MOTM

Dear List,

I'm new to this and am trying to figure out which modules to start 
out with. I'm going to put them in an SKB popup case as I already 
have one for some Waldorf rack mount synths as well as a matching SKB 
for my mixer.

Option one is to get a bunch of the micro modules and a 950 power 
supply. With this I can do a modular "Minimoog" style arrangement as 
well as use the new 650 MIDI-to-CV module. The problem with this is 
that I don't think the 950 power supply has enough jacks (and maybe 
enough juice) to power 12 "regular" modules plus the 650.
(390 LFO, 3 x 310 VCO, 890 mixer, 490 VCF, 190 VCA, 2 x 800 ADSR, 101 
Noise/S&H, 820 Lag, 2 x 910 Mult)

Option 2 is to use two power supplies, a 950 and a 900. I don't 
really want to have 6 spaces out of the 20 taken up by power 
supplies, but this way I can power all I'm planning to in the first 
SKB and then expand into the second without buying another power 
module. I can fit 10 micro modules in this option, plus the 650.
(390 LFO, 3 x 310 VCO, 890 mixer, 490 VCF, 190 VCA, 2 x 800 ADSR, 101 
Noise/S&H, 910 Mult)

Option 3 is to go with the 950 supply but to use the "large" modules 
(like two 300 VCOs and a 320 LFO in place of three 310 VCOs, a 390 
LFO and an 890 mixer). This disadvantage of this is that at least in 
the beginning I have far fewer modules to play with. The advantage, I 
think, is that I have the "good" modules rather than the "lite" 
modules, and that a 950 supply can power the 9 modules as well the 
650.
(320 LFO, 2 x 300 VCO, 490 VCF, 190 VCA, 2 x 800 ADSR, 101 Noise/S&H, 
820 Lag , 910 Mult)

Here are my questions:

A) Can a 950 power supply successfully power this many modules? I 
don't know how many connectors it has or how much power it can 
generate. I know the 900 supply has 12 connectors. Does the 950 have 
12 "regular" connectors in addition to the new connectors or does it 
sacrifice regulars to make room for new ones? I don't really want to 
put expander power distribution boards into the popup case as there's 
not really a good place to mount them.

B) Are there other options for power? Can I get a 900 and a 950 kit, 
gut them both and then put the parts on a new panel that would go 
under the two rack rail sets? If I had already built 20 modules I 
would probably not think twice about doing this. As I have not yet 
assembled any modules I'm not sure of how difficult or easy this sort 
of custom wiring would be. The huge advantage of this is that I get 
back all the space the two power supplies would take up as well as 
probably being able to power a second SKB and maybe a third.

C) Should I just go ahead and build a 950 supply and not worry about 
this at all until I have enough modules? In other words, I could just 
start building and deal with it in six months or so.

D) A more basic question is whether to build the micro modules or the 
big ones. Will I regret the 310 VCOs in a year and wish I had the 300 
VCOs instead? Are the 320 LFOs unbelievably better than the 390 LFO? 
Should I build a Magic Bus instead of the Mults?

Those are some of the things I know I don't know. What also concerns 
me are the things I don't know that I don't know. I'm sure there are 
things I haven't even thought of yet. In reality I suppose I'll just 
get a power supply and a module or two and start off slow and easy. I 
have a funny feeling however that I'm shortly to be addicted to this, 
and hey, it's never too early to plan for that third cabinet. <g>

Sorry about the length of this post. It's just that I have about a 
thousand questions that I can think of and probably a lot more that 
haven't occurred to me yet.

