[sdiy] 486/AWE groovebox (was: Re: digital synth design.)

[phillip m gallo]

Johannes,

The GUS has that 1M mem. limitation and a fairly noisy output so the AWE32
is a better choice if you're trolling for inexpensive soundcards/cpu
platform.

The integrated emu8000 synth allows a lot of flexibility compared to GUS's
and you can plug 8M of sample RAM on the AWE.  Finally it has S/PDIF output
so you don't have to rely on the on board converters for final audio.

While you're at it you could look for an old '486 single board computer like
Tecnor or it's like, a simple, small passive ventilated supply could drive
this combo in a small package.

regards,
p


-----Original Message-----
From: owner-synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl
[mailto:owner-synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl]On Behalf Of Johannes Öberg
Sent: Wednesday, October 27, 2004 7:33 PM
To: synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl
Subject: [sdiy] 486/AWE groovebox (was: Re: digital synth design.)


I have been thinking something similiar, but instead of trying to
build the sampler from the ground up I got myself a couple of cheap
486-on-a-card and an AWE32. Now, I now most people detest the AWE
cards, but actually, once you program them yourself instead of
sticking to the horrible default GM sounds, it's quite powerful
(although it certainly has it's weak spots...). And if you're a real
anti-CL fanatic, you could always for the GUS.

The main challenge in making a sampler, for me at least, would be
really squeezing EVERYTHING there is out of PCM synthesis, like what
you could do with the old tracker programs like FastTracker.

I was also thinking about making a really useful groovebox that could
be used to make entire songs, if not release quality right away so at
least be used to making a really useful, for electronic styles, song
sketch when riding the train etc. Think about it - it wouldn't have to
be bigger than the usual Electribes etc, would contain a very powerful
sampleplayback engine with all the nifty tricks like multiple LFO's,
mod matrix, filters etc, possibly a simple softsynth as well (using
the wave-out of the AWE card), an FM synth somewhat similiar to the
TX81z. Add two half-decent effects processors as well and you realize
you would end up with a lot of power, primitive power yes, but lots of
it.

All this would cost like nothing except for building a box with
buttons, blinkenlights and powersupply, and all programming tools are
ready and waiting for you to do it :-)

Now - why haven't I simply done this and got rich? :-) Well, I'm a
lazy student with too many projects for a lifetime already. But if
anybody else would join in, maybe we could set up a page and start
hacking away?
---
Incoming mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.778 / Virus Database: 525 - Release Date: 10/15/04

---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.778 / Virus Database: 525 - Release Date: 10/15/04