fwiw i really do think that releasing one monster digital module
(maybe with different front panel overlays for different functions,
and maybe charging for different programs, and at least giving people
the option of writing for it by being open about how to program it) is
a really good idea. for one thing, most people are really uptight
about the amount of rack space they give to each module, so
compactness and multifunctionality are always a good thing.

also so much of the cost of a module is the hardware etc, it makes
sense on that front.

it might be one of those things that sells modestly, at a higher
price, but if you've designed it anyway, and it's released as a
"pro-user-only" item, it's the kind of thing that might just fly.

i realise it must be annoying having enthusiasts try to persuade you
about a business model that you know better than anyone.

i guess at its core, as a first bid, i just think if someone sold an
arduino behind a eurorack panel with five useful and interesting CV
processing/generating programs in its memory from boot, it would sell
very consistently in a hobbyist kind of way, if admittedly not as well
as a VCA.

--- In Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com , <yahoo@...> wrote:
>
> > that's really interesting stuff dieter.
> >
> > one thing i've wondered about it sharing the developer costs in the
> > community, a lot of people are asking about digital modules, and i
> > wonder whether the general purpose digital module that has been in the
> > pipeline for a while could be released openly with just a few
> > functions, and enough information for people to write their own
> > programs for it if they feel nerdy enough. not necessarily write whole
> > filters and things, as that's a bit unrealistic, but especially for
> > controller things it would be perfect, and simple, and a public
> > library would build up fairly fast i think.
>
> I'll suggest this to Christian as I'm only an analog designer and
don't know
> too much about USB, OSC or Max/MSP.
> Currently we use the prototype of the universal digital AD/DA module (I
> think that's what you're talking about) as a design platform to develop
> other digital modules with less features (like the A-189-1 Bit
Modifier or
> the planned CV controlled DSP effects module). We believe that it
does not
> make sense to release only one "monster" module with tons of different
> functions based on the same user interface (i.e. one frontpanel with
> sockets, switches, potentiometers, LEDs, display and so on).
> Concerning the universal digital module I don't think there are many
A-100
> user's who are able to program the microcontroller as a lot of
programming
> experience and design environment (assembler, compiler, linker,
debugger,
> emulator) is necessary. The module cannot be programmed with a simple
> programming language with but only in assembler or C.
>
> Best wishes
> Dieter Doepfer
>