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Subject: Re: [korgpolyex] Re: New mod...

From: Nate King <nate@...>
Date: 2012-10-22

yeah, after reading the last post by bimmerfan and re-reading atom's - I agree it doesn't make sense to add too many features rather than just start fresh. it would seem more intelligent to just design a small polysynth for diy rather than keep going with a $150 shell. Unless we just GUT what's in there - i'd be ok with that. I can help with the pcb design work but that's about all i'm good for :)

my 2p from experience:
1. very few people actually care about 19" rack units anymore. Those that do are studios and studios generally aren't interested in DIY or projects. I tried to repurpose 19" rack units for modular synth usage and I seemed to be the only one that thought it was a good idea.
2. a better HAWK is always welcome. 
3. More control of the Oscillators in the original poly doesn't really get you much. as stated, neither the square or the saw is really that great to begin with, so chrome-plating a turd is :? What's more, it may be better suited to just replace the voice processor all together with one that just has more in the box options. Nothing too fancy, just more waveforms. Maybe even a third oscillator...... I'd be up for an extra filter, but it seems to add a level of complexity and expense that is unnecessary. Tweaking the voice itself and maybe turning it a bit more additive accomplishes the same or similar timbral options wise. 

sorry, if that's blunt, I just don't like to beat around the bush. I love my poly for what it is, a $150 poly synth that is packed with features. If we get ridiculous with the features, it'll be near impossible to use. if we get too complex with the hardware, it will be too easy to botch - and likely be expensive.

the more I think about it, I really like the idea of gutting it and just using the important bits of hardware. shouldn't be that difficult for the common diy-er either.

Nate

On Sun, Oct 21, 2012 at 3:05 PM, Michael Hawkins <korgpolyex800@...> wrote:
 

Hey Atom,

great to hear from you. I sent you an email about a week ago but I think your antispam rules are a bit too strict.

Anyway, I hope you're doing well and great to hear from you!

I don't have a lot of time on my hands these days so I am not sure which way I am going to go.

We have:

1) the unfinished rack project.
2) some unfinished software features in HAWK.
3) a desire for more control over DCO's

I am not sure which way to go to be honest.

Mike


From: Atom Smasher <atom@...>
To: "korgpolyex@yahoogroups.com" <korgpolyex@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, October 21, 2012 11:58 AM
Subject: Re: [korgpolyex] Re: New mod...

 
i've been lurking since i hit my head and not keeping up with everything,
but i have to ask... at what point will you stop modding the P-800 and
just design a DIY kit that we can assemble, starting with a printed and
drilled board? now that you're looking at new DCOs, i'd say the time has
come ;)

among other things, you can really get the UI right, from the start...
like having a 2x16 char LCD, and 4-6 front-panel knobs that are
user-assignable, per patch.

i'm still waiting for a rack-mount kit for my EX-800, but if you come up
with your own DIY kit that's "inspired" by the P-800 (and its
modifications), and available with an option for a rack-kit, then i may
just sell my EX-800.

--
...atom

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