Dave,

you find some comments written inline.

Best wishes
Dieter Doepfer

> 1) modules with digital internals are fine with me as long as we
> keep the user interface analog - no menu`s, lcd`s, etc..

100% agree. This is why e.g. the A-189-1 bit modifier does not have the LCD
and menu buttons of the first prototype shown at NAMM 2007.

> 2) without knowing what chip doepfer is using for the initial bit
> cruncher module, i wonder if its possible to design a "core" that
> would allow efficient execution of other digitally inspired
> functions such as the proposed granular, sampling and efx modules
> - - then add the required u / i (pots, etc.) as each module
> develops. this might reduce duplication of effort internally
> while allowing each module to dictate its own u / i needs more
> cleanly plus it eliminates the complexity of a generalized
> digital internals multi-function module as was originally put
> forward as an idea by doepfer.

That's exactly what we did. We have two "cores" (small adapter boards): one
with a large memory (for anything that has to do with CV or audio delay) and
another one for immediate signal processing/calculation without the need of
a memory. But for the bit modifier A-189-1 we found that it's cheaper not to
use the additional board but to put the microcontroller directly to the main
pc board.