> Anyway, I keep the signal waaay down (all the way actually), and I've not
> blown up any of my equipment (I actually did test it first--I don't have
> documentation for it as it was a surplus buy). Is there any forseeable
> problem using it with my MOTM? And forgive my ignorance, but what are the
> basic differences between function generators and oscillators?
A function generator IS an oscillator. It's optimized to be a high precision
test signal source. It will typically be very stable, and will have
extremely pure waveforms. Most do not have CV inputs. Yours does, but
probably it is not calibrated for exponential 1V/Oct response. By all means,
make up a patch cord and stick some control voltages in and see what
happens.
A VCO in a synth is also an oscillator, but typically has less pure
waveforms, is optimized to provide an array of control voltage and sync
inputs, etc. The MOTM-300 is a LOT closer to a function generator in terms
of stability than most. Its saw and pulse waveforms are good and sharp also.
The function generator will probably have a purer sine and triangle
waveform, but it cost many times as much when new, and probably is very
large.
The MOTM-300 signal levels are around 10 volts peak to peak. If you match
that, it will work fine. If the function generator does not have calibrated
output levels, stick a volt meter on it, set the volt meter to read AC
volts, and adjust the output level until it reads about 7 Volts AC. (The
meter is reading volts RMS instead of peak to peak, and 7V RMS is approx.
equal to 10V pp).
Dave Bradley
Principal Software Engineer
Engineering Animation, Inc.
daveb@...