I'm attempting to create a VA synth in Reaktor with subtractive and multi-operator FM capabilities, mostly for my own usage. I'm trying to think up ways of getting a more authentic analog sound, though. So far, I've come up with the following, but since I have no experience with modular analog synths, I might be wrong here.

1. A random function that offsets the pitch of an operator when a key is struck by 1-8 cents. I have this implemented, but it only offsets the pitch when you change oscillator waveforms, not each time a key is struct.

2. An LFO assigned to pitch going fairly slowly to create a sense of instability of the oscillators.

3. A 1-pole LP filter with a cutoff set to the higher frequencies to make them a bit duller and warmer.

These features could all be changed or deactivated by the user, of course. I'm also trying to find ways to make the dual DCFs of the synth have a more analog feel, but I don't even know where to start there.

You should talk to WilliamK about it. He made some really nice analouge models for Reaktor back in the day when he was doing DashSynthesis..

zircon wrote:

I'm attempting to create a VA synth in Reaktor with subtractive and multi-operator FM capabilities, mostly for my own usage. I'm trying to think up ways of getting a more authentic analog sound, though. So far, I've come up with the following, but since I have no experience with modular analog synths, I might be wrong here. 1. A random function that offsets the pitch of an operator when a key is struck by 1-8 cents. I have this implemented, but it only offsets the pitch when you change oscillator waveforms, not each time a key is struct.

Interesting! I'll have to try that. How about a fast envelope with a midi gate trigger and have the output multiplied by the random event?

Quote:

2. An LFO assigned to pitch going fairly slowly to create a sense of instability of the oscillators.

Yeah, that seems to help - I put different randomizers to offset the pitch, run through event smoothers - one assembly for each audio oscillator so they don't run in lockstep.

Quote:

3. A 1-pole LP filter with a cutoff set to the higher frequencies to make them a bit duller and warmer.

Did you see the anti-aliasing filter someone posted to the Reaktor forum recently? It's very good for taking the edge off higher frequencies. I know the idea of an anti-aliasing filter sounds retarded, like something a newbie would come up with, but it really works - it uses a clever assembly of unit (single sample) delays to schmeer the higher frequencies together. It was posted as a picture but it takes only a few seconds to throw it together:

http://www.native-instruments.com/index.php?id=1576&upper=index.php?id =forum_us%26type=2&lower=forum/showthread.php%3Fs%3De22d7fb0cd925686ff 245024bfad02a5%26threadid%3D14268

Quote:

These features could all be changed or deactivated by the user, of course. I'm also trying to find ways to make the dual DCFs of the synth have a more analog feel, but I don't even know where to start there.

Higher sampling rate for starters!

Edited to add - oh wait, you're talking filters, not oscillators. My bad. Try chaining some 2 pole lowpass filters with saturators. And check out the filters in the lunchbox ens - it has a nice rubbery 303 squeak happening.

there are like a million ways you can make perfect waves "imperfect," but w/ limited resources, imo you hafta pick them for the task.. eg. the couple of cents pitch randomisation @ s&h per note isn't so 'liminal' on long notes, but creates more of a variant feel with rapid notes.

to add to your list, maybe add some linear stuff to your wave.. either a little waveshaping or eg. make a sawtooth more exponential with a fixed-length (or less scale-responsive) lag.

for best analog feel, bung a load of line noise in the mix ;D

+for filter, try modulating the Q we/ the cutoff, ever so slightly

Well, using an "analog feel" knob that slightly randomizes the pitch of each note plus the LFO with variable frequency/amplitude, I've created a really nice analog feel (in my opinion). Once I finish this, I'll be sure to share it (though it's my first full Reaktor ensemble so it probably wont' seem like much).

Thanks for the help!