Thanks,

         Seth

Just addressing the '950 (as there seems to be lots of confusion about it):

a) the *wattage* of the '900 and the '950 are *the same*. The '950 splits (NOT
shares, *splits*) the wattage in between the +5V outputs and the +-15V outputs.

b) the '950 power board shipped with the unit has 4ea of the 4-pin (+-15V)
connectors and 6ea of the 6-pin (+5V and +-15V). You are free to use ANY of
these, in ANY combination.

c) even if you do not plug *anything at all* into the 6-pin connectors, the
power supply limits (and this is not changeable) the output *current* to allow
powering around 11 +-15V modules using the 4-pin connectors.

d) even if you don't plug *anything at all* into the 4-pin connectors, the power
supply limits (and this is not changeable) the output *current* to allow
powering around 8 of the newer modules that require the additional +5V (like the
MIDI-CV converter). You could probably power 10 of them if you keep the displays
on the dim side (for examle, in the MIDI-CV converter, 80% of the entite
operating current is in the LCD backlight!).

If you are NOT planning to put a newer module in your system, the get the '900.
If you are planning to use a '600, '650, or '520 then you MUST have a '950.

e) Micromodules use a LOT less current than the 'regular' versions do.

Paul S.

From the MOTM website, 950 description:
The MOTM-950 powers BOTH standard modules (+-15V at 400ma) and newer modules
that require +5V (2A output). The internal connector board has 6 MTA-156,
6-position connectors for newer modules and 3 standard MTA-156 4-position
connectors. For example, you can power 3 Cloud Generators, a uSeq and a
MIDI-CV converter plus 3 other modules. Very easy to assemble.

So you could power 9 modules from the 950. +-15 V at 400 mA is enough juice
for 9 modules (MOTM-900 with 800 mA powers 18-22 modules).

My recommendations:

Option A: Get a blank 2U wide rack panel and mount your own larger power
supply behind it with Paul's larger power distribution board.  Put this on
the bottom of the SKB popup.  This requires some of amount of DIY and power
wiring knowledge (or friendly MOTMer advice). IMO cutting square holes for
power switches and outlets is a royal pain though.  

Option B:  Sounds like you're building this over a period of time.  Get the
MOTM-950, fill up the SKB with 9 modules, then get a second SKB and the
MOTM-900.  Use the second SKB/MOTM-900 to power most of the micro-modules
(but no 5V modules), as it handles 15 modules (connector limitation).  Don't
think you'll get away with filling just one SKB case. :-)

Your module selection looks good, but I would recommend at least one
MOTM-300 in place of a uVCO for the additional capabilities: sync, linear
FM, sine/triangle wave outputs, pulse width controls.  

John Loffink
The Microtonal Synthesis Web Site
http://www.microtonal-synthesis.com
The Wavemakers Synthesizer Web Site
http://www.wavemakers-synth.com

