MOTM

I've been thinking about things I'd like to see in future from synth 
tech, and I find that I'm really into the idea of DIY top-quality studio 
gear as well.   It could be a way of "future-proofing" synth tech, *if* 
all that stuff abt thee market for modular analogue synths is true. 
Heh, that and the fact I can't afford Oram Sonics, Crane Song etc etc 
etc.

Here are some possible long term products/projects I can envisage:

1/ Stereo Compressor.  Not just a way of getting a nice kit of Jurgen 
Haible's stereo 1176 clone, oh no ;)   Actually, I could envisage a kit 
of a kind of semi-evolved 1176-type gadget, with usual MOTM quality and 
excellent instructions being really popular.  Alternatively, just a 
really good comp, with flattering sound, possibly switchable vactrol/VCA 
mode, a good wide range of control and all that.

2/ Stereo equaliser.  As above.  Take the best features of various 
"classic" models, and try to implement as much as possible in one unit. 
Try to aim for something with a "sound", but which can also be operated 
in an ultra-clean mode as well.

3/(this is the idea that really excites me) Modular mixing desk!  I can 
visualise a really nice line of kits - one for the stereo output, 
w/master sends, one for the  8 sub-groups with the stereo returns and a 
bunch of different channels:

standard input channel, inc (from top down) nice mic pre, w/phase 
reverse, pad, hi-cut filter (all switchable), really good EQ section 
(possibly simplified version of EQ circuit from stereo equaliser?) w 
either 2 swept mids, or a fully parametric mid, &  Eq out switch. Six 
FX/monitor sends, w/jumpers on PCB to select pre/post fade for each one. 
VERY IMPORTANT (to me anyway) include a stereo effect send, possibly 
sends one and 2 configured as a level control, and a panpot for 
crossfading between sends to 1 and 2.  Pan pot, routing buttons, nice 
long fader

simplified input channel - as above but w/o the mic pre, to use for line 
level instruments

Stereo channel - as above but with stereo effect send linked to balance 
panpot.

It seems to me that a quality mixing desk would be an ideal project, b/c 
we surely would all like something really really classy, but many of us 
can't afford it.  A range of modular mixer kits would rule IMO because 
you could build it up piecemeal - start with stereo output module and a 
couple of stereo channels and use it as a submixer, add more modules as 
budget allows, until you've enough to replace yr current mixing board, 
plus, using mounting rails similar to the current MOTM rails, you could 
configure your desk in any way you see fit - classic desk console, stack 
'em up in a rack, master/groups in the middle, at the end, etc etc

What d'you think?
-- 
Norman Fay

Interesting - yes
Adventurous- sure
But lets see the sequencer and the 500 series first.
BTW thanks to all who posted comments on the roland keyboards thing.
I'm off tomorrow to see what they are like.
Steve M.

Great ideas - especially the comp/eq.  The main thing I want from synthtech
is modular synth kits and if I had to choose between them and pro audio gear
kits I'd take the synth kits in a heartbeat.  That said, if it's feasible
(or necessary) to branch out into other audio gear, I'd love that too.  I
don't know how many kits I'd actually buy since I do everything in my DAW -
mixing, effects, mastering, etc.  But if I ever get the modular to the point
where I'd rather have a nice compressor kit than another cool CV processor,
it'd be nice to have the option.

Larry

I'll chime in with a contrarian opinion.  I am happy to see Paul Schreiber
keep his focus on modules with analog synthesis features foremost, which is
just what he's doing.  The 500 series seems like the right direction.  He's
got the meat and potatoes of synthesis (VCO, LFO, VCF, VCA) pretty well
covered, but I would welcome even more along those traditional lines (such
as, say, a cross-fading VCA).  My suggestions would be in the area of
sequencers, cycling VC slope generators, analog delays, etc..  Many such
modules are available from other modular companies, but of course I want a
genuine, no-compromise, MOTM article!  Keep up the good work, Paul.

-Richard Brewster

Richard, for more info on a MOTM cross-fading VCA, search the message
archives for MOTM-130.  I believe it is still planned for release at some
point in the future.  (there was something about a layout nightmare...?)

George

----- Original Message -----
From: Richard Brewster <pugix@...>
To: <motm@yahoogroups.com>; Norman Fay <kay-rad@...>
Sent: Friday, September 13, 2002 7:17 PM
Subject: Re: [motm] future type thoughts


> I'll chime in with a contrarian opinion.  I am happy to see Paul Schreiber
> keep his focus on modules with analog synthesis features foremost, which
is
> just what he's doing.  The 500 series seems like the right direction.
He's

> got the meat and potatoes of synthesis (VCO, LFO, VCF, VCA) pretty well
> covered, but I would welcome even more along those traditional lines (such
> as, say, a cross-fading VCA).  My suggestions would be in the area of
> sequencers, cycling VC slope generators, analog delays, etc..  Many such
> modules are available from other modular companies, but of course I want a
> genuine, no-compromise, MOTM article!  Keep up the good work, Paul.
>
> -Richard Brewster

Norman Fay wrote:

>>It seems to me that a quality mixing desk would be an ideal project, b/c we 
surely would all like something really really classy, but many of us can't 
afford it.  A range of modular mixer kits would rule IMO because you could 
build it up piecemeal.<<

I think there is a major conflict in your thinking here. If affording a mixer 
is an issue, then an MOTM mixing desk is not the way to go. Mixers are cheap, 
and you can get quite a bit for not too much money. Piecing together a mixer in 
MOTM modular form would cost you many times the amount.

-Elhardt