On 3/7/04, konkuro put forth:
>This design has ample space on the front panel for another jack and
>control, so why Encore chose not to add a combined up/downshift
>output and mix control like the Doepfer has, I don't know. It would
>have been easy to do and quite convenient.
I'm thinking it would have added to the cost, put knobs in the way of
other knobs, and is easily done with other modules. Also, if you are
going to sum them, then you might as well use a ring mod. Besides,
if Doepfer has them it's probably a bad idea :)
>It's great to have the sine and cosine waves available as a bonus
>feature and they are quite useful. But because they are digitally
>derived, they have a definite "stepped" quality at low frequencies,
>which can be annoying in some situations. Slew limiters will fix
>this "problem" easily enough, but it's still kind of annoying.
Tony mentions this in the documentation, but I haven't noticed it
myself, except when using it as a "VCO".
>The range is another thing that is a tad disappointing. The control
>voltage is 0 to 5 volts. Anything below or above that range has no
>effect. And a full five volts only causes about a 500 Hz shift!
>That small range makes the input attenuator almost superfluous.
I agree that the CV sweep should have been wider, but I do not
consider the the input attenuator at all superfluous -- it's very
useful for when you only want a subtle modulation, especially with
small amounts of initial shift. However, considering that most of
the MOTM mod sources are bipolar, it would be nice if it had a
reversible attenuator that accepted negative voltages.
>Indeed, the CV input should more accurately be
>called a "modulation input." The doepfer FS offers a much wider and
>more useful range of sweep. While I'm at it, a 1V/Oct CV in would
>have been really nice, as it would allow you to play tuned noise, etc.
I agree. I do not know why it can't be set for 1V/Oct. Otoh, while
the Doepfer might have a wider range of CV sweep, I wouldn't call it
"more useful" as the Doepfer can only go down to 50Hz!! It has
significant carrier bleed, yet can't go below the audible range --
utterly useless, imho.
>I could also swear that the Doepfer FS sounds a bit richer than this
>design. Indeed, I remember synthesizing some very realistic gongs
>using the Doepfer, which I've yet been able to do with this Encore--
>but give me time.
Try using the sine or cosine outs to deliberately mix the carrier
with the input.
>THE GOOD PART:
>
>This module rocks!
>
>Although the design will be a merry blue bitch to reformat for
>dotcom, MOTM users will be delighted with the layout. It lacks the
>physical "heft" of MOTM modules, but you are going to mount it, not
>fondle it, if you will pardon the sexual allusion. The circuit
>quality is certainly worthy of MOTM and other fine systems. It's
>QUIET. Best of all, it works wonderfully well. The thing I didn't
>like about the Doepfer design was that it had quite a bit of carrier
>bleedthrough which really detracts from the frequency shifting
>effect. This design significantly suppresses that local oscillator
>tone, so you get an output that is far more refined. Indeed, this
>design has a wonderful clarity of tone to it that is really quite
>appealing.
>
>The stellar specs of the Encore frequency shifter are enough to
>recommend it (especially at $389!) but the quadrature outputs,
>feedback controls and through-zero shifting are enough to make you
>want to offer your firstborn to it. Who could blame Robert Rich for
>having a glorp orgy with his Encore demos? This design invites--nay,
>DARES you to patch it in exotic ways for hours on end. If this isn't
>one of the most versatile frequency shifters on the market, I'll
>cluck like a chicken and eat Fruity Pebbles(TM).
>
>Despite a few minor drawbacks, the Encore Frequency Shifter is a
>refreshingly new design that harnesses a microprocessor to do away
>with legions of trim pots and the problems thereto while offering
>superior stability, SNR and carrier rejection. It's a very high
>quality design that I predict could eventually outsell all others and
>was well worth the wait. You won't have to wait to get it, though--
>Encore is extremely prompt with shipping and responsive to inquires.
>Talk about a winning combo!
I agree :)