MOTM

Thanks to Dave Fulton, I was delivered a Kurz. ExpressionMate this
afternoon. Since there's been some interest in these here lately, I thought
I'd share my first impressions. Firstly, though this probably doesn't need
to be stated here, Dave F. is a first-rate trader, the unit was packed
quite well, though not in it's factory carton, he shipped it to me
overnight, the unit is almost factory-pristine, and the price was most
right!

The Ribbon is sturdier than I would have guessed from the photos, it's on a
flexible metal bar, and feels quite solid, which is a nice surprise. The
Ribbon connects to the main unit what looks like a standard phone cable and
connector. This is really interesting, as it appears that I could make a
simple 1u breakout box with a female phone connector and CV outs. I will
probe around with a voltmeter later, to see figure out the voltages sent to
and from the ribbon. I know I could just use a MIDI->CV with it, but I like
simplicity, why add unnecessary digitality to the signal. If this works, it
seems like it could be pretty simple to swap the ribbon between the
MIDI-controller bas unit and the modular.

The presets on this box seem geared towards either Kurzweil or General MIDI
synths. The former makes sense, but it seems kinda silly that a GM user
would spring for a controller like this. Fortunately, the presets aren't in
ROM and can be erased.

Anyway, I hooked it up to my (evil swedish red digital) modular, and spent
most of the evening making noise. Too much fun.

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Dave Trenkel : improv@...
Minus Web Site: http://listen.to/minusmusic
Minus MP3's: http://www.mp3.com/-minus-
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