Modcan A-Series (1998)

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Modcan A-Series (1998) II

Published on Dec 24, 2014 Sanguis Rusticus

"Modcan A-Series synth, built in 1998."

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"PLEASE NOTE: I bought this in 1998, and the A-series was the only series they had at the time. Also, it is not exactly the same as the current A-series; it is an older version. The main difference that I know of (and mostly inconvenient if you want to add current modules) is that on the original 1998 Modcan, the modules have three-prong pins and plug into a three-prong female power supply plugs. Now, apparently, it is a four-prong system. Thus, on the two Cynthia modules I have--and she advised me to do this--I had to cut the three-prong female power supply cable and rewire it to a four-prong female power supply cable (which she provided). No soldering, just electrical tape (as you can see in the picture). It seems to work fine. Anyhow, if you want to replace some modules (see below under "Known Issues") or add modules for the three remaining spaces, you'll have to take into account this issue. I'm sure Modcan would supply the female plugs/cables like Cynthia did.

The other main difference is that the power supply chassis and connective cable are different. Please see the Modcan website (under A-Series/Cases) for comparison.

This modular uses Banana cables for interconnecting the modules. It does come with a very useful Banana-to-1/4-inch interface.

COMES WITH:

Modcan:
-Oscillator 01A (x2)
-Multimode Filter 10A
-Envelope Generator 04A (x2)
-Mixer/Panner 11A (discontinued module, and a little tricky, frankly)
-Utility Module - Banana to 1/4 Inch
-Noise/Sample & Hold/Ring Modulator 07A
-Three Blank Slot Panels
-Connecting cable between the two cases
-Two cases with power supply
-An assortment of Pomona Banana cables (the colored ones are original with the synth; the black ones were purchased within the last two years--not from Modcan)

Cynthia Modules:
-Logipac - Boolean/Flip Flop (discontinued "Legacy Module" - see their site)
-Psycho Analog Shift Register/LFO/Clock (discontinued "Legacy Module" - see their site)

DOES NOT COME WITH:

-Power cable (standard three-prong)
-Manual (available on the Modcan website)
-Anything else

KNOWN ISSUES:

1) The two oscillators (esp. the first) seem to have significant drift. Not just a little here and there, but octaves, and randomly. This *may* be a power supply issue (either inside the machine or something is dirty in my own power line). I tend to doubt it's a Modcan power supply issues since none of the other modules seem to be affected, but I don't know. It also may be something with the oscillators themselves. Anyhow, you can hear oscillator drift in the first video below (esp. at the beginning)

2) There are, as to be expected, noisy pots. Especially the "Master Volume" on the 11A.

3) I've never since day one noticed any change when plugging a control voltage into the RES CV input on the filter. I don't know whether it was shipped defective or whether I am doing something wrong. I've tried a lot of things. (Note, however, that I have a Synthesizers.com filter, which comes with a similar CV input, and I have tried all the same things on it, and they worked as to be expected, i.e., changes in the resonance per changes in voltage input).

4) I think both three-way "response" switches on the EGs (which on current models are labeled "LOG," "REL," and "LIN") have become worn or something. They didn't seem to do a whole lot anyway (may be on me, again), but the switches on mine could use a replacement or tune-up/tightening.

5) Regarding the Cynthia modules: I've not been able to figure them out, especially the Logipac. It occasionally lights up when you plug things in, etc., but it is for better minds than mine. The Psycho ASR/LFO is similar, though the LFO had some interesting results. I'm quite sure the "failure" of these modules is on my lack of understanding.

6) This isn't really an "issue," but the Mixer/Panner is pretty confusing and seems to be quite sensitive. Be aware of volumes!

7) The usual minor scrapes and scratches.

8) If there are OTHER issues, they are UNKNOWN to me.

CONCLUSIONS

It's a great machine, especially when interfaced with other stuff like sequencers or more LFOs, etc. It's pretty powerful as is. If you cannot or are not willing to fix the known (or unknown) issues, then I believe it can be shipped to Modcan for a tune-up. Inquire with them."