Dave Smith Instruments SYNTHESIZERS

>
> Hello.
> 
> I'm thinking about getting one of these poly evolver keyboards.
> 
> I currently have a kurzweil pc3 but since I'm blind, the menus are a bit much for me to memorize and since they roll over and there's no actual zero point, I figured that the evolver might be a good fit.
> 
> I like to feel the control as I work and with all these knobs and switches, I'm hoping this synth will be much more accessible for me.
> 
> I'd like to play more ambient electronic music and the people at sweetwater feel that this might be a good fit for me.
> 
> My inspirations for space and ambient music include people like Tangerine Dream, Steve Roach, Robert Rich, Free System Projekt, Jonn Serrie, Radio Massacre International and others.
> 
> I was using the sound tower software with the pc3 and I could go through the default sounds and presets but that was about it.  I don't know how useable this software is for someone who is blind.
> 
> There isn't anywhere locally for me to get my hands on this thing to check it out but I've heard some of the sounds listening to various YouTube videos and it sounds impressive.
> 
> I just wanted to write to say hi and I hope to learn a lot about this unit and gain some tips and tricks along the way.
> 
> Thanks for reading.
> 
> Scott
>

From: Scott Lawlor <sklawlor@...>
To: DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, June 30, 2010 8:46:56 AM
Subject: [DSI Synths] introduction

  
Hello.
 
I'm thinking about getting one of these poly  evolver keyboards.
 
I currently have a kurzweil pc3 but since I'm  blind, the menus are a bit much 
for me to memorize and since they roll over and  there's no actual zero point, I 
figured that the evolver might be a good  fit.
 
I like to feel the control as I work and with all  these knobs and switches, I'm 
hoping this synth will be much more accessible for  me.
 
I'd like to play more ambient electronic music and  the people at sweetwater 
feel that this might be a good fit for me.
 
My inspirations for space and ambient music include  people like Tangerine 
Dream, Steve Roach, Robert Rich, Free System Projekt, Jonn  Serrie, Radio 
Massacre International and others.
 
I was using the sound tower software with the pc3  and I could go through the 
default sounds and presets but that was about  it.  I don't know how useable 
this software is for someone who is  blind.
 
There isn't anywhere locally for me to get my hands  on this thing to check it 
out but I've heard some of the sounds listening to  various YouTube videos and 
it sounds impressive.
 
I just wanted to write to say hi and I hope to  learn a lot about this unit and 
gain some tips and tricks along the  way.
 
Thanks for reading.
 
Scott

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: James Elliott 
  To: DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Monday, July 19, 2010 9:01 AM
  Subject: Re: [DSI Synths] introduction


    

  Scott,

  I do not have any direct experience with the new polyevolvers with the potentiometer option, however I would imagine it would be much more user friendly for you than your kurzweil - to some degree. There is not a lot of menu diving on the polyevolver however there is some. For example, all of the main envelope, filter, oscillator, and vca controls would have fixed range pots. However, you would still need to be familiar with the ordering of the "destination list" for the third envelope (this has a free mod slot associated with it). I think the LFO controls are still endless encoders though, so you could be spinning those forever. The thing that would make the LFO section a little difficult, and this also applies for the delay's time parameters, is that the frequencey selection is in ascending order followed by clock divisions. So not only would you have to have the "destination list" memorized, you would also have to have the frequency/time/clock divisions memorized as well. Things would become a little tricky with the general modulation section (the modulation routings), the parameter section (where you set things like envelope shape, oscillator slop, and trigger modes), the sequencer section, and of course the global, program, and combo setting menus. Not only will those sections all have endless encoders, you will also need to memorize menu sequences for each of them.

  With that said, I want to state that none of the menus are all that deep though, most are only one page. The only real exceptions would be the global, program, & combo menus. There is almost a one knob or button control for each parameter. For example, there is a knob for each envelope, lfo, filter, vca, oscillator, delay, feedback, and sequencer function. Also, there is a dedicated control for modulation destination for the third envelope and each of the lfo's. There is also a source, destination, and value knob for each parameter in the general modulation section - you just have to be familiar with the ordering of each list for each of the modulation source and destination functions (this also includes the envelope & lfo as mentioned above).

  Overall I don't think the polyevolver will provide as much of a challenge as the kurzweil, however, it won't necessarily be a cakewalk either. 

  As far as the polyevolver and ambient music production goes. Well, they go hand in hand. If you could manage to wrap your head around some of the endless encoders, some of the weird parameter listings (like lfo & delay frequency, glide controls, pre-post high pass filter modes, and the pre-post external input volume level) I think you would be rewarded with beautiful evolving soundscapes. 

