2004-02-12 by Brice D. Hornback
I'd like to expand on Grant's answer a little bit. The PSIM-1 is a unique
hybrid analog/digital synthesizer module. It can be programmed to perform
the function of *many* modules, typically one (or a few) at a time.
Software is already available online that reflects this. That's part of why
this module is so special. It is a module that can be programmed to provide
functions that simply cannot be done any other way. Looking at the code
that is already available, as well as examining the specifications of the
hardware, it will become pretty obvious that the PSIM-1 can be programmed to
perform functions (or in the case of a Sample & Hold... perform better) than
many existing modules. But where the PSIM-1 really shines is in areas where
there are not existing modules or in cases where you want to perform complex
operations on control voltages. Yes, there is a built-in RANDOM function in
the PSIM-1. However, as with all computers, it is pseudo-random. In some
cases, this is good enough. Yes, the PSIM-1 could be programmed to perform
*some* of the functions of the Wiard Noise Ring. Why do I use the Wiard
Noise Ring so much in my music creation? There are many reasons. It has a
hardware based analog white noise generator. This allows it to be a
"better" random source than any computer ever could. Using the Noise Ring's
Chance and Change controls also allow me to control the *amount of
randomness* and speed at which the random voltages are cycled through its
shift register. Also, the Noise Ring contains a hardware based voltage
controlled clock that the PSIM-1 simply does not. I love my Wiard Noise
Ring and highly recommend it to everyone.
Can you use the PSIM-1 without a Noise Ring? Of course you can. Does the
Noise Ring perform functions the PSIM-1 cannot be programmed to emulate?
Yes. This is another reason I'm so happy to have one. Besides what they
are capable of on their own... the Wiard Noise Ring and the Joystick
Controllers are excellent peripherals to the PSIM-1. The Noise Ring is a
better Noise Ring than the PSIM-1 could ever be. However, the Noise Ring
could never be a S&H, Quantizer, Sequencer, ADSR, etc., etc. The PSIM-1
does not make a very good VCO. But then again, a VCO can't be a S&H one
minute and a CV to MIDI converter the next either. Neither could a VCO
perform the complex 32-bit floating point mathematical calculations that the
PSIM-1 is capable of performing.
At this point, I'll be the first to admit I do not know the limits of the
PSIM-1. Those that currently have one are finding new ways to use it almost
daily. Can it do this or can it do that? The best way I can answer that
is. "maybe". I couldn't possibly answer those types of questions accurately
without actually sitting down and writing the code to test it. Almost
anything is possible in software development. It's going to be up to the
end user to decide what is worth taking the time to develop. There is a
already a good start of applications ("modules") online in the Files Section
and it continues to grow. Simply download the program to the PSIM-1 and you
have a "different" module. However, it simply will not be possible for me
to provide prewritten code for every application (or module emulation) that
everyone wants. I have set up this list with a files area where code can be
shared. As more people get PSIM-1 modules and start sharing their ideas and
code, the versatility of this module will really come into light.
Thank you for your interest in the PSIM-1 module. As the PSIM-1 moves into
production and additional modules in the PSIM series (such as the MIDI
interface) become available, even more of its capabilities will become
apparent. The PSIM-1 is the foundation of a set of building blocks
(software and hardware based) that will allow you to expand your synthesizer
in ways never before possible.
Please, any questions related to the PSIM series modules or any of the
software provided online should be addressed to this list or to me directly.
I may not have all the answers. I'll do my best to help in any way I can.
But, don't be surprised if I answer with "maybe". :-)
Best regards,
Brice D. Hornback
http://www.SynthModules.com
----- Original Message ----- Show quoted textHide quoted text
From: "grantrichter2001" <grichter@asapnet.net>
To: <SynthModules@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2004 10:40 AM
Subject: Noise Ring -- Re: [SynthModules] PSIM-1 and MIDI OUT
> > I almost hate to ask, but... Can't the Noise Ring be
> programmed into the
> > PSIM? Fewer PSIM inputs would be required, as you would
> need only a noise
> > source as an input to the PSIM (you could also resort to using
> a
> > pseudo-random number generator).
>
> Absolutely, thye Noise Ring operates on a fixed algorithm that
> could be emulated with a general purpose computer like the
> PSIM-1. You do not NEED a Noise Ring with the PSIM-1.
>
> That said, hard core aleatoric fanatics like the Doc and myself
> will be using external random sources as they have parameter
> controls that are more satisfactorly done in a random source
> module.
>
> Also, a bit of history on "aleatoric" music. "Alea" is the Latin work
> for a die, or single dice. The origin is probably from Mozart, who's
> "Dice Music" is famous as an example of music form the 1700's
> which included indeterminacy.
>
> Musically, the composer acts as the "result" monitor, and
> decides if the indeterminate patterns fit the human criteria of
> "music".
>
> The use of indeterminacy in music composition, forms one half
> of a "Monte Carlo" algorithm. The first half is to generate some
> input patterns using indeterminate (non-repeatable) methods. In
> mathematics, this is called a "Monte Carlo" method and was
> used to solve equations with too many variables for traditional
> mathematical solutions.
>
> The method involves making a mathematic model of a process,
> applying random number generators to each variable input and
> monitor the output for the desired result. When the result is
> reached, record the input values and you have your solution. One
> practical example is predicting stress forces from the sloshing of
> rocket fuel in fuel tanks.
>
> For an exhaustive tretise on the use of randomness in practical
> mathematics, see "Random Process Simulation and
> Measurements" by Granino A. Korn. MacGraw-Hill Book
> Company for the result of NASA sponsored research.
>
>
>
>
> Be sure to check out the primary Web site at:
> http://www.SynthModules.com
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>