MOTM

On Sun, 8 May 2005, Greg Amann wrote:

> I have noticed that many Blacet modules seem to be power hungry
> compared to similar MOTM modules.  Why is this?  I mean, Blacet have
> 1/8" jacks and MOTM have 1/4".  Shouldn't MOTM use more power because
> they're bigger?

Ah yes, a common misconception by new users. You see, 1/4" jacks have more 
surface contact area than inferior 1/8" jacks. This allows for more 
efficient transfer of electrons between modules and an overall greater 
operating efficiency, hence the lower operating current of standard MOTM 
modules.

When people refer to a synth sounding "thin" or "small" they're often 
referring to the sound quality imparted by 1/8" jacks. I have a Blacet time 
machine which I converted to MOTM format, and let me tell you, larger 
jacks really allow the inner power of this module to escape!

But seriously, the reason is simple: "It does a lot." Look at the number 
of components in the TimeMachine as compared to say, the 120.

Each one of those little chips draws current like a little leach stuck on 
the side of your leg. The more leaches, the more current. Think of your 
leg as a power supply, it can only support so many leaches before you 
faint. You know, I wonder if I'm the first person to try and explain 
current flow with leaches? Hopefully I'm not the last.

> (This message is a test to see if humor can be carried off on the
> internet without the use of happy faces or goofy acronyms.)

You insult my culture!