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Seth Elgart [mailto:selgart@...]
> Sent: Wednesday, January 07, 2004 11:05 PM
> To: motm@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [motm] module selection (newbie questions)
> 
> Dear List,
> 
> I'm new to this and am trying to figure out which modules to start
> out with. I'm going to put them in an SKB popup case as I already
> have one for some Waldorf rack mount synths as well as a matching SKB
> for my mixer.
> 
> Option one is to get a bunch of the micro modules and a 950 power
> supply. With this I can do a modular "Minimoog" style arrangement as
> well as use the new 650 MIDI-to-CV module. The problem with this is
> that I don't think the 950 power supply has enough jacks (and maybe
> enough juice) to power 12 "regular" modules plus the 650.
> (390 LFO, 3 x 310 VCO, 890 mixer, 490 VCF, 190 VCA, 2 x 800 ADSR, 101
> Noise/S&H, 820 Lag, 2 x 910 Mult)
> 
> Option 2 is to use two power supplies, a 950 and a 900. I don't
> really want to have 6 spaces out of the 20 taken up by power
> supplies, but this way I can power all I'm planning to in the first
> SKB and then expand into the second without buying another power
> module. I can fit 10 micro modules in this option, plus the 650.
> (390 LFO, 3 x 310 VCO, 890 mixer, 490 VCF, 190 VCA, 2 x 800 ADSR, 101
> Noise/S&H, 910 Mult)
> 
> Option 3 is to go with the 950 supply but to use the "large" modules
> (like two 300 VCOs and a 320 LFO in place of three 310 VCOs, a 390
> LFO and an 890 mixer). This disadvantage of this is that at least in
> the beginning I have far fewer modules to play with. The advantage, I
> think, is that I have the "good" modules rather than the "lite"
> modules, and that a 950 supply can power the 9 modules as well the
> 650.
> (320 LFO, 2 x 300 VCO, 490 VCF, 190 VCA, 2 x 800 ADSR, 101 Noise/S&H,
> 820 Lag , 910 Mult)
> 
> Here are my questions:
> 
> A) Can a 950 power supply successfully power this many modules? I
> don't know how many connectors it has or how much power it can
> generate. I know the 900 supply has 12 connectors. Does the 950 have
> 12 "regular" connectors in addition to the new connectors or does it
> sacrifice regulars to make room for new ones? I don't really want to
> put expander power distribution boards into the popup case as there's
> not really a good place to mount them.
> 
> B) Are there other options for power? Can I get a 900 and a 950 kit,
> gut them both and then put the parts on a new panel that would go
> under the two rack rail sets? If I had already built 20 modules I
> would probably not think twice about doing this. As I have not yet
> assembled any modules I'm not sure of how difficult or easy this sort
> of custom wiring would be. The huge advantage of this is that I get
> back all the space the two power supplies would take up as well as
> probably being able to power a second SKB and maybe a third.
> 
> C) Should I just go ahead and build a 950 supply and not worry about
> this at all until I have enough modules? In other words, I could just
> start building and deal with it in six months or so.
> 
> D) A more basic question is whether to build the micro modules or the
> big ones. Will I regret the 310 VCOs in a year and wish I had the 300
> VCOs instead? Are the 320 LFOs unbelievably better than the 390 LFO?
> Should I build a Magic Bus instead of the Mults?
> 
> Those are some of the things I know I don't know. What also concerns
> me are the things I don't know that I don't know. I'm sure there are
> things I haven't even thought of yet. In reality I suppose I'll just
> get a power supply and a module or two and start off slow and easy. I
> have a funny feeling however that I'm shortly to be addicted to this,
> and hey, it's never too early to plan for that third cabinet. <g>
> 
> Sorry about the length of this post. It's just that I have about a
> thousand questions that I can think of and probably a lot more that
> haven't occurred to me yet.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
>          Seth
> 
> 
> 
> Yahoo! Groups Links
> 
> To visit your group on the web, go to:
>  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/motm/
> 
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>  motm-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> 
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
>  http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>

Sorry, for option A I meant get a standard 2U _TALL_ 19 inch wide rack
panel.

John Loffink
The Microtonal Synthesis Web Site
http://www.microtonal-synthesis.com
The Wavemakers Synthesizer Web Site
http://www.wavemakers-synth.com

