Fairlight-CMI

The inherent problem with a DA converter is the fixed
samplerate vs dynamic samplerate of sample systems
like Fairlight and NED. 
This is a topic that has been discussed many times,
and it's a huge part of the sound of these classics
(also a big reason why they're so expensive).
However if you are trying to simulate only the
additive portion of a NED or Fairlight system, you can
actually get pretty interesting results by using any
older style soundcard. The main emulation is NOT going
to come from the actual card, but how you treat the
sound in software going into the soundcard.
Bit reduction with mild overdrive distortion followed
by low internal gainstage will bring out the dirt from
the soundcard. Put a lowpassfilter like a moogerfooger
or a MOTM 490 at the end of the chain, together with a
gainer and you're getting close. 

It is not super important what kind of soundcard u
use. the TX16w is a good contender. It's also a card
that works with somewhat modern computers.  I would
stay away from any internal PCI cards with analog
outputs directly on the card. I't just way too much
interference noise (wrong kinda noise)
The important thing is to break it down in simple
steps and create a complete audio chain that represent
each stage of what happens inside the fairlight. 

Again I want to point out that this will not replace a
CMI IIx, but it's a reasonable approximation. 

Also, it all depends on how tweaky you want to get.
Csound can take you all the way, but at the risk of
investing lots of time to get it right.
The beauty with Csouns is that there are no
limitations to what you can do. If you want to custom
modify something for later purposes, you have the
perfect platform to grow with. 

Another easy way to get you halfway there is Turbo
synth together with an EMULATOR II or EMAX running on
a mac classic. Turbo synth has FM and some additive
features. 

A huge help for you would be to look over someones
shoulder demoing the CMI IIx. I think this would
de-mystify some of your questions.  

Cheers!
Tobias

--- Tomás <tomulcahy@yahoo.com> wrote:

> Hi Tobias,
> 
> What converters would you recommend for a CMI II
> type of sound? I have
> tried many- TX16W, DMP7, PCM F1; none of these have
> that sound I think
> I hear on records... :)
> 
> > Csound has a very "computeresque" clean sound
> quality
> > when un manipulated. However together with a few
> > software simulations and an old DA converter
> hanging
> > of your computer, you're getting real close.
> 
> 
>