Here would be some things I would like to see in an MOTM vocoder:
## Wide range, not limited to vocal range;
## However, certain niceties catered to vocal processing, such as the
standard sibilance bypass for consonants/plosives;
## Access points for the individual bands on both the spectrum encoder and
decoder sides - it's gotta be modular, right?;
## I wonder what variable slopes on the bands would sound like? Is 'tighter'
better for all applications?;
## The ability to cross-wire the 1-to-1 relationship between the bands on
the two halves. For instance, to flip the spectrum so that higher tones on
the decoding side affect lower tones on the encoding side. That way it
becomes a flexible, generic spectral cross-modulator, not just a simple
1-to-1 imposition of one spectrum on another.
If voltages can be tapped off the individual envelope follower outputs, then
these voltages could conceivably be encoded as MIDI continuous controller
messages and be recorded with an off-board V-to-MIDI encoder. Hmm, has that
ever been done before?
With access to the Encoder-side bands, the unit could be used as a big VCA
bank, perfect for modulating with a Shepard Function Generator, or perhaps
to play with a little pseudo-additive synthesis via a bank of EGs.
At the very least, access to the VCAs would allow flexible pre-biasing and
altering of the carrier/encoder side for interesting effects using the other
modules.
Perhaps the number of bands could be reduced while still keeping it detailed
by making the filter banks parametric? That way the bands can be positioned
in the spectrum depending on the use it's being put to (i.e., vocal range)
while reducing overall cost. I dunno, maybe that brings its own problems to
the table.
Ultimately, it would be nice if it worked stand-alone as a vocoder, but
still opened itself up fully to be useful as a component of the modular,
too. Maybe the vocoder proper is in a relatively Spartan package with a
"breakout panel" that can be added with a wire harness to give access to the
patch points, available separately.
-----Original Message-----
From: Paul Schreiber [mailto:
synth1@...]
Sent:Thursday, 16 March, 2000 8:33 AM
To:MOTM listserv
Subject:[motm] Vocoder plans?
From: "Paul Schreiber" <
synth1@...>
JH & I are just "tire-kicking" the vocoder idea. We are NOT trying to
rip-off EMS! Rather, just
in the info-gathering stages.
The MOTM plan is NOT to be in the $600 range, but more like the $1400 range.
There is just
too much R&D and parts. it would be 90% assembled, like the MOTM-900 is.
Mostly SMT, due
to the vast number of parts (like 280 op amps!) It will need it's own
supply.
Also, there are many, ∗many∗ tradeoffs. The much-touted Sennheiser uses 40
bands (not very
sophisticated filterd, a 2-transistor BP) but is hand-tweaked! Also, it is
set for "best response"
for vocals, not necessarily a wide range.
And then it has 138 panel controls...........hmm......
But then again, only 60 were made at $18,000ea (the current price is
$5000-$7000).
Not really interested in a "small" PAiA/MAM 11-band for $600. Why? Ask
anybody that owns one.
They do "work", but if you are really into Kraftwerk-type quality, ∗AIN'T
GONNA HAPPEN∗ with
the low-end stuff.
If we DO decide, then we will ask for $500 deposits to get the R&D effort
off the ground.
<Paul S>
------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAXIMIZE YOUR CARD, MINIMIZE YOUR RATE!
Get a NextCard Visa, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as
0.0% Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees.
Apply NOW!
http://click.egroups.com/1/2122/2/_/529958/_/953213495/------------------------------------------------------------------------