Computer simulation of analog synthesis in general

[kjarger at jkjelec.com]

All this talk of the Nord Modular got me thinking:

Simulation of analog has great promise, IMHO.   Eventually, or even 
now(?), real time emulation of analog circuitry down to the level of 
the Eber's Moll transistor equations, with all of the thermal 
drift, limits (distortion), and 1/f noise factored in, will be possible.  
Imagine scrolling through a list of filter "modules" 
(Mini, SEM, ARP, CAT, EMS, 303...).

I haven't done any research on the subject (and I'm not looking, 
just wondering), if I were looking to assemble a typical home studio,
can a typical $2,500 computer 
system and, say $1,000 in extra hardware these days actually, 
simultaneously, run 4 channels of high quality analog 
synth simulation complete with some real time MIDI controller 
response? Without glitches and "slow downs"?
What if I want to run one synth through a fuzzbox, the other through 
a phaser pedal, etc.?
Is 4-8 voice polyphonic possible?
It would be nice to also, simultaneously run a MIDI sequencer, an 8 
Track or so HD Recorder.

 Is this how it is today(all prices are guesses)?


Start with:
1996/7 style PC and HW which can do 3 mono, 
1 poly analog simulation, and run a MIDI sequencer 
program simultaneously: $3,500
or 
3 mono, 1 poly, analog synths,  average type and condition 
with MIDI/CV:  (Throw in a cheap 486 running 
a sequencer program)
totalling $2,500.

Add either: 
A dedicated 8 track HD recorder: $1,100
or 
A computer system that can do high quality
8 track HD recording: $3,000
or 
The PC running the synth simulation and the sequencer
does 8 Track HD recording for additional HW: $500

I don't know about whether a computer can simulate a 8 or so channel 
stereo mixer...so I can't compare $ here.

It seems to me that it's way cheaper in the long run to 
use the real things unless one $4,000 to $5,000 PC/HW combination
can do it all (synths/seq/Record).  It just seems that the amount of 
extra HW your tagging on your PC would just add up to big $ and 
headaches after a while, or else you'd slow down the computer to 
the point it was useless.

So am I computerphobic with respect to computer cost/functionality?
or am I on the right track?

And an analog synth simulation can't _possibly_ be as fun as tweaking a 
knob...Gee I've been rambling on.

Please respond privately, if the subject is off topic.

Regards,



Kyle Jarger
JKJ Electronics
Visit our MIDI/CV website http://www.jkjelec.com