[sdiy] Generic preset storage / converting presets between synths

[Kenneth Martinez]

 > ...What I can tell you is that there is often precious little
 > similarity between synth models even under the same manufacturer...
 > There may be some overlap where the sounds are rather simple.
 > Pads, flutes, strings etc., which rely on simple waveforms and
 > common modulations and a simple patch structure, can possibly be
 > transmuted.

Yes, and I'm really thinking about sounds which can be created using 
basic analog waveforms and structure.

 >...  IMHO, I think it would take more time to write the translator
 > than to do the sound work and save the results...

Sounds like a challenge ;-)

I'd me more tempted to try this myself if I didn't have a 9-month-old. 
Free time - what's that??

> This work multiplies in complexity for each new synth type
> you need translations for.

If you convert from any synth into meaningful real-life values 
(half-steps for pitch, milliseconds for time, etc), you could then 
convert from real-life values into any synth's corresponding parameter 
value.  Adding a new synth only means mapping its parameters to 
real-life values... given the time to do that.  (See comment above about 
free time.)

> Deciding which synths should produce what sounds is part of the
 > work of composition and takes thought and planning before you
 > commit them to a piece.  I use the near-copy approach only when
> I have run out of voices on the box which best makes that sound
 > in the first place.

Point well taken... but if I later wish to switch boxes, I'm back to 
manual labor.  If I make sounds for a song on a bunch of analogs but 
later decide I'd rather only take a couple synths somewhere to perform 
it, again I have to either bite the bullet and do the conversions, or 
drag along all the gear anyway.

Is it worth the effort to write the converters?  Don't know, but I can 
always dream