Re: Synthesis (was Re:Amelio's ouster)

[mportune@telerama.lm.com (Matt Portune)]

Geoff Kaiser (SuperKais@MacConnect_REMOVE_THIS.com) wrote:
> No, it is NOT. A TRUE synthesizer is not using PCM samples, or
> "wavetable" anything. It is generating frequencies from scratch, not
> playing back samples like all Sound Canvas-type modules. (Rule of thumb:

This is true... now, for everybody else's benefit, let's have a 
terminology check.  :)  People are using the word "synth" as a generic 
term, like "PC".  Everybody knows a mac is a "Personal Computer", but 
it's not a "PC".  Same applies with "synth".  People just use "synth" 
meaning electronic instrument that produces sound.  Whether or not it 
actually "synthesizes" isn't an issue.  Do I agree with this?  No, I wish 
people would be technically accurate with their hardware.  The only true 
synths I have are a Yamaha V50 (4-op FM) and a Roland Juno 6 (analog).  
The rest are sample playback boxes.  

I'm just trying to stop a flamewar on something everybody already agrees 
on, but uses different terminolgy.  That's like blowing up your allies.  ;)

- Matt

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