New analog synth poll.

[tomg]

A "New" analog synth huh?  You are asking the wrong
crowd. Engineers want specs, musicians want ease of use
and sound....make that SOUND!...

How many do you want to sell and who do you want to
sell them to?

A poly-analog is out of the question for $1500, get real!
So you are left with digital sound or single voice. A good
compromise would be bi-analog. Two voices same controls,
each with it's own midi channel and keyboard assignment.
Very much like the way the jp-6 works. All parameters access-
able and midi recordable.... naturally, and you should be
able to switch voices at anytime.

The jp-6 is a very good example to follow in the ease of use
dept. It would be terrific to have that kind of form with a 4-oct
kbd. and HUGH Moog/Arp type sounds. The jp-6 is too big
to be called a portable. The MiniMoog is the perfect size
to haul around.

Use a touch scheme for all parameters (no pots or
switches anywhere!!!!)  with a programmable memory. These 
control areas should be extremely well done and defined by
a border. Think elevator panel. not matrix 6. defiantly NO!!
membrane switches. I want an area for each perimeter
I can slide my finger in that remembers where I remove it 
then scales the touch area so when I place my finger back 
in the middle of it I have the distance left for control . .  or 
maybe even a slider faked on a touch sensitive LCD display. 
Backlit of course. 

What I am suggesting is to use analog for the sound and
very high - resolution digital control. No!! digital zippering 
or noticeable stepping PLEASE! Who knows enough could 
be saved on the cost of the controls to do a poly-analog. 
But that should not be the objective!

The objective should be a powerful, portable, affordable,
dependable musical instrument. Don't worry about us.
We are going to build modulars packed with stuff we
want. Build it for the musical masses. If it's cool 
enough we will buy one too. Ohhh try to do it under
$1000.00, $999.95 would be about right.

-tg