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Green Xenon

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Posts posted by Green Xenon

  2. Why is it called FM synthesis?

    in Miscellaneous

    Posted

    Hi:

    Most so-called "FM synths" actually use Phase Modulation Synthesis. So why are they still referred to as FM? Wouldn't it be more appropriate to call them "PM synths"?

    Also, isn't the math involved in PM Synthesis significantly different from that in FM Synthesis?

    Does studying the math of FM synthesis do much good when it is actually a PM synth you're trying to design/build?

    Thanks,

    Green Xenon

  4. Where can I find a new SY99?

    in Miscellaneous

    Posted

    I can only assume FM is available without additional sample playback. I don't really know much about these synths, and just wanted to mention them.

    I'm really not sure if the Motif/MM6 use AFM. I hadn't heard of AFM before this thread. Just did a quick bit of reading; it seems FM may be an additional module on these synths too. I assume this information should be available through Yamaha.

    I doubt the MB-FM uses such a thing. I believe it was implemented in the '77/'99 synths using DSP grunt.

    If you want to implement something yourself, I would think a soft synth would be the easiest option. You could have a look at this site regarding AFM and DFM realised in a Digidesign accelerator card. I had a glance over it, and it seems fairly comprehensive. The name also discusses the SY-77 in his paper.

    I was also wondering if a TG-77 with a new MIDI controller may be an easier way to get what you are after. I assume the rack mount '77 would be easier to clean of allergens. Generic MIDI controllers can be pretty handy, too.

    Thanks.

    By AFM I mean Advanced Frequency Modulation, not Asymmetrical Frequency Modulation. However, the site you gave me discusses the latter, not the former.

    If you read the specs of SY99, SY77, and TG77, you'll find they use Advanced Frequency Modulation [AFM].

  6. Are there any companies that make customized MIDI keyboards from the bottom up?

    in Miscellaneous

    Posted

    I'm a bit confused.. (Anyone who knows me will agree)

    The topic says you want to have a new keyboard built, but the thread says you are most interested in an AFM Synthesizer.

    Perhaps the best way to get what you want is to buy two separate devices.

    Buy a (used, older) AFM synth that has all the sounds you want, then control it from a new keyboard that is whatever size, shape, and key action that you are most comfortable with.

    Because the synth is not getting all the abuse, it will probably last forever, and you get the bonus of choosing the keyboard you want. If you want a "special" control surface to tweak the synth settings, get the tech manual for the synth and build what you want with a Midibox.

    I thought the original purpose of MIDI was to allow the separation of keyboards and synths, so that the performers onstage would not get lost behind a dozen keyboards.

    Just thinking.

    LyleHaze

    [edit] there is a "lightly used" TG-77 on E-Bay for $300. It is the rackmount version of the SY-99.

    That seems like the best way to get what you want.. and you get to choose your key action!

    This is the ebay page selling TG-77 -- http://cgi.ebay.com/Yamaha-TG-77-TG-77-Rackmount-Synth-Module-MINT_W0QQitemZ290328825239QQcmdZViewItemQQptZKeyboards_MIDI?hash=item4398f24d97&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

    If you look at the images, you'll see two slots on the bottom-right of the front of the TG77 module -- these slots are "data" and "waveform". What are these slots for? Can they store MIDI files?

  7. Differences among the YMF262s?

    in MIDIbox FM

    Posted

    I think it's just package differences.

    YMF262 datasheet shows the YMF262-S as a 48-pin SQFP package (small quad flat-pack)...

    The YMF262-M is the more common 28-pin SOP package (the ones found on most sound cards, the ones I sell and the ones used by the OPL3 module).

    I don't know what the YMF262MEZ would be, most likely a different package... that would be consistent with the suffix of other IC part numbers.

    So all the YMF262s are OPL3 chips?

  9. MIDIbox FM without sample-playback

    in MIDIbox FM

    Posted

    Hi:

    MBFM has uses a wavetable sequencer. Does this mean it sounds significantly different from OPL3? OPL3 uses pure FM.

    Also, is there a way to disable the sample-playback and just use the FM?

    I have an SB16 ISA card with OPL3, I like playing MIDIs through it. Will those MIDIs sound the same if I play them through MBFM. I hope so.

    Thanks a bunch,

    Green

  10. Where can I find a new SY99?

    in Miscellaneous

    Posted

    Hi,

    I think it depends how much you want to spend.

