MOTM

The Frac format option is, at the present time, controlled by the retail 
store/outlet Analog Haven. Currently, they are waiting for me to release the 
MOTM-1300 Frac VCO. Then, they will have a 'complete system' to demo/sell (a 
100% MOTM voice).

Future modules will be mostly digital in the 'core logic' (will full CV 
in/out) and currently, a 6-pin MOTM/Frac power supply does not exist. I have 
a prototype design that uses a 12V DC out laptop supply, that then feeds a 
set of DC-DC converters for generating the +5/+-15V (don't worry, I use the 
same DC/DC converters as Rupert Neve...very quiet. And I use a 'trick' to 
reduce the switching noise). AH also has expressed a desire for me to offer 
a 2-row Frac rack with the supply as 1 assembly.

But as a rule, the Frac option for these newer modules is not a driving 
force in the design. The large format MOTM customer is what got me this far, 
and that is who I plan to support. Who knows, maybe I can paint some white 
to be Modcan B compatible :)

What my customers have tought me over the years is as follows: useful 
features are worth the panel space, and the added cost is not going to 
prevent the purchase. For example, the MOTM-101 doesn't have a CLK OUT jack 
for the internal clock. The panel space is there, but I was paranoid that 
adding $10 cost to the kit was a 'big deal'. *Wrong!* The big deal was not 
having that jack!

Look at the Buchla 200e. Every module is crawling with all sorts of knobs, 
switches and jacks. Sometimes you have to look at them for 30min until the 
function is clear :) But no one can complain that the "functional density" 
in not there. And the concept of "functional density" is what I am shooting 
for with the new modules. No "empty" panel space! If there is room for a 
switch/jack/pot/LED, then *if it makes sense* why not add that function? I 
don't belive in adding stuff just for 'filler', though.

The Frac format does not easily lend itself to high 'functional density' 
unless you "go wide". Also, the traditional Frac economic model is not 
exactly where MOTM traditionally plays (cough). Would the average Frac user 
pay $499 for a Cloud Generator? Can I sell at *least* 50 Frac Cloud 
Generators (in order to make the time/effort worthwhile). It's a difficult 
qusetion to answer, and the "only way to find out" could be costly :(

The safe bet: invest in a full-size MOTM system. What other modern modular 
holds their value? People that sell their modules/systems discover there are 
many eager buyers. I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but 
the users that will "stick it out" until 2008 will be rewarded with the 
arrival of all sorts of goodies.

This is not to say I am abandoning the Frac! There is nothing technolgy-wise 
to prevent a Frac MOTM-440 or MOTM-410 or even a Frac MOTM-480. I'm 
confident once the Frac VCO gets out there, more interest will be naturally 
generated and the overall sales will go up. To my knowledge, the users are 
very satisfied with the MOTM Frac modules. The MOTM-1485 puzzles some folks, 
but that is to be expected :) The good news is: the electrical component of 
these newer designs tend to occupy very small pcb area. So, it's not a case 
of "will the circuit fit in a Frac" but rather "how big a front panel for 
Frac is needed, and will those users pay for the module?".

Paul S.