> -----Original Message-----
> From: John Loffink [mailto:jloffink@austin.rr.com]
> Sent: Wednesday, January 07, 2004 11:44 PM
> To: 'Seth Elgart'; 'motm@yahoogroups.com'
> Subject: RE: [motm] module selection (newbie questions)
> 
> From the MOTM website, 950 description:
> The MOTM-950 powers BOTH standard modules (+-15V at 400ma) and newer
> modules that require +5V (2A output). The internal connector board has 6
> MTA-156, 6-position connectors for newer modules and 3 standard MTA-156 4-
> position connectors. For example, you can power 3 Cloud Generators, a uSeq
> and a MIDI-CV converter plus 3 other modules. Very easy to assemble.
> 
> So you could power 9 modules from the 950. +-15 V at 400 mA is enough
> juice for 9 modules (MOTM-900 with 800 mA powers 18-22 modules).
> 
> My recommendations:
> 
> Option A: Get a blank 2U wide rack panel and mount your own larger power
> supply behind it with Paul's larger power distribution board.  Put this on
> the bottom of the SKB popup.  This requires some of amount of DIY and
> power wiring knowledge (or friendly MOTMer advice). IMO cutting square
> holes for power switches and outlets is a royal pain though.
> 
> Option B:  Sounds like you're building this over a period of time.  Get
> the MOTM-950, fill up the SKB with 9 modules, then get a second SKB and
> the MOTM-900.  Use the second SKB/MOTM-900 to power most of the micro-
> modules (but no 5V modules), as it handles 15 modules (connector
> limitation).  Don't think you'll get away with filling just one SKB case.
> :-)
> 
> Your module selection looks good, but I would recommend at least one MOTM-
> 300 in place of a uVCO for the additional capabilities: sync, linear FM,
> sine/triangle wave outputs, pulse width controls.
> 
> John Loffink
> The Microtonal Synthesis Web Site
> http://www.microtonal-synthesis.com
> The Wavemakers Synthesizer Web Site
> http://www.wavemakers-synth.com
> 
> 
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Seth Elgart [mailto:selgart@...]
> > Sent: Wednesday, January 07, 2004 11:05 PM
> > To: motm@yahoogroups.com
> > Subject: [motm] module selection (newbie questions)
> >
> > Dear List,
> >
> > I'm new to this and am trying to figure out which modules to start
> > out with. I'm going to put them in an SKB popup case as I already
> > have one for some Waldorf rack mount synths as well as a matching SKB
> > for my mixer.
> >
> > Option one is to get a bunch of the micro modules and a 950 power
> > supply. With this I can do a modular "Minimoog" style arrangement as
> > well as use the new 650 MIDI-to-CV module. The problem with this is
> > that I don't think the 950 power supply has enough jacks (and maybe
> > enough juice) to power 12 "regular" modules plus the 650.
> > (390 LFO, 3 x 310 VCO, 890 mixer, 490 VCF, 190 VCA, 2 x 800 ADSR, 101
> > Noise/S&H, 820 Lag, 2 x 910 Mult)
> >
> > Option 2 is to use two power supplies, a 950 and a 900. I don't
> > really want to have 6 spaces out of the 20 taken up by power
> > supplies, but this way I can power all I'm planning to in the first
> > SKB and then expand into the second without buying another power
> > module. I can fit 10 micro modules in this option, plus the 650.
> > (390 LFO, 3 x 310 VCO, 890 mixer, 490 VCF, 190 VCA, 2 x 800 ADSR, 101
> > Noise/S&H, 910 Mult)
> >
> > Option 3 is to go with the 950 supply but to use the "large" modules
> > (like two 300 VCOs and a 320 LFO in place of three 310 VCOs, a 390
> > LFO and an 890 mixer). This disadvantage of this is that at least in
> > the beginning I have far fewer modules to play with. The advantage, I
> > think, is that I have the "good" modules rather than the "lite"
> > modules, and that a 950 supply can power the 9 modules as well the
> > 650.
> > (320 LFO, 2 x 300 VCO, 490 VCF, 190 VCA, 2 x 800 ADSR, 101 Noise/S&H,
> > 820 Lag , 910 Mult)
> >
> > Here are my questions:
> >
> > A) Can a 950 power supply successfully power this many modules? I
> > don't know how many connectors it has or how much power it can
> > generate. I know the 900 supply has 12 connectors. Does the 950 have
> > 12 "regular" connectors in addition to the new connectors or does it
> > sacrifice regulars to make room for new ones? I don't really want to
> > put expander power distribution boards into the popup case as there's
> > not really a good place to mount them.
> >
> > B) Are there other options for power? Can I get a 900 and a 950 kit,
> > gut them both and then put the parts on a new panel that would go
> > under the two rack rail sets? If I had already built 20 modules I
> > would probably not think twice about doing this. As I have not yet
> > assembled any modules I'm not sure of how difficult or easy this sort
> > of custom wiring would be. The huge advantage of this is that I get
> > back all the space the two power supplies would take up as well as
> > probably being able to power a second SKB and maybe a third.
> >
> > C) Should I just go ahead and build a 950 supply and not worry about
> > this at all until I have enough modules? In other words, I could just
> > start building and deal with it in six months or so.
> >
> > D) A more basic question is whether to build the micro modules or the
> > big ones. Will I regret the 310 VCOs in a year and wish I had the 300
> > VCOs instead? Are the 320 LFOs unbelievably better than the 390 LFO?
> > Should I build a Magic Bus instead of the Mults?
> >
> > Those are some of the things I know I don't know. What also concerns
> > me are the things I don't know that I don't know. I'm sure there are
> > things I haven't even thought of yet. In reality I suppose I'll just
> > get a power supply and a module or two and start off slow and easy. I
> > have a funny feeling however that I'm shortly to be addicted to this,
> > and hey, it's never too early to plan for that third cabinet. <g>
> >
> > Sorry about the length of this post. It's just that I have about a
> > thousand questions that I can think of and probably a lot more that
> > haven't occurred to me yet.
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> >          Seth
> >
> >
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> > To visit your group on the web, go to:
> >  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/motm/
> >
> > To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> >  motm-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> >
> > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
> >  http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> >

