I received an email from Grant - hope he doesn't
mind me forwarding this to the group.
That pretty much answers my questions directly
:)
I thought the Omni filter sounded familar, but much
better, way way better! :)
----- Original Message -----
From: Grant Richter
To: CoolColJ
Sent: Wednesday, November 21, 2001 1:23 AM
Subject: Re: Wiard modular
Thank you for your interest in Wiard Synthesizer.
Wiard currently has 8 modules in production. Delivery times vary based on parts availability. The Waveform City is currently being redesigned to add additional features. There is a slightly longer wait for Borg Filters and Envelators while new faceplates arrive.
The modules which can ship with the shortest lead times are the Woggle Bug, Omni-Filter, Mixolator, Sequantizer and Classic VCO.
As far as the Omni-Filter goes, it is a design based on a discrete implementation of the CEM3320 integrated filter chip. The integrated designs support more features than traditional discrete designs. The Omni-Filter supports "constant Q" design where the regeneration is varied with frequency. This helps to maintain bass response though out the spectrum. Also the feedback phase is positive, which means gain at the cutoff frequency increases while gains at other frequencies remain at unity. This also helps preserve bass response at higher Qs.
While I am not qualified to speak on the subjective merits of filters (I only seem to hear the underlying topology and all 4 pole filters sound the same to me), the engineering design was selected to preserve bass response at increased resonance.
I hope this helps to answer your questions.
Best Regards,
Grant Richter
Wiard Synthesizer