Posted by Markus Nentwig on November 14, 1998 at 10:59:50:
In Reply to: Synth Programming Help - WHO: Fooled Again posted by Dan Gardner on November 10, 1998 at 01:34:14:
Hi,
in my opinion you need a real analog synth for real analog sounds.
With the QS, you are fixed on those sounds that you have samples for (either in your QS or on a card).
Since the distinctive sound of analog synths comes from using non-linear effects (for example pitch modulation), a sample player like your QS has not the best 'modeling' approach for those sounds.
Take FM, for example. You simply can't sample some FM synth sounds because playing dynamics (attack velocity) modulates the sound in a way (essentially non-linear) that cannot be approximated by using filter and amplitude envelopes alone.
Synth manufacturers have understood this and are making 'quasi-analog' synths that model the internal mechanics of one (or several) analog synths on a DSP (signal processor).
So if you really want analog sounds and the flexibility that is connected with them, better look out for a 'virtual analog' or a real one.
A book on synth programming will have limited value since the internal architectures of synths vary greatly. Plus, many sounds rely on some synth specific feature (Korg 01: waveshaping, for example).
Don't spend too much time (and money) buying books, in the end you will have to learn for yourself. Work on those sound types that your synth manages well and put the rest aside.
Most sounds simply cannot be programmed on another machine without losing the 'edge' that makes them distinctive.
There has been a course in the german issue of 'Keyboards' on basic synth programming, though.
There is some very interesting sites in the net, though.
Apart from MIDIWORLD, have a look at http://www.synthzone.com, http://harmony-central.com. The best information is available on sample players (like the QS).