From Guy D2 Sent Sun, Jul 27th 2008, 13:54
Andrew, thanks for the info. I wasn't aware of the PSIM-1. It looks pretty close to what I had in mind, yes. A bit outdated (mainly in UI execution) by now, and somewhat "too technical in its approach" - to my liking at least, but close, yes. How is the aliasing at very low frequencies ? I'll look up the Yahoo group. Thanks again. Can you explain me why this is a "sore point for many people out there" ? Because it's digital ? -gd2 On 27 Jul 2008, at 05:32, Andrew Scheidler wrote: > I know it's a sore point for many people out there, but the PSIM-1 is > exactly what you're talking about. I was looking for this same thing > right about when the first batch of PSIMs were made, and thanks to my > flood of questions and comments to the builder, I ended up with the > sixth one made. Things got very messy after that, with people waiting > a long time for their (pre-paid for) PSIM. Some are still waiting. > > All that aside, the module is cool as hell. It is basically a Atom > processor inside, and 4 input jacks, 4 output jacks and a few buttons > on the outside. There is a seriel port for a computer hook-up, and > you write the software in a version of compiled BASIC. So you're only > limited by your imagination (and your programming skills). > > While you can use it as an LFO or an envelope generator, there are far > better uses for it. My favorite programs are quantizers, sequencers > and other "CV processor"-type things. The CPU isn't fast enough to do > high quality audio things, but it will try... I made a program that > takes audio and reduces it to four bits, then outputs the four bits > (basically very fast gates) at the four output jacks. Mix these back > together and you get some pretty gnarly stuff :) > > There is a Yahoo group (Control Voltage Sources, IIRC) that is > building a "new PSIM" module. If you're interested in this type of > module and are into DIY, you should definitely check out that group. > > Drew > > > On 7/25/08, Matthew Davidson <xxxxxxx@xxxxx.xxx> wrote: >> >> On Jul 25, 2008, at 3:46 PM, Guy D2 wrote: >> >>> Is there a particular reason why the current crop of modulars is >>> not using >> digitally generated CV's for control modules like LFO's, EG's, S/ >> H's and >> similar ? >>> >> >> There are plenty of hybrid designs if you look around. >> >> The Doepfer MCV24 has software ADSRs and LFOs that can be output as >> CV >> >> The Buchla 200e is an extreme hybrid approach, freely converting >> analog to >> digital and back again. The elements exposed to the user is >> primarily analog >> (patch cords and such). >> >> mfb has some designs like the osc-01 that are digital inside, but >> use analog >> CV interfacing >> >> The Blacet/Wiard Miniwave is mostly digital inside, with analog CV >> interfacing >> >> Plan B is producing some hybrid modules. >> >> The AS RS370 polyphonic osc is mainly digital, but with CV >> interfacing >> >> >> Simple circuits like LFOs and S&H's are possibly easier/still cost >> effective >> to remain analog as a primary module. I haven't fallen in love with a >> digital envelope, ever, personally. This is something that is just >> more >> effective as analog for short transients. >> >> But, I do see hybrid designs as a solid future direction for >> modulars. I >> wouldn't mind seeing a digital module for generic slow control >> voltages, >> like LFOs and S&H CVs, etc.. You might be able to pack eight >> outputs of >> programmable voltage thingies in a cost-effective unit. It might >> also be >> easier to create an complex arbitrary break point function in the >> digital >> domain. >>