PolyModular

[Fraser, Colin J]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Barry L Klein [mailto:Barry.L.Klein at wdc.com]
> Sent: 04 May 1999 17:51
> To: jhaible at primus-online.de
> Cc: synth-diy at mailhost.bpa.nl
> Subject: RE: RE: PolyModular
> 
> I do see that there is an immediate interest in an 
> inexpensive analog modular project, and
> much have what's gone on in this list pretty much supports 
> that interest.  But we really
> haven't emphasized utilization of 90's technology into these 
> systems.  Many of us do this
> in our jobs every day but then come home and discuss 
> sequencers using 4017's or whatever. 
> I don't get it.  I have access to a Data I/O at work and 
> would have no problem burning
> micros at my lunch hour to distribute to list members.  
> Others have access and familiarity
> with other programmable chips.  Others think Visual C++ or 
> Basic all day and could write
> really cool pc interfaces to all our stuff.
> 
> And no, I don't want to start a "digital_synth-DIY" list.....  :-)
> 
> Is this doable - could we come up with some sort of specs to 
> make it all work?  Lets hear
> YOUR off the wall desires you guys!
> Don't leave me out here all alone.....

I've been thinking about building a hybrid synth since I played with a
Waldorf Pulse.
If you throw enough processor power at it, it would seem software generated
EGs can be as good.

If you do all the EGs and LFOs in a synth in software, you reduce the chip
count, cost, and increase the modulation possibilities.
Older hybrid synths, such as the Matrix 6, were implemented before there was
sufficient cheap processor power available IMO.
Anyone who plays with a Matrix 6 with a decent software or hardware patch
editor, won't take long to see the potential of the software generated
matrix modulation approach, but they just as soon see the limitations of
trying to control 6 voices with one 6809.

When I have my current sequencer project out the way, I plan to build a vco
and filter board, and separate processor board to control the oscs and
filters, and generate everything else in software.

The vco/vcf board will have 3 vcos, a Moog filter, a SEM filter, and as many
vcas as required to provide all the FM and signal routing options between
the oscs and filters as I have ever found a use for on my modular.
All the other modulation routing options sill be software connections
between virtual LFOs, EGs etc.

Basically, I'm looking at doing the Oberheim OB-Mx, but properly.
I expect it will take some time (my drum module took nearly 2 years...)

Colin f