Vector Synthesis

[psionic11]

Can vector synthesis be re-created on the Fusion?

From what I understand of it, vector synthesis simply takes several different waveforms, and has some means of controlling their relative volume levels, along with associated filter cutoff, panning, corss-modulating, etc.

Seems to me all this can easily be done using the Fusion's 4 OSCs in the multisample mode. Just use LFO's and ENV's along with other custom mods and you can have bowed bells intertwining with vibratings strings and such.

Or are there other parameters involved, like perhaps wavetable?

[kpr]

You can create one of the famous vector driven sounds type by using the Crossfade function, assign a LFO and set a slow speed. This allows a continued waveform animation and if you use the Autopan this moves also between both channels L and R.

[deweak]

Vector synthesis is basically a dynamic mix between two or four waveforms. The wavetables used by the Korg Wavestation or a specific kind of sound generation.

I've tried to use the user drumkits and arpegiators to recreate wavesequences, but it's a hard task and the result is not as flexible as with the Wavestation that stands just on top of my 8HD :-)

[kpr]

Check the Modulation Tables to create rhythmic wavesequences.

[psionic11]

Thanks for the tips. So then, vector synthesis itself is just a fancy name for individually handling multisamples. Cool.

The issue of wavetables or wavesequences is then just an additional feature tacked on to one or two manufacturer's version of 'vector synthesis.'

We had a thread awhile ago on the other forum where we discussed possible ways of implementing wavetables/wavesequencing. Using the Mod Tables definitely came up. I think the best bet is to get multisamples into the Fusion where each sample is a, what do they call it, a 'table' or 'grid' or 'matrix' of simple single-cycle waveforms one after another. I believe on one manufacturer's wave 'table' they had 64 of these waveforms, with the last few being saw/sine/trinagle/pulse waveforms so that you could just direct the machine to play only this waveform in order to emulate vintage subtractive synthesis (the Waldorf series?).

Of course, the Fusion doesn't have a discreet mechanism for reading only certain waveforms in a table and not others, but it does at least have OSC Start points that are somewhat controllable using the mod matrix.

Still, the percolating spectrums of wavetable sequencing can be simulated closely enough by just using carefully orchestrated S&H modulation of the filter cutoffs/volume levels of 4 distinct OSC multisamples, combined with velocity or keytracking control of OSC start points of these wavetables, yes?

Question is, where to get these wavetables...

[psionic11]

As an aside, I remember re-creating a pseudo-wavesequencing effect that Rush used on Camera Eye.

I had a Korg DW-8000, which only had 16 different waveforms, but it did have an assignable slider that I used live to manually cycle through the different waveforms, giving the impression of wavesequencing.

It's a mediocre song overall, but the intro is very catchy... Point is, if the DW8000 did it, I'm sure the Fusion can.

[kpr]

The wavetable technology is a bit different, and this is why Waldorf still had to ask John Bowen and Wolfgang Palm for permission using it for the Blofeld.

Sample Start on the Fusion is limited to the very first fraction of a sample and affects only the initial attack portion, so it is not a big help to simulate VS. Also there is still the lack of the step "sequencer" that allows the organization of any of the waves into a defined row, and this includes the time signature of each step.

So it is a cool idea to find the limits what can be done with the Fusion and what is not possible. The results will always be great sounds, that's for sure. And when using Controllers like Knobs for individual realtime Volume control for the up to 4 OSCs as well as importing such Programs into the Mix Mode and go further with this concept and combine a couple of this kind Programs you can achieve really moving (and tempting) sound creations.

On the other hand I would always prefer to buy a second hand Wavestation SR or AD if it should be "the real thing", they are available for small money. Or at least a Yamaha TG33 just to find out more about the vector potential.

[basementstudio]

Nov 28, 2009 23:42:40 GMT psionic11 said:

It's a mediocre song overall, but the intro is very catchy.

Dude,

Mediocre? That's one of my faves!

BTW, re-created that with a simple VFO tied to a randomized sample/hold with a delayed onset (if I remember correctly). I'd like to share it, actually, along with a couple others I cooked up. Mostly analog ones.

Is there an easy way to extract it from the Fusion Hard Drive and package it for public consumption? I'd like the opinion of others on my attempts (good or bad).

Hope the day goes well. Long live the forum.

Jim