Wiardgroup

<<Just that, EM should have found someone a bit more impartial. What I saw
was a conflict of interest.>>

Thanks for point that out. Robert was picked to do the Wiard review because
he knows a lot about analog synthesizers,  uses them actively in his work,
and he's a good writer and reviewer that gives a fair and accurate
assessment. At the time of the assignment, he was not on the payroll of
Synthesis Technology, although he did own some MOTM modules (he paid for
them) and also reviewed the MOTM system for EM. Should a reviewer who owns
and uses a Roland keyboard on his records not review an Alesis or Korg
keyboard? 

Product reviewers are not picked because they favor the product (at least in
EM). They are picked because they know the subject matter and can write
well. Some folks in the synth community have asked: why didn't EM assign a
reviewer to the Wiard that was steeped in the tradition of the "West coast"
school of synths? Because there wasn't one available, so the choice was
either a) have a synth expert review it now, or b) wait and perhaps have no
review. EM chose to have it reviewed sooner than later because it's a fine
system that hasn't been fully covered elsewhere.

Robert's review was well researched and I think a positive review. If folks
didn't make this into a big battle between SynthTech and Wiard, they may
have noticed that the ratings were actually quite high (except Ease of
Use). Compare it to the next review in that issue, the Alesis Andromeda. And
when was the last time you saw two major analog synths reviewed in one
issue? :-) 

Sure, Robert made some comments the list doesn't agree with, but based on
the recent string about the Wiard front-panel designs, it looks like we all
have differing views. 

>>I thought Mr. Rich was trying to give the impression that the Wiard system
was gimmicky, and a mere novelty. I'll have to read the two reviews again,
but I get the distinct feeling that my first assumption will stand.>>

Just read the last two paragraphs, where he sums up his opinions. He's
really saying Wiard is not for everyone because of its depth and
flexibility. I think most of us on this list will agree.

I own both an Emu modular and an MOTM.  I do not own a Wiard.  Although I
did have the opportunity a few weeks ago to see the biggest (or own of the
biggest) Wiard systems; I was very impressed!

Both Wiard and Grant Richter are HIGHLY respected in the MOTM community (and
the Balcet community too).  This is evidenced by the large number of people
who have Mini-Waves in their MOTM systems and by the high number of requests
for the Wogglebug and Joyrider to be (re-)released in a DIY-type format (as
the Mini-Wave was).  MOTM-format FP designs have already been drawn up for
the Wogglebug.

The types of people who are drawn to MOTM and Wiard are very similar, but
different (and of course there is some overlap).  They all have some extra
money and they all appreciate quality.  MOTMers tend to be more DIYers and
like big, chunky modulars.  Wiarders (???) tend to like the compactness and
transportability (among other things).

If there is a battle for some people, it is very one-sided.  We are all
lucky to have some of the greatest synthesizers ever made!

> If folks
> didn't make this into a big battle between SynthTech and Wiard, they may
> have noticed that the ratings were actually quite high (except Ease of
> Use).

I thought that Robert Rich did a pretty good job with both of his reviews.
It is difficult to write for so many levels of people--some don't even know
what a modular is unfortunately--and to have such a limited amount of space
to do it in.  I think any reviews of modulars (with the exception of DD (The
Thief) reviews) are good for the entire modular community.  I am sure most
MOTMers read and enjoyed the Wiard review; I did.  Check out some of
Robert's new recordings--Beastiary and Outpost.  IMO, very good!
http://www.rrich.com.  He is on tour now and the dates are on his website if
you are interested.

Happy Knob Tweaking!!!
Todd

Just to also clarify:

a) Robert Rich is NOT "on the payroll" and has NEVER
been. In fact, I am the only "payroll" person. I am
lucky to have many folks helping me out: Robert is one
of many such folks. And Grant is another.

b) Gino can clarify the timetable. MANY MONTHS passed
between 'first contact' and publication. The review
was supposed to come out before NAMM 2001. It did not.
In fact, Robert went WAY out of his way to avoid even
the slightest hint of a conflict while at NAMM. He was
only at the booth about 5min every 3 hours, just to
re-tweak the "talking chaos" patch. I *insisted* he
avoid the booth like the plague during the show hours.

c) Robert is a customer, the same as the other 300
people. He happens to be my most knowledgeable and
capable user, but still just a user.

d) OK I admit I am a *huge* Robert Rich fan, I have
been listening to his music for over 15 years and
burst with pride at his 2 new CDs Todd mentioned. The
*same* as Grant when bursts when he hears Wiard on CD.
Folks, this the the *only reason* we are doing it.
Certainly NOT the money! I'm paying my taxes tomorrow,
and MOTM was 7.8% of my total income. And about 60% of
my total waking hours. So why bother, so folks can
asses front panel graphics, knob size and wire gauges?
Because we have *pride* in our work, and in the end
result (YOUR work). Heck, I never thought I'd get this
far anyway.

I agree with a previous poster: focus on *positive*
aspects. Grant is not evil, and neither am I. We both
have "day jobs", this is a *hobby*. Everyone think
about your typical work-week. Then ADD the Wiard/MOTM
work. It's a wonder Grant & I just throw up our hands
and grab some brewskies. Hmmm.......

