MOTM

While I would agree with the value of 12/16bit D/A, especially in
applications where you are going to hear very accurate digitally derived
frequencies along with equal volume analog VCOs, the performance of 8
bit D/As is often better than you might expect. For example, after
calibrating the quantizing function of (VERY) many MWs, I can report the
following as pretty typical. This is one on the test bench today (Bank
and Wave 15):

0.9980V
1.9983
3.0049
4.0051
5.0009

The ideal voltages are 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 Volts. The calibration point is
5V (off 0.9mV due to twitchy tech).

The point is that for a lot of synthesizer uses, utter perfection is not
a requirement. But the limitations of any gear should be kept in mind to
avoid frustration.

With the quality converters available today, no new MIDI to CV design
should ever use an 8 bit converter.
___________________
John Blacet
Blacet Research
http://www.blacet.com