MOTM

Hi, MOTM fanz!!

(Yeah, me too!)  So... I've just GOT TO chime in here,
having used modulars from my PAiA 2720/4700 homebuilt
system, to the "antique" (ca. 1968!) Moog Modular, to
the Wavemaker 4, to the largest E-Mu analog modular at
the time (about $500,000 worth, at the University of
Texas Electronic Music Studio-Austin - 1980) systems. 


First, I'd recommend that you take a sentimental
journey through the Analog Heaven archives from a few
years back, to see how Paul Schreiber angsted over the
layout of his then-just-proposed analog modules!  The
collective decision was that the "Moogs of
Yore"/Aires/ Polyfusion(?)/etc. format was the choice,
with a vertical format/controls at the top/interface
at the bottom.  This one seemed to keep those
fershluggener patchcords out of the way of the knobs
the best!

Second, having gotten used to the varied layout of
PAiA/E-Mu analog panels, I agree with the assesments
that they are Very Easily Recognized at a glance, due
to their placement of controls, etc.  Please remember,
though, that unless you are doing a LARGE run of those
kinda' panels, it'll cost More to vary the layout.  In
the interest of practicality, the MOTM modules adhere
to a fairly rigid 'grid' system; Easier to set
up/execute at the sheet metal shop.

The time required to recognize each different module
will *decrease* with use.  If'n ya' built it, *and*
use it constantly, you WILL be able to find it at a
moment's notice!

IF... you Really Need that differentiation, there's
always the prospect of *switching knobs* out for
bigger/differently colored ones, right?  I mean, that
was one of the ways that E-Mu varied the layout of
their VCOs, VCFs, etc.  The "PITCH", "CORNER
FREQUENCY", "FINE TUNE", "A-D-S-R", etc. knobs were a
size larger than the rest of the knobs, leading to
easier recognition.  No reason that one couldn't
replace the VCO Coarse/Fine Freq. - VCF Fc/Fine Freq.
-  VCA Init. Gain, etc. knobs with larger ones...
(Unless you can't find them ;-> )

Anyway, my two cents worth...  There is ALWAYS a
solution...

   Your MOTM-Bud,
   Dave Garfield

...Proving that "Longhorns vs. Aggies" don't mean
SQUAT!...  It's the *MUSIC* that matters!  :-D

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