MOTM

Just catching my breath this evening. Things have been hectic due to the
April issue
of Keyboard (pg. 19) having a little MOTM "blurb". Not so much new orders,
but in
running around like a chicken with my head cut off with the website and new
module
designs. So, here is a little snapshot.

1) I *despereatly* need new .WAV or MP3 files showing off MOTM. I know these
things aren't just sitting
there turned off in your racks! PLEASE send me CD one-offs or huge emails, I
don't care. I can rip a audio
CD into a MP3 file.

This Keyboard thing will just light a fire under PAiA and I need ammo!

Now, don't be shy about the "goodness" of your work. I'm not asking for
Wendy Carlos type stuff.
Rather, I need to show what happens when the '120 processes that Juno 60. Or
the '110 mangles
a TB-303. How Larry uses his '700 to "punch in" on the MIDI beat.

Look, I'm no musician. Maybe you feel that you aren't one, either. But
certainly there are snippets you did
that you liked. This isn't a contest. This is advertising.

2) I want to put a "show-off" page on my site of people's MOTMs in their
setups. Just snail me a photo
from the 1-hour lab or scan it.

Also, I would like to put in small "testimonials" on MOTM with your email
address so potential customers
can email you and you can tell them how grreat it is <grin>. Think of this
as asking for references. What I'll
put is like:

"It doesn't suck!" - A. Jefferson, NJ. <email - frodo@...>

For example, it turns out there are 3 MOTM customers in Providence, RI! The
MOTM hotspot of the world!

3)About patches: I am having each MOTM panel drawn in line-art in Adobe
Illustrator. I will post GIF images
so people can make up a MOTM patch sheet for their setup. I have *unlimited*
web site hard drive space. Let's fill
it up!

If you send it, I will post it.

4) Modules status. Well....it's been a long 10 days, and I have had to clear
the backlog of orders first. This
will happen tomorrow with a big order going off to London. Then I can focus
on the VCO. I will send the CAD
drawings to the sheet metal shop on Friday. I will take orders on the 15th.
The VCO is looking great, I just need
to check stuff like soft sync, high-freq tracking resistor, little stuff. I
should be able to send the "final" artwork to the
pcb shop next Tuesday. Ship date will be end of the month, can't pick a day.
It will take me 1 entire week to
ship out the VCOs. Note again this kit will take you about 4 hours to build.
Maybe 5. That means it will take Larry 14 (grin).

The MS-20 filter. This will be ready in early April. Switchable HP/LP, 2U
panel. Distorts, rings, and clips like the original.
A perfect example of crappy design. You will love it. This is an easy kit,
like a '800 is.

The PS3100 triple BP filter: mid-April. Need to buy some Vactrols and test
them (a Vactrol is a resistor whose resistance
varies by current through a LED shining on a photocell. Used alot in
compressors). The actual design is being done
by a MOTM "associate" in Europe. He has many synth designs under his belt,
and this will be a killer effect.  Also a pretty
simple kit.

The VC LFO: this is a 1U wide, simple LFO. Now, before everyone starts
bitching about sync, NO it doesn't have it. Why?
Because I think the Kenton Pro 2000 does a much better job with it's 2
sync'able LFOs. The VCO has sync, so you can
be covered that way. So, to make up for lack of sync, it DOES have 6
different waveforms including VC waveshape and
a "free" built-in S&H circuit. So there!

Mixer: I hope to have a 6-channel mixer in mid-April. This is a very easy
kit, but is extremely DC accurate. Uses an OP-97
as a servo amp. No capacitors in the path. Can mix AC or DC. Need to decide
to put in linear or log pots. Tough call.
Suggestions welcome.

That's it for now. Thanks for everyone's support. Hopefully the '700s are
all built and into service.

Paul Schreiber

A couple of module feature questions below...

> The MS-20 filter. This will be ready in early April. Switchable HP/LP, 2U
> panel. Distorts, rings, and clips like the original.

