13 Jul
2006
13 Jul
'06
9 a.m.
On Wednesday 12 July 2006 16:02, Cesare Marilungo was like:
tim hall wrote:
It's not just that we're used to the analog sound, there is a definite
psycho-acoustic difference. IMO.
Really I'm yearning for analog synths, I have
fond memories of playing
with MS10s, SH101s and my old Pro1 and the kind of resonant filter sweeps
that are possible with analog filters. Is the sound I am looking for
simply not possible digitally? Would anyone with the appropriate skills
consider modelling VCS3 or Prophet filters in software? The closest
application is probably Alsa Modular Synth for what I want (as I'd like
to be able to filter samples too), but it does appear to have
limitations. I shall persevere, obviously.
I still own (and use) a Korg MS20. I had an MS10 also, but sold it two
years ago to pay some bills :-) . I'm not a DSP expert but what makes
these synths unique were their unpredictability and their lack of
precision. An analog circuit like that is sensible to temperature,
humidity. The difference between a real analog synth and a soft synth is
much like the difference between a tape recorder and a digital recorder.
We're used to the sound of the first kind, a sound that is determined by
the intrinsic limitations of that technology. If we reproduce or store our performance in bits
anyway, there's no
difference between a well programmed soft synth and a real analog apart
from the fact that the first one sound (and has been designed to sound)
too perfect.
Isn't, again, a matter of introducing a bit of randomicity (if this is
the correct term)?
It is possible to simulate oscillator drift et al., sure, but it is difficult
to get good clean sine tones in the upper ranges digitally.
I saw / heard some nice external boxes at the Sounds Expo, I don't remember
the manufacturer offhand (I will look it up). They did a nice Prophet and
Moog style synth, both digitally modelled, so I know it is possible. When I
have a bit of spare cash I will probably get one of these - I have to say I
also like the MS2000, which is in a similar price range.
--
cheers,
tim hall
http://glastonburymusic.org.uk/tim
We are the people We've been waiting for.