MOTM

hi all,

Okay, I've been on this list since May, and own three of Mr. Paul's modules, but I can safely say that I still know little about subtractive analog synthesis outside of how to build the most basic patch to create a simple voice.

I bought Mark Vail's "Vintage Synthesizers" book, so I *do* know about all of the manufacturers and types of synths.

But I was wondering if anyone can offer advice on books and websites that offer detailed research on subtractive synthesis? ...because honestly, alot of the stuff that we discuss is still a little over my head (I didn't take any EE classes in college).

I found a few good urls so far like David Marshall's "Basic Sound Synthesis" (http://www.fortunecity.com/emachines/e11/86/synth1.html) but what I would really like is a book that I could always have handy without having to go online, I don't like online research that much.

And how hard is it to understand analog synthesis without knowing how to read schematics?

It's just that when building the MOTM kits, I follow the directions, and everything works fine, but I want to know why I'm soldering this resistor to this certain location.

thank ya,

  -Bob

2 Valuable resources for the synthesis part:

www.emu.com

click Archives, then look for the EMU Modular Owner's Manual. 88page PDF
that applies to MOTM as well.

www.wizoo.com

look for the Guide to Analog Synthesis (about $30). Nice, straightforward
generic walk-through.

As far as the electrical side: this is tough. MOTM is the distillation of 6
years of college and 27 years of experience :)
Each kit has a 'low level' explanation in the Theory of Operation section.

I encourage you to read it while looking at the schematics. Ask questions to
the list. Most public libraries have
100s of donated EE books that are NEVER looked at. Look for books published
by TAB or Howard Sams. These
are from the 70s and 80s (the heyday of DIY) and are written at a basic
level.

Paul S.

I'm glad to see someone recommending the library (guess where I work 
;-) ) Chances are that you can find books on subtractive synthesis at 
your local library as well. I just borrowed a copy of Allen Strange's 
Electronic Music, which is considered by many to be the 'bible' of 
modular synthesis. (After reading this book I might actually vote in 
Paul's next poll) If you find a book at your library that you feel you 
have to own, you can get on the web and find it for sale (new or 
used). 

The Whizoo book does cover all the basics, but I think it is a bit on 
the pricey side for what it does cover. I downloaded the Emu manual; 
it is very useful and you can't argue with the price :-)

Mr. Nezumi


--- In motm@y..., "Paul Schreiber" <synth1@a...> wrote:

Most public libraries have
> 100s of donated EE books that are NEVER looked at. Look for books 
published
> by TAB or Howard Sams. These
> are from the 70s and 80s (the heyday of DIY) and are written at a 
basic

> level.
> 
> Paul S.

I got a copy of the ARP 2600 owner's manual from Jim Michmerhuizen 
(jamzen@...), who wrote it. Cost $25, and is a great overview 
of synthesis technique.

I also have a Hal Leonard book (GPI Publishing Co) called Synthesizer 
Technique, published 1987, that has a lot of Keyboard Magazine articles 
on synthesis from the 70s and 80s. Articles written by Bob Moog, Roger 
Powell, Patrick Gleeson, Craig Anderton, etc. About $15.

Can't help with the EE part.

nate

>hi all,
>
>Okay, I've been on this list since May, and own three of Mr. Paul's 
>modules, but I can safely say that I still know little about subtractive 
>analog synthesis outside of how to build the most basic patch to create a 
>simple voice.
>
>I bought Mark Vail's "Vintage Synthesizers" book, so I *do* know about all 
>of the manufacturers and types of synths.
>
>But I was wondering if anyone can offer advice on books and websites that 
>offer detailed research on subtractive synthesis? ...because honestly, 
>alot of the stuff that we discuss is still a little over my head (I didn't 
>take any EE classes in college).
>
>I found a few good urls so far like David Marshall's "Basic Sound 
>Synthesis" (http://www.fortunecity.com/emachines/e11/86/synth1.html) but 
>what I would really like is a book that I could always have handy without 
>having to go online, I don't like online research that much.
>
>And how hard is it to understand analog synthesis without knowing how to 
>read schematics?
>
>It's just that when building the MOTM kits, I follow the directions, and 
>everything works fine, but I want to know why I'm soldering this resistor 
>to this certain location.
>
>thank ya,
>
>  -Bob
>
>
>
>
> 
>
>Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ 
>

I just downloaded the Emu pdf file, and from a quick once-over, it looks like it has almost everything that I'm looking for.  The manual has nice details about every module, and how each one patches into another.  

Now hopefully I'll find a new job soon and be able to afford to buy some more modules.  ;)

Library, eh?  I remember those buildings!  For some reason that never came into mind.

-Bob

On Mon, 03 September 2001, "Paul Schreiber" wrote:

> 
> 2 Valuable resources for the synthesis part:
> 
> www.emu.com
> 
> click Archives, then look for the EMU Modular Owner's Manual. 88page PDF
> that applies to MOTM as well.
> 
> www.wizoo.com
> 
> look for the Guide to Analog Synthesis (about $30). Nice, straightforward
> generic walk-through.
> 
> As far as the electrical side: this is tough. MOTM is the distillation of 6
> years of college and 27 years of experience :)
> Each kit has a 'low level' explanation in the Theory of Operation section.
> 
> I encourage you to read it while looking at the schematics. Ask questions to
> the list. Most public libraries have
> 100s of donated EE books that are NEVER looked at. Look for books published
> by TAB or Howard Sams. These
> are from the 70s and 80s (the heyday of DIY) and are written at a basic
> level.
> 
> Paul S.