>There is some new info of the impending frequency shifter. The drawing on
>the site is a mockup, but it does represent the current prototype. The big
>change is the local quadrature oscillator is now uC based, but everything
>else is still analog. The audio path is completely analog.
That sounds good. I'm all for increasing carrier suppression. That is the
most important consideration. I do not see why it would be necessary to
use an analogue oscillator, as it's not meant to be heard. While the
entire thing could be done in DSP, I believe that keeping an all analogue
signal path will improve both its sound quality and its resale value (since
it cannot be duplicated in software).
>The new changes from the unit at NAMM (besides the inclusion of a uC) is
>through-zero shifting and the quadrature oscillator's two outputs are
>available for general use.
Imho, having at least one oscillator output is necessary in order to be
able to tune the frequency shifter, and to do various parlour tricks.
Having both outputs is even better as it can then be used as a stand-alone
quadrature oscillator as well, which is a useful module in and of itself.
Afaik, MOTM does not yet offer a self-resonating filter with separate
outputs, which is the "traditional" way of generating sines in quadrature.
So with the inclusion of through-zero shifting, this new hybrid seems to be
a vast improvement over the previous design.
>They also have output level controls
I do not think that is necessary, and pots are expensive.
>and LEDs that show the intensity of the oscillator.
Yes, LED's could be useful to indicate activity at the beginning of the
infrasonic range, and when using it as a quadrature oscillator.
>All comments are welcome. The graphics are not set in stone yet. What you
>see is a mockup.
I agree that having controls for both initial and fine shift is very
important -- imho, it would be nearly impossible to adjust the entire
frequency range with only one knob.
What scale is the CV input?? Perhaps two inputs, one exponential and one
linear, would be much more useful, and more within the expectations of
oscillator control used by the MOTM system.
Also, if you wanted to make the oscillator uniquely useful in and of itself
(whether or not it is being used with the frequency shifter), perhaps an
input could be added so that it can be driven by the edge of an incoming
pulse. That way, everything from a quadrature LFO synced to an incoming
clock, to exact shifting equal to the pitch of a 300, would be possible.
No other module can do this, as I believe that it is simply not possible
using analogue.
Since the oscillator is already digital, it may be practical to add one or
more features only possible in the digital realm. Otoh, I have no idea
whether this would be a simple matter of adding a jack and few lines of
code, or a huge PITA.
>About the schedule: It is still unclear as to a specific ship date (it's
>getting close). I am wrapping up the SurfaceOne design and that is taking a
>LOT of time. That's the cause of the snail's pace on this frequency
>shifter.
Don't worry, they say patience is a virtue, so we MOTM users are like
saints compared the unwashed hordes clamoring over their 1/8" jacks :)