  I hope I've managed to help you along in your journey....

  Take care,
  Jim




------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  From: Scott Lawlor <sklawlor@...>
  To: DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com
  Sent: Wed, June 30, 2010 8:46:56 AM
  Subject: [DSI Synths] introduction

    

  Hello.

  I'm thinking about getting one of these poly evolver keyboards.

  I currently have a kurzweil pc3 but since I'm blind, the menus are a bit much for me to memorize and since they roll over and there's no actual zero point, I figured that the evolver might be a good fit.

  I like to feel the control as I work and with all these knobs and switches, I'm hoping this synth will be much more accessible for me.

  I'd like to play more ambient electronic music and the people at sweetwater feel that this might be a good fit for me.

  My inspirations for space and ambient music include people like Tangerine Dream, Steve Roach, Robert Rich, Free System Projekt, Jonn Serrie, Radio Massacre International and others.

  I was using the sound tower software with the pc3 and I could go through the default sounds and presets but that was about it.  I don't know how useable this software is for someone who is blind.

  There isn't anywhere locally for me to get my hands on this thing to check it out but I've heard some of the sounds listening to various YouTube videos and it sounds impressive.

  I just wanted to write to say hi and I hope to learn a lot about this unit and gain some tips and tricks along the way.

  Thanks for reading.

  Scott

 From: Scott Lawlor    <sklawlor@mac. com>
>To: DSI_Evolver@ yahoogroups. com
>Sent: Wed, June 30, 2010 8:46:56    AM
>Subject: [DSI Synths]    introduction
>
>  
>Hello.
> 
>I'm thinking about getting one of these poly    evolver keyboards.
> 
>I currently have a kurzweil pc3 but since I'm    blind, the menus are a bit much 
>for me to memorize and since they roll over    and there's no actual zero point, 
>I figured that the evolver might be a good    fit.
> 
>I like to feel the control as I work and with all    these knobs and switches, 
>I'm hoping this synth will be much more accessible    for me.
> 
>I'd like to play more ambient electronic music    and the people at sweetwater 
>feel that this might be a good fit for    me.
> 
>My inspirations for space and ambient music    include people like Tangerine 
>Dream, Steve Roach, Robert Rich, Free System    Projekt, Jonn Serrie, Radio 
>Massacre International and others.
> 
>I was using the sound tower software with the pc3    and I could go through the 
>default sounds and presets but that was about    it.  I don't know how useable 
>this software is for someone who is    blind.
> 
>There isn't anywhere locally for me to get my    hands on this thing to check it 
>out but I've heard some of the sounds    listening to various YouTube videos and 
>it sounds impressive.
> 
>I just wanted to write to say hi and I hope to    learn a lot about this unit 
>and gain some tips and tricks along the    way.
> 
>Thanks for reading.
> 
>Scott
> 
> 
> 
>

----- Original Message ----- 
From: James Elliott
To: DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2010 10:14 AM
Subject: Re: [DSI Synths] introduction



Scott, unfortunately, I don't know of any new synths that would fit that 
criteria. The only think I could recommend are classic analogs. I think the 
most flexible analog polysynths with no menus would be the prophet 5, 
jupiter 6 & 8, and the oberheims i.e. ob8.

Stay far far away from the alesis andromeda even though it has at least 
150,000 real time controls it probably has as much if not more menu diving 
than the most complex Kurzweils.

I know a couple other fellows from other synth mailing lists who have lost 
their eyesight that might be able to give you some better advice than I.

Rick Massey: seafox@...
Veli-Pekka T�til�: vtatila@...

I don't know either of them personally, however, I'm sure neither would mind 
helping you out.

-Jim







From: Scott Lawlor <sklawlor@...>
To: DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Mon, July 19, 2010 9:39:38 AM
Subject: Re: [DSI Synths] introduction


\ufeff
Hi James.

Thanks for the info.

I was also considering the possibility of a different setup like using a 
midi controler like the CakeWalk a-800 with a dedicated pc for recording and 
the omnisphere softsynth.  I'm told though that realtime control with 
softsynths via midi controlers isn't as standard or as integrated as it 
could be because different manufacturers have different standards for a lot 
of this stuff.

I wonder if there's a keyboard like the poly evolver that doesn't have menus 
at all?  I was going to look into the arturia origin as well but I don't 
know a whole lot about that one.