On Thursday 08 January 2004 06:05, Seth Elgart wrote:
> Dear List,
>
> I'm new to this and am trying to figure out which modules
> to start out with. I'm going to put them in an SKB popup
> case as I already have one for some Waldorf rack mount
> synths as well as a matching SKB for my mixer.

My suggestion: forget about the SKB case altogether. You 
will most likely want many more modules than the set you 
listed, and thus will grow out of the case looking for 
something bigger. To be more precise:

1. Use the SKB for the time being.

2. Get the 900 and a couple of 'normal' 15V modules. Note 
that you won't have any MIDI control over these modules, 
unless you have a CV keyboard or another brand midi->cv 
converter.

3. When the MOTM 650 arrives (the MIDI converter), which is 
due april 2004, get it together with a 950 power supply. 

4. In the meantime start thinking about a larger cabinet or 
19" rack for your system and when you grow out of your SKB, 
dump it. The moment you changed cabinets, you could build 
your power supplies *in* the cabinet, or on the backplate 
of the cabinet, freeing 6 units of space for more beautiful 
MOTM stuff.

Btw, you will love the 490. For that kind of sound, it 
should have been a 2U panel. ;)

I have no clue about the 300 vs 310 issue. I'm about to get 
my first OSC myself, and have been wondering about it too. 

- Robert

>B) Are there other options for power?

I use the 900 to supply +/-15V in each of my cabinets. In one cabinet 
I added a separate 6A +5V Power One supply to handle the additional 
needs of the 500/600 series. The two power supplies feed a 990 power 
board. This gives me plenty of power for any combination of modules. 
Going this route requires rewiring the 900 so that both power 
supplies have their own fuse even though they share the same power 
switch.

I've been meaning to add this info to my website. In the meantime 
here's a quickie pic showing the two power supplies mounted in the 
cabinet (minus the 990 board):

http://www.tellun.com/two4one.jpg

I don't know if you can apply this idea to an SKB case.

Hi Seth -

You're asking the right questions!  And I think your rig will be a 
music-making monster when it's done.  I have a couple of suggestions 
for you:

1) Try the Kenton Pro Solo instead of the 650.  You give up 
polyphony, but you couldn't use all four voices anyway since you only 
have 3!  It's cheaper and you save room in your case, and you'll only 
need a 900 PS.  And you can get it now.  If you decide to upgrade 
later, so much the better.

2) Replace one 310 with a 300.  You'll like the sync and the extra 
waveforms.  The 310s are just as stable and sound TERRIFIC, so one 
300 ought to do ya'.

3) The 390 is a great LFO!  You'll be happy with it.  The advantage 
the 390 has over the 320 is that it has two separate LFOs, and one is 
sync-able.

More food for thought!

