The Yamaha AN1x Synthesizer mailing list

I agree with Peter : you can build a decent analog mono synthesizer with 
"off the shelf" inexpensive ICs, there are some projects available on 
the net. Take a look at the Paia "Fatman" and all the possible mods . 
But you need a rather good electronic background to understand how these 
humble devices work if you want to try more than the basic Fatman. 
Others such as Doepfer sell modular kits : all you need is a basic 
hobbyist knowledge (how to make solders, read a schematic diagram).
A polysynth is something possible but would be difficult for a hobbyist 
because of the micro controller programming (for the keyboard interface) 
and the huge amount of ICs necessary (one voice = VCO + VCA + VCF + LFO 
+ at least one ADSR). The dedicated ICs such as the famous Curtis are no 
longer available or at an excessive price. Only for very skilled and 
wealthy hobbyists !
IMHO the "real analog sound" is somewhere a myth. OK, if you listen to a 
big Moog or a Pro 5 or other famous monsters of the past, it sounds 
good, but not without some additional effects (spring reverb, tape 
delay, analog phasing and other vintage stuff...). And not all the 
analog synths sound like a modular Moog or an ARP.... but all of them 
were unreliable !
Cheers
J.F.

Peter Korsten a �crit :
>
> Op 13-6-2010 15:48, Paul T schreef:
>
> > yes indeed. I'm not talking about 'me' though, I'm talking about the 
> mass market synthesizer 'scene' which was the topic, it's about what 
> yamaha does next not about what we can do now (I've got enough synths 
> for now anyway in some analog). :)
>
> Sure, but the issue there is that making pure analogue synths is
> expensive, even when mass-produced, when compared to digital (virtual
> analogue) synthesis. So that's why the DIY route probably offers the
> most prospects, if you insist on going 'true' analogue.
>
> - Peter
>
>