Is this a 1V/oct design or volts/hz like the original?

>
> The PS3100 triple BP filter: mid-April. Need to buy some Vactrols and test
> them (a Vactrol is a resistor whose resistance
> varies by current through a LED shining on a photocell. Used alot in
> compressors). The actual design is being done
> by a MOTM "associate" in Europe.

Haible Jurgen?

> The VC LFO: this is a 1U wide, simple LFO. Now, before everyone starts
> bitching about sync, NO it doesn't have it. Why?
> Because I think the Kenton Pro 2000 does a much better job with it's 2
> sync'able LFOs. The VCO has sync, so you can
> be covered that way. So, to make up for lack of sync, it DOES have 6
> different waveforms including VC waveshape and
> a "free" built-in S&H circuit. So there!

VC frequency, also? What is the approximate frequency range?


Dave Bradley
Principal Software Engineer
Engineering Animation, Inc.
daveb@...

1) Volts/octave response, although not temp. comp'd No need in this filter!!
2) No comment.
3) Yes, VC waveshape and VC frequency. Should go up to ~5Khz. Not TC'd.

Paul S.

-----Original Message-----
From: Dave Bradley <daveb@...>
To: motm@onelist.com <motm@onelist.com>
Date: Thursday, March 04, 1999 10:48 AM
Subject: [motm] Re: MOTM State of the Union


>From: "Dave Bradley" <daveb@...>
>
>A couple of module feature questions below...
>
>> The MS-20 filter. This will be ready in early April. Switchable HP/LP, 2U
>> panel. Distorts, rings, and clips like the original.
>
>Is this a 1V/oct design or volts/hz like the original?
>
>>
>> The PS3100 triple BP filter: mid-April. Need to buy some Vactrols and
test

>> them (a Vactrol is a resistor whose resistance
>> varies by current through a LED shining on a photocell. Used alot in
>> compressors). The actual design is being done
>> by a MOTM "associate" in Europe.
>
>Haible Jurgen?
>
>> The VC LFO: this is a 1U wide, simple LFO. Now, before everyone starts
>> bitching about sync, NO it doesn't have it. Why?
>> Because I think the Kenton Pro 2000 does a much better job with it's 2
>> sync'able LFOs. The VCO has sync, so you can
>> be covered that way. So, to make up for lack of sync, it DOES have 6
>> different waveforms including VC waveshape and
>> a "free" built-in S&H circuit. So there!
>
>VC frequency, also? What is the approximate frequency range?
>
>
>Dave Bradley
>Principal Software Engineer
>Engineering Animation, Inc.
>daveb@...
>
>
>------------------------------------------------------------------------
>Ideas on how we can improve ONElist?
>http://www.onelist.com
>Check out the Suggestion Box feature on our new web site
>

> This Keyboard thing will just light a fire under PAiA and I need ammo!

Personally, I don't see any product that PAiA sells that is in any
competition with MOTM.  Yes, they sell some inexpensive kits of lower
quality aimed at the low budget builder.  But, John will never make
anything like MOTM.  He is far too cheap in his design approach for that.

> Also, I would like to put in small "testimonials" on MOTM with your email
> address so potential customers can email you and you can tell them how
grreat it is
> like:  "It doesn't suck!" - A. Jefferson, NJ. <email - frodo@...>

OK,   "It doesn't blow either!" - L. Hendry IN  <grin>
 
> Note again this kit will take you about 4 hours to build.
> Maybe 5. That means it will take Larry 14 (grin).

Hey!  I resemble that remark.  It would take me a lot less time if I quit
breaking all mechanical parts.
 
> Mixer: I hope to have a 6-channel mixer in mid-April. This is a very easy
> kit, but is extremely DC accurate. Uses an OP-97
> as a servo amp. No capacitors in the path. Can mix AC or DC. Need to
decide
> to put in linear or log pots. Tough call.
> Suggestions welcome.

