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MOTM300

Synthesis Technology MOTM-300 VCO, a 2U wide module

A modular synthesizer format developed by Paul Schreiber's Synthesis Technology company. The format is somewhat similar to the Dotcom format in size and appearance; it uses the same module height of 8.75", but the horizontal unit is narrower at 1.75". Synth Tech's own modules use an appearance standard similar to the Dotcom's, 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 somewhat reduces patch cord clutter. 1/4" phone jacks are used for all signal interconnections.

The format calls for ±15V power. A few Synth Tech designs 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. Synth Tech 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 Dotcom power supplies.

Although Synth Tech developed the format, that company ceased offering or developing MOTM-format modules in 2011. Synth Tech's MOTM designs are now marketed by Synthcube. Several other vendors continue to design and offer modules in the MOTM format, including Oakley Sound, Encore Electronics, Modcan, and Analog Craftsman.

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