modular performances

More a question than a post:

I am curious how many of you use your modular (MOTM) synths for live performances/concerts/gigs , whatever you want to call it.
I'm asking this because of the nature of these complex beasts, it is not very easy to quickly patch in another sound and tweak the dails for a new sound, as modulars have a tendency of not having memories or presets etc...
I like to hear about those who are brave enough to take it out of the studio, and onto the road, I'd like to get your pictures, along with a short description of our experiences doing so, pro's and cons etc. Inspire others!

Angels&Agony

Just wanted to touch onto a different subject briefly. It has nothing to do with MOTM, but everything with music, so a little related. One of my good friends is in a succesful band called Angels & Agony. They are a dutch electro future pop band, started out as a trio, and currently have a 4th member. Reason that I am writing about them is the fact that they are releasing a new album, called Unison. The album was produced by John Fryer, who among others worked with NIN, Depeche Mode, Cocteau Twins, and others. I am just very happy for my friend that they got this far, and have a bright future at this rate. Hence I just wanted to get it of my chest, and do my part of plugging their new album. :-)

MOTM update

A quick recap today on the status at SynthTech.

All left over kits and parts have been shipped back from Fuller mfg in Indiana, to Paul Schreiber at Synthtech. He needs some time to go through all the items and will then ship as many of the remaining kits etc as possible in the next 2-3 weeks.
After that the next batch of MOTM 650 midi-cv interfaces will be shipped, and website udate work will be happening too.
Due to the reorganisation etc, Synthesis Technology will not be at NAMM this year, but is represented at the Analog Haven booth, mainly with the Frack Rack products.
Robert Rich, one of the worlds foremost MOTM artists, will be on that booth, and you can approach him with any MOTM questions you like. I'm told he's a nice guy. :-)

MOTM 101

I'm done. :-)

Here are two pics of this module , one is the finished PCB, the other is the completed module.
Now, I wonder if I have a cold beer in the fridge ...

The new pots

It has been reported before, and they've been shipping for a while now.
However, here is a picture. My MOTM 101 came delivered with a set of white pots, that replace the older blue Spectrol 149 pots.
They are physically smaller, but have the connection pins etc in the same location relative to the front of the pot compared to the older design, so mounting problems will not occur. The picture shows a new white design, along side a spectrol 148, which has the same dimensions as the blue version. Spectrol has apparently ensured that they are just as strong as the previous design, but just looking at it, I have reservations. Perhaps these are unjust, and time will tell, I just don't see how in this compacter housing, the pot shaft can have the same rigid support... Anyway, there is no way we can change anything about it, as this is apparently the way forward.

MOTM 101 kit

I recently reported that I received both the MOTM 440 kit, and the MOTM 101 kit. I've started on building the 101.
As with an earlier report of me on the MOTM 800, also the 101 instructions contain an ommision. If you are building a 101, pls make sure you also solder the TRU holes. These are small holes on the PCB connecting the circuits on the front and back of the board. They are smaller than any others and therefore easily identified, but to help you along here is a picture. There are some of these holes near the tip of the soldertool on the picture. Use the organic flux to solder these holes, and the best moment to do this is right after you soldered on all the IC's and other semiconductors. In most kits, this is the final step before continueing with the non clean solder.

So if you are building any kits, and it contains tru holes, if the manual doesn't mention it, DO solder them. That's what they are there for.

YOU TUBE

Yes, it's true, I couldn't help it, I opened up a You Tube account, so that I am able to show video footage of my MOTM antics too.
To start with here is the tiny video file I promised a few weeks ago, just a flashing LFO light on the MOTM 390, a severe and sad case of gear lust.....

2000 visits , thank you!

Not a large number compared to other websites, but I'm still happy with it, I've had over 2000 visits to my blog as of today.
What is more interesting is that the first 1000 were reached on October 10 2005, and I've been counting since June 13 since I installed the counter. But the website was active since May 1st. So reaching 1000 visits in 4 months, then doubling that in the next 3 means that traffic is growing slowly but steadily.
Thank you all for your visits, and hope to keep seeing you back here :-)

Happy start of the new year.

I've taken receipt of the parcel that was shipped to me. Paul Schreiber e-mailed me and told me it was only a 440 filter, but when I opened the box, to my delight also the MOTM-101 Noise/Sh module kit was included. (promised to be delivered earlier too). Now I need to find the time to build both kits... I'm sure I'll manage that sooner or later,it just means that I will be delaying my cabinet building exersise a little bit further as I find building these modules themselves a little bit more interesting. I'll keep you updated on my progress.

For the potential kit buyers, check out the SynthTech store on their site, a few more kits have made it onto the order pages, due to a few exess parts available, and some cancelled orders, this is probably one of your last chances to get your hands on a MOTM kit!!