How about linear and psuedo log.  Although it is not accurate log, can't
you somewhat simulate something like log operation with a fixed resistor in
parallel with the adjustable part of the linear pot.  A panel switch for
"audio / voltage" like we have on the MOTM 700 could be used to take the
fixed resistance out of the circuit for linear operation and put it back in
for audio.  Although, it would not be a perfect log, wouldn't it work
better for audio than a straight log pot?

Larry 

Hendry

In a message dated 3/3/99 9:19:49 PM, you wrote:

>Mixer: I hope to have a 6-channel mixer in mid-April. This is a very easy
>kit, but is extremely DC accurate. Uses an OP-97
>as a servo amp. No capacitors in the path. Can mix AC or DC. Need to decide
>to put in linear or log pots. Tough call.
>Suggestions welcome.

Hi Paul,

Let me STRONGLY suggest that you put in a switch and a second output, so that
it can be used as either  a single 6 input mixer OR as TWO independent THREE
INPUT MIXERS. The lack of mixing inputs on some of the MOTM modules
(understandable considering the cost of pots and knobs), causes one to highly
desire a few 2-3 input mixers for CV and signal inputs. Really the only time I
need a 6 input mixer is right before the amp, so I just use a small mixing
board for output (plus you gotta pan some of those 6 across the stereo field).

In terms of pots I would recommend linear because of CV, and because I
typically use a mixing board to change audio levels during recording. 

More later!
Synth Peon 
JB

An NSA packet sniffer claiming to be JWBarlow@... wrote:
> Let me STRONGLY suggest that you put in a switch and a second output, so that
> it can be used as either  a single 6 input mixer OR as TWO independent THREE
> INPUT MIXERS. The lack of mixing inputs on some of the MOTM modules
> (understandable considering the cost of pots and knobs), causes one to highly
> desire a few 2-3 input mixers for CV and signal inputs. Really the only time I
> need a 6 input mixer is right before the amp, so I just use a small mixing
> board for output (plus you gotta pan some of those 6 across the stereo field).
> 
> In terms of pots I would recommend linear because of CV, and because I
> typically use a mixing board to change audio levels during recording. 

What he said.  _Exactly_ what he said.  Unless I'm not understanding
something right (not unlikely), an external mixer is required to apply
pitch CV (not FM) to the 300 VCO.  Almost every review of a modular system
I've read (Serge, Fenix, Doepfer, old Rolands) says somewhere "I always
need _one_more_ CV mixer!"  (Not Modcan, significantly, because of the
disgusting number of attenuated CV inputs on those modules -- but Modcan
doesn't have all the Rico Suave Features of MOTM, either.)

So, it's boring, but lots and lots of 3 input linear mixers would be a
Good Thing in my book.

thanks & peace,

Chris Jeris	MIT Math: The mother of all functors awaits you.

I too would like the idea of the mixer having a switch to select between 1 x 6 or 2
x 3.  I'd recommend making this mixer now and then down the road making a CV
controlled output module.  So you could use CV's to control level and pan, you guys
feel free to fill in the ideas on this module.  Point being it would be better to
have a module dedicated to the 'output' duties.

Steve

Christopher Jeris wrote:

