Wiardgroup

So Grant,

Would you mind giving us an "overview" of what's to come in the 1200 series?

Modules that collectively will make a complete system?
Weird and cool modules that will make great add-ons to other systems, like
more "Noise Ring" thingys??

What, exactly?

Just gotta figure exactly what I need to save up for and what I don't....

Thanks,

Les

I think we've already seen a few of what might be in the 1200 style 
of modules.  The joystick and noise ring are official 1200 modules, 
but I would think that the Blacet/Wiard Miniwave is sort of a proto-
1200 module.  It's frac-rack format, it basically is a single-
function module and it's pretty inexpensive.  That seems to be in 
line with what Grant indicated would be the 1200--more of a 
workingman's approach.  

The great thing about the 300s (from what I see) is that each module 
contained a massive number of functions.  Just look at the Waveform 
City: a three-waveform VCO; a non-linear transform function/digital 
waveshaper; an AD envelope; a VCA and a multiple.  Then the Borg 
filter: two 12db multimode filters; two LFOs; and a multiple.  These 
two modules alone make a pretty decent little synth, IMO.  So, you 
pack a ton of functions into a relatively small space.  

But, that makes them more expensive to make and harder to design new 
ones, as each 300 module has to have more than one basic function 
(you could argue the Wogglebug has one function, but there are two 
of them in the module and each one can do several different things 
to begin with).  A lot of people nowadays approach buying a modular 
less as getting one total unit with everything they might need (as 
in the set systems from Moog, the self-contained EMS or Arp 2600 
type synths, or the Serge panels) than piece-by-piece.  With this 
philosophy, having multiple functions in one module can be a turn-
off to some people, as they see it as "buying stuff they don't need" 
along with the thing they want.  So, say you want just the filter 
from the Borg.  For reasons I couldn't possibly comprehend they 
don't want two LFOs (can you say LFO junkie?), or even two filters.  
They just want one multimode Buchla/Korg hybrid filter.  To them, 
the Borg is too expensive as all they want is the basic filter to 
integrate with what they already have.  

Personally, I like the 300 series idea of multifunction modules, but 
financially I'm definitely in the less-expensive immediately single-
function group, unfortunately.  So, I'd bet the 1200 series will be 
along those lines.  Smaller single-function designs that are easier 
to make, cost less per unit (if not overall--break down pricing by 
components on the 300 and the Borg comes out to less than $100 per 
function--5 functions/$439--even if you don't count the multiple 
it's still only $110 per function).  

Hmmm, the Borg is mighty cheap come to think about it...excuse me 
while I go check my bank account before it's too late...:)

J.R. "Bulldogge" Ross
& Snuffy, too:)