|
|
Post by tIB on Sept 16, 2023 11:09:45 GMT
The last 18 months or so have been rather frustrating with AE for a couple of reasons that I feel really should be ironed out/improved on. In the spirit of constructive criticism I'm going to share my frustrations... Take it or leave it.
Quality control: I question both QC and beta testing - the recent addition of digital modules seem to have brought bugs and noise issues with them. From here it feels a little bit like the beta phase is rushed? As a customer it's rather frustrating ordering a module, waiting however many months to get it, only find out there's a QC issue (my recent rains purchase) or worse still bugs (see TBD -the module is only functional if you're prepared to be connected to a computer to reinstall presets/reflash when it breaks). Perhaps I've been unlucky, though I've lost confidence given my recent experiences.
Lead times: so I understand orders may come thick and fast, but releasing a module (eg the sampler) with a lead time before assembly is complete seems the wrong way around. From a user perspective it's even more frustrating when modules arrive with issues... Couldn't modules be made/sold from stock? Perhaps it's too niche for that model, but I personally don't like ordering and then playing the waiting game. I've had modules bought by PayPal credit that have arrived well after the four month interest free period has passed. Not good.
Repairs: Six months to get a replacement module out isn't acceptable. It would be slightly more bearable admittedly had the replacement actually fixed issues. Though we are back in a loop here with my original point.
Communication: its sporadic, though regularly updating the website with information on lead times etc might help. I've mentioned this before, but I think a note on checkout with current expected wait time might reduce the need for people to need to get in touch, since there would be a bit more transparency.
|
|
|
|
Post by tIB on Sept 16, 2023 11:19:16 GMT
And where this leaves me as a customer is a little bit in limbo; I've lost confidence that the things I want to finish off/base my system around will work reliably. For example I'd like the sampler, but have been waiting to get other issues ironed out before I order. While attempts have been made (albeit slowly), I ultimately still don't have a resolution.
It feels, rightly or wrongly, that in advancing the system so quickly not enough time has been spent making sure everything works correctly (and together).
Ironically, given a left that format years ago for similar issues, the ambitious porting over of digital based euro modules might spell the end for me - I really want what they offer but life is way too short to be fussing with/ breaking/beta testing what should be finished modules.
I've some thinking to do...
|
|
|
|
Post by funbun on Sept 16, 2023 11:56:30 GMT
That has been a concern of mine as well. Perhaps too many modules too quickly. I have several modules that need to be sent in, especially Ornament and Crime. It didn't feel as if it were thoroughly tested before shipping out. I hesitate to ship it back for repair because the chip is no longer available. Also both my FMOS oscillators won't calibrate. Same issue: with the chip shortage, what's the point of sending them in for repair?
While the digital stuff is quite amazing, I wonder if we should swing back toward the analog side? For instance we still don't have a comparator or an updated version of the original VCO.
I want to experiment with making a waveshaper of some kind. I understand a comparator could to a lot of that, but to a more west coast-style to complement all the east coast-style filters would be nice.
I know Robert and the gang are hard at work trying to get everything out. I don't mind the long lead times. If you were to buy a custom violin you'd be waiting months. I don't see AE Modular as a mass produces item. In my saxophone days it would take weeks just to get a custom mouthpiece.
Am I going to switch to a different system? Nope. I'd rather stick with AE Modular and sort out the issues. Every system will have it glitches and problems.