> From: Christopher Jeris <cjeris@...>
>
> An NSA packet sniffer claiming to be JWBarlow@... wrote:
> > Let me STRONGLY suggest that you put in a switch and a second output, so that
> > it can be used as either  a single 6 input mixer OR as TWO independent THREE
> > INPUT MIXERS. The lack of mixing inputs on some of the MOTM modules
> > (understandable considering the cost of pots and knobs), causes one to highly
> > desire a few 2-3 input mixers for CV and signal inputs. Really the only time I
> > need a 6 input mixer is right before the amp, so I just use a small mixing
> > board for output (plus you gotta pan some of those 6 across the stereo field).
> >
> > In terms of pots I would recommend linear because of CV, and because I
> > typically use a mixing board to change audio levels during recording.
>
> What he said.  _Exactly_ what he said.  Unless I'm not understanding
> something right (not unlikely), an external mixer is required to apply
> pitch CV (not FM) to the 300 VCO.  Almost every review of a modular system
> I've read (Serge, Fenix, Doepfer, old Rolands) says somewhere "I always
> need _one_more_ CV mixer!"  (Not Modcan, significantly, because of the
> disgusting number of attenuated CV inputs on those modules -- but Modcan
> doesn't have all the Rico Suave Features of MOTM, either.)
>
> So, it's boring, but lots and lots of 3 input linear mixers would be a
> Good Thing in my book.
>
> thanks & peace,
>
> Chris Jeris     MIT Math: The mother of all functors awaits you.
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Ideas on how we can improve ONElist?
> http://www.onelist.com
> Check out the Suggestion Box feature on our new web site

At 11:23 PM 3/3/99 -0600, you wrote:
>From: "Paul Schreiber" <synth1@...>
>
>Just catching my breath this evening. Things have been hectic due to the
>April issue
>of Keyboard (pg. 19) having a little MOTM "blurb". Not so much new orders,


>
>This Keyboard thing will just light a fire under PAiA and I need ammo!

Paul you allready gut the ammo and its a real hi qualty modular system you
made,
many of us DIY's know paia products suck's and just can't be comperd to the
MOTM moduls.
i even think you make a mistake by writhing ther name,if ther's any system
to compere to the MOTM system its the serge system or other hi qualty
EM moduls.

i think the the right thing to do to pick up MOTM sales is to keep on making
hi qualty moduls so in the year 2000 we gone have a massive powerfull hi
qualty
modular system.
you show that your desighn are logicly smart and not just sound good keep
on doing more and dont let the time or commercel stuff interupt your great
work.
lets fenish this system so we can start making full MOTM tracks and you
can start making big mony.
 
>
>Also, I would like to put in small "testimonials" on MOTM with your email
>address so potential customers
>can email you and you can tell them how grreat it is <grin>. Think of this
>as asking for references. What I'll
>put is like:
>
>"It doesn't suck!" - A. Jefferson, NJ. <email - frodo@...>

"True analog" - G. Milstein, IS. <email - gur-m@...>  (-:



>The VC LFO: this is a 1U wide, simple LFO. Now, before everyone starts
>bitching about sync, NO it doesn't have it. Why?
>Because I think the Kenton Pro 2000 does a much better job with it's 2
>sync'able LFOs.

and what if i only work analog no midi ?
the vco is too expensive for use as a lfo !

 The VCO has sync, so you can
>be covered that way.

>Mixer: I hope to have a 6-channel mixer in mid-April. This is a very easy
>kit, but is extremely DC accurate. Uses an OP-97
>as a servo amp. No capacitors in the path. Can mix AC or DC. Need to decide
>to put in linear or log pots. Tough call.
>Suggestions welcome.

if this mixer can handle cv then i would go  lin.


thanx
Gur Milstein

Steve wrote:
> 
> From: Steve <eboyz@...>
> 
> I too would like the idea of the mixer having a switch to select between 1 x 6 or 2
> x 3.  I'd recommend making this mixer now and then down the road making a CV
> controlled output module.  So you could use CV's to control level and pan, you guys
> feel free to fill in the ideas on this module.  Point being it would be better to
> have a module dedicated to the 'output' duties.

I would like to see several models. An inexpensive model
6x1/3x2. But I also would like to see a more full-featured
stereo model that had voltage-controlled mixing and panning.
Matter of fact, I have some CEM3379's in my bench that I
planned to use to do that. This chip has VC of level,
pan, and a complete low-pass filter on board.

Thomas

Ditto. By all means, 1x6 CV mixer w/ 2x3 option now, and later a stereo VC
pannable output mixer.

Dave Bradley
Principal Software Engineer
Engineering Animation, Inc.
daveb@...

