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From: tynor@uiucuxc.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.music
Subject: Re: Synthesizer Query - (nf)
Message-ID: <30800022@uiucuxc.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 28-Jun-84 22:14:00 EDT
Article-I.D.: uiucuxc.30800022
Posted: Thu Jun 28 22:14:00 1984
Date-Received: Sun, 1-Jul-84 06:20:14 EDT
References: <894@ihuxw.UUCP>
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Nf-ID: #R:ihuxw:-89400:uiucuxc:30800022:000:1762
Nf-From: uiucuxc!tynor    Jun 28 21:14:00 1984

#R:ihuxw:-89400:uiucuxc:30800022:000:1762
uiucuxc!tynor    Jun 28 21:14:00 1984

 Actually I think that the JX3P (as well as most other synthesizers
 with 'digital oscillators') uses a form of 'table lookup.'  This works
 as follows:  imagine a string of numbers representing the amplitude of
 a waveform.   the table for a sawtooth might look like:
  
    0 1 2 3 4 5 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 etc.

 Actually, only one period of the waveform is really needed (ie. 0 to
 -1)  The table is not necessarily sampled one number after another. 
 It may skip one or two (or 2 1/2... here we get into interpolation
 problems...)  the rate at which it samples the table is dependent on
 both the dac (digital to analog converter) sample rate and the
 frequency of the desired pitch.  It's a simple way to simulate a
 waveform.

 After you create the sawtooth, the JX3P (and again, most other
 synthesizers on the market...) the signal is routed through a filter.
 the effect of this filter is to *subtract* harmonics.  So actually
 the JX3P is an example of a synthesizer that uses Subtractive
 Synthesis.

 I like the JX3P. It might be a good synthesizer if you don't plan on
 doing too much of your own programming. If you do, however, you'll
 probably want to add the clip-on programmer (It makes tweaking the
 parameters a heck of a lot easier) It also makes the JX3P a couple
 hundered dollars more expensive.

 Also. listen to the Yamaha DX-7.  As a pianist, you'll like the extra
 control available due to its velocity sensitive keyboard.  And the
 sound beats everything else I've listened too.  If only the price
 would come down (Rock steady $1995... no deals.  It's a hot item and
 Yamaha is having a hard time keeping up)

	Steve Tynor    
	      
	     ihnp4!uiucdcs!uiucuxc!tynor 
             University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana