MOTM

I don't think the 5U MOTM format is "going away" soon. For one thing, there 
are still more 5U modules out there than any other large format system 
(approaching 10,000+). And yes, they are built to last 20 years or more.

For me, my personal life the last 2 1/2 years took over and then the death 
of Doug Curtis (and the subsequent revoke of the CEM deal we had by his 
wife) took a lot out of my MOTM time and focus.

For the most part, this has stabilized now. I have a new job that has no 
travel so I'm home 7 days/week. I have a known, regular schedule, even if 
the total hours are a bit less, the stress is -90dB down from 6 months ago.

After the existing backlog is 100% shipped, I will have a bit of $$$ to 
spend on trying to plug the whole in the dam (or re-arrange deck chairs on 
the Titanic). I have options now for sheet metal that I did not have up 
until recently. My pot supplier seems to be stable, deliver a nice product 
and is reasonably priced (the 149 Spectrol pots I started with th 1998 are 
now $17ea. That is not a typo). I have a cheap & reliable pc board supplier 
and a new graphics artist to help with the 'look and feel' of new modules 
and the website. I have a wonderful DSP programmer, a great local SMT 
assembler and many others that help me with everything from AutoCAD to nice 
demo videos.

The reason there is a flurry of Euro activity is simple: fast-turn economic 
gain with little risk. By NAMM, there will be 4 Euro modules, based off 2 
DSP "platforms" with a third platform waiting in the wings. My plan is to 
take that 3rd platform and move the 4 Euro functions to 5U/MU with 
*upgraded* audio specs and more features. Then, I plan to take *that* money 
made and basically "start over" on the existing 5U designs, so that 20 years 
from then, they will still be OK (remember, original MOTM modules are now 10 
years old!). The redesign is 95% "mechanical", not electrical. I'm just 
getting rid of all the brackets, wiring and expensive parts. The main 
benefit: < 2 weeks shipping.

For the DIYers: yes, the current original boards will be available as long 
as people buy them. They don't take up that much space :)

There is still lots to to and play with in years to come. Stay tuned! And 
hope to see some of you at NAMM.

Paul S.