The Yamaha AN1x Synthesizer mailing list

brofjw a \ufffdcrit :
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> Hi! I just joined. I don't have an AN1x but I actually DO have the 
> Yamaha EX7. Is it true that the VA section of the EX7 is identical to 
> the AN1x? If so, maybe I can learn things by tuning in to this group.
> First of all, I have the EX7 not its bigger brother the EX5. The EX5 
> supposedly has physical modeling on top of a VA section (AN1x engine) 
> and also the ROM-based synth engine. Now, I see that the AN1x has been 
> referred to as a physical modeling synth...so how does all this pan 
> out, considering what is said about the EX7 and EX5? I currently use a 
> Z1 as my physical modeling synth. It does great strings, great basses, 
> decent brass, and some cool bells and percussion sounds (i.e. marimbas 
> and steel drums). I also think the Z1 is a great VA. So why does 
> virtual analog and physical modeling seem to get put in the same box 
> so much with these synths? Is there a difference? How does the AN1x 
> fit in to all this and physical modeling and comparison to my Z1?
>
Both "physical modeling" and "virtual analog" are digital techniques 
aimed at the emulation of the analog synths of yesterday. To say it 
quickly the classic triangle - square - sine - sawtooth waveforms are 
stored in a ROM and cross a DSP that does all the filtering, 
amplification ... effects job. With its physical modeling Yamaha claims 
to reproduce the minor flaws, imperfections and instabilities of a pure 
analog synth, imperfections that have of course an effect on the sound. 
For exemple the saw can be more "triangular" or a bit rounded on high or 
low notes with a real analog oscillator, a digital oscillator will issue 
a perfect saw on all its frequency range. On the AN1x you have for 
example an "edge" parameter, giving a more or less vertical edge.I 
suppose others manufacturers use similar tricks with different names 
...or not.
I don't know your synths, but i have an AN1x. IMHO it is very close 
soundwise to the "pretty old things", at least those that i have heard 
live (Juno and Prophet 5), with more polyphony but less user friendly.
Cheers.
J.F.
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