Wiardgroup

Hi cray

--- In wiardgroup@yahoogroups.com, "cray5656" <amni56@...> wrote:
>
> hi all
>
> I have 2 doepfer joysticks that are banana jacked I can control 12
> VC's.Is this basically what the JAG does or am I missing something?
>
(BTW i assumed you are referring to Dieter's A-174 joysticks)

well yes,
you're missing something. But don't feel bad, because (unfortunately
for Grant's sales) the JAG's functions are not easy to describe in
text and the poor JAG is prone to being misunderstood.
(and there is also good reason to doubt that those misunderstandings
will be much remedied by THIS reply... but i'll try....)

First off the best and easiest way to comprehend the JAG is in a demo.
This is one module wherein the visual feedback from the panel LED's
are the best way to comprehend the functions. If you know someone with
a JAG... i urge you to go borrow some time with it. (that will be LOTs
more fun than reading this anyway!)

The first, important distinction, is that the JAG is NOT a joystick.
It's a processor. (it can even process audio, but for sake of clarity
i'm not even going there)
The X & Y jacks are INPUTs, They can certainly be connected to your
A-174's but they can just as easily accept a couple of LFO's or Envelopes.

The JAG turns the TWO vectors of control at the X & Y inputs into ten
INDEPENDENT output vectors , at each LED (and the two 'invisible
vectors of "dome" and "edge")
by comparison
A conventional Joystick (like the A-174) outputs only two INDEPENDENT
vectors per module (x & y). You can mult the outputs of the A-174 (to
the limit of the joystick's available drive current) but that doesn't
multiply the number of INDEPENDENT vectors available

Those are some of the essential differences. That key word i keep
capitalizing is Independent vectors of control; the ability to move
one CV up- while moving another down - while holding three other CVs
steady- and creating a 'bump' in yet another CV.... ALL WITH ONE
MOTION! Combined with a joystick, i find the JAG can output an array
of CV's that allow me to rival the level of control over an analog
synth that one can exert over an acoustic instrument. Used a different
way the JAG outputs enough control to allow you to 'conduct' complex
'ensembles' of multiple voices.
to compare again...
with 2 joysticks you have independent mix control over 4 voices (via
VCA's)
with 2 JAGs you would have independent mix control over 20 voices
(likewise via VCA's)

best,
-doc