Muff's Modules & More

BugBrand

Hi All,

Wow - checking back it seems as though I've not done a BugModular Mail Out for a good few months. Last time I announced how the modules would be changing through 2010 - bringing in new production techniques and updating the designs. There are also some fundamental changes in the setup of BugBrand and these are still somewhat underway - BugBrand has become a Limited Company, we have had to become VAT registered and at the moment I am moving home & office.. So it is time for a run-down!

***Changes to BugBrand::
April marked an important point for BugBrand - not only was it officially 5 years since I started my self-employed trading, but it also saw business changes with the formation of BugBrand Limited. While this should not have much impact on most of you, the addition of VAT (Value Added Tax) registration from the start of May will affect anyone in the EU. From May 1st any sales to EU countries (inc. UK) will now have to have 17.5% tax added - I'm sorry that this is necessary.

As if those two factors weren't providing me with enough administrative work I'm also moving house this weekend and that means I'm having to take on a new office space too - so please be aware that my address will be changing shortly if anything is being sent.

***Frames Etc::
Back in March I posted about the new the Standard Racks on the Blog: http://bugbrand.blogspot.com/2010/03/bugmodular-standard-racks.html
The initial batch of Frames and EndCheeks have gone out to some of the core system users, but I am now awaiting a second batch which may finally allow a few more systems entries.

One area I've been keen to focus on is to create a simple single-frame setup and for this I have designed a 1-width PSU Module - the MiniPower:
http://www.bugbrand.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_22& products_id=85
This occupies the left-hand space of a single frame (desktop or 19" rack) and provides power to the system buss for 10 further module spaces from an external AC wall-wart.More details to follow.

I hope to be able to release a few of these sometime in June - they would most likely be supplied with an initial complement of modules with the other spaces being filled up as module batches are completed over the coming months. Anyways - more details on such things in the next mail-out.

The Standard Frames approach should also smooth the way to a few more systems, especially as a new PSU case design should be arriving shortly. For now, though, I am waiting to a slightly freer period of time before opening up to more core users!

***Updates to Modules::
I have just put a few modules into the online shop: http://www.bugbrand.co.uk/shop
As discussed before, these are all now only available in banana format due to the change in production techniques and these available modules are generally aimed at people who already have a Frac system up and running as I don't currently have frames/PSUs available. If you need to interface your regular minijack Frac to banana then do check the updated ULTX module below: Any sales will be accompanied by a power cable 18" long to connect the MTA100 Module header to the Blacet standard MTA156 buss-board.

CTL2 Joystick/Touch: http://www.bugbrand.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_6&p roducts_id=63
Greatly updated since the CTL2 Joystick of last year - the Joystick section has been upgraded with switchable uni-polar / bi-polar response and a new custom aluminium control shaft, while the original single gate button has been replaced by two Touch Plates similar to those found on the CTL1.

CLK2A Division: http://www.bugbrand.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_6&p roducts_id=77
An initial run of Divison modules plus some discounted Beta versions. Why stick to 2/4/8 when you can have 3/5/7/9 as well?!

UTL2 Output Mixer: http://www.bugbrand.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_6&p roducts_id=42
A simple but essential output mixer with some new features in the Rev.2 version

UTLX Interface: http://www.bugbrand.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_6&p roducts_id=43
A real upgrade from the simple version of last year. This conveniently helps bring jack signals into the banana world.

There are three other modules that have already moved to Rev.2 versions - SYN2A, PRC3A and UTL4 - but none of these are available right now. I'm continuing to update all the modules of last year to these new production versions - so I hope to have further news of availability soon.

************************
So, that is where we're at at present. Given a bit more time I'll be trying to get some more recordings up online as I've just started a virb account though there isn't much there yet:: http://virb.com/bugbrand

Many thanks to all for the continued buzz & support.
(Here's to more BUILDING and less ADMIN!)
Cheers,
Tom

hpsounds · Posted: Tue May 25, 2010 11:41 am Post subject:

A lot of very good news for you, your business and customers ! hyper

Hédi K.

DGTom · Posted: Tue May 25, 2010 12:08 pm Post subject:

Order placed.

I just scored a SVF module 2nd hand & now 2 more brand new, so, in 1 week I quadrupled my BugBrand Modular! w00t

Kinda happy!

Now I need a slim frac case It's peanut butter jelly time!

tIB · Posted: Tue May 25, 2010 1:01 pm Post subject:

My word that was hard... just dialed in my order to cancel it so you existing bug mod people can have them. Im itching to get started in the world of bugbrand but dont want to step on anyones toes. Enjoy! thumbs up

rastko · Posted: Tue May 25, 2010 3:59 pm Post subject:

and Im officially broke :-) but I shall get a beautiful tiny bug just a small one .. one day .
Does joysticks are sick !

darenager · Posted: Tue May 25, 2010 4:08 pm Post subject:

BugBrand · Posted: Tue May 25, 2010 4:40 pm Post subject:

tIB · Posted: Tue May 25, 2010 4:48 pm Post subject:

^ sort of... I talked myself into a tyme sefari and a ulfo alongside a sequencer I already had reserved. it's your fault tom, as soon as I saw the money in your checkout my brain decided it had gone. curse my brain!