Welcome back! Lots of questions, I'll blab about each one in turn.. Everyone
will have their differing opinions, of course.
> - Which modules would you most want duplicates
> of? I was thinking of an extra 300, 320, and
> 800. I know I'll need more VCAs, are there
> plans for a VCA other than the 110, or is
> there merit in having more than one 110?
>
You'll want 2 VCOs at least, and 2 800s. The new 440 SSM filter rocks! There
are plans for a dual high end VCA that will have exp and lin control inputs,
but it won't be out until later this year.
> - I'm wondering how hard it is to calibrate the
> 300. I have a low-end scope (Protek 20m dual
> trace), but no precision voltage source.
> Should I purchase one 300 assembled to use
> to calibrate the other?
I have a scope but dial mine in by ear. It doesn't particularly make sense
to buy one 300 assembled for calibration purposes, because they both will
have to be calibrated with whatever midi/CV converter you purchase. IMO the
easiest way to calibrate is to run 2 VCOs, one at a static pitch, the other
connected to the kbd, and set the tracking to be 'beatless' over 5 octaves
or so. Then calibrate the original drone to the second with both tracking.
>
> - I also want to purchase a midi-to-cv. I've
> read reviews and I'm leaning towards the
> Encore Expressionist. Any opinions?
>
I own an Expressionist, so I can't speak for the Kenton or others. It's the
Cadillac of the bunch, and most capable of integrating a big system of
different synths or a large multivoice modular. There are a few issues to be
aware of:
1. I found a bug in the firmware in which a midi sustain pedal event is not
translated to keeping the gates open. Tony K is aware of this and promises
to fix this soon.
2. The Expressionist doesn't have true trigger outputs, just gate. I don't
find this to be an issue, if you use the newer 800s or do the simple mod to
the early 800s which allows them to run a complete ADSR cycle from a gate
only.
> - I also want to process guitar and other
> instruments with my MOTM modules. What
> do most of you use to get the right
> levels. How far off is +4db/-20db
> (my JMP-1 preamp output levels) from
> what MOTM wants? Is there a MOTM preamp
> planned?
>
Yes, MOTM triple preamp will be out in the next few months along with an
envelope follower module. Others are using channel outputs from their
Mackies and such to boost the signal.
Dave Bradley
Principal Software Engineer
Engineering Animation, Inc.
daveb@...