The modern EX5 reborn

[davlippo7]

I pasted my comments in an unrelated topic as this deserves it's own Subject I was thinking. Originally addressed to Derek the EX5 master.

You're a mad scientist type EX5 master have you looked into the Waldorf Iridium desktop it's so unlimited and the screen with interaction is brilliant.

I just watched a few videos and it's so intuitive I was doing anything without needing a manual. It's as simple or as complex as you want it to be.

If you love the EX5 this is by far a modern version of it. It can do samples, FM/DX but with any waveform, AN type with amazing 3 filters & feedback on capacitive screen, 5 effects on any of the 3 simultaneous engines X2, something like FDSP & VL style accents and timbres and then waves etc. You might already have one. The high definition rapid responsiveness of it makes Yamaha's screen look and behave like a rock. It basically doesn't f*!K around and waste your valuable time. It's a designer's dream.

You can select 3 engines (all the same or all different) per voice and then you get a second voice with 3 other engines also if you like.

That's probably the best definition or way to describe it a modern and proper EX5. Waldforf has shown Yamaha how to do the EX5 properly in modern times using modern tech.

[davlippo7]

For comparison the engine terminology goes like this if you think this really isn't similar to the EX5:

1) "WaveTable" which is a whole world within itself

2) "Waveform" not to be confused with samples "waveforms" it the virtual analog AN system in Waldorf terms

3) "Particle" which is a 2-in-2 combination of samples (multisampling) and granular synths (EX didn't have)

4) "Resonator" is similar to VL a physical modeling synth

5) "Kernels" which is modular and similar to the Yamaha FM/DX but beyond using any type of waveform with modulations

[Derek]

I’ve never (so far) been a Waldorf fan - too cold and digital to my ears.

[davlippo7]

You would have to try this one out probably hooked up to your personal system. The whole design idea and interface is nice.

[Yash]

It is an interesting comparison.

For Granular, if I had an Ex5/7 under my hands, I'd see if I can find a way to make it happen inside of it.

For VL: the original VL had a large set of equation-based Physics modeling. For the main element: a set of Drivers and a set of Resonators, feeding each other in a loop, followed by a set of Modifiers. You can make Resonators in a variety of ways nowadays and I am not sure the Waldorf implements this Driver-Resonator like the VL.

The EX5/7 has FDSP, which is additional effects-like processing Per Note instead of a global Bus FX processing. I don't know if Waldorf has that although the implementation of 'Kernels' does seem to be quite versatile and could be considered to be similar.

BTW, 'WaveTable' should be called Wavetable Scanning. This originated from the work of Wolfgang Palm on the original PPG machines. I'd have to look deep inside the EX5/EX7 to see if I can summon something like that from the architecture.

All in all, the Quantum/Iridium machines are very nice Synths, with a well thought-out modern interface from the videos I've seen. The architecture seems quite versatile with the Kernels and the various synthesis engines.

[Derek]

EX5 is not capable of granular or wavetable, but it is very capable with what it does do, and FDSP remains unique