Mike

--- In motm@yahoogroups.com, Seth Elgart <selgart@e...> wrote:
> Dear List,
> 
> I'm new to this and am trying to figure out which modules to start 
> out with. I'm going to put them in an SKB popup case as I already 
> have one for some Waldorf rack mount synths as well as a matching 
SKB 
> for my mixer.
> 
> Option one is to get a bunch of the micro modules and a 950 power 
> supply. With this I can do a modular "Minimoog" style arrangement 
as 
> well as use the new 650 MIDI-to-CV module. The problem with this is 
> that I don't think the 950 power supply has enough jacks (and maybe 
> enough juice) to power 12 "regular" modules plus the 650.
> (390 LFO, 3 x 310 VCO, 890 mixer, 490 VCF, 190 VCA, 2 x 800 ADSR, 
101 
> Noise/S&H, 820 Lag, 2 x 910 Mult)
> 
> Option 2 is to use two power supplies, a 950 and a 900. I don't 
> really want to have 6 spaces out of the 20 taken up by power 
> supplies, but this way I can power all I'm planning to in the first 
> SKB and then expand into the second without buying another power 
> module. I can fit 10 micro modules in this option, plus the 650.
> (390 LFO, 3 x 310 VCO, 890 mixer, 490 VCF, 190 VCA, 2 x 800 ADSR, 
101 
> Noise/S&H, 910 Mult)
> 
> Option 3 is to go with the 950 supply but to use the "large" 
modules 
> (like two 300 VCOs and a 320 LFO in place of three 310 VCOs, a 390 
> LFO and an 890 mixer). This disadvantage of this is that at least 
in 
> the beginning I have far fewer modules to play with. The advantage, 
I 
> think, is that I have the "good" modules rather than the "lite" 
> modules, and that a 950 supply can power the 9 modules as well the 
> 650.
> (320 LFO, 2 x 300 VCO, 490 VCF, 190 VCA, 2 x 800 ADSR, 101 
Noise/S&H, 
> 820 Lag , 910 Mult)
> 
> Here are my questions:
> 
> A) Can a 950 power supply successfully power this many modules? I 
> don't know how many connectors it has or how much power it can 
> generate. I know the 900 supply has 12 connectors. Does the 950 
have 
> 12 "regular" connectors in addition to the new connectors or does 
it 
> sacrifice regulars to make room for new ones? I don't really want 
to 
> put expander power distribution boards into the popup case as 
there's 
> not really a good place to mount them.
> 
> B) Are there other options for power? Can I get a 900 and a 950 
kit, 
> gut them both and then put the parts on a new panel that would go 
> under the two rack rail sets? If I had already built 20 modules I 
> would probably not think twice about doing this. As I have not yet 
> assembled any modules I'm not sure of how difficult or easy this 
sort 
> of custom wiring would be. The huge advantage of this is that I get 
> back all the space the two power supplies would take up as well as 
> probably being able to power a second SKB and maybe a third.
> 
> C) Should I just go ahead and build a 950 supply and not worry 
about 
> this at all until I have enough modules? In other words, I could 
just 
> start building and deal with it in six months or so.
> 
> D) A more basic question is whether to build the micro modules or 
the 
> big ones. Will I regret the 310 VCOs in a year and wish I had the 
300 
> VCOs instead? Are the 320 LFOs unbelievably better than the 390 
LFO? 
> Should I build a Magic Bus instead of the Mults?
> 
> Those are some of the things I know I don't know. What also 
concerns 
> me are the things I don't know that I don't know. I'm sure there 
are 
> things I haven't even thought of yet. In reality I suppose I'll 
just 
> get a power supply and a module or two and start off slow and easy. 
I 
> have a funny feeling however that I'm shortly to be addicted to 
this, 

> and hey, it's never too early to plan for that third cabinet. <g>
> 
> Sorry about the length of this post. It's just that I have about a 
> thousand questions that I can think of and probably a lot more that 
> haven't occurred to me yet.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
>          Seth

I think Mike meant to say that one of the two LFOs in the 390 is 
*voltage controllable*.    Only the 320 has the sync feature.

