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scanned synthesis
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| cybernetica |
I just discovered this new method of synthesis which is in my eyes totally awesome and maybe the most intuitive method of synthesis around.
So let me introduce you into the world of scanned synthesis. :P
On a normal synth you have your oscillator, which oscillates a certain waveform. That waveform can be mixed with other waveforms or modulated by a source of modulation. Some new and advanced synths allow you to draw waves yourself, but still none of them is as intuitive and fun to play with as this scanned synthesis.
now picture this:
you have a normal waveform, but then you can hit the waveform with a so called "hammer" which can have different sizes and shapes... then the waveform starts to oscillate in itself, like the surface of a fluid, or much more extreme.
| quote: | | Scanned synthesis involves a slow dynamic system whose frequencies of vibration are below about 15 Hz. The ear cannot hear the low frequencies of the dynamic system. So, to make audible frequencies, the "shape" of the dynamic system, along a closed path, is scanned periodically. The "shape" is converted to a sound wave whose pitch is determined by the speed of the scanning function. Pitch control is completely separate from the dynamic system control. Thus timbre and pitch are independent. This system can be looked upon as a dynamic wave table. The model can be compared to a slowly vibrating string, or a two dimensional surface obeying the wave equation. |
This is the theory of scanned synthesis and a bit hard to understand, but once you try out a Scan Synth you will notice how you can directly affect the oscillation of your oscillator :p ... it works like a charm and I simply couldnt stop playing around.
there are only 2 known synths using that synthesis method so far:
http://www.humanoidsounds.co.uk/products.html
ScannedSynth costs like 90€, theres also a demo version.
http://mdsp.smartelectronix.com/instruments/
This one is free but still a prototype and I dont know when it will be finished, but still I like the extremely intuitive concept of this one far more than the first one.
If you want to play around I really suggest mdsp's ScanSynthGL.
All thats left to say for me now is Enjoy! :) |
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| Jason_R |
Thanks for the info : ) very interesting and indeed intuitive.
You mention there are some synths where you can draw in the wave your self? This also sounds intuitive so if you could give me an example of a synth that can do this I'd appreciate it. |
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| cybernetica |
| At least in NI's Absynth series you can do it. Another synth I know of in which you can draw the waveform yourself is GlassViper. |
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| 3F05Q |
Oh now I feel like an idiot! I didn't realize that you can 'pluck' the string. I mean, I understood the scanning concept, and it's really smart, but shoot, this changes everything! Thanks for the video!
This just begs for a touch-screen.
You should send this video to the guys that made it, they may want to post it up on their site, it's really well done. |
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| pwnage1 |
| Holy . so fun. BUMP!!!! |
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| Fledz |
This + Touchscreen + Live = WIN!
I wanna try :toothless |
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| 3F05Q |
| Alright... So.. by the summer I plan to have a touchscreen implemented into a yamaha midi learning guitar. I'm putting my other alternative midi controllers on hold. Hopefully the developers will help out and provide a fullscreenable GUI. :D |
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| Fledz |
Ok, I just spent 30min with this and it is ing AWESOME!!!
The only bad thing is you can't automate where and when to pluck something, you can only automate the parameters.
That means that to get a good sound I need to record the loop on fly and hope that I land everything perfectly, then add that wav to a project. As you can imagine, that involves a lot of trial and error but when done right, the basslines can be so flowing and great. Or leads, whatever.
I think I might start using this, even though it's a beta. Will come in handy. |
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