|
|
|
|
Post by tIB on Sept 16, 2023 13:00:41 GMT
That has been a concern of mine as well. Perhaps too many modules too quickly. I have several modules that need to be sent in, especially Ornament and Crime. It didn't feel as if it were thoroughly tested before shipping out. I hesitate to ship it back for repair because the chip is no longer available. Also both my FMOS oscillators won't calibrate. Same issue: with the chip shortage, what's the point of sending them in for repair? While the digital stuff is quite amazing, I wonder if we should swing back toward the analog side? For instance we still don't have a comparator or an updated version of the original VCO. I want to experiment with making a waveshaper of some kind. I understand a comparator could to a lot of that, but to a more west coast-style to complement all the east coast-style filters would be nice. I know Robert and the gang are hard at work trying to get everything out. I don't mind the long lead times. If you were to buy a custom violin you'd be waiting months. I don't see AE Modular as a mass produces item. In my saxophone days it would take weeks just to get a custom mouthpiece. Am I going to switch to a different system? Nope. I'd rather stick with AE Modular and sort out the issues. Every system will have it glitches and problems. I appreciate that and agree with most/all of what you say. In my case it's clear I've had a bad run, primarily because of those seemingly trickier to get right digital modules, though I believe the above points are all valid. I think if one or two of those points could be addressed I'd have more confidence moving forward - the wait thing for example is bearable if the QC is right/designs have been effectively tested. And realistically if communication is open from the off, such as a none ambitious estimation of time - it shouldn't take four months if quoted as one which has happened before - at least you'd be prepared to wait that long and beyond. Ultimately I appreciate I'm sulking somewhat - after again putting the system to the side for an extended period (six months for replacement module), following another extended period of no use due to the same (and similar) issues, to get the 'fix' and it to be exactly the same is beyond frustrating. I suppose I will take stock of a few things: how likely it seems that these TBD's will ever work - when they work they are literally perfect for what I want to do in this format - and if it isn't, whether or not I'm prepared to go in a different direction with the system. Back to analogue sound generation would be the obvious route, though if need to look at third party modules since I'm not a fan of the AE offerings. Another factor will be how likely it would be to be able to sell a complete system in one hit. I suspect unlikely unless hugely undercut, though I'll decide what's best after I hear back from Robert. For me it's not about switching to a different format - I'm lucky in that regard - it's about where I put my time. This has become a time vampire in terms of creativity: after a couple of days of troubleshooting my patch broke down less than an hour into my first bit of creative patching. |
|
|
|
Post by tIB on Sept 17, 2023 10:16:14 GMT
So I've had a really positive email from Robert who may well update here at some point - it's good to know that many of the issues raised above are already identified and being worked on and that Robert is commited to getting things right.
In fairness too it seems like power may well be a factor in the module misbehaving - I've some testing to do but if that is the case obviously my point on beta testing is probably moot.
I'll update here and in the tdb thread as things progress...
Edit: details in other thread but looks like it isn't power related.
|
|
|
|
Post by pt3r on Sept 17, 2023 13:10:55 GMT
... While the digital stuff is quite amazing, I wonder if we should swing back toward the analog side? For instance we still don't have a comparator or an updated version of the original VCO. ... When I made my prototypes for 4COMP i.e. 4 comparators in one module there was not a lot of interest in comparators so I did not move forward with it. Still quite happy that I build one unit for myself, since comparators are a very essential part of my workflow. Its probably not the most sexy module compared to a fullfledged wavetable synth but it can do things no other module can. |
|
|
|
Post by funbun on Sept 17, 2023 13:35:22 GMT
I was wondering what happened to those. I had been waiting a long time.
|
|
|
|
Post by pt3r on Sept 17, 2023 16:19:30 GMT
I ordered a run of 5 prototypes, and built one for myself, so I have still 4 pcb and faceplates lying around. |
|
S&E
Full Member
Posts: 116
|
Post by S&E on Sept 29, 2023 7:42:00 GMT
Getting modules that don’t work properly is not a good thing. The cost and time and logistics of sending back for repair is even more off putting given the times and hassle.
I wonder if the team there needs additional technical schooling so that they can be empowered to put out perfect product. A small business is still a business and needs to maintain high standards and morale.
Obviously all of this matters to me because I am heavily invested in the format.
|
|
|
|
Post by funbun on Sept 29, 2023 10:16:34 GMT
Getting modules that don’t work properly is not a good thing. The cost and time and logistics of sending back for repair is even more off putting given the times and hassle. I wonder if the team there needs additional technical schooling so that they can be empowered to put out perfect product. A small business is still a business and needs to maintain high standards and morale. Obviously all of this matters to me because I am heavily invested in the format. I'm sure many of these things will be addressed in the next newsletter. Honestly, I think it's just growing pains. |
|
|
|
Post by tIB on Sept 29, 2023 18:16:32 GMT
Honestly, I think it's just growing pains. Yeah I think you're probably right there. A little update here - it wasn't power related with the TBDs. It's pleasing that now that a bug has been identified there's already work going on behind the scenes to identify and squash it. I know Robert pours his heart and soul into this stuff so he'll be as happy as anyone to be getting things right moving forwards - and I believe he's committed to doing that so I think we are in safe hands... |
|
