Dotcomformat

Taste is a rather subjective thing, but here's my view anyway. :-) Turned 
sides are a must, but it sounds like you're already up for that. As for 
other visual departures, I think it depends on the function of the module. 
If a module is exotic, it may be more acceptable (and indeed cool) for the 
module to have a different appearance from the rest of the MU-format modules 
out there. But if the module is an alternate VCO design, or a dedicated (or 
multi-) LFO, etc. I would want it to blend in with the surrounding modules. 
Filters are a bit trickier...kind of in the grey zone for me. If a filter is 
a variation or interpretation of a mainstream filter I'd want it to visually 
blend. If it's more radical, the panel could be more radical. But again, 
that's just me. I'm sure there are other opinions out there. Certainly the 
safest thing would be to go with a traditional black Moog look. But I could 
see a line of wild Wiard-esque looking modules that are physically and 
electrically MU-compatible as being pretty fun. To me, silver with different 
knobs isn't enough of a departure--it would simply look like a partial 
conversion from another format unless the modules had a VERY refined 
appearance. But anodized blue or red or with some screened back imagery? Now 
we're talking exotic!

There's also the question, of course, of what additional modules would be 
desirable to the market. Clearly, filling gaps that have yet to be filled 
represents the most opportunity...either modules that aren't available at 
all in the format, or are provided in a more space-efficient manner (such as 
a multi-LFO, or an EG with built-in VCA). There's a good number of 
interesting MU modules out there these days from STG, Moon Modular, COTK and 
the occasional Cynthia MU-format goodie, so the gaps aren't what they used 
to be. But they do exist. An area that's severely underserved is exotic 
oscillators and the like (Miniwaves, VCDO's, etc.). I'd love to see somebody 
do something about that.

Anyway, the more the merrier! It's great to see the MU format getting 
attention.

Gordon

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "peng3002" <peng3002@yahoo.com>
To: <dotcomformat@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2009 6:47 PM
Subject: [dotcomformat] MU format panel design. What is acceptable?


> Now that there is some activity here I would like to pose a question. I am 
> getting ready to release some modules (VCF, VCO, Delay, VC EG, etc.), but 
> I am not yet done with the panel design.
>
> The question is: If I go with a look that is very different than the 
> Moog/DotCom style will anyone still be interested ?
>
> There is a rough example of what I am talking about in the photo section 
> under 'MegaOhm Audio'(see Delta VCF MOA). This panel was done by FPE but 
> the actual design will be done Metalphoto style with the turned sides and 
> much nicer fonts and graphics. The FPE is actually a dumbed down version 
> of what I want to do, but I would like to use the same knobs and I am 
> leaning toward silver instead of the traditional black background.
>
> What do you all think? It doesn't matter if your in the market to buy or 
> you DIY everything. I'm looking for opinions. I just don't want to sink a 
> bunch of money and time in something that nobody wants! I think the 
> circuits themselves are excellent (especially the VCO) and it would be a 
> real shame to have them sitting here and not in the field simply because 
> nobody likes how they look!
>
> All opinions/advice will be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
> phil
>
> MegaOhm Audio
>
>
>
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