All about the Roland Jupiter-series

From: Sharperview [mailto:vontews@...] 
Sent: Tuesday, October 31, 2000 11:15 AM
To: AH mailing list
Subject: [AH] Jupiter 6 - lfo and env.


I read on this site, http://www.mourningafter.net/sizers/  that the Jupiter
6'  LFO and Envelopes are digitally generated.  What difference does that
make in the sound? 

-Pete

From: Travis Miller [mailto:greenie2600@...] 
Sent: Tuesday, October 31, 2000 3:47 PM
To: analogue@...
Subject: Re: [AH] Jupiter 6 - lfo and env.


Pete sez:
>I read on this site, http://www.mourningafter.net/sizers/ that the
>Jupiter 6' LFO and Envelopes are digitally generated. What
>difference does that make in the sound?

Two things, which are probably not of much consequence:

1. There is always a certain amount of random noise in an analog control 
signal, resulting in miniscule (essentially subliminal) variations that make

it more organic and lifelike. Every time you run an analog envelope, the 
contour produced will vary slightly. A digitally controlled signal will 
always be perfect. This is why DCOs sound flatter and thinner than VCOs. 
However, the difference is not as big a concern when you're talking about 
envelopes and LFOs.

2. A digital signal, by definition, has a finite resolution, and rather than

sweeping smoothly between values, it must actually "step" between them. A 
voltage signal, on the other hand, has infinite resolution, and sweeps 
smoothly between values.

While the gradations on a digitally-controlled signal are usually fine 
enough that you can't hear the stepping, it could make a subliminal 
difference in the quality of the sweep.

You might be able to make the distinction if you listened to it carefully, 
by itself, without effects. In a mix, I doubt even the sharpest ears could 
tell the difference.

I wouldn't worry about it - if it sounds good to your ears, then it's good.

greenie2600@...
http://www.synthlinks.com/

_________________________________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com.

Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at 
http://profiles.msn.com.