Convergent Ideas, Consolidating Research

After many years of research, some consolidation is starting to happen the Model III EMS. Sets of ideas are converging together. In this post, I wanted it chronicle the information at a high-level. Not to dwelve too deeply into any one area, but to provide a gestalt for later reference.

General Nature
  1. "East-Coast" style of synthesizer, where modular patch programming is done to configure sounds. Not interested in performance synthesis.
  2. The compositional work is intended to be layered, serially developed for a sound recording device. Like the instruments of an orchestra playing their parts separately, for an eventual recording of an orchestral score.
  3. As a result, live performance and improvisation is a non-goal; "Bach, not jazz," as I like to say. The score is the stage manager for a rehearsed performance like an opera. When all the instruments are recorded (and later mixed, of course), the "performance" exists. Essentially similar in goals to film scores, which by necessity of the visual medium of film are recorded.
  4. So, polyphony as such is not really a goal, or even a necessary consideration. Nice to have, but not required.
  5. The sound compositions being anticipated are intended to be experimental. As such, a clavier for input articulation is not the only means possible, and other modalites are to be used as well. 
  6. Similarly, exploitation of alternative intontation systems is one of the goals of experimentation, such as just intonation, microtonal scales, and the 43-tone Partch system.
Functionality
  1. Analog continuous time signal generation and processing. Audio frequency signals are generated and processed with analog components using continuous time operation, without sampling aliases or sampling-induced phase delays. 
  2. Enable explorations for New Sound, via unique analog processing concepts that are based on the Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT). An emphasis on the "Sound of the Transistor."
  3. A uniform system architecture, and user experience (UX). Module designs intended to work together as complete systems, with room for innovation.
Implementation Aspects
  1. PAiA 3U mechanical packaging, with 3.5mm jacks and plugs. Mainly due to the space requirements inherent in a 5U, MU, or 6U system, and ¼-inch jacks and plugs. In particular, the PAiA FracRak cases are ideal packaging volumes for any mix of simple modules through to advanced system designs. 3U forms a very nice compromise between the human articulation and readability challenges of Eurorack, versus the more open and wider/taller design of the larger mechanical packaging systems. FracRak also has good SDIY support, and allows for modifications. Some important capabilities for a new experimental system.
  2. The Model III EMS is being designed for future maintainability. There is an intentional choice to apply discrete components. This means an all-through-hole design, and replaceable parts. Eventual PCBs will have less complexity than the case of PCBs with integrated circuits mixed with other components. Discrete components package wise are more alike can compatible with each other, in a general sense. The design of the Model III EMS has coalesced on discrete components of the following types:
  3. The system will use bipolar power supplies. Potentially, higher voltages than ±12V or ±15V may be used, ±18V or ±24V. For some applications, these voltages are useful in analog circuits to allow more voltage compliance, and more headroom for generating currents.
Updated November 8, 2020.

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