    I believe the Motif has FM, and I think it is more fully featured than the SY-99. Check that before buying, though. The Motif is expensive though. I think it has a good quality ROMpler behind it as well.

    Have a look at the Yamaha MM6 as well. I think these have lesser sound quality than the Motif though. I seem to remember reading some complaints about the quality of the converters.

    I'm not sure how many operators these have. Maybe only four.

    I believe there is a pretty well featured VST fm synth now. I think it may have 8 operators too.

    Do you need keys with this synth? Maybe you could get a rack, and a MIDI controller, or a VST and MIDI controller.

    There is also the MB-FM option. 4 operators I think, but an interesting synth, and sounds great with analogue filters.

    Hope you find what you are after.

    Cheers,

    madox

    In Motif, is there a way to use FM without the sample-playback synthesis? Does Motif's FM qualify as AFM?

    Also does Yamaha MM6 and MB-FM use AFM? I hope at least one of them does. I googled both of them and no sites gave me any info on whether or not they use AFM. 

    There are times when I think I should build my own AFM synth so I can really make it the way I want. However, I need in-depth knowledge of complex mathematics -- such as Bessels functions. I am hoping I can learn it.

  11. Are there any companies that make customized MIDI keyboards from the bottom up?

    in Miscellaneous

    Posted

    well should you be able to find a NOS SY99 it surely will cost more than a used one -IF you can find something like that.

    you can always have built all you need at a reasonable price, which may be very very high...

    if you're sure to need the SY99 in my opinion it would be the cheapest way to buy a used one from ebay or where you find one and give a few bucks or a box of beer to some good friend so they can open it and clean it everywhere for you. that way you would not be forced to get in contact with whatever there may be attached to it.

    but i think a custom built (means new, handcrafted) will be the most expensive ever.

    If I want it new but inexpensive, is my best bet to build it myself? Would this be less expensive than having someone else custom-building it?

  12. Are there any companies that make customized MIDI keyboards from the bottom up?

    in Miscellaneous

    Posted

    Hi:

    Are there any companies that make customized MIDI keyboards from scratch? If so, how much would they cost?

    I asked because I would like a new SY99 keyboard. I like AFM [Advanced Frequency Modulation] synthesis and SY99 is the most advanced keyboard that uses it.

    I've checked throughout the internet for sale of SY99, all of them are "used". I don't trust used products. I prefer that they be "not used". Pretty much all keyboards using AFM synthesis are available as "used" only.

    Is there anyone out there who I can hire to build me an SY99 keyboard from the bottom-up? Will the cost be reasonable?

    Or I am better off learning AFM synthesis myself and then building my own AFM keyboard?

    Thanks a bunch,

    Green

  13. Where can I find a new SY99?

    in Miscellaneous

    Posted

    im not reffering to the germ possibilities im am offering a well know solution to those with certain problems with AS, doing things this way enables sufferes to be able to do something because the brain will accept the input as a positive. thats why i suggested it. i have seen others with AS use this method for various things over a period of time and in doing so enabled them to progress with that task or item.

    its a suggestion prehaps you should really think about trying? i myself have a certain problem with my fingernails where i want to grow them but if i get one little spec of dirt under the nails i will try and clean them and because the feeling of dirt under the nails is so revolting to me and offensive i have to then cut all my nails off, this is a bit of a blight for me as it also made me bite my nails.

    i still have an issue with dirt under my nails amoungst othe things. the gloves thing is something i have tried for certain tasks and i now accept it as a norm.

    but then i need some nails !

    What is best modern version of SY99?

    I am looking for a keyboard that has at least 61 keys [hopefully 88] that uses AFM [Advanced Frequency Modulation] synthesis and hopefully with RC&M synthesis as well. Is there any hope of me finding some AFM keyboard that is not "used"?

