Here’s the Phase timeline — the world saw the concept and collectively caused the worst case of GAS ever experienced in the DJ world. Subsequent showings and roadshows have seen further proclamations of it being revolutionary, a game changer, and even a needle and Rane Twelve killer. And then the pre-orders came… and went, followed by sincere apologies from MWM about delaying Phase until November and wanting to absorb user feedback to make Phase the very best it could be. Obviously, this was met with a small amount of disappointment, but generally goodwill was still intact.
But here we are at the end of November, and this morning MWM wrote to me in somewhat apologetic tones telling me that Phase has hit issues in production and will be delayed until the end of January.
I like to think that I’m a generous chap, and generally see the good in people. My outlook is to see the positive side of things. I also give people a second chance, but after another delay and a few small red flags being waved, you’ll forgive me if my good will wavers a tad.
Tiny alarm bells are ringing
Crowdfunding (in reality that’s what the pre-orders were) is littered with too many projects that start off with the very best of intentions, but for all manner of reasons end up with many thousands of disappointed backers and bankrupt project owners.
I’m especially sensitive after losing too much money on a rather splendid leather bag project that was going to be a 50th birthday pressie to myself. I was regaled with a steady stream of promises, revised deadlines, and apologies culminating in bankruptcy, and further promises to make it right. It never was, and my bagless 53rd birthday approaches.
I’m not saying that the Phase project is in trouble. MWM seems genuine about delivering at the end of January. And I’m confident of this happening because of the sheer number of people who have used it and praised it, most notably Jazzy Jeff. It’s still unclear if they mean shipping from the factory at the end of January (which a few weeks after to get into your hands) or if they actually mean with you by the end of January. I’ve asked for clarification.
Fingers crossed
While I don’t for a second believe that Phase will change any games or kill anything in particular, I do genuinely want to see it become a real product. There’s no reason that it shouldn’t — MWM has indicated in this thread on Facebook that all production issues have been sorted, and a new factory slot has been booked. All we can do is hope that a third grovelling email doesn’t arrive at the end of January.
I’m still waiting for ripcord cables and they has simiar problem with factory. I pointed this possible scenario (I told you that I told you that I told youuuu) when they said “delay for improvement”. I hope things go well and release without too much hasle but this is a noob mistake at this stage of the crowdfunding game (nobody remembers keith mcmillan troubles with suppliers? And that was the biggest crowdfund project at that time which made change the rules of kickstsrter itself…)
Negativity? No, experience and research.
Once again I hope they succes since I’m one of those who thinks it’s a great value proposition.
Ugh, you are a Ripcord victim as well?
Yes sir.
I don’t remember why I need it. I think I lost the need in between but due it was fair priced and I want to see them successing I will keep my hopes. XD
you too huh? I gave up on them and asked for a refund. Yeah I know, my lack of faith is disturbing..
I consider it but I don’t want to remember why I decided to buy it the moment before I refund it xDDD
What you trying to power?
I have all kinds of stuff powered off usb. Just need the right supply and barrel
My concern has not been with them delivering Phase hardware, but with DVS software supporting it. Each has their own version of timecode/control signal/noisemap etc, but I’m led to believe that Phase only generates one generic signal that works with everything. I need to see it work flawlessly with all DVS software in the Worxlab before I’m convinced.
Well since hardware is the though part of any project I expect software being bulletproof… but yes, they need to deliver everything of course.
I don’t think that should be a complex problem to solve, as Phase can only provide relative control and that is easily achieved using a siple sine wave tone generator (any cheap dsp or fpga chip can do that), because the difference in relative mode is only the pitch of the tone. Absolute mode is where the game of pattented technology starts. Look at Tonetable app by Inklen, it can generate any DVS control tone easily.
Are you saying that mwm is having difficulty getting consent from NI to access traktor as a dvs? Or is it a royalties issue with serato?
Are they trying to make their own hware?Sa
What’s really interesting is that with some capital, and of course the right manufacturing, members could sort of take over, using portablism as an entry point.
Mwm should partner with djtech.
No I’m not. I have no idea if they’ve approached the assorted DVS makers to gain official compatibility, if indeed they need to at all to make it work. My concern is if a one size fits all generated generic control signal can work reliably with everything. There’s a degree of crossover when using control vinyl, but only official vinyl is officially supported in the assorted software products. Try getting support from one of the software companies when Phase doesn’t perform properly and it’ll be a short phone call.
I don’t agree that MWM partnering with anyone can take over anything. People love using vinyl and needles too much. Like so many other technologies, I see Phase sitting happily alongside other established tech, but it definitely won’t dominate.
I did think their turnaround with production in China was highly ambitious after the last issues. The implementation of the usable timecode signals will be what we will all be monitoring now.