MOTM

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MOTM Synthesis Technology is an American modular synthesizer manufacturer, founded by Paul Schreiber. MOTM is also considered a standard form-factor for synthesizer modules.

MOTM modules are similar to the Synthesizers Dot Com ("DOTMCOM" or ".COM") format in size and appearance; they use the same module height of 8.75" (5u), but the horizontal unit is narrower at 1.75". The visual design is also similar, with white graphics on a black background, but the fonts, graticle styles, and other details are different.

By convention, most MOTM modules group their patch cord connections at the bottom of the module, which can reduce patch cord clutter. 1/4" phone jacks are used for all signal interconnections.

MOTM modules require ±15V power. Some recent MOTM designs (in the 500-600 series) which extensively employ digital circuits also require +5V. The power connector used is an MTA-156 connector, of six pins for modules requiring the +5V power and four pins for other modules. MOTM power supplies and cases use a power distribution board with multiple connectors, and short cables with female MTA-156 connectors at each end are used to connect power to the modules. Small adaptor boards can also be used to connect MOTM modules to the MTA-100 connectors used by Synthesizers Dot Com power supplies.

Besides MOTM Synthesis Technology, Encore and The Bride Chamber offer modules in the MOTM format. And, Modcan's B-series modules are all in the MOTM format, although they use black graphics on a white background. At one time, a group of enthusiasts known on the Synth-DIY mailing list as "Stooge Panels" offered a series of panels designed for conversion of specific Frac and Eurorack modules to MOTM format, as well as MOTM-format panels for popular DIY projects. However, this went inactive after the untimely death of Stooge Larry Hendry in 2006. As of December 2006, Synthesis Technology is no longer supplying module kits.

Other MOTM Characteristics:

• 1 volt-per-octave response for control of pitch-related parameters (i.e., VCOs and filters)

• Positive-going voltage Gates (+1.5V threshold)

• Positive-going voltage triggers

• Audio levels of 10V peak-to-peak

• VCAs respond to amplitude control voltages from 0 to +5 volts

Related Links:

MOTM Synthesis Technology FAQ is here

MOTM owners can sign up for the Yahoo MOTM group-list