[sdiy] modular synth "standards"

[jh.]

> This discussion, and the review of the MOTM system in EM has made me
> re-evaluate certain of my own assumptions.
>
> One of the underlying assumptions I have always used is that distortion in
a
> synthesizer is welcomed and expected as a part of the sound of the
> instrument. That is to say, a synthesizer is (IMHO) one big distortion
unit.
> But that is OK, because it is inside the closed loop of the operator
> adjusting the tone. What ever distortion is there is used as part of
unique
> tone that the artist programs.
>
> Distortion simply increases the harmonic content of the signal. So if some
> distortion exists, the filters will be closed down slightly to make the
> sound "darker" again. The comments in the MOTM article about LEDs loading
> op-amps are correct. An LED attached to the output of op-amp will
introduce
> some tiny distortion (maybe 0.1% or less). But so what? That just becomes
> part of the sound of the instrument, and is compensated for by the
> programming process.
>
> It is a trade off, but the incredible increase in ease of use gained by
> using visual feedback (LEDs) more than makes up for a miniscule
brightening
> in tone color.


I whole-heartedly agree with that part on distortion. (I haven't seen the
article in question with the LEDs, though.)
I would even go farther than saying that distortion is ok for a single
tone. Some filters are doing an excellent distortion job on whole (open)
chords. That's what has started my preference for the SSM2040
in the first place, many years ago. I think I have preserved this
characteristic for the MOTM-440 filter - a big "yes" to distortion
where it's *wanted*. (Just to pick one example.)
Clean-ness and Distortion both have their place and applications
(You can also drive a 440 with lower level and low distortion,
where other filters might run into SNR problems, the 440 would
still be quiet.), and a system should be capable of *both* IMO.
I'm aware that Paul S. often emphasizes the clean-ness and
precision of MOTM. But I wouldn't want the MOTM to be
pidgeon-holed as "clean-only".

JH.