Scott

----- Original Message ----- 
From: James Elliott
To: DSI_Evolver@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2010 9:01 AM
Subject: Re: [DSI Synths] introduction



Scott,

I do not have any direct experience with the new polyevolvers with the 
potentiometer option, however I would imagine it would be much more user 
friendly for you than your kurzweil - to some degree. There is not a lot of 
menu diving on the polyevolver however there is some. For example, all of 
the main envelope, filter, oscillator, and vca controls would have fixed 
range pots. However, you would still need to be familiar with the ordering 
of the "destination list" for the third envelope (this has a free mod slot 
associated with it). I think the LFO controls are still endless encoders 
though, so you could be spinning those forever. The thing that would make 
the LFO section a little difficult, and this also applies for the delay's 
time parameters, is that the frequencey selection is in ascending order 
followed by clock divisions. So not only would you have to have the 
"destination list" memorized, you would also have to have the 
frequency/time/ clock divisions memorized as well. Things would become a 
little tricky with the general modulation section (the modulation routings), 
the parameter section (where you set things like envelope shape, oscillator 
slop, and trigger modes), the sequencer section, and of course the global, 
program, and combo setting menus. Not only will those sections all have 
endless encoders, you will also need to memorize menu sequences for each of 
them.

With that said, I want to state that none of the menus are all that deep 
though, most are only one page. The only real exceptions would be the 
global, program, & combo menus. There is almost a one knob or button control 
for each parameter. For example, there is a knob for each envelope, lfo, 
filter, vca, oscillator, delay, feedback, and sequencer function. Also, 
there is a dedicated control for modulation destination for the third 
envelope and each of the lfo's. There is also a source, destination, and 
value knob for each parameter in the general modulation section - you just 
have to be familiar with the ordering of each list for each of the 
modulation source and destination functions (this also includes the envelope 
& lfo as mentioned above).

Overall I don't think the polyevolver will provide as much of a challenge as 
the kurzweil, however, it won't necessarily be a cakewalk either.

As far as the polyevolver and ambient music production goes. Well, they go 
hand in hand. If you could manage to wrap your head around some of the 
endless encoders, some of the weird parameter listings (like lfo & delay 
frequency, glide controls, pre-post high pass filter modes, and the pre-post 
external input volume level) I think you would be rewarded with beautiful 
evolving soundscapes.

I hope I've managed to help you along in your journey....

Take care,
Jim





From: Scott Lawlor <sklawlor@mac. com>
To: DSI_Evolver@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Wed, June 30, 2010 8:46:56 AM
Subject: [DSI Synths] introduction


Hello.

I'm thinking about getting one of these poly evolver keyboards.

I currently have a kurzweil pc3 but since I'm blind, the menus are a bit 
much for me to memorize and since they roll over and there's no actual zero 
point, I figured that the evolver might be a good fit.

I like to feel the control as I work and with all these knobs and switches, 
I'm hoping this synth will be much more accessible for me.

I'd like to play more ambient electronic music and the people at sweetwater 
feel that this might be a good fit for me.

My inspirations for space and ambient music include people like Tangerine 
Dream, Steve Roach, Robert Rich, Free System Projekt, Jonn Serrie, Radio 
Massacre International and others.

I was using the sound tower software with the pc3 and I could go through the 
default sounds and presets but that was about it.  I don't know how useable 
this software is for someone who is blind.

There isn't anywhere locally for me to get my hands on this thing to check 
it out but I've heard some of the sounds listening to various YouTube videos 
and it sounds impressive.

I just wanted to write to say hi and I hope to learn a lot about this unit 
and gain some tips and tricks along the way.

Thanks for reading.

