Has anyone used PAiA p9700s modules?IWant to start a modular

[cgren72]

I haven't started anything modular yet, but i am thinking about diving in with PAiA p9700s modules

http://www.paia.com/p9700s.asp



I know that its frac-Rack, and it seems like most modules aren't that format. I am interested in some motm and other modules that arent frac, but would I have to get two power supplies and house these modules in another box?
On paia's website it says:

"All modules are scaled for 1Volt/octave Control Voltages with standard 100k ohm input impedance. Nominal signal level is approximately +10dB. Modules are designed for ±18V. unregulated bipolar power but ±15V. regulated supplies can also be used. "

Does this mean that i could buy a power supply from motm and use it, even for paia modules? I could buy adapters for the 1/8th inch jacks to match the jacks of the non-frac modules that i may buy in the future.

And i know that this may be a silly question, but i want to ask.
Paia's quote says that the "nominal signal level is +10dB" does that have anything to do with compatibility, or is it just about signal volume? If i plugged a paia frac module into a motm or Doepfer module, would it work and sound okay?

And are the paia modules very good?

sorry, i know this is alot of rambling

[meatballfulton]

I have owned the 9700S system (i.e. the four original modules) and my take is it's cheap, it's quirky, it's fun. The new module line which came out about two years ago requires building up another Frac-rack but adds much of what's missing from the basic system.

+10dB means it's hotter than pro-level studio gear (+4dB) and consumer gear (-10dB). Not a real big deal, that's maximum levels but like most modulars there's no master volume knob to control the overall output. I never had any issues with levels myself.

The sound is on the thin, whiny side...no Moogy fatness. Precise tuning is an issue because there is coarse tuning only (covers about 3 octaves) with no octave switches.

To use +/-15V regulated you must bypass the regulators on each module (instructions are included).

Other threads about the 9700 you should read:
1 2 3

[cgren72]

thanks meatballfulton.

I will most likely buy the package kit and then maybe another rack from them and a mixer module and some others. Would modules from blacet work well with the paia modules? And would the +/-15v power supply from paia work okay with blacets modules? for the paia system package, i assume they would include an 18v supply, but with the second rack i will probably use a +/-15v so that i can power non-paia modules.

[cgren72]

and how much assembly is required for the kits? or is it full assembly? just wondering what im getting into lol

[meatballfulton]

The original four modules that form the base of the system require full assembly right down to screwing the rack together. They use through hole PC technology so you have to stuff the boards, trim the wires, solder it together, etc. pAiA suggests 40 hours are required.

The second gen modules use surface mount components so are partially assembled for you.

But you can find used ones ready to go, in fact there is one for sale right here at VSE for $499 (cheaper than buying the kit). I've owned three over the years, all bought used and assembled.

[cgren72]

thanks, and 40 hours of soldering really doesnt sound like much fun. The largest project ive done took about 20-30 hours of soldering and assembly and i thought that was bad. thanks for all the info on the 9700.