My recomendation on module selection is to start with one of each 
different type of module and decide later, after using them, which ones 
you want duplicates of.  I have two each of a lot of MOTM modules, 
including the 300, 310, 320, and 390.  The 300 and 310 are the same high 
quality VCO, but the 300 adds more features.  Now I think the 320 and 
390 LFO modules are really quite different from each other.  The 390 is 
great for your basic LFO needs.  And the 320 is in a class by itself, 
the "king" of LFOs.  So I suggest one of each to start.

One more piece of advice.  You are very likely to end up with a lot more 
modules than you thought you would ever get.  :)  Thank goodness these 
are *modular*.  The case and power supply options will work themselves 
out as you grow your synth.  Just plan on growing.

-Richard Brewster

Mike Marsh wrote:

>3) The 390 is a great LFO!  You'll be happy with it.  The advantage 
>the 390 has over the 320 is that it has two separate LFOs, and one is 
>sync-able.
>
>More food for thought!
>
>Mike
>
>  
>
>  
>

Welcome Seth!

Module selection.  Hmm...  Your selections are pretty good.  I have at
least one of every module released.  Each module has some outstanding
feature that sets it apart.  It's a tough call whittling down the
selections for filling an SKB.  Glad I don't have that problem! :)

My first half dozen modules, in order, were: 900, 120, 320, 420, 300 and
440.  I have a large rack-mount setup, so I have no preference for
micromodules.  (Soon to be a cabinet --someday-- sigh.)  Ok, so you're
probably wondering "a 120 right off the bat? what the heck??"  Well, I
think the 120 is one *very* overlooked, *very* cool module.  I learned
quite a bit about feedback patching with that beast and the 320.  Some
very cool sounds can be had.  I also got my soldering chops going before
the 300 and 440 arrived (which was a good thing...trust me).  You've gotta
have at least one 300 and 320 somewhere in your setup; the sync, FM and
waveshaping (on the 320) are really important features and there's really
no substitute.  The 490 is "great and small" at the same time and is a
"must have" in a SKB (my opinion, of course).  The 190 is in the same
boat.  And then, there are so many interesting modules on the cusp of
being released, that when they do finally ship, all hell will break loose
and your SKB's will be relegated to the auction block.  After all, we all
know what MOTM really stands for:

Magnificence Ordained Through Madness

Have fun!
George Kisslak

----- Original Message -----
From: "Seth Elgart" <selgart@...>
To: <motm@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2004 12:05 AM
Subject: [motm] module selection (newbie questions)


Dear List,

I'm new to this and am trying to figure out which modules to start
out with. I'm going to put them in an SKB popup case as I already
have one for some Waldorf rack mount synths as well as a matching SKB
for my mixer.

Option one is to get a bunch of the micro modules and a 950 power
supply. With this I can do a modular "Minimoog" style arrangement as
well as use the new 650 MIDI-to-CV module. The problem with this is
that I don't think the 950 power supply has enough jacks (and maybe
enough juice) to power 12 "regular" modules plus the 650.
(390 LFO, 3 x 310 VCO, 890 mixer, 490 VCF, 190 VCA, 2 x 800 ADSR, 101
Noise/S&H, 820 Lag, 2 x 910 Mult)

Option 2 is to use two power supplies, a 950 and a 900. I don't
really want to have 6 spaces out of the 20 taken up by power
supplies, but this way I can power all I'm planning to in the first
SKB and then expand into the second without buying another power
module. I can fit 10 micro modules in this option, plus the 650.
(390 LFO, 3 x 310 VCO, 890 mixer, 490 VCF, 190 VCA, 2 x 800 ADSR, 101
Noise/S&H, 910 Mult)

Option 3 is to go with the 950 supply but to use the "large" modules
(like two 300 VCOs and a 320 LFO in place of three 310 VCOs, a 390
LFO and an 890 mixer). This disadvantage of this is that at least in
the beginning I have far fewer modules to play with. The advantage, I
think, is that I have the "good" modules rather than the "lite"
modules, and that a 950 supply can power the 9 modules as well the
650.
(320 LFO, 2 x 300 VCO, 490 VCF, 190 VCA, 2 x 800 ADSR, 101 Noise/S&H,
820 Lag , 910 Mult)

Here are my questions:

A) Can a 950 power supply successfully power this many modules? I
don't know how many connectors it has or how much power it can
generate. I know the 900 supply has 12 connectors. Does the 950 have
12 "regular" connectors in addition to the new connectors or does it
sacrifice regulars to make room for new ones? I don't really want to
put expander power distribution boards into the popup case as there's
not really a good place to mount them.

