better spent doing more filters, panners, peramp that sort
of thing?"
I've partially answered this above. But some additional observations
regarding what's already available are in order. But before I do that, I'd
like to re-state that I'd be extremely happy and supportive if you came out
with what's already been proposed. Also, as an owner of 3 '650's, I'd like
to see a resolution to firmware issues too.
Observations
Oakley now has essentially a parallel line-up, with some notable offerings
that are still missing in Synthtech's (per my earlier posting). And Tony
looks to be happy with his "filter core" design strategy as a way to add
more variety to his line-up. The partnership with Bridechamber and Krisp1
makes their modules very attractive.
Jeurgen has literally opened-up a wide, new world of effects type kits over
the past months. Plus he's added some interesting filter options to the mix.
The main constraint for us MOTM-types are panels, which Scott has been
steadily bringing to market. I've signed-up for the Haible/Bridechamber
subscription plan!
Blacet seems to have withdrawn significantly from the MOTM market due to
post-Stooge panel sourcing issues and perhaps the rising costs of pots and
jacks. That's just my impression from the one or two exchanges I've had with
Tony. Nevertheless, some of his "esoteric" modules have garnered a lot of
interest in the MOTM community over the years. I hope Scott Deyo takes up
the challenge and finds a way to offer Blacet's current and back-catalog
panels. I've got a number PCB's and Fraq-format modules I'd like to migrate
to MOTM. Otherwise it looks like I'm going to have to build a Fraq cabinet.
Tellun has always impressed me as a niche-filler: Expanders for core MOTM
modules, more esoteric stuff (ribbon controller, bar-code displays, etc.),
and lately a bunch of nice, 1U utility modules. All made viable in part to
Scott Deyo's willingness to offer panels.
Cyndustries - the ZO looks to have been a one-hit MOTM-land wonder. The
Sawtooth Animators were clearly not up to MOTM standards. You need to expel
the ZO jinx from your psyche. It doesn't look like much more in MOTM format
will come from them. And if it does, well, as you said, it ain't '06
anymore...
CGS - to my eyes, offers a wide variety of unique CV and "logic" options. In
a "west-coast" type system, a bunch of these would be considered essential.
Not so much in an "east-coast" system. Nevertheless, I have Ken's Synthacon
filters, Bi_N_Tic VCF/Oscillators, Wave Multipliers, Super Psycho LFOs, and
his uber Sub-Oscillator which is still a bench project right now.
Concluding Comments
Paul, I seem to recall you saying once that your real passion is filter
design. If that's the case, then I say go for it. Do what gives you the most
pleasure. As I stated above, if you include these other sources, it looks to
me like all the essentials for an analog MOTM system are covered.
If you want the satisfaction of saying Synthtech provides all core modules,
then you've got a handful left to go.
Lastly, you've embarked on a new direction with your AudioEngine platform.
You obviously had visions of what might be possible going down that road.
Maybe it's time to do some marketing research and brainstorm ideas for the
next AudioEngine module (maybe an uber-programmable additive synthesis
module?)
-Greg
-----Original Message-----
From: motm@yahoogroups. com [mailto:motm@yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Paul
Schreiber
Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 11:44 AM
To: gjames@kddlab. com; motm@yahoogroups. com
Subject: [motm] Essential modules
Don't get me wrong, the esoteric stuff is great. But I want to build upon a
core, well-spec'd, MOTM quality, analog system.
I would be curious to know what essential modules, not available from other
sources, are still missing in the MOTM line.
This is what the previous discussions have distilled down to:
a) if I spend all my R&D time on 'esoteric', SMT-only modules, will they be
sold in enough quantities to be worthwhile?
b) if there are other, modules I need to focus on ('blank board friendly' or
not) then what are they?
c) is my R&D time better spent doing more filters, panners, peramp that sort
of thing?
Paul S.
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