The Perfect Monosynth...
From the original Analog Industries archive. Some links and images from that era no longer resolve.
While it’s generally accepted as a truism that either the Korg MS20 or the Moog MiniMoog is the perfect monosynth, in this modern world we live in, both are horribly behind the times.
The reason I bring this up is that a side project I’m working on in my spare time involves creating a monosynth. The platform is fairly limited, so I can’t put in every feature under the sun. As such, I have to limit it to about the same number of features as a MiniMoog, give or take a few. I’ve used the Source as the starting point of my topology, so two multi-wave oscillators plus a noise source through a LPF. Envelopes for LPF and Amp, and a single LFO.
What would you add to/remove from this topology to make it t3h awesome?
28 comments
Monosynth by committee = modular synth
One of my filters (MOTM 440, their version of an SSM2040 filter) has a bass boost that happens when you increase resonance. That's a really cool feature. It's switchable but I always leave it on. Either that, or a hipass so you can make squeaky thin stuff.
Oh, and overdrive. And, and... (see what I mean?)
There's no such thing as design-by-committee in my world. I'm open to suggestions, but as I'm the one doing it...
-CR
A 3rd oscillator, if you can swing it.
Sub-oscillators are cheap, in the analog world (not cheap digitally).
Filter FM is always nice, and is cheap in analog - a dedicated pot. Otherwise, a good nonlinear filter topology like the ms20 will cover much of the same ground.
just so i'm clear on this.. you're building a monosynth from scratch? hardware? or is this software project in max/msp?
FM, cross modulation, ringmod.. flexible modulation routings... audio rate modulation of the filter can be cool. adds a nice bite
a hold stage on the envelope can be useful too. looping envelope? modulate the modulators?
Is this hardware of software? (wrote this before I looked at boobs, which I am totally with)
It is software, not hardware, but the device it runs on is quite limited, CPU-wise, so I can't just put anything in that pleases my fancy. It's not a plug-in.
-CR
No blue LEDs. Other than that, I'm with boobs.
Oh software. Hmm. 8-bit video random pattern generator output (ala Atari Video Music) synced to the LFO?
OK, digital:
Do you have enough memory for an ensemble-type chorus?
Also, Antti with the Finnish last name has a digital version of the MS20 filter in his MS thesis. Might be useful.
Arpeggiator!
How important is an arpeggiator on a synth that has no keyboard, honestly? Every DAW has one, and it adds an order of magnitude, complexity-wise. I'm just not a fan, I guess.
-CR
12db hi pass filter. osc synchronisation. s+h.
n.d
I agree with FM/X-Mod. Either a 3rd Osc for this, or a 2nd LFO that is able to reach well into the audio range. 3rd EG for modulation duty. Maybe a dedicated LFO for PWM. Portamento (if not already added), auto bend? That is kinda fun on my SH-1. Maybe the 3rd EG could be a simple A/D type. (pun fully intended)
And make it look like the Pro-One =o]
Yes, Sync as well. Forgot aboot that one.
Who said a DAW was necessarily involved? I figured this was for people jamming on an ipad or something. By the same token, I'd point out that if someone is using a DAW, then why bother with this hypothetical softsynth that runs on such a low cpu device in the first place? Of course, I don't subscribe to that viewpoint. Just sayin'.
Whatever. Fuck the arpeggiator, then. Carry on...
PWM is a must . Hard sync . Multi filter flavors would be great : sem , korg 35 , wasp lp . Detune in cents , maybe a sub osc too .
It's an iOS app ?
I'd imagine that it's a Linux synth made for the http://beagleboard.org/
It really depends on the quality of the sound and the intent of the synth.
The topology you describe is fine if the intent of the synth is basic 2 osc synth stuff AND if the sound is GREAT.
Simplest improvement is addition of digital waveshapes to the oscs. Maybe allow the user to draw single-cycle waves.
If the osc/filters aren't sounding AWESOME, you could improve the topology by some combination of
- Adding a 2nd LFO
- Adding multiple modulation routings (osc to osc, LFO to everything, etc.)
- Multiple waves for the LFO(s)
- As many filter variations as you can fit in (HPF, bandpass, vocal, comb, etc.)
Another vote for sync on the good 'ol oscillators
But really it should feel very snappy and somehow 'playable' that's how good monosynths getz downz
So I suppose have a good modulation matrix on how things go around with lots of flexible options (and some nifty subtle slightly random stuff going on under the hood)
In software-land like a cross between Minimonsta & Poly Kb with less annoying interfaces (loose the wood) but with same tweak & freak factor.
Most of what I'd like has been covered - but wrapped up in a convenient package - a sub osc, portamento, sync, 2 lfos... or 1 lfo and 1 filter envelope.
external audio input might be too difficult, but maybe a simple output > input feedback path (as suggested earlier) would be easy enough to implement?
automated cycling through of the available wave-shapes (ala C64 SID) should be cheap to do, and add some different textures.
saw on twitter that CR has been experimenting with the beagleboard. there may be some compelling reason to use that platform, but given the similar horsepower of the current ipod touch, i'd think an iOS app would be the way to go. especially since you get built-in interface hardware and a large hardware user base for not much more money. an ipod touch size UI might be cramped, but an ipad version could be decent.
curious to see the result in any case.
ed
my 2c;
noise source
FM or ringmod of oscillators
multimode filter
aux envelope assignable to osc 1 and/or 2 pitch
powdered remains of bob moog sprinkled on pots to add genuine analog 'scratchiness'.
Auto Portamento (I think this is what it's called) where it only does a portamento action when two midi notes are pressed at the same time. Having just a portamento knob which is always is not enough.
having just a portamento knob wish is always *ON* is just not enough
Limited CPU?
Audio path := simple
Envelope/control/LFO := insane options, crazy control, whacked-out sequencing
Add a Rungler - as in the Benjolin
I always like the duophonic oscillators on the Sonic 6. It adds a TON of interesting playability.
Also; something about boobs.
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