Memories
Memories
The first generation of synthesizers produced many years ago were large modular instruments
where each part of the synthesizer was housed in separate units (‘modules’). These modules
could only be physically connected together by combinations of cables (known as patch leads
or patch cords). A typical sound produced by this method would often involve connecting
dozens of patch leads and every time a new sound was required, the leads would have to be
physically disconnected and reconnected. The positions and connections of the controls
would also have to be noted down on paper if there was to be any hope of creating that
particular sound ever again!
However, it was discovered that nine times out of ten, a typical ‘patch’ (i.e. the collection of
modules) followed the same signal path we have seen in this tutorial - i.e. oscillators into mixer
into filter into output amplifier with each of these controlled by a few envelopes and LFOs.
Thus, manufacturers started making ‘hardwired’ synthesisers where everything was connected
together without the need for patch cords. This made them easier to use, less expensive and
also portable. However, it was still not possible to store sounds and control settings had to be
noted down in order to re-create any sound. In fact, some synthesists would take Polaroid
photos of the panel(s) in an attempt to ‘store’ a sound’s settings!
Around 1977, however, someone had the bright idea of digitizing the front panel controls (i.e.
have their position monitored by simple digital circuitry) and use a simple processor to store
their positions in battery backed-up memory. As a result, patch memories were born and
became a standard feature on all synths and it was possible to recall sounds with a simple press
of a button.
Originally, these programmable synths had only a limited number of memories (typically 40 or
so) but as processors got better (and cheaper) and memory became cheaper and readily
available, manufacturers were able to allow more and more sounds to be stored in memory.
Today, a typical synth has locations for
hundreds
of sounds! The V-Station is no exception with
the capacity to store 400 sounds.
20
Synthesis Tutorial