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Steve [mailto:eboyz@...]
> Sent: Thursday, March 04, 1999 11:39 PM
> To: motm@onelist.com
> Subject: [motm] Re: MOTM State of the Union
>
>
> From: Steve <eboyz@...>
>
> I too would like the idea of the mixer having a switch to select
> between 1 x 6 or 2
> x 3.  I'd recommend making this mixer now and then down the road
> making a CV
> controlled output module.  So you could use CV's to control level
> and pan, you guys
> feel free to fill in the ideas on this module.  Point being it
> would be better to
> have a module dedicated to the 'output' duties.
>
> Steve
>
> Christopher Jeris wrote:
>
> > From: Christopher Jeris <cjeris@...>
> >
> > An NSA packet sniffer claiming to be JWBarlow@... wrote:
> > > Let me STRONGLY suggest that you put in a switch and a second
> output, so that
> > > it can be used as either  a single 6 input mixer OR as TWO
> independent THREE
> > > INPUT MIXERS. The lack of mixing inputs on some of the MOTM modules
> > > (understandable considering the cost of pots and knobs),
> causes one to highly
> > > desire a few 2-3 input mixers for CV and signal inputs.
> Really the only time I
> > > need a 6 input mixer is right before the amp, so I just use a
> small mixing
> > > board for output (plus you gotta pan some of those 6 across
> the stereo field).
> > >
> > > In terms of pots I would recommend linear because of CV, and because I
> > > typically use a mixing board to change audio levels during recording.
> >
> > What he said.  _Exactly_ what he said.

Hi everyone,

Some thoughts that have been building up.

FIRST
In a message dated 3/5/99 6:22:16 AM, Thomas Hudson <thudson@...>
wrote:

>I would like to see several models. An inexpensive model
>6x1/3x2. 

I also thought that this 6X1/ 3X2 mixer could be implemented probably without
a toggle switch but rather a switching phone jack on the 2nd output (it seems
like I have some of these with 8-10 solder lugs and two mechanically separate
switches).

>But I also would like to see a more full-featured
>stereo model that had voltage-controlled mixing and panning.
>Matter of fact, I have some CEM3379's in my bench that I
>planned to use to do that. This chip has VC of level,
>pan, and a complete low-pass filter on board.

I like this chip a lot since it seems so simple to use, I'd like to hear how
you used it.

SECOND
I really like the sound of Larry's front panel PSU with its eerie glow. I'd
thought about putting voltmeters in my PSU panels (because I want my "studio"
to have that "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea" control room look) but decided
against it since it is better to not know the voltage unless you are going to
adjust it. I may put in an ammeter so I can see how many more modules I can
add until I have to get a new PSU.

THIRD
So pictures of Larry's and Steve's (MOTM mountain!) should be on the MOTM
page. Mine looks pretty pathetic in its home made, unfinished plywood rack.

FOURTH
In a message dated 3/6/99 9:10:26 AM, Gur Milstein <gur-m@...>
wrote:

>why dont each of us would write his needed moduls,this would probley help
>Paul to defin which module's should be next.

This is a good idea, however, I always think that I'm overloading Paul with
the modules I'd like to see him build. He is only one guy, and seems to be
introducing a module a month, so it will take a while for him to build up to
some of the more exotic modules. So, while I like Gur's "wish list", the
following thought occurred to me: maybe we could claim our "bonus points"
against future modules. So if Paul says "How many would like to see a clone of
a Serge Wave Multiplier module?" John B. might (would!) say "I'd like two of
those, and am willing to ante up my 5-6 bonus points for them." What this
would mean is that Paul could determine how many people are interested in the
module, and I would not be able to use those 5-6 points until after I bought
the Wave Multipliers. A put up or shut up kind of deal. Just a thought.

