I noticed that the Visual Cortex doesn’t seem to have as much functionality as the Vidiot or the Chromagnon, but it costs 50 dollars more, is there a specific reason for this? I know the Vidiot doesn’t fit into a euro rack format, but the chromagnon does, so I’m a bit confused. I guess this question is more directed at Lars than anyone else, but anyone’s input is appreciated.
As a VC user, I can only say there’s a lot of functionality packed into that small space, and there’s some dense circuitry hidden behind that panel, in several layers of PCB. I appreciate that last point each time I insert or remove mine from a rack. It must be the deepest Eurorack module I have, given that the boards are parallel to the panel.
Vidiot and Chromagnon have their own cases, so you can’t see the complexity of the circuitry. I can’t comment on how they’re built or what that might cost. I’ll be very interested to hear what Lars or someone else at LZX can say on this.
Thanks for asking.
Unofficial musing:
Visual cortex is a pretty old design, so does not have the same cost savings that have been incorporated in vidiot and chromagnon.
For example, chromagnon has eliminated the use of a lot of expensive specialty video ICs. I believe cortex is pretty heavy on expensive ICs.
I also assume that the Chromagnon pricing is still “introductory” and will eventually go up another $100-200, as seems to be typical for the larger LZX products at some point after their release (Cortex, Vidiot, Mem Pal).
Correct, Cortex is from a different era and became more expensive to build as time went on. The initial price for Cortex was $799.
Check out this early front panel sketch!
I reaaallllly hope Chromagnon doesn’t go up before I can decide if I want a second one
The Cortex is so functionally dense and cool, I would be absolutely devastated if mine broke down.