> Date: Mon, 1 Sep 2014 15:07:32 +0100
> From: [email protected]
> To: [email protected]
> Subject: Re: [LAD] Software sound
>
> Hi Nick,
> Sounds interesting, but also rather vague.
Vague? Yeah, I could go along with that. The thing is, how do you describe a
sound quality in words? I have heard people compare filter variants as
'fruitier' or 'squelchier' than others.
Whatever words do it for you, take them. The alternative is not that difficult:
rig up a synth that can select between Chamberlain and other filter algorithms
and listen to them. They all have really different qualities and personally I
don't think it is as simple as adding sub-harmonics.
> If the differences between Moog and Chamberlin are subtle, then Moog isn't
> worth its extra CPU cycles.
Again, you have to decide that for yourself, I would definitely rate Fons' and
Huovillainen's algorithms as more than worth the extra CPU but I accept that it
is subjective. There are plenty of cases where using a Chamberlain in a synth
that is buried in the mix will hide its deficiencies. Use it as a solo/lead
instrument and it will be lacking.
> 'Warmth' depends on the lower harmonics. If you are aiming for warmth then
> start with a base signal with more lower harmonics, e.g. a square wave i.s.o.
> a pulse. Also equalizing and a suitable
> amplifier are important. And the ultimate way to get warmth is to add a small
> amount of 1/2 or 2/3 harmonics. In software this is easy, for real
> instruments it's impossible!
I don't think this really works, it is akin to just lowering the input signals
by some given divisor. It does not address the non-linear aspects of the filter
and it does not address how the irregularities of the filter change over the
cut-off range whilst it is being driven by a modulation signal
(env/pressure/etc) - these are both aspects of the above algorithms that are
not addressed by Chamberlain filters.
Can't help you with your questions on input signals, frequencies, etc. I don't
have them and I refer back to describing a sound as to whether these parameters
are relevant. I used to be a musician playing in bands, then later started
writing software. A few years down the line I used to records stuff, look/edit
the sampled waves and got to the point where I would think 'man, you have to
come and look at this sound!'
At that point I gave up on being a musician. When I stopped getting my ears
around the sound then making music lost much of its charm.....
Nick
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