New Robert Rich Demo

Robert is working on a film score for a DVD release this summer. Here is a 2:30 snippet featuring multi-tracked MOTM modules and his PVC pipe flute. Size is about 3.5MB. Click here.

Welcome to the beginning of what I'm calling MOTM 2.0, then next evolution of the MOTM modular business plan. As of Jan. 1st, the MOTM kits have been discontinued. The time and effort to make up these kits (over 1.4 million parts so far) was becoming too demanding, and was impairing our ability to have new modules. However, in place of full kits, we offer MOTM DIY:

• Blank boards with full documentation (RoHS compliant, too)
• Front panels
• The MOTM-000 breadboard allows you to use your own circuits, put easily fit into a MOTM format
• Extra Parts Kits provide hard-to-find items for a particular module (and act as spares for modules you already have!)
• CEM/SSM ICs now available as a catalog item
• More accessories: brackets/knobs/wire/etc

It is no industry secret that delivery times are our biggest complaint. Part of the reason is that MOTM is a part-time business spread across several people (in several countries!). Another factor is that ending the kit business caused a surge in orders in Q3/Q4 of 2006 which were 4X of the anticipated volume. But for whatever reason, the goal of MOTM 2.0 is to eventually reduce delivery times to 2 weeks or less. Now, the point at which this happens is later this year, probably by August. But to start off, the DIY orders will ship in less than 1 week (unless we run out of something or I'm traveling).

Moving forward with new modules is what the MOTM Design Team wants to do. I've had to put many new modules on the back burner, just to concentrate of shipping orders already received. It became quite clear last summer that continuing stuffing parts into little plastic bags was not an effective use of the time. The customer expectation level today is not what it was 8 years ago when I started. Then again, I did not expect to sell over 9,000 MOTM modules, either.

Please allow us to work out the kinks in the 2 main tasks: shipping the current backlog while moving forward with what will eventually be a better way for all of us to enjoy MOTM. Thanks for everything so far!
Paul Schreiber

Synthesis Technology announces the MOTM-1000 Series. These are Frac Rack modules compatible with Blacet and PAiA. The modules differ from our standard MOTM format in the following:

• Patching is with 3.5mm patchcords
• The modules size is smaller: 3in x 5.25
• Available only as assembled modules (no kits)

The Frac Series does have some things in common with our standard modules:

• Same 4-pin power cable is used
• Same +-15VDC power
• Same signal levels (10V pk-pk audio, +5V Gate and envelopes)
• Same high-quality MOTM design and construction

The MOTM-1000 Series is sold exclusively by Analogue Haven, a retail synth store in Pomona, CA. They stock the MOTM-1000 series for immediate shipment and can ship worldwide. Please visit their site for detailed information and pricing. Current modules are:

• MOTM-1800 Looping ADSR EG. Can be used as a LFO or EG.
• MOTM-1485 Yamaha GX-1 VCF. Snarly, highly distorted outputs.
• MOTM-1490 Moog -24dB Lowpass VCF. Based on the Moog Modular 904A VCF.
• MOTM-1190 Dual VCA. All discrete VCA with unique soft limiter/clipper for "tube like" distortion

Ken Elhardt
No one can create acoustic realism patches on a MOTM better than Ken. He goes to great lengths to get his results, often using over 25 modules for a single timbre. I often think he cheats by using a sampler, the accuracy is that close. Here are 2 examples, a new montage piece and an old favorite:

• Lost at Sea [4MB]. Seagulls, Tomita, and Wendy Carlos?
• Recorder [420K]. Fresh Aire/Gentle Giant tunes.