FIFTH
Thanks Hugo on the book list! And I agree that there are some great ideas
around which would combine analog and digital. BTW don't go out of your way to
get any of the books that I mentioned thinking they are anything like the MIT
computer music books (I wish there were books out there that thorough). (Wayne
Bateman's "Introduction to Computer Music" is another good one)

SIXTH

In a message dated 3/4/99 7:27:08 PM, "Paul Schreiber" <synth1@...>
wrote:

>That is why it is SO IMPORTANT for everyone to "rally around MOTM" by
>sending me your audio files and pix. I need to present MOTM NOT as a
>custom botique thing, but like MOOG or ARP were.

At this point it seems that MOTM is going to be BETTER than MOOG and ARP
(especially my ARP) so that shouldn't be a problem! I'll definitely do
"testimonials" for MOTM, but have no way to digitally record anything (I'm
waiting for that buy a CEM chip get a CD burner deal).

And watch this space for yet another (DAMN) tutorial on Serge modules which
might influence MOTM.

250,000 hits can't be wrong!
Synth Peon
John Barlow

John wrote:
> I also thought that this 6X1/ 3X2 mixer could be implemented probably
without
> a toggle switch but rather a switching phone jack on the 2nd output (it
seems
> like I have some of these with 8-10 solder lugs and two mechanically
separate
> switches).

I like the sound of the 6x1 mixer being 3 x 2 capable.  However, I would
rather have the certainty of a switch as opposed to a switching phone jack.
 I cannot imagine even the expensive switchcraft being as reliable over the
long run as a switch.

> SECOND
> I really like the sound of Larry's front panel PSU with its eerie glow.
I'd
> thought about putting voltmeters in my PSU panels (because I want my
"studio"
> to have that "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea" control room look) but
decided
> against it since it is better to not know the voltage unless you are
going to
> adjust it. I may put in an ammeter so I can see how many more modules I
can
> add until I have to get a new PSU.

Well, I have to admit that the panel is designed to look cool and MONITOR
the voltage output as opposed to measure it.  Good measurement would have
required digital and that would not have looked quite so cool.  Thanks to
Paul for the suggestion to use neon when I told him I planned to backlight.
 It is a little more orange than I wanted (I was shooting for more of a
yellowish tube color glow).  But, it does look good.
 
> THIRD
> So pictures of Larry's and Steve's (MOTM mountain!) should be on the MOTM
> page. Mine looks pretty pathetic in its home made, unfinished plywood
rack.

Well, mine is currently in a plain matal rack.  I have taken pictures of
the PSU control panel just to share with others.  I have no scanner though,
so I will have to ask another list member to volunteer the scanning service
after I get it developed.

> At this point it seems that MOTM is going to be BETTER than MOOG and ARP
> (especially my ARP) so that shouldn't be a problem! I'll definitely do
> "testimonials" for MOTM,

Ditto that.  My testimonial is forthcoming.

Larry Hendry

At 09:10 PM 3/6/99 EST, you wrote:
>From: JWBarlow@...

 maybe we could claim our "bonus points"
>against future modules. So if Paul says "How many would like to see a
clone of
>a Serge Wave Multiplier module?" John B. might (would!) say "I'd like two of
>those, and am willing to ante up my 5-6 bonus points for them." What this
>would mean is that Paul could determine how many people are interested in the
>module, and I would not be able to use those 5-6 points until after I bought
>the Wave Multipliers. A put up or shut up kind of deal. Just a thought.

hi John and guy's.
i think its a very good ide and i weel be the ferst to agree to such a
deal,but
i think ther is a problem,i dont think Paul would like to make any clone's
of old moduls and probley of on sale moduls such as the SERGE DUAL UNIVERSAL
SLOPE GENERATOR or other great SERGE moduls.
i think Paul would like to make an original system so by cloning other old
or new moduls people would think that he is just a clone maker which he is
defenetly not.

but if Paul reed this mails about which moduls we whish to see then may
be he would make somthing that would feet the needs,how about a TSG-turbo
slope
generator <-:  .

Paul take the serge slope generator and input it your great logic desighn
and make somthing the world never seen before.

thanx
Gur Milstein