Fairlight-CMI

Peter,

You asked: 

>What do you think it is about the CMI that makes it so special, and
does that still apply today?<

First of all: The sound. I have had the luxurious position to test
almost every sampler and many synths that exist and I found that the
Fairlight IIx is a class of it's own. The things this baby can do in
the low frequency range is simply breathtaking. Even nowadays there is
nothing that can keep up with it I think. Also the sound is very much
alive. Take arr1. hit a chord and put it on hold than sit back in an
easy chair and enjoying this for an hour is no problem at all. Yes,
this still applies today.


My reference for the sound used to be (and still is): Art of Noise for
the IIx and Yello for the series III.... 

It must be said that it matters a lot what kind of speaker system is
used to listen. A good headset is okay too, but I prefer a good
speaker set. My favorites are JBL L-150. They are very capable to
reveal fantastic detailed low frequencies.

What makes the IIx special too: The way it looks and feels to work
with. This also still applies today.

Also I like to mention the structure and possibilities the IIx offers
as a synthesizer. 8 bit resolution makes far more sense when drawing
waveforms compared to 16 bit. Also special is how the IIx makes you
adjust samplerate so each frame has one wavecycle. This makes it a
very powerfull wavetable synth. Playing with loop start and length is
fantastic. Harmonic envelopes.... fantastic also. Very interesting is
the "plot" mode, which creates peaks. Sounds like crickets,
insects........ Very nice.. Heck, the IIx can even do advanced LA
synthesis....
Sit behind this baby and you are set for a journey of great fun every
time.

Is a CMI still special in todays world (2008)?

Systems I, II and IIx : Yes VERY special even.
System III : I guess yes, but have to work with it first to test it,
so I leave that up to other list members that own one.

Would a IV be a desired product? Yes!
If it can reproduce the exact same sound, it would become a very
desired product in my opinion. I would probably get one.....

Regards,

Peter Kersten.





--- In Fairlight-CMI@yahoogroups.com, "Peter Vogel" <peter.vogel@...>
wrote:
>
> At this stage it's just an idea, although I'm confident it can be
done very
> well using the CC-1. The question is how many people would pay say
$5,000
> for this, when you can buy other soft synths much cheaper.  I would
need to
> be confident that there is a signifcant market to justify the
investment in
> developing it. 
>  
> What do you think it is about the CMI that makes it so special, and does
> that still apply today? 
> 
> 
>   _____  
> 
> From: Fairlight-CMI@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:Fairlight-CMI@yahoogroups.com]
> On Behalf Of Laurent/LIFELIKE
> Sent: Thursday, 6 November 2008 7:59 AM
> To: Fairlight-CMI@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [Fairlight-CMI] Fairlight CMI series IV?
> 
> 
> 
> Hi Peter 
> 
> 
> As a professional composer in electronic music i can tell you that there
> would be a lot of people interested in that kind of emulation.
> Also you're right with software update, its possible to push further the
> concept while using the power of
> today's dsp etc...
> I guess a 24/32 tracks would be fantastic, and on the other hand the
> possibility to switch from a FIIX to a III in terms of the sound i mean
> would be really cool.
> Are you really working on this ? If its possible to get involved in this
> project i would be glad to help.
> Best
> 
> Laurent Ash
> --
> 
> 
> Le 5 nov. 08 à 20:32, Peter Vogel a écrit :
> 
> 
> Hi Laurent,
> 
> Yes, I would think the CC-1 could do a huge number of tracks. How
many would
> you like?
> 
> It would use exactly the same variable frequency technology as the CMI.
> 
> The sound would be identical, except there would be an option to
turn off
> the "special" sound if you want, so you just get clean samples.
> 
> And of course the CMI emulation would be just one task running on
the PC so
> you can still run your other favourite toys in a different window.
> 
> Peter 
> 
> ________________________________
> 
> From: Fairlight-CMI@ <mailto:Fairlight-CMI%40yahoogroups.com>
> yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:Fairlight-CMI@ <mailto:Fairlight-CMI%40yahoogroups.com>
> yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Laurent LEMAIRE
> Sent: Thursday, 6 November 2008 5:29 AM
> To: Fairlight-CMI@ <mailto:Fairlight-CMI%40yahoogroups.com>
yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [Fairlight-CMI] Fairlight CMI series IV?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Hello Peter,
> 
> I think your project is very interesting. Does this mean that the
> CC1 
> would be
> able to emulate the variable frequency technology used in the CMI ? 
> And play
> many voices in parallel ?
> 
> Regards.
> 
> Laurent.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> <winmail.dat>
>