From: WKWINKEL@ibm.rz.uni-passau.de
Subject: Re: Discussion on PC based Synthesizer/Sampler
Organization: University of Passau - Germany
Date: Mon, 14 Dec 1992 09:43:01 GMT

In article <1992Dec14.080842.25253@Informatik.TU-Muenchen.DE>
lieblm@Informatik.TU-Muenchen.DE (Martin Liebl) writes:
 
>
>
>
>Hi all you Computer/Music Freaks !
>
>With all this multimedia stuff being announced these days, I am carrying the
>idea of a PCM-synthesizer completely based on PC hard- and software, and would
>like to hear any opinions on this subject.
>
>Now here's my idea:
>Since today's synthesizers are (mostly) based on digital algorithms, it should
>be possible to realize such device completely based on a PC hardware with an
>additional D/A-converter (e.g. Soundblaster or similar card) and the software
>to compute the sound.
>More exactly:
>I get some input from a connected midi keyboard (note on/off, aftertouch, etc.);
>I take some sample stuff (PCM) and transform it according to the midi input
>(pitch transpose, modulation, etc. ). Then I change it by several algorithms
>for filtering, envelope, etc. ; after doing this for all the played notes, I
>merge the whole thing and send it out through a D/A-converter.
>If one can do this, I already have got a preset sampler like a U220 or a proteus.
>Extending it by algorithms for e.g. effect processing, waveshaping,
>wavesequencing or whatever, one should be able to rebuild any kind of today's
>synthesizers; even FM should be possible with a different concept.
>Only the speed of the CPU decides, how many voices or different sound patches
>I can play simultaneously.
>I don't know if I'm right, but this is the same like Roland, Korg or Yamaha
>does it, the only difference is not using customized hardware; Peavey tried
>to sell their things on a similar 'open architecture' concept, but no one ever
>heard of new software for this.
>
>Now what would be the problem realizing this, or are there any projects on
>this ???
>The sound quality only depends on the DAC which converts it (besides the lack
>of analog filters or such stuff); but with a turtle beach card the output is
>CD like  (probably not with a Soundblaster).
>How about the computer ?  Memory wouldn't be a problem, but how about the
>necessary CPU speed ? It certainly must be fast, but would a 486 be enough ???
>Do I need customized DSP's to get by ?
>
>I would be delighted to hear some opinions from you!
>Be honest, we all are dreaming of a complete keyboarder's equipment
>only consisting of a master keyboard and a laptop, and not spending $2000 for
>a device which does good pianos, another $2000 for one which is good for
>strings, etc. (and every 3 years throwing it all away because there are new
>modules with even better pianos, even better strings an so on)
>
>Bye,
>                Martin
>
>
>&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
>&&&&&   Martin J. Liebl                                         &&&&&
>&&&&&   Hartstr.17, D-8057 Eching, Germany                      &&&&&
>&&&&&   Email: lieblm@sunbode12.informatik.tu-muenchen.de       &&&&&
>&&&&&   Project: Practical Experiments On Murphy's Law ...      &&&&&
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>
Martin,
have a look (I suppose you already had :) in the latest issue of the
german Keyboards magazine. Softsynth and turbosynth (on mac/atari)
seem to be an aspect of what you mentioned. Maybe those programs
plus a sampler with SCSI Interface would come close to your "dream machine"
 
Regards,
Olaf Winkelhake