[sdiy] AES Meeting - Evolver

[The Proteus]

Tim et al,

	I definitely didn't take your post as an advert for Dave's
Evolver. It is a very cool and unique instrument that deserves some
discussion on this list... it's amazing that with over 100 years of using
feedback, the only synthesizers that have come out to use this as a sonic
feature, rather than a tool for control (resonance, gain, etc...) are
Dave's Evolver and the Hartmann Neuron. It opens up many possibilities for
artists who develop stochastic music, and algorithmically generated tunes. 
	Many people, including me have been frustrated at the challenge of
breaking into the industry and possibly sustaining our synth-diy addiction
as more than a hobby or part-time venture. The costs of development, costs
of marketing, and the general lethargic and even hostile reaction to some
product ideas can overwhelm someone pretty quickly. 
	But, it was a great piece of information - I was definitely
curious as to what was under the hood of the Evolver, and it's actually
helped my design process along quite a bit. It also helped me out by
knowing the challenges any single-person operation faces, and the quotes
from Dave are things I'm experiencing right now as well. I've
experienced problems in the past with trying to round up cash to spin an
ASIC (no small feat), and attempting to start a synth company
several times have made some relations of mine extremely strained. Most of
the challenges he overcame on the Evolver is what I'm worrying over now -
EDA software, FCC, and logistical issues. If anything, it's encouraging to
me to see that one person, regardless of whether he's an industry vet or a
new person like Paul M or myself can not only fathom of producing a
product, but also have the ability to bring it to market. 

-Prot

- - - T h e  U n d e r g r o u n d  W a r e h o u s e - - -
- - - Subversive - Tools - For - A - Chaotic - Planet - - -
-  h t t p : / / w w w . u g w a r e h o u s e . o r g /  -
--<T h e  P r o t e u s>-<Musician>-<Producer>-<Engineer>--

On Thu, 30 Jan 2003, Tim Parkhurst wrote:

> Hello All,
> 
> I just wanted to get a few things off my chest. Yes, my post probably did
> sound like an advert for Dave Smith. He's produced a very versatile
> instrument, and I felt his comments about his company and the industry in
> general were very insightful. All I can say is that I was very impressed. I
> guess this is what is called "word of mouth." My little post on a DIY
> mailing list however, is about as far from 'mainstream press' as you can
> get. 
> 
> I didn't mean to slight Paul or his work or any of the other people on this
> list who put so much blood, sweat and tears into making products. I wish I
> had your courage (and technical expertise), and my hat is definitely off to
> you. 
> 
> My post was basically a "crime of opportunity." The AES presentation was
> only 10 miles from my house, so it gave me a great chance to see and learn
> more about a new piece of equipment from one of the pioneers in the
> industry. I'd do the same if Paul or Cynthia or John B or anyone else was
> showing stuff so close to where I live. To be fair, I'll GLADLY post a
> review for anybody who wants to send me a piece of equipment to play with
> for a while. ;)
> 
> Tim Servo
> 
> "Imagination is more important than knowledge." - Albert Einstein
> *********
> 
> By the way, the quote about "not using anything I can't get out of the
> Digi-Key catalog" came from Roger Linn. Roger was talking about his new box,
> the "AdrenaLinn," which is basically an effects processor and drum box unit.
> Dave helped Roger with some of the design. Their products are slightly
> similar, but Roger's product has no custom synth chips in it. Dave does
> however share his enthusiasm for being able to find parts at on-line places
> like Digi-Key. My bad for not making that very clear. 
>  
> *************************************************************************
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Paul Maddox [mailto:P.Maddox at signal.qinetiq.com]
> > Sent: Thursday, January 30, 2003 1:18 AM
> > To: synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl
> > Subject: Re: [sdiy] AES Meeting - Evolver
> > 
> > Hi,
> > 
> > > Please forgive me for the rather long post, but last night's AES meeting
> > > with Dave Smith was VERY entertaining and VERY informative.
> > 
> > shame it reads a little like an advert for dave....
> > And yes, I am a little disgruntled, I dont mind admitting that his evolver
> > took 5 or 6 of my Monowave customers, their loss...
> 
> 
> 
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