Scott

>
> Scott, unfortunately, I don't know of any new synths that would fit that 
> criteria. The only think I could recommend are classic analogs. I think the most 
> flexible analog polysynths with no menus would be the prophet 5, jupiter 6 & 8, 
> and the oberheims i.e. ob8. 
> 
> 
> Stay far far away from the alesis andromeda even though it has at least 150,000 
> real time controls it probably has as much if not more menu diving than the most 
> complex Kurzweils.
> 
> I know a couple other fellows from other synth mailing lists who have lost their 
> eyesight that might be able to give you some better advice than I. 
> 
> 
> Rick Massey: seafox@...
> Veli-Pekka Tätilä: vtatila@...
> 
> I don't know either of them personally, however, I'm sure neither would mind 
> helping you out.
> 
> -Jim
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ________________________________
> From: Scott Lawlor <sklawlor@...>
> To: DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Mon, July 19, 2010 9:39:38 AM
> Subject: Re: [DSI Synths] introduction
> 
>   
>  
> Hi James.
>  
> Thanks for the info.
>  
> I was also considering the possibility of a  different setup like using a midi 
> controler like the CakeWalk a-800 with a  dedicated pc for recording and the 
> omnisphere softsynth.  I'm told though  that realtime control with softsynths 
> via midi controlers isn't as standard or  as integrated as it could be because 
> different manufacturers have different  standards for a lot of this stuff.
>  
> I wonder if there's a keyboard like the poly  evolver that doesn't have menus at 
> all?  I was going to look into the  arturia origin as well but I don't know a 
> whole lot about that one.
>  
> Scott
>  
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> >From: James    Elliott 
> >To: DSI_Evolver@ yahoogroups. com 
> >Sent: Monday, July 19, 2010 9:01 AM
> >Subject: Re: [DSI Synths]    introduction
> >
> >  
> >Scott,
> >
> >I    do not have any direct experience with the new polyevolvers with the    
> >potentiometer option, however I would imagine it would be much more user    
> >friendly for you than your kurzweil - to some degree. There is not a lot of    
> >menu diving on the polyevolver however there is some. For example, all of the    
> >main envelope, filter, oscillator, and vca controls would have fixed range    
> >pots. However, you would still need to be familiar with the ordering of the    
> >"destination list" for the third envelope (this has a free mod slot associated    
> >with it). I think the LFO controls are still endless encoders though, so you    
> >could be spinning those forever. The thing that would make the LFO section a    
> >little difficult, and this also applies for the delay's time parameters, is    
> >that the frequencey selection is in ascending order followed by clock    
> >divisions. So not only would you have to have the "destination list"    
> >memorized, you would also have to have the frequency/time/ clock divisions    
> >memorized as well. Things would become a little tricky with the general    
> >modulation section (the modulation routings), the parameter section (where you    
> >set things like envelope shape, oscillator slop, and trigger modes), the    
> >sequencer section, and of course the global, program, and combo setting menus.    
> >Not only will those sections all have endless encoders, you will also need to    
> >memorize menu sequences for each of them.
> >
> >With that said, I want to    state that none of the menus are all that deep 
> >though, most are only one page.    The only real exceptions would be the global, 
> >program, & combo menus.    There is almost a one knob or button control for each 
> >parameter. For example,    there is a knob for each envelope, lfo, filter, vca, 
> >oscillator, delay,    feedback, and sequencer function. Also, there is a 
> >dedicated control for    modulation destination for the third envelope and each 
> >of the lfo's. There is    also a source, destination, and value knob for each 
> >parameter in the general    modulation section - you just have to be familiar 
> >with the ordering of each    list for each of the modulation source and 
> >destination functions (this also    includes the envelope & lfo as mentioned 
> >above).
> >
> >Overall I don't    think the polyevolver will provide as much of a challenge as 
> >the kurzweil,    however, it won't necessarily be a cakewalk either. 
> >
> >
> >As far as the    polyevolver and ambient music production goes. Well, they go 
> >hand in hand. If    you could manage to wrap your head around some of the 
> >endless encoders, some    of the weird parameter listings (like lfo & delay 
> >frequency, glide    controls, pre-post high pass filter modes, and the pre-post 
> >external input    volume level) I think you would be rewarded with beautiful 
> >evolving    soundscapes. 
> >
> >
> >I hope I've managed to help you along in your    journey....
> >
> >Take care,
> >Jim
> >
> >
> >
> >
> ________________________________
>  From: Scott Lawlor    <sklawlor@mac. com>
> >To: DSI_Evolver@ yahoogroups. com
> >Sent: Wed, June 30, 2010 8:46:56    AM
> >Subject: [DSI Synths]    introduction
> >
> >  
> >Hello.
> > 
> >I'm thinking about getting one of these poly    evolver keyboards.
> > 
> >I currently have a kurzweil pc3 but since I'm    blind, the menus are a bit much 
> >for me to memorize and since they roll over    and there's no actual zero point, 
> >I figured that the evolver might be a good    fit.
> > 
> >I like to feel the control as I work and with all    these knobs and switches, 
> >I'm hoping this synth will be much more accessible    for me.
> > 
> >I'd like to play more ambient electronic music    and the people at sweetwater 
> >feel that this might be a good fit for    me.
> > 
> >My inspirations for space and ambient music    include people like Tangerine 
> >Dream, Steve Roach, Robert Rich, Free System    Projekt, Jonn Serrie, Radio 
> >Massacre International and others.
> > 
> >I was using the sound tower software with the pc3    and I could go through the 
> >default sounds and presets but that was about    it.  I don't know how useable 
> >this software is for someone who is    blind.
> > 
> >There isn't anywhere locally for me to get my    hands on this thing to check it 
> >out but I've heard some of the sounds    listening to various YouTube videos and 
> >it sounds impressive.
> > 
> >I just wanted to write to say hi and I hope to    learn a lot about this unit 
> >and gain some tips and tricks along the    way.
> > 
> >Thanks for reading.
> > 
> >Scott
> > 
> > 
> > 
> >
>

