2 modules ideas

[jbv]

> I agree that programming an additive synth using, eg. Walsh functions, is going

> to be a user interface nightmare, what with hundreds (!) of envelopes to
> consider.  However, I think the way round that is to take a higher-level
> approach to programming.  Instead of twiddling each envelope parameter yourself,
> you draw waveshapes or harmonic patterns then let some software generate all the
> envelopes necessary to morph between the various harmonic groups.
>
> For example, start with a trumpet, fade into a piano, then cycle back and forth
> between a cow fart and a thunderstorm every 5 seconds.
>



IMHO that is an EXCELLENT remark, and I must confess
that my feeling is the same.

Actually, the main pleasure of playing a modular (tweaking pots
& switches) lies mainly in the fact that each control modifies
only 1 parameter (for instance : FM depth for a VCO of freq
cutoff for a filter).

But when it comes to multiple parameters (like cascaded
formant filters, or additive synthesis) for which the final
result depends on the relationship between all parameters,
then it becomes a real nightmare and the user loses track
of what's happening very quickly.
The situation becomes similar in case of complex patches :
when turning 1 knob, it can become hard to figure out
exactly which parameters are been changed...


That's why the idea of providing tools for a higher-level
approach is exciting : because users can experiment / play
from a set of fixed parameters that give a useable and
regognizable sound result.

Drawing waveshapes that software translates automatically
into a set of harmonic patterns is an option.
I was also thinking of a set of pots allowing to define a
set of breakpoints (like an ADSR) in order to shape the
harmonic spectrum for additive synthesis...

jbv