[sdiy] Vector-based ADC/DAC?

[john mahoney]

Errors will be introduced during the digital-to-analog conversion
process because the DAC has limited resolution. "Limited" is a
relative term, but even 24-bit numbers have their limits.

As far as I know, some oversampling algorithms do sort of what you
propose to do, and yes they do it in real time. Oversampling is where
the processor computes intermediate values between 2 samples, and it's
not just a linear averaging process -- calculations are done to figure
out where the vector should be. Regardless, the DAC still introduces
errors.

For what it's worth, digital audio processing happens very slowly in
comparison to the speed of modern computers. That's why a common PC
can handle hundreds of audio tracks.
--
john


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jay" <jay at denonville.com>
To: "S-DIY" <synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl>
Sent: Thursday, November 11, 2004 7:33 PM
Subject: [sdiy] Vector-based ADC/DAC?


> I guess this is sort of off-topic, but have any of you ever heard of
this
> being attempted? I've had the idea in my head for a few years.
>
> It would be basically consist of using a high speed ADC to convert
audio
> vector curves, sort of an EPS file for sound recordings. Then using
what I
> can best describe as a "digitally voltage-controlled high speed
variable
> slope analog envelope generator" as a sort of DAC. Excuse me if my
idiocy in
> this field is showing, but wouldn't that then eliminate all
quantization
> that is inherent in digital recordings?
>
> Is this even possible in real time? Is it possible as a DIY project?
>
> Just thinking out loud...
>