MOTM

>
>> d) The MOTM-810 VC EG is a 'semi-kit'. I will make the pc board SMT, 
>> with *just*
>> the SMT parts stuffed. You
>> will still solder the pots, jacks, wires, etc. There are just too 
>> many parts to
>> be practical (~90 resistors, 16 diodes, 18 transistors).
>> Also, SMT will keep the price *lower* because I can stuff them all at 
>> once in 1
>
> Hmm, cheaper. I like cheaper. Not only does the price go down, but 
> you're
> not spending time you could be designing new modules and expanding your
> business in through-hole tedium, which is better for everyone in the 
> long
> run.
>

I have no opinion about SMT in general so this is not a critical post - 
just a question.  I have wondered for some time if the physics of 
smaller parts - like SMT parts - and I guess transistors especially, 
causes them to respond differently in VCOs, VCFs, etc, than the older, 
larger parts.  Perhaps this is just psychological, but my OB-8 sounds 
more organic (more variation in timbre as you play different notes - 
like an acoustic instrument) than say the Andromeda I played a few 
times or the Polyevolver I played with at the store.  Is there a 
correlation between the larger, single resistors and transistors used 
in the earliest analog synths and their "superior" sound (I realize 
this is subjective, but many seem to notice it) as compared to modern 
analog synths that use SMT components?  (I know the OB uses Curtis 
chips so it falls somewhere between say Moog modular and Andromeda).  
MOTM is by *far* the best sounding current production synth (analog or 
digital) I've heard (well, my Voyager is a close second, but nothing 
else comes close, imho).  Is this just because of the excellent ckt 
designs or do the components affect the sound?  I.e. if Alesis or 
someone were to take Paul's designs and mass produce them - putting the 
whole PCB on a single SMT chip (as much as that would be possible) - 
would they sound any different?

Larry David (not wanting to stir up anti-SMT trouble :)