Doepfer

> I've poked around a little about Plan B, and yes, it seems like a  
> very sketchy way to go. ;-)
> I'll be looking for a USED low pass gate! On a similar topic, do  
> modules fail that often, or are they largely bulletproof?

He let some improperly built ones out the door too. But still when  
they work quite a number show inspired design (mmm aside jokes about  
inspired by Buchla). On Low Pass Gates, his was the early front runner  
but by no means the only one out there, one has to mention Doepfer's  
on the Doepfer list of course. A good value with good features. The  
Plan B one though seems to me is simpler, a little lower noise and  
what made it the early favorite was the decay properties are quite  
"jazzed" up and prominent . These days the favorite is the Make Noise  
QMMG, which is a big dose (4 of them) with all sorts of special  
features. There are also the Borg 1 & 2 designed by Wiard which have  
different filter characteristics and are sort of a hybrid LPG.

I wouldn't say there are large numbers of failures but it can and will  
happen like most other gear.

> I'm a tad confused on the power supply thing. I have an A100p9 case.  
> I gather this is only a 12v power supply? Some modules need a 5v  
> additional supply though?

There is an inexpensive converter that can run 1 module. You'd plug it  
into the same row and it converts enough existing voltage. Good since  
you don't need to plug it in the mains and don't need to run another  
cable into the case or something similar. Other options would be a  
case like the AS15 with 5v built in. I've moved 5v modules into cases  
that have 5v from cases that didn't

> Also the system bus doesn't make any sense to me. Why is Gate and CV  
> sent along the bus to all modules even if they're not used? Is this  
> just used to power the modules or does it provide an internal pre- 
> patched connection between modules like in a semi-modular synth?

Gate and CV along the bus aren't power, more or less as you say, it's  
in the spec to make optional frequently used connections. A bit of a  
problem is many modules ignore it but that does no real harm. If some  
modules you like use it then you might find it handy.

>
> Finally, this might help me get my head around things; can I use a  
> lag processor to apply say delayed vibrato? Would the amplitude of  
> the pitch variation be at full as soon as the delay time was up, or  
> would it gradually ramp up to full amplitude? Two very different  
> concepts.

A lag processor is potentially a source of portamento, not vibrato.  
Smoothing out a voltage change. Delayed vibrato is traditionally  
introducing an LFO into a VCO after the note has started. One way of  
doing it is to run the LFO through a VCA and then delay an envelope  
for the VCA. It's true that it's just thrown into many classic non- 
modular synths but is a bit of a patch on a modular.

> BTW I now have a third ADSR and still no sound sources! LOL.

I think your filters could be making sine waves on their own and that  
LFO might be audible though not exactly playable. Not that either will  
replace a proper VCO

> Anyone know where I can print off a list of modules so I can print  
> them off and tape them to the wall to get my eBay addiction on a  
> short leash?

Don't know how serious you are here. Doepfer's site has a list. There  
is no list of everyone out there, for one reason there have been quite  
a few built in tiny numbers. The line between commercial and DIY is  
often hazy.

> Bruce
>
> PS anyone want an AS15 rackmount case with power supply? I bought it  
> before the analog red mist took over my brain and said, "On my  
> command, release Hell!"

You could eventually expand into it if you have something else now.  
The Muff Wiggler board is a good place to sell stuff.  Someone will  
surely ask you if it's the all Analogue Systems connectors older  
version or the both ASys and Doepfer connector version.