Fairlight-CMI

Thanks so much for the great response! Your list of features is impressive… So I am curious to know what kind of package you would like this system to be in…? Are you thinking separate components like the existing CMI's, or perhaps something different?

My thoughts are varied… Here's a couple idea to get everyone's wheels turning:

An integrated keyboard version, something like the Korg Oasys or Arturia Origin, perhaps crossed with a workstation from Open Labs (like the Neko)... Something that would take the traditional CMI components and combine them into a single unit. This would definitely satisfy the "presence" quotient.

Or a more minimal design, like a 1 or 2 unit rackmount "engine" with an external control surface. Thinking of a notepad-like touch screen (complete with stylus/lightpen) that could rest on your lap… Engine could connect to your computer for data storage and interfacing to existing hardware. This would satisfy the "tactile" element of using a CMI.

I like the idea of the Series IV being something practical & functional, yet completely different in appearance than what is out there today.  But it goes without saying that it needs to be white or crème in color ;).

C'mon gang! Let get some positive thoughts out there… Share your ideas! Thanks!


--- In Fairlight-CMI@yahoogroups.com, "splitpoint" <splitpoint@...> wrote:
>
> Series 4?  Alright I'll jump in with some of what I'd like to see.
> 
> Lets start off with cost - way under $10k. Whether that needs to be a standalone device or hardware pci-e plugin to a pc to meet that price is up to the engineers.  Series IV should continue in the tradition as the ultimate sampling workstation and should support sampling, sequencing and resynthesis.  The system should be expandable so more power could be added as necessary.
> 
> Fairlight sound - Should be able to sound like series I-III (crunchy) but also sound as pristine as the xynergi.  
> 
> Resynthesis should be updated to compete with Kyma.
> 
> I'd like to see something like Korg's wavesequencing with user created samples.
> 
> Interface should be intuitive and fast to use.  This is key.  All of this stuff can be done already today using existing DAW's and vst plugins but it is clunky and not fast intuitive.  I think that is what systems like the Fairlight, Synclavier, and Waveframe had going for them.  You could do everything in one piece of hardware/software interface and not have to kludge a bunch of tools together to get your job done.  Integration is key.
> 
> I want to see support for multi-terabyte sized sample libraries. The system should support a database for cataloging and searching sounds and some method for tracking samples on backup/archive media.
> 
> Memory - the system should support multiple gigabytes of RAM and also support playback of samples direct from disk.
> 
> Filtering - I'd like to be able to choose from a selection of filters for various special effects.
> 
> I'd like to see support for some kind of 3rd party plugin system/api so that the system can be expanded with new forms of synthesis and effects.
> 
> That should get you started...
>