[sdiy] So called "LA SYNTHESIS" : Was: LA Synth Nuts...

[Theo]

Linear Arithmetic synthesis was indeed just a buzzword.
Worse, linear arithmetic is a type of math and Roland LA isn't even based on
this.
Perhaps the key to the buzzword was; Linear = NOT Algoritmic (think the
almighty DX7) and Arithmetic = NOT analogue but digital.

However LA synthesis is not just a rompler based like the later korg M1was.
A LA sound is build up from 2 or 4 layers.
Each layer can be what we now call Virtual Analogue _or_ use sample based
waveforms.
In VA mode the layer has a filter, in PCM mode the filter is not available.
As a final touch there is optional ring-modulation between two layers.

The LA samples are not "normal" samples like we find in romplers.
Instead the samples are just the attack phase of a sound.
The idea was to have a natural (sampled) attack, followed by a synthezed
decay/sustain phase.
Single cycle loop samples complemented the sample set to get the "digital"
sound of the day.
And let not forget the set of loops that run through a bunch of single shot
samples,
originally these where a programming error, later became a feature.

At the time this "layer a short attack sample with a synth voice" idea was
not new
but the D50 was the first to deliver this in a package pp could actually
afford.

Me 2 cnt's
Theo



From: Les Mizzell <lesmizz at bellsouth.net>


>
> > Yikes, for a second I thought this message was about strange
> > masochists who were actually enthusiastic about Linear Arithmetic
> > synths.
>
> I never understood the big "Oooo....LA Synthesis..." thing. I mean, Roland
> was just using a fancy name for what was still basically a subtractive
> rompler synth.
>
> Anyway you looked at it, the structure (simplified) basically boiled down
to
> this:
>
> waveform - filter - amp
>              |       |
>             EG      EG
>
> Some of the waveforms were cyclic, and some were "one-shot", like those
nice
> metallic percussive hits that you could add to the attack of a sound.
>
> In the D50, you go 4 of the above structures you could layer on top of
each
> other.
>
> Oh wait, the Korg M1 did the same thing, didn't it?  And almost all the
> Romplers out there right now do this too.... Whoopsie!  Worse yet, some
> waveforms from one of these synths suddenly showed up in the waveform bank
> of another manufacturers. Double Whoopsie!
>
> I never saw "LA synthesis" as a "new form of synthesis". I saw it as
"Roland
> coming up with a new fancy name for something that already existed".....
>