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Tax Center - online filing with TurboTax
http://taxes.yahoo.com/

> It's a wonder Grant & I just throw up our hands
> and grab some brewskies. Hmmm.......

First round's on me.

:-)

Mike

> why didn't EM assign a
> reviewer to the Wiard that was steeped in the tradition of the "West coast"
> school of synths? Because there wasn't one available,
I don't know the ins and outs of EM but hasn't Gino reviewed for them in the
past and isn't Gino steeped in the 'West Coast' tradition.
>Sure, Robert made some comments the list doesn't agree with
Just to be slightly pedantic, I wouldn't necessarily generalise in that way.
At least a couple of people (including myself) didn't disagree with his
comments. It was an interesting review for anyone contemplating a Wiard
purchase. There was also a huge compliment paid to Grant for listening to
advice and modifying one of his products as a result.
My only comment at the time was that 3.5 out of 5 seemed like a low score
considering the mostly positive content of the review. This was debated and
explained at the time so sorry for repeating it again.
Please note, as was mentioned yesterday, that Grant has apparently been
snowed under with orders since the review appeared.
The 'battle' between MOTM and Wiard is a load of tosh. Paul and Grant
obviously have no time for it either.
CW

--- In wiardgroup@y..., "C. Whitten" <chris@c...> wrote:
Snip
> The 'battle' between MOTM and Wiard is a load of tosh. Paul and Grant
> obviously have no time for it either.
> CW

Yes, it would be nice to return to Wiard-related topics.

Easier,

-Mike

Is it possible to buy a Wiard as a whole unit
at a cheaper price than separate modules?


Colin

CoolColJ (02:44 PM 4/13/2002) wrote:

 >Is it possible to buy a Wiard as a whole unit
 >at a cheaper price than separate modules?

Hi Colin,

There's a Wiard website, maybe you missed it:

   http://www.wiard.com

At the site, on the Purchase page, there's a statement about discounts:

   Terms of Sale: ... A discount is offered for full payment in advance.


You may also want to talk to Grant about things like this. I've found him 
to be flexible, talkative, knowledgeable and all sorts of neat accolades.

He also answers mail at a couple of different addresses:

   sales@wiard.com
   grichter@asapnet.net
   grantrichter2001@yahoo.com

I know it's a heck of a long distance call for you, but he's a lot of fun 
to talk to as well:

   414-769-0791

That information is also on the web site in the Contacts page.


Have fun.

Mark

> >Sure, Robert made some comments the list doesn't agree 
with

I would once again repeat that Wiard is indebted to Robert Rich 
and Gino Robair for invaluable honest feedback and criticism. 
While it was a growth experience for me to be able to accept this 
criticism, the great value of it becomes all the more apparent as 
time goes by.

In response to one of Mr. Rich's suggestions, the silkscreens 
have all been updated to a Version 2 faceplate (at some 
expense I might add). The new faceplates all use a system of 
right and left pointing, solid and outline triangles to indicate 
inputs and outputs.

I was discussing what kind of graphic notation could be used to 
indicate inputs and outputs, something so simple, even a young 
child could grasp it. My friend Dana Iwon suggested the use of 
triangles, because they are used to indicate door open and 
close in elevators. This was a superb suggestion. Rex Probe 
then suggested the use of solid and outline triangles to make 
the visual differentation even easier. Another superb suggestion.

So in response to Mr. Rich's review, the Omni-Filter has been 
improved and the faceplates redesigned for easier access by 
the less experienced user. I hope this demonstrates the great 
respect I have for his honest criticism, and the value I place on 
user feedback in general.

> I hope this demonstrates the great
> respect I have for his honest criticism, and the value I place on
> user feedback in general.
I don't think you should be too concerned. Obviously you always set out to
do your best no matter what.
Looking back, some of the things I did 5 years ago I would do better now,
but I gave it my absolute best effort at the time.
Also, in the field of products sometimes circumstances conspire against you.
I've argued 'til I was blue in the face with some companies that their
approach with my product was wrong. In the end I had to give in or give up.
In the meantime I think I was proved right however.
Critics or reviewers don't always know what has gone on before a product has
reached their desk.
The Triangles sound great BTW. I was thinking the points could face inwards
for 'input' and out for 'output'.
Chris.

>The Triangles sound great BTW. I was thinking the points could face inwards
>for 'input' and out for 'output'.

The Borg I received a few weeks ago has these. They are unobtrusive, 
and add another degree of user-friendliness to the system,

You are correct on the orientation of the triangles. Also, the inputs 
are the solid ones.

As a side, the Borg has now firmly placed itself at the top of my 
list of favorite filters.

> You are correct on the orientation of the triangles. Also, the inputs
> are the solid ones.
Sounds good.
> As a side, the Borg has now firmly placed itself at the top of my
> list of favorite filters.
Sounds even gooder.
I'm hearing nothing but great things about Wiard, especially the more recent
additions.
CW