[sdiy] Monosynth features poll

[Tom Wiltshire]

On 26 Jan 2010, at 02:17, Ian Smith wrote:

>
> Hey all,
>
> There were other questions involved in this project, but I can't  
> remember them at the moment (should have written them down, yadda,  
> yadda, hate the fact that my compy is dead... again). So here goes:
>
> What do you all think is essential in an '80s sounding bass monosynth?

The clue's in the question. Essential 80's monosynths for me; SCI Pro- 
One, Roland SH101.

> 1) number of VCOs
> 1a) essential waveforms

2 Oscillators, with Square with PWM and Ramp with Sync. Triangle if  
possible.

> 2) number of LFOs

Definitely agree with Dave Kendal. The single LFO on both these  
synths is a real pain, especially given the internal sequencer on  
both of them. A couple of LFOs are a real bonus.

> 3) Filters

A 12dB state-variable option would be nice, but I looked into various  
circuits for the CEM3320 in my Pro-One, and in the end I never  
altered it. Perhaps dual 12dB SVFs would give you lots of options and  
24dB when connected in series, but this is a long way beyond the  
"typical" 80's monosynth.

> 4) Envelope Generators

Two of these. One is for 'budget' synths.

> 5) Noise

Not that useful in my opinion. At least, I never seem to use it. A  
simple ring mod would be better, even if it's just a XOR one like the  
MS20.

> 6) sequencer/arpegiator

If you've got a uP scanning the keyboard, why not?

> 7) Other odd and fun circuits (e.g. Electronotes Timbre Modulator)

Suboscillators. Cheap to do, so why not. Perhaps a chorus, a la 80's  
polysynth (Juno 106/Polysix).

> I have a fair idea of what I want to put together but I really want  
> to see what other people's opinions are.

Can we see your final specification? Like you say, it's interesting  
to see how other people think about this stuff.

Thanks,
Tom