Doepfer

Hi all together,

I'm back from the NAMM and piles of work have been accumulated on my
desktop. If somebody has sent me an email it may take some days to answer it
as I have nearly 200 emails to deal with (spam has been already removed).

I want to give you a short report of the NAMM and our plans for the near
future. The guys of Analogue Haven did a great job. Thank's top Shawn,
Loran, Moose and Chuck. We had a lot of fun and a nice community with the
guys from EAR (Peter Grenader and Mike Brown), Macbeth (Ken), Modcan (Bruce
Duncan), MOTM (Paul Schreiber and Robert Rich), Eowave (Emanuell Gallin and
Marc Sirguy), Vermona (Thomas Haller), Manikin (Thorten Feuerherdt),
Metasonix (Eric Barbour). Sorry if I forgot someone.

From my point of view prototype of the BBD module was the device on our
booth where the visitors showed the most interest, followed by the prototype
of the touch sensor keyboard. So our next job is to finish the BBD module
(together with the universal vactrol module A-101-9 with polarizers). We
still have to add the CV output and we will probably equip the CV2 input
with a polarizer (the prototype had only a normal attenuator). Some users
suggested that this will be a good idea to have a polarizer as it would be
desirable to have both directions available (e.g. if the CV2 is controlled
by an ADSR).

We were glad that TKB prototyp was working even with 60Hz/115V. We could not
test this in Germany as it is impossible so simulate an 60Hz environment.
The TKB uses the hum noise induced to the human body (and especially the
fingers) by the mains lines in the walls. Though in was working perfect
during NAMM it will take some time until it is available as we have to find
a suitable case solution for the TKB that fits to the planned control box
(wheels, joystick, bottons) and the normal keyboard. The TBK prototype was
not yet equipped with a pressure sensor as we had no case available for the
NAMM. But the final version will be equipped with a pressure sensor under
the keys (same as used in the new R2M/A-198 manual).
Some visitors had a very good idea that we will realize: an OEM/DIY version
of the TKB electronics without the touch plates. Instead of the touch plates
e.g. 8, 16 or 24 pins are availabe where the user-defined touch plates are
connected via short cables. In this way the user is able to define the shape
and arrangement of the plates himself. From my point an excellent idea that
allows arrangements of non-keyboard shaped plates. Probably the OEM/DIY
version of the TKB electronics will be available earlier than the regular
TKB as no case design is necessary as it is only a pc board. From our
experience the housings are often the most time-consuming part of a design.

I also met Don Buchla and it seems that he has no problems with our modules
that are based on his source of certainty ideas (the A-149-x series). So we
will finish the last of these modules (A-149-3 fluctuating voltages) within
the next few months. The prototype is working since a long time but we held
it back as Buchla offered his new 200 series. We also think about a low cost
version similar to the 222e Multi-dimensional Kinesthetic Input Port. I
think it's nothing but several short R2M like sensors arranged in a certain
layout. It will depend upon the customer's interest if we design such a
product.

A lot of work (and fun) ahead, so let's begin ....

Best wishes
Dieter Doepfer