ARP 2600 - Signal Types: Audio vs. Control Signals; Synthesizer Architecture and Connections; Patching and Connecting Internal Devices

17
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a-V-C
2.251
It is
EXTREMELY NVIPORTANT
to
be
clear about this
because
of the
OTHER FUNCTION
that
a
voltage
signal
may
serve:
i.e.
simply
to
provide
an AUDIO
SIGNAL
(pitched
tone
or noise)
for
modifica-
tion and
ultimately for
listening.
Between
these two functions
there
is
all the
difference
in the
world;
but
there
is
no
intrinsic difference
BETWEEN
THE
SIGNALS
THEMSELVES.
The
same output
from
the
same oscillator
may
be
used either
as
an
AUDIO SIGNAL
or as a
CON-
TROL SIGNAL;
it
makes no difference to
the
oscillator.
To
find
out
whether a
signal
is
audio
or
control, don't
look to
where
it
comes
from
but
rather
to
where
it
goes.
2.3 A
SYNTHESIZER,
then,
consists
of SIGNAL-GENERATING
and
SIGNAL-MODIFYING equipment; and
some
of this
equipment
is
VOLTAGE-CONTROLLED by
signals
which
usually
are
generated,
and may
aiso be modified,
within
the
synthesizer.
2.31 EACH DEVICE
in
a
synthesizer
IS
COMPLETELY
SEPARATE
from the
others.
It
is
electrically
independent
of
them
and
has
its
own
w>n
separate
INPUT and
OUTPU T
points,
usually
readily
available
to
the
user.
C
CM t
f-to
{
2.32
EVERY SYNTHESIZER
has
some
provision for CONNECTfNG
its
internal
devices
to
each other.
These may
take
the
form
of patch-
cords, matrix
boards
with
pins,
or
matrix
switches. The
devices
are
connected
to
each
other
BY
THE USER,
who
may
connect
them
in
MANY
DIFFERENT CONFIGURATIONS
depending on what
sounds
and
sound-patterns
he wants to
produce.
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2.33
OPERATING A
SYNTHESIZER
means
doing
two
different
things:
one
is
CONNECTING to
each
other
the devices
to
be
used,
or
"setting
up
the
patch
4
'
as it
is
called, and
the
other
is
SETTING
UP,
AD
j
UST1NG, AND
USING
the
controls
on the devices in
the
patch.
2.331
SETTING
UP A
PATCH
involves
at least providing a
path
for
audio signals; and every
signal
path
must
begin from
either
an
interna
or external signal
source.