We haven't saved pennies where they usually are. All parts are the
best we could find, including the op-amps, da-converters, the speed of
the memory for the DSP's (slow memory can easily half the performance
of the DSP's), memory size for the DSP's which allows us to have many
different synthesis and effects machines, all the interface stuff like
keys and leds. Notice that all the keys of the mono are "real keys",
and not the clicky types that is simply a small bubble on the
interface board (like you'll find on remote controls etc) and that
will wear down over time. All the LED's shine with a steady light
instead of being interlaced, which makes them shine clearer and
without flickering in the corner of your eye. This forces us to have
more powerful power supplies. The box uses different material like
aluminium and plastic which makes it much more expensive, but keeps
its own look. The dividing lines on the interface are cut out instead
of simply being printed, the printing of the interface plate is
multi-colored and anodized, and can never be worn out. The joystick
pin of the keyboard is hand-made, and so is the small leather ring
underneath it. The keyboard and the leds and keys around it is crammed
into a very tight space to get the compact look, which makes it more
complicated to produce.
The Monomachine (and Machinedrum) is very much filled with details
that you might not care about, but care is taken in all corners to
make it stand out from the rest. We produce lower numbers of synths
(hopefully for the ones that really care) which makes in more
expensive, and all fixed setup costs more expensive. The production
cost of the Monomachine is probably higher than any other synthesizer
you'll find, and without doubt higher in percentage of the end user
price than any other synth you'll find.
You can be absolutely certain that we've set the lowest price we could
ever do. Then it is up to you to decide whether it is worth it for
you, or if you want to go for something else.
