[sdiy] Additive Synthesis - Wendy would say it works...

[Magnus Danielson]

From: harrybissell <harrybissell at prodigy.net>
Subject: Re: [sdiy] Additive Synthesis - Wendy would say it works...
Date: Mon, 21 Mar 2005 19:39:01 -0800
Message-ID: <423F9353.3B5F88C8 at prodigy.net>

> > On Mon, 21 Mar 2005, Glen wrote:
> >
> > > Harry recently said something on Synth-DIY about fourier-based additive
> > > synthesis not being a viable synthesis method, or something along those
> > > lines. (I'm sure he'll correct me, if needed.)
> 
> yes... I will :^P
> 
> >
> > Anyone questioning about whether additive synthesis is viable or not
> > should go ask Wendy Carlos. ;)
> >
> >
> > Of course, getting anything useful out of additive can be really really
> > hard, even if you're Wendy Carlos. She spent years developing her Synergy
> > libraries. The fact that she tuned all those partial frequency and
> > amplitude envelope by ear - no FFTs involved, etc. - is simply amazing.
> >
> 
> Ahh YES. That is exactly my point. There is no set of easily operable controls
> to get to a desired end result.  You may get fantastic results... at a
> fantastically
> high price (in labor)
> 
> Also, the engines for generating fourier or other synthesis USED to be very
> expensive.
> That may not be true anymore... but without the concept of some global "phat"
> controls
> the synth will be all but inaccessible.

I agree. There are gazillion of potentially powerfull ways to proceed, but
having good control over sound is not as easy as one would wish. Fourier
parameter waves isn't as much easier as waveform editing really, it's just
different.

> I'd rather work with a bbd....   NOT :^P

We know that IF you do something with BBD, it will be worth listening to.

Cheers,
Magnus