> Now, if you ∗were∗ going to do a synth chip, it would probably make sense to
> take advantage of modern packaging technology, spend more up front in design,
> verification, and layout, and end up with some monster PQFP (plastic quad
> flat pack) or BGA (ball grid array) chip that has several hundred lines running
> into and out of it for 20 EG's, 4 VCO's, 4 VCF's, etc, etc. Or, heck, do a VCF
> chip that represents 10 of the most popular VCF's all on the same chip.
>
>something like this would be very interesting assuming there was someone
>skilled enough and with access to the right design tools -- 16 eg`s on a chip
>or some complex filter topologies -- but i can`t imagine it being inexpensive
>to design and do a run -- $100k - ?
>still, it might be the way to go for a company with the resources and the
>vision.
Alesis essentially put an analog synth on a chip with the new
Andromeda. The EGs are digitally controlled of course, but the
oscillators, filters, and VCAs are 100% analog and all on the
same chip. I'd say the unit sounds similar to CEM synths ala
JP6, later Bit Ones, etc. Not as fat as a P5rev2 or memorymoog,
but certainly analog. I think it'd be fun to build a module around
one of those chips.....
-Cary