From: pixel@cbnewse.cb.att.com (william.j.sequeira)
Subject: Thinking about flushing Performer (and MOTU) down the drain!
Organization: AT&T
Distribution: na
Date: Mon, 31 Aug 1992 15:59:22 GMT


>>>>FLAME ON>>>>

Well, I had it!  I have been a Performer user and MOTU's customer since 
1989, have gone through numerous version upgrades and owned of some of
their hardware.  While I have absolutely no complains about the MTP (which
I think is one of the best interfaces ever for the Mac), I am very tired
and concerned about the latest MOTU trend.

Anybody tried to get a bug fix from them lately?  It is a pain!  Drivers that
don't work reliably across the Macintosh platforms.  Version updates that
claim things are wonderful and yet they don't work.  Performer turning
into this monolithic piece of software that has to have everything but the
kitchen sink.  Technical support that has been exhibiting a downward trend
lately quality-wise.  What is going on?

While Opcode has tried to provide a customizable environment for the user
by offering a set of solutions that cooperate with each other, MOTU has
taken the all-in-one route.  Example: Version 4 claims it has a patch
librarian.  I had been considering getting Galaxy and held off thinking
that I might not need to after all.  Well, not a very broad array of synths
is supported and even a bulk dump for the venerable D10 that has been MOTU's
preferred one doesn't work.  Tried the technical support line and got no 
reasonable explanation except that "it works for us, you have a problem".
Boy, do I ever.  How would you explain single patch changes working
reliably but bulk dumps not working at all?  My problem? I don't think so.
I am using an MTP in between! You bet I am getting Galaxy!

I am also seriously considering moving to Opcode's Vision.  I know, I know. I
hate the idiosincracies of their interface (one reason why I have stuck
with MOTU for so long) but they seem to be more responsive to customer
issues.  The least I expect from a company that I am supporting with my
money is a fast response fixing their products, which should have been 
right in the first place, not a "well, they are looking into it but have
no idea when a fix will be available" response.  Calls that are not returned,
all these issues do not give me a warm fuzzy feeling.

How about the PB 100, the only PB that works reasonably well for MIDI in?
The MTP driver does not work! Why? Omission or feature? 

I have always vouched for MOTU in the past because their responsiveness had
been excellent.  But today things have changed, and as a customer and user
I have to point out this things too.

>>>>FLAME OUT>>>>

<phew> <sigh>

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