more analogue additive (fwd)

[jorgen.bergfors at idg.se]

The additive synth with a computer terminal was probably a Crumar GDS. I have 
the album "Dig it" by Klaus Schulze, that was created entirely on the GDS. It 
was recorded in 1980. 
The sounds are rather impressive by themselves, but they sound rather static. 
They lack animation, like you can get with filter sweeps, PWM and waveshapers. 
It is probably very difficult to get *good sounding* animation with additive 
synthesis.
I didn't particularly like this record when it came out, even though the sounds 
were new and fresh. If he had used the GDS for just some of the sounds and 
combined it with other instruments, it would probably have been better.

/Jorgen





MIME:moylan at eden.rutgers.edu on 98-08-13 20.33.24
To:  synth-diy at mailhost.bpa.nl @ SMTP 
cc:  (bcc: Jorgen Bergfors/IDGSE)
Subject: more analogue additive (fwd) 



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