SynthModules

> im getting ready to start on my modular...and in doing so i have
> taken notice of the difference in price between the MOTM kits and the
> synth.com units.

This isn't really the best forum for this question; perhaps the group name
(SynthModules) is a little confusing. But I'll answer, anyway!


> are the MOTM units really that much better? ... i took a look at a
> few modules ..like the ring modulators for both... the MOTM is more
> than 2x the price ...but it also has a ton of controls where as the
> synth.com unit has none.

Quality? Let's look at signal-to-noise. According to the Synthsizers.com
FAQ, the dotcom VCA has "a signal to noise ratio of 82db (CD quality is
around 96db)." The MOTM-190 has a dynamic range of "better than 100dB."
That's a very big difference.

Features and price difference? The MOTM-190 is 2 VCAs or a ring mod+VCA. The
dotcom Q116 is only a ring mod (which can presumably be used as a VCA). The
MOTM-190 is more like a Q116 plus a Q108, but it's very hard to compare
modules because there always seems to be an extra feature on one or the
other. The BLEND control on the MOTM can avoid the need for a mixer, for
example. The dotcom Q108 has an inverted output, which can be handy.

MOTM is more expensive than dotcom, period. But MOTM modules tend to pack
more functions into each module, which helps to reduce the size and cost of
the total synth  (fewer modules = less cabinetry and  fewer power
connections).

If you are not too hung up on the appearance, you can mix & match dotcom,
MOTM, and other modules. There are power connectors to make this fairly
easy. Choose your cabinet carefully, though; for example, dotcom and MOTM
use different rack mounting brackets. The dotcom wood cabinets -- which use
wood screws for module mounting -- will accept both formats (except for one
row of one of the slanted cabinets, I forget the details).

> also any thoughts on the paia 9700 ???

A completely different animal, IMHO.

I'm on the verge of getting one of these:
    http://www.synthesizers.com/system-entry1.html
But you can rest assured that I'll eventually have MOTM modules, too. Along
with my MOTMized PSIM-1.
--
john