Dotcomformat

Thanks to those who have responded so far. Your comments have been very helpful. See below for quote and replies:


"Turned
sides are a must, but it sounds like you're already up for that."

"I don't think I would not buy a module because of the external styling (so long as it was size- and power-compatible; I do find myself avoiding MOTM modules because I'm too lazy to re-drill my cabinets and change the power connectors)."



  I am making these to be compatible with DotCom: turned sides, 1/16" thick panel, 6pin power connector (plus on board alternatives), same mounting hole spacings, and the typical levels and voltages (+/-5V signals, 5V CVs, +/-15V power, etc.). The end user will be able to plug it in, screw it in, and go.




"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."

"Aesthetically, though, I'd prefer that it resembled (at least in terms of background color) the dotcom standard.  "


  This is where I am having trouble deciding. By next fall I should have enough modules designed for a full synth voice independent of any other maker's modules (except for power supply and cabinet. I'll deal with that if or when I need to.). That said, I want to make the modules look close enough so they can be sprinkled into a stocked DotCom cab without looking too strange. I think this will be the more likely scenario. For that reason I'm leaning more toward the black background now. The only problem is that I like the knobs I'm using now which are solid black and I'm afraid these will blend in too much. I suppose properly designed scales around them could solve that issue.

  As far as esoteric modules go, I think most of my designs are weird! On the other hand the Delta VCF is pretty straight forward (although the jack normaling and Lin FM input can push it into freaky territory). Most modules will be multifunctional having submodules that can function independently from the main module. For example, the Delta VCF has an integrated VCA which can be used separately. Also, jack normalizations will be a feature of every module I build.

I don't like to make clones (got nothing against them, by the way) but since these designs are still on-the-plate/not yet completed I will give a rough idea of some functional equivalents that already exist (note: these are NOT going to be/sound/function exactly the same):

VCO - Tri core. Outputs derived from VC waveshapers. There may be three different versions of this made available simultaneously (1MU, 2MU, alternative 2MU). reminiscent of Buchla 259

Delta VCF - umm...this one actually IS a clone! Well, of the core at least. The supporting circuitry is very different and allows it to go FAR beyond what the original could do. Cascaded OTA stage VCF. 4pole. Reminiscent of too many VCFs both past and present to list here.

VC EG - Misnamed for the moment. Can do more than a simple VC EG. Reminiscent of Serge slope generators.

FP2V - Crossfader, panner, dual VCA. Very utilitarian

VC Delay - Uses PT2395 delay IC. From short and clean to long and dirty.

That's what is on the table for me at the moment. The Delta VCF and FP2V are done and the VCO is very close to done. The VC EG and VC Delay are still in the experimenting stages.

If everything goes right (does it EVER!!!) these should all be out this summer. I haven't even started with the panel design process so I have a lot of work ahead of me.


I will also be making pcbs available for some of the above designs and others. In fact, the Delta VCF/VCA pcbs are ready to ship now. They just need proper documentation which I hope to finish this weekend.


Thanks again to those who have responded so far. Please keep them coming. It helps a lot.

Thanks,
phil