MOTM

In a message dated 4/19/2000 6:58:54 AM, ken.tkacs@... writes:

>
>I created it because I'm still hell-bent on this idea of using a frequency
>counter (in lieu of a quantizer) to precisely tune my VCOs to harmonic
>intervals.
>
>http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/KenTkacs/ETfrequencies.xls


I'm not sure you're frequency counter will have the resolution to really 
"hone in" on each particular frequency across the audio spectrum. I know my 
one (built in to a cheapo DMM) only goes to (unit) cycles, but I'd think 
you'd need at least tenths or hundredths to get those lower octaves. I've 
always found my ear to be best, a chromatic tuner to be very very good (i.e., 
close enough -- it's what I use all the time), and a frequency counter to be 
rarely useful until pitch starts to get to high to discern -- maybe you have 
better luck (or equipment!).


I'd really prefer nonstandard tunings to be handled by a quantizer, or some 
similar table-look-up type device. This might be a good time to mention 
(recalling all those sequencer debates from the past year) a very minor 
problem I've had with my sequencer (Serge TKB). I find the tuning process to 
be rather tedious when I try to tune up everything (all the guitars, sitar, 
hammer dulcimer, synths, blah blah blah). I've noticed that sometimes the 
pots at the "far right" of the sequencer, will effect the values of the 
(already tuned) pots on the left -- this is especially true if I'm using the 
vertical clock output to get the 64 note sequence (which I rarely do). It's 
not too difficult to compensate for, but it does take some extra time. I just 
recalled this regarding our "digital" "no analog" debates about sequencers.

JB

In a message dated 4/19/2000 8:32:30 PM, davevosh@... writes:

>yes, it can be very tedious!!! such is the "price" of nearly total freedom.

Freedom's just another word for, I can't get this thing in tune!

>when did you get yours? the one i had from approx. 1978 to 1992 didn`t
>exhibit this problem that it can recall. i wish i still had it although
>i 
>must admit that the sequencer in my current unit has been very satisfactory.

I got my TKB in maybe 1985 or 86. The problem I described is not horrendous 
(like a minor third), I guess it's maybe on the order of ten to fifteen 
cents, if I can read my tuner correctly (and remember it well enough). Maybe 
I'll try some experiments over the next week or so. If you'd like to try 
some, here's what I'd suggest by patching a VCO into the sequencer output:
1) Turn all the pots on one row of your sequencer all the way in one 
direction (say CCW).
2) With a tuner, precisely tune the left most pot to a pitch of your choice.
3) Now, swing all the other pots (except the leftmost one) fully in the 
opposite direction (CW as above).
4) Finally check to see if the pitch has changed on the leftmost pot, maybe 
only a little bit.

Maybe mine just needs a "tune up!"
JB