AW: Jitter in VCOs

[jean-charles maillet]

>So it I want to have a VCO like the Synthi A's, I'd use a low-noise
>reference
>(or a different topology) instead of the reverse biased transistor, but
>I'd build
>the same part in parallel *with* the original element (i.e. a reverse
>biased transistor
>with a similar current flowing thru it), then buffer this one, and
>couple it to the
>"improoved" VCO with a capacitor and a switch.

You control freak !

I doubt this will produce the same effect because by buffereing the noisy
reference you're also altering the interactive drive capability of the
noise source ... which is as crucial as the source of noise itself ... if
you go buffering everywhere that ain't true analog ... you're getting
closer to digital synergy ... blech !

I'd rather accept the lo-fi topology of the VCS3 oscillator (or similar)
for the musicality it offers, and (maybe but who cares really ?!) use that
to explain why crystal clear VCO's live on the sterile side.  Go ahead and
modulate your thresholds with buffered noise sources but by the time you
can hear the difference it's already too late, you've put too much in.

The levels of threshold variation we're talking about belong to the
subconscious travel plane ... it's too little for the averge positivist to
fathom, too much for the average purist to swallow ... (sorry if I'm
smashing toes and limbs) ... the chaotic effect of rain falling on the roof
of my van at nite wouldn't be soothing if the drops where an inch wide, or
buffered with a reservoir, pump and hose ...

jc

the gregarious Marshall-modding Acadian boy with only one synth in mind ...