more analogue additive (fwd)

[David MOYLAN]

The more I think about this, the more intrigued I become.
I think what we're dealing with here is almost a step
back to organ technology followed by a few steps foward.
Draw bars anyone?  If this project is pursued, it seems
like a perfect candidate for a digital/analogue hybrid.
(blasphemy?)  I'm talking about a computer to do the 
analysis and possibly VCA envelopes coupled with analogue
wave sources (and of course filters). 
    There's been a fair ammount of valid criticism:
smearing, non-harmonic components, etc., but most synth
enthusiasts are more concerned with the sounds and less with
the math.  We won't know what the possibilities are until
someone builds it.
    I have seen pictures (maybe Barry Klein's book) of an
additive synth with a computer terminal.  Obviously it lost
a popularity contest to subtractive synthesis.  But the
important question is why.  Most likely because of cost
and simplicity.  Computers have come a long way.  I think
this type of setup could be a very useful addition to
someone's arsenal, specifically because it's an entirely
different way to look at the process of synthesis.
(Maybe I should consider a career in lobbying).
dave moylan