intersil VCO chips and 'synth-level' circuits...

[WeAreAs1 at aol.com]

In a message dated 12/5/00 10:32:41 AM, patchell at silcom.com writes:

<<     The main problem with the 8038 is it's lack of linearity. >>

Another couple of problems of the 8038 are its relatively limited sweep range 
and its relatively high current draw.  Probably best to avoid it for 
synthesizer use.

Nevertheless, the 8038 was actually used as the main VCO in the old Pollard 
Syndrums.  Since it really didn't need to accurately track pitch in a 
drumsynth application, the 8038's inherent limitations weren't problematic.  
Its nice sine wave output also came in handy in a drum synth.  The Syndrum 
was the very first commercially available drum synthesizer, made back in the 
late 1970's.  You can hear their characteristically annoying 
downward-pitch-sweep sound all over many disgusting disco hits of the 70's 
(and also in Frank Zappa's hilarious faux-disco song "Dancin' Fool").

Michael Bacich