Poly Evolver Music

Robot Heart · « **Reply #100 on:** January 29, 2018, 03:19:37 PM »

There are certainly other components involved, as others have pointed out, and just the fact that it's a different instrument means many of the circuits are indeed different as well as the overall design that makes up the voice architecture.

Sacred Synthesis · « **Reply #101 on:** January 29, 2018, 09:19:55 PM »

I can't remember ever reading comments in favor of the Evolver's filter. People praise many things about it, but the filter seems to be considered unremarkable, if not poor. Regardless, it strikes me as rich and creamy - words definitely not associated with the PEK. But create a thick four-oscillator pad, turn up the resonance to about 62, sweep the cut off, and goodness gracious it sounds gorgeous. Strangely, even better than the Prophet '08.

Sacred Synthesis · « **Reply #102 on:** February 19, 2018, 01:34:59 PM »

Icy pad:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSQHT3lSopg

Soundquest · « **Reply #103 on:** February 20, 2018, 10:18:26 AM »

So Sacred Synthesis, did you buy that blue foot peddle (just right of your bass peddles) just to match the PEK ?

Very wispy in parts. It sounds as if you are using HP filter, but are you bringing in noise too?

Sacred Synthesis · « **Reply #104 on:** February 20, 2018, 10:35:21 AM »

Yes, I've got two of those old DSI pedals. They match nicely with the two Poly Evolver Keyboards. I'm color-coordinated.

I'm tweaking the high pass filter at several points as I play, but there is no white noise added at any point. As you know, that means it has to be set at least to "1" before you start playing, or else you'll get a loud "pop" when you first turn it. It's the quality of the digital waveform that, in lower registers and at certain cut off frequency points, has that "wispy" quality to it. I've come to identify this effect as part and parcel of the distinctive voice of the Evolver.

You know, this question constantly crosses my mind these days, as I debate whether or not to replace a PEK with a P12: "Can the Prophet 12 do that?" It's said that the Prophet 12 is the new Poly Evolver Keyboard, but I just don't hear it. To me, the P12 seems like a thoroughly different instrument, which is fine. The digital sounds I repeatedly hear P12 users making are quite different from those typical of the PEK, and I hear very little crossover. So, to repeat the nagging question - "Is it at all possible to create this sort of icy pad on the Prophet 12, wisps and all?"

Soundquest · « **Reply #105 on:** April 26, 2018, 05:21:15 PM »

This is 90% PEK