  14. Where can I find a new SY99?

    in Miscellaneous

    Posted

    its simple then goto a chemists and by some alcohol wipes and also some latex gloves get the talc coated ones as these will feel better against your skin, then while wearing the gloves wipe clean the keyboard.

    i have had to do this an many times with other things due to my low immune system and various other issues. this way i know its clean, the talc coated latex gloves are not tight and are easy to remove, you can also get the more loose fitting ones that are not coated but are very loose fitting.

    mosty people with AS do this when it comes to cleaning because of a set in way doing things and a discomfort when the normal routine which has become embedded is altered in any way, also the fixation of clenliness which can also be a part of AS can be dealth with as the brain will associate the fact of cleanliness and sterility which comes from the gloves and sterile wipes.

    now you may say yes thats fine but the fact there may be dirt inside means its still an issue to you, well you can also get some isopropyl impregnated wipes or again use the steri wipes and open the case and clean inside also. however you must bear in mind that over a period of 1 month you will shed so much skin cells and accumilate dust etc on the keyboard that you will find yourself cleaning it constantly.

    using the above method will over time allay your AS and mean that you will accomodate the keyboard and its previously dirty state into your routine.

    Again, I will have to go off-topic but thanks for your understanding. I'm not at all a germophobe. In fact, I like bacteria. It's the allergens [such as pollen, soil, and grass dust] that makes me sick. Also, I hate anything with a sticky texture [such as syrup]. If there is any sticky substance to any extent, there is a good chance I will feel it.

    Anyways, I like the idea of distilled water. I wonder if giving the entire SY99 a bath in distilled water will ruin it. Hopefully not. I'm used to the dust of my skin cells, so I could ignore it. If it gets too much I can wipe it off.

    As for a totally-sterile environment, I don't really need or want that. Majority of bacteria in the environment are harmless and many even protect us against the bad bugs.

  15. Where can I find a new SY99?

    in Miscellaneous

    Posted

    Actually distilled water will work. I've once heard of a guy (cimo?) who spilled soda over his macbook and got it back to life with washing it out in distilled water.

    Just make sure it is really dry afterwards.

    So I can wash the SY99 in distilled water w/out harming it?

  16. Where can I find a new SY99?

    in Miscellaneous

    Posted

    Yamaha stopped making that a while ago...

    Why don't you trust the used ones? did they do something bad in the past? ;]

    Usually the used ones don't work properly or are too dirty to use. No offense.

    Sorta off-topic but I'm very sensitive to outdoor dirt. There is a good chance the used ones came in contact with grass, soil, pollen, asphault, concrete, and other outdoor dirt. I'm allergic to amounts of those substances which others can tolerate. That's why I'm an indoor person. If I touch the outdoor floor, I immediately have to wash my hands with clean water. I can't use soap or other chemicals either -- just pure clean water. I can handle small amounts of dirt particles that are present in most habitable environments, however, construction work just gets my nostrils flaring.

    I also have Asperger's syndrome which further increases my sensitivity to physical discomfort. This is why I am very particular about the clothes I wear. Discomfort which most can ignore, feels like pain to me.

    Sorry for getting OT but that's my main concern about getting a used product. Because SY99 has electric parts, I can't wash it with water. Water-safe products I don't mind buying whether used or new.

  22. My Dream MIDI Keyboard

    in Design Concepts

    Posted

    Hi:

    My dream MIDI keyboard is a musical keyboard that has 88 keys and relies purely on digital AFM [Advanced Frequency Modulation] synthesis [not sample playback or analog synthesis] to generate tones. It has a headphone jack. It can store and produce .mid files. In addition, it is able to somehow record and store songs digitally [as .wav files] so I can directly burn them into a CD. It has an internal HDD. It also has a CD burner/player which can record/playback any and all formats of CD-sized discs. It also has an external HDD which I can use to import/export to/from the keyboard and my PC.

    In addition, the keyboard’s synth is purely-hardware [not a softsynth] and freshly generates its tones [i.e. it does not use any sampling or sampled sounds to any extent].

    The AFM synth in my dream MIDI keyboard has as many operators, voices, channels [OPL3 has 18 channels, OPL2 has 9], voices-per-channel, and operators-per-voice as physically-possible with the size of my keyboard being the same as that of the current highest-quality keyboard available.

    This keyboard also has a display screen as well as controls, settings, and effects which are as sophisticated as that of the most advanced keyboard.

    The audio from my dream keyboard is stereo but it sounds exactly the same in both the L and R channels. When audio is played back, the audio signals in the left and right channel are exactly the same in terms of amplitude, frequency, and phase. There are no settings to change this.

    Last but not least, my dream MIDI keyboard makes the most efficient use of Realtime Convolution and Modulation.

    I would like to make karaoke tracks using this hypothetical keyboard and then burn the karaoke songs into CDs.

    Sadly my dream MIDI keyboard is way too good to ever be true.

    Regards,

    Green Xenon

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