B) Are there other options for power? Can I get a 900 and a 950 kit,
gut them both and then put the parts on a new panel that would go
under the two rack rail sets? If I had already built 20 modules I
would probably not think twice about doing this. As I have not yet
assembled any modules I'm not sure of how difficult or easy this sort
of custom wiring would be. The huge advantage of this is that I get
back all the space the two power supplies would take up as well as
probably being able to power a second SKB and maybe a third.

C) Should I just go ahead and build a 950 supply and not worry about
this at all until I have enough modules? In other words, I could just
start building and deal with it in six months or so.

D) A more basic question is whether to build the micro modules or the
big ones. Will I regret the 310 VCOs in a year and wish I had the 300
VCOs instead? Are the 320 LFOs unbelievably better than the 390 LFO?
Should I build a Magic Bus\ufffd instead of the Mults?

Those are some of the things I know I don't know. What also concerns
me are the things I don't know that I don't know. I'm sure there are
things I haven't even thought of yet. In reality I suppose I'll just
get a power supply and a module or two and start off slow and easy. I
have a funny feeling however that I'm shortly to be addicted to this,
and hey, it's never too early to plan for that third cabinet. <g>

Sorry about the length of this post. It's just that I have about a
thousand questions that I can think of and probably a lot more that
haven't occurred to me yet.

Thanks,

         Seth



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Right, VC-able is what I meant to say.  And I agree with Richard 
that the 320 is in fact the King of LFOs.  But for a monosynth type 
setup, th 390 would be enough (?)

Mike - now re-learning how to type

--- In motm@yahoogroups.com, Richard Brewster <pugix@n...> wrote:
> I think Mike meant to say that one of the two LFOs in the 390 is 
> *voltage controllable*.    Only the 320 has the sync feature.
> 
> My recomendation on module selection is to start with one of each 
> different type of module and decide later, after using them, which 
ones 
> you want duplicates of.  I have two each of a lot of MOTM modules, 
> including the 300, 310, 320, and 390.  The 300 and 310 are the 
same high 
> quality VCO, but the 300 adds more features.  Now I think the 320 
and 
> 390 LFO modules are really quite different from each other.  The 
390 is 
> great for your basic LFO needs.  And the 320 is in a class by 
itself, 
> the "king" of LFOs.  So I suggest one of each to start.
> 
> One more piece of advice.  You are very likely to end up with a 
lot more 
> modules than you thought you would ever get.  :)  Thank goodness 
these 
> are *modular*.  The case and power supply options will work 
themselves 
> out as you grow your synth.  Just plan on growing.
> 
> -Richard Brewster
> 
> Mike Marsh wrote:
> 
> >3) The 390 is a great LFO!  You'll be happy with it.  The 
advantage 
> >the 390 has over the 320 is that it has two separate LFOs, and 
one is 

> >sync-able.
> >
> >More food for thought!
> >
> >Mike
> >
> >  
> >
> >  
> >

In a message dated 1/8/04 10:24:38 PM Central Standard Time, 
mmarsh@... writes:

> Right, VC-able is what I meant to say.  And I agree with Richard 
>  that the 320 is in fact the King of LFOs.  But for a monosynth type 
>  setup, th 390 would be enough (?)


 Another thing to consider is that the 390 has two LFOs in a 1U width, vs. 
the single LFO of the 2U width MOTM-320. Perhaps in a smaller system, the extra 
LFO and smaller width of the MOTM-390 uLFO would be more beneficial?

 Andrew