----- Original Message -----

From: keysolly

To: DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2010 5:34 PM

Subject: [DSI Synths] Re: introduction

Can I suggest looking at the new Roland Gaia? Or Nord Lead 2x?
These have entirely front panel interfaces, no menus, no screen. and are plenty capable too. Perhaps not as complex as the Poly Evolver, and the attraction of 'real analog' is not there, but I reckon it's worth checking out.

T

--- In DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com, James Elliott wrote:
>
> Scott, unfortunately, I don't know of any new synths that would fit that
> criteria. The only think I could recommend are classic analogs. I think the most
> flexible analog polysynths with no menus would be the prophet 5, jupiter 6 & 8,
> and the oberheims i.e. ob8.
>
>
> Stay far far away from the alesis andromeda even though it has at least 150,000
> real time controls it probably has as much if not more menu diving than the most
> complex Kurzweils.
>
> I know a couple other fellows from other synth mailing lists who have lost their
> eyesight that might be able to give you some better advice than I.
>;
>
> Rick Massey: seafox@...
> Veli-Pekka Tätilä: vtatila@...
>
> I don't know either of them personally, however, I'm sure neither would mind
> helping you out.
>;
> -Jim
>
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Scott Lawlor
> To: DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Mon, July 19, 2010 9:39:38 AM
> Subject: Re: [DSI Synths] introduction
>
>
> 
> Hi James.
>
> Thanks for the info.
>
> I was also considering the possibility of a different setup like using a midi
> controler like the CakeWalk a-800 with a dedicated pc for recording and the
> omnisphere softsynth. I'm told though that realtime control with softsynths
> via midi controlers isn't as standard or as integrated as it could be because
> different manufacturers have different standards for a lot of this stuff.
>
> I wonder if there's a keyboard like the poly evolver that doesn't have menus at
> all? I was going to look into the arturia origin as well but I don't know a
> whole lot about that one.
>
> Scott
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> >From: James Elliott
> >To: DSI_Evolver@ yahoogroups. com
> >Sent: Monday, July 19, 2010 9:01 AM
> >Subject: Re: [DSI Synths] introduction
> >
> >
> >Scott,
> >
> >I do not have any direct experience with the new polyevolvers with the
> >potentiometer option, however I would imagine it would be much more user
> >friendly for you than your kurzweil - to some degree. There is not a lot of
> >menu diving on the polyevolver however there is some. For example, all of the
> >main envelope, filter, oscillator, and vca controls would have fixed range
> >pots. However, you would still need to be familiar with the ordering of the
> >"destination list" for the third envelope (this has a free mod slot associated
> >with it). I think the LFO controls are still endless encoders though, so you
> >could be spinning those forever. The thing that would make the LFO section a
> >little difficult, and this also applies for the delay's time parameters, is
> >that the frequencey selection is in ascending order followed by clock
> >divisions. So not only would you have to have the "destination list"
> >memorized, you would also have to have the frequency/time/ clock divisions
> >memorized as well. Things would become a little tricky with the general
> >modulation section (the modulation routings), the parameter section (where you
> >set things like envelope shape, oscillator slop, and trigger modes), the
> >sequencer section, and of course the global, program, and combo setting menus.
> >Not only will those sections all have endless encoders, you will also need to
> >memorize menu sequences for each of them.
> >
> >With that said, I want to state that none of the menus are all that deep
> >though, most are only one page. The only real exceptions would be the global,
> >program, &; combo menus. There is almost a one knob or button control for each
> >parameter. For example, there is a knob for each envelope, lfo, filter, vca,
> >oscillator, delay, feedback, and sequencer function. Also, there is a
> >dedicated control for modulation destination for the third envelope and each
> >of the lfo's. There is also a source, destination, and value knob for each
> >;parameter in the general modulation section - you just have to be familiar
> >with the ordering of each list for each of the modulation source and
> >destination functions (this also includes the envelope & lfo as mentioned
> >above).
> >
> >Overall I don't think the polyevolver will provide as much of a challenge as
> >the kurzweil, however, it won't necessarily be a cakewalk either.
> >
> >
> >As far as the polyevolver and ambient music production goes. Well, they go
> >hand in hand. If you could manage to wrap your head around some of the
> >endless encoders, some of the weird parameter listings (like lfo & delay
> >frequency, glide controls, pre-post high pass filter modes, and the pre-post
> >external input volume level) I think you would be rewarded with beautiful
> >evolving soundscapes.
> >
> >
> >I hope I've managed to help you along in your journey....
> >
> >Take care,
> >Jim
> >
> >
> >
> >
> ________________________________
> From: Scott Lawlor
> >To: DSI_Evolver@ yahoogroups. com
> >Sent: Wed, June 30, 2010 8:46:56 AM
> >Subject: [DSI Synths] introduction
> >
> >
> >Hello.
> >
> >I'm thinking about getting one of these poly evolver keyboards.
> >
> >I currently have a kurzweil pc3 but since I'm blind, the menus are a bit much
> >for me to memorize and since they roll over and there's no actual zero point,
> >I figured that the evolver might be a good fit.
> >
> >I like to feel the control as I work and with all these knobs and switches,
> >I'm hoping this synth will be much more accessible for me.
> >
> >I'd like to play more ambient electronic music and the people at sweetwater
> >feel that this might be a good fit for me.
> >
> >My inspirations for space and ambient music include people like Tangerine
> >Dream, Steve Roach, Robert Rich, Free System Projekt, Jonn Serrie, Radio
> >Massacre International and others.
> >
> >I was using the sound tower software with the pc3 and I could go through the
> >default sounds and presets but that was about it. I don't know how useable
> >this software is for someone who is blind.
>; >
> >There isn't anywhere locally for me to get my hands on this thing to check it
> >out but I've heard some of the sounds listening to various YouTube videos and
> >it sounds impressive.
> >
> >I just wanted to write to say hi and I hope to learn a lot about this unit
> >and gain some tips and tricks along the way.
> >
> >Thanks for reading.
> >
> >Scott
> >
> >
> >
> >
>

>From: keysolly 
>To: DSI_Evolver@ yahoogroups. com 
>Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2010 5:34  PM
>Subject: [DSI Synths] Re:    introduction
>
>  
>Can I suggest looking at the new Roland Gaia? Or Nord Lead 2x?
>These    have entirely front panel interfaces, no menus, no screen. and are 
>plenty    capable too. Perhaps not as complex as the Poly Evolver, and the 
>attraction of    'real analog' is not there, but I reckon it's worth checking    
>out.
>
>T
>
>--- In DSI_Evolver@ yahoogroups. com,    James Elliott <johans121@.. .> wrote:
>>
>> Scott,    unfortunately, I don't know of any new synths that would fit that 
>>    criteria. The only think I could recommend are classic analogs. I think the    
>>most 
>>
>> flexible analog polysynths with no menus would be the prophet 5,    jupiter 6 & 
>>8, 
>>
>> and the oberheims i.e. ob8. 
>> 
>> 
>> Stay far far away from the alesis andromeda even though it has at    least 
>>150,000 
>>
>> real time controls it probably has as much if not more    menu diving than the 
>>most 
>>
>> complex Kurzweils.
>> 
>> I know    a couple other fellows from other synth mailing lists who have lost 
>>their 
>>
>> eyesight that might be able to give you some better advice than I. 
>> 
>> 
>> Rick Massey: seafox@...
>> Veli-Pekka    Tätilä: vtatila@...
>> 
>> I don't know either of them personally,    however, I'm sure neither would mind 
>>
>> helping you out.
>> 
>> -Jim
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>    ____________ _________ _________ __
>> From: Scott Lawlor    <sklawlor@...>
>> To: DSI_Evolver@ yahoogroups. com
>>    Sent: Mon, July 19, 2010 9:39:38 AM
>> Subject: Re: [DSI Synths]    introduction
>> 
>> 
>>  
>> Hi James.
>> 
>>    Thanks for the info.
>> 
>> I was also considering the possibility    of a different setup like using a 
>>midi 
>>
>> controler like the CakeWalk    a-800 with a dedicated pc for recording and the 
>
>> omnisphere softsynth.    I'm told though that realtime control with softsynths 
>
>> via midi    controlers isn't as standard or as integrated as it could be 
>>because 
>>
>>    different manufacturers have different standards for a lot of this    
>stuff.
>> 
>> I wonder if there's a keyboard like the poly evolver    that doesn't have menus 
>>at 
>>
>> all? I was going to look into the arturia    origin as well but I don't know a 
>
>> whole lot about that one.
>> 
>> Scott
>> 
>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>>    >From: James Elliott 
>> >To: DSI_Evolver@ yahoogroups. com 
>> >Sent: Monday, July 19, 2010 9:01 AM
>> >Subject: Re: [DSI    Synths] introduction
>> >
>> > 
>> >Scott,
>>    >
>> >I do not have any direct experience with the new polyevolvers    with the 
>> >potentiometer option, however I would imagine it would    be much more user 
>> >friendly for you than your kurzweil - to some    degree. There is not a lot of 
>>
>> >menu diving on the polyevolver    however there is some. For example, all of 
>>the 
>>
>> >main envelope,    filter, oscillator, and vca controls would have fixed range 
>
>> >pots.    However, you would still need to be familiar with the ordering of the 
>>
>>    >"destination list" for the third envelope (this has a free mod slot    
>>associated 
>>
>> >with it). I think the LFO controls are still endless    encoders though, so 
>>you 
>>
>> >could be spinning those forever. The    thing that would make the LFO section 
>>a 
>>
>> >little difficult, and    this also applies for the delay's time parameters, is 
>>
>> >that the    frequencey selection is in ascending order followed by clock 
>>    >divisions. So not only would you have to have the "destination list" 
>> >memorized, you would also have to have the frequency/time/ clock    divisions 
>
>> >memorized as well. Things would become a little tricky    with the general 
>> >modulation section (the modulation routings),    the parameter section (where 
>>you 
>>
>> >set things like envelope shape,    oscillator slop, and trigger modes), the 
>> >sequencer section, and    of course the global, program, and combo setting 
>>menus. 
>>
>> >Not only    will those sections all have endless encoders, you will also need 
>>to 
>>
>>    >memorize menu sequences for each of them.
>> >
>> >With    that said, I want to state that none of the menus are all that deep 
>>    >though, most are only one page. The only real exceptions would be the    
>>global, 
>>
>> >program, & combo menus. There is almost a one knob or    button control for 
>>each 
>>
>> >parameter. For example, there is a knob    for each envelope, lfo, filter, 
>>vca, 
>>
>> >oscillator, delay, feedback,    and sequencer function. Also, there is a 
>> >dedicated control for    modulation destination for the third envelope and 
>>each 
>>
>> >of the    lfo's. There is also a source, destination, and value knob for each 
>
>>    >parameter in the general modulation section - you just have to be familiar 
>
>> >with the ordering of each list for each of the modulation source    and 
>> >destination functions (this also includes the envelope &    lfo as mentioned 

>> >above).
>> >
>> >Overall I don't    think the polyevolver will provide as much of a challenge 
>>as 
>>
>> >the    kurzweil, however, it won't necessarily be a cakewalk either. 
>>    >
>> >
>> >As far as the polyevolver and ambient music    production goes. Well, they go 
>
>> >hand in hand. If you could manage    to wrap your head around some of the 
>> >endless encoders, some of    the weird parameter listings (like lfo & delay 
>> >frequency,    glide controls, pre-post high pass filter modes, and the 
>>pre-post 
>>
>>    >external input volume level) I think you would be rewarded with beautiful 

>> >evolving soundscapes. 
>> >
>> >
>> >I    hope I've managed to help you along in your journey....
>> >
>>    >Take care,
>> >Jim
>> >
>> >
>> >
>>    >
>> ____________ _________ _________ __
>> From: Scott Lawlor    <sklawlor@mac. com>
>> >To: DSI_Evolver@ yahoogroups.    com
>> >Sent: Wed, June 30, 2010 8:46:56 AM
>> >Subject: [DSI    Synths] introduction
>> >
>> > 
>> >Hello.
>>    > 
>> >I'm thinking about getting one of these poly evolver    keyboards.
>> > 
>> >I currently have a kurzweil pc3 but since    I'm blind, the menus are a bit 
>>much 
>>
>> >for me to memorize and since    they roll over and there's no actual zero 
>>point, 
>>
>> >I figured that    the evolver might be a good fit.
>> > 
>> >I like to feel the    control as I work and with all these knobs and switches, 
>>
>> >I'm    hoping this synth will be much more accessible for me.
>> > 
>>    >I'd like to play more ambient electronic music and the people at    
>>sweetwater 
>>
>> >feel that this might be a good fit for me.
>>    > 
>> >My inspirations for space and ambient music include people    like Tangerine 

>> >Dream, Steve Roach, Robert Rich, Free System    Projekt, Jonn Serrie, Radio 
>> >Massacre International and    others.
>> > 
>> >I was using the sound tower software with    the pc3 and I could go through 
>>the 
>>
>> >default sounds and presets but    that was about it. I don't know how useable 
>
>> >this software is for    someone who is blind.
>> > 
>> >There isn't anywhere locally    for me to get my hands on this thing to check 
>>it 
>>
>> >out but I've    heard some of the sounds listening to various YouTube videos 
>>and 
>>
>>    >it sounds impressive.
>> > 
>> >I just wanted to write to    say hi and I hope to learn a lot about this unit 
>
>> >and gain some    tips and tricks along the way.
>> > 
>> >Thanks for    reading.
>> > 
>> >Scott
>> > 
>> > 
>>    > 
>> >
>>
>
>

----- Original Message -----

From: chevytravelleruk

To: DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Monday, July 19, 2010 2:35 AM

Subject: [DSI Synths] Re: introduction

Hi Scott

I'm a newbie here and have the Mono Evolver Keyboard. It is a truly wonderful keyboard, but I would imagine that for your purposes, the potentiometer version would be better as they will give you more physical feedback to the knobs position and value than the infinite encoders.
I heard from DSI that they are hoping to offer Pot versions by the end of summer

hope this helps

Simon

--- In DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com, Scott Lawlor wrote:
>
> Hello.
>
> I'm thinking about getting one of these poly evolver keyboards.
>
> I currently have a kurzweil pc3 but since I'm blind, the menus are a bit much for me to memorize and since they roll over and there's no actual zero point, I figured that the evolver might be a good fit.
>
> I like to feel the control as I work and with all these knobs and switches, I'm hoping this synth will be much more accessible for me.
>
> I'd like to play more ambient electronic music and the people at sweetwater feel that this might be a good fit for me.
>
> My inspirations for space and ambient music include people like Tangerine Dream, Steve Roach, Robert Rich, Free System Projekt, Jonn Serrie, Radio Massacre International and others.
>
> I was using the sound tower software with the pc3 and I could go through the default sounds and presets but that was about it. I don't know how useable this software is for someone who is blind.
>
> There isn't anywhere locally for me to get my hands on this thing to check it out but I've heard some of the sounds listening to various YouTube videos and it sounds impressive.
>
> I just wanted to write to say hi and I hope to learn a lot about this unit and gain some tips and tricks along the way.
>
> Thanks for reading.
>
> Scott
>

>From: chevytravelleruk 
>To: DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com 
>Sent: Monday, July 19, 2010 2:35 AM
>Subject: [DSI Synths] Re:    introduction
>
>  
>Hi Scott
>
>I'm a newbie here and have the Mono Evolver Keyboard. It is    a truly wonderful 
>keyboard, but I would imagine that for your purposes, the    potentiometer 
>version would be better as they will give you more physical    feedback to the 
>knobs position and value than the infinite encoders.
>I    heard from DSI that they are hoping to offer Pot versions by the end of    
>summer
>
>hope this helps
>
>Simon
>
>--- In DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com,    Scott Lawlor <sklawlor@...> wrote:
>>
>> Hello.
>> 
>> I'm thinking about getting one of these poly evolver    keyboards.
>> 
>> I currently have a kurzweil pc3 but since I'm    blind, the menus are a bit 
>>much for me to memorize and since they roll over    and there's no actual zero 
>>point, I figured that the evolver might be a good    fit.
>> 
>> I like to feel the control as I work and with all these    knobs and switches, 
>>I'm hoping this synth will be much more accessible for    me.
>> 
>> I'd like to play more ambient electronic music and the    people at sweetwater 
>>feel that this might be a good fit for me.
>> 
>> My inspirations for space and ambient music include people like    Tangerine 
>>Dream, Steve Roach, Robert Rich, Free System Projekt, Jonn Serrie,    Radio 
>>Massacre International and others.
>> 
>> I was using the    sound tower software with the pc3 and I could go through the 
>>default sounds    and presets but that was about it. I don't know how useable 
>>this software is    for someone who is blind.
>> 
>> There isn't anywhere locally for me    to get my hands on this thing to check 
>>it out but I've heard some of the    sounds listening to various YouTube videos 
>>and it sounds impressive.
>> 
>> I just wanted to write to say hi and I hope to learn a lot about this    unit 
>>and gain some tips and tricks along the way.
>> 
>> Thanks for    reading.
>> 
>> Scott
>>
>
>