MOTM

>
> 5) I also hope to have my Mac app translated into physical hardware in
about
> 10 days. Analog Devices, which
> makes a critical chip for the design, has assured me it won't kill it or
> jack the price up 60% (IT IS A $30 CHIP!).
>
> If the concept proves MOTM-worthy, then this will be the next module after
> the '130. What is it?  Errrrr......let's
> call it a "Timbre Modulator" for now :)  I may have to use a rotary
switch,
> which I *do not like*, but there's no way
> around it. Grrrrr.........
>

So, after perusing the latest Analog Devices ICs, I can't help making the
following conjectures for the Schreiber/Rich/Scholz MOTM module, just for
fun:

1.  Pitch Shifter using AD SamplePort (TM) Sample Rate Converter - These
chips can upshift and downshift sample rates through digital interpolation
and decimation.  Add a 1 volt per octave interface and you could have
exactly
tracking doubled oscillators.  Put in 3, get 6 out!  You could add them
after your filter or VCA and virtually duplicate the entire voice, though
envelopes and fixed formants would have chipmunking effects.  The AD1890
comes in a DIP package and shifts in ranges from 1:2 to 2:1.  The higher
performance AD1896 comes in a surface mount SSOP package but can
shift by 1:8 or 7.75:1.

Note that I'm pulling your leg here.  This WON'T WORK, at least not without
some extensive digital post processing  - I'll give y'all three guesses why.

2.  CSOUND Module - This would be either the most brilliant or stupid idea
in analog modular history.  A programmable digital synthesizer module in an
analog module package.  Uses AD Extended CSOUND and SHARC DSP.
Could be a fixed algorithm, or let you program your own.  Problem is, these
DSP chips only come in QFP or BGA surface mount packages, not exactly
DIY.

3.  Pseudo Analog Shift Register - Uses AD5533 or AD5532 32 channel infinite
sample and hold.  Multiplex the 32 outputs and you've got analog shift
registers
galore and/or an arpeggiator.  Unfortunately, these only come in BGA
packages and also break the $30 price range.

4.  Analog Multiplier/Divider/Exponentiator - Uses AD538 Analog computation
unit to take you beyond ring modulation.

5.  Numerically Controlled Oscillator - AD7008 - Digital phase accumulator
oscillator with sine and cosine lookup tables and 10 bit D/A output.  This
would be pointless, I admit, just buy another MOTM-300 instead and get some
analog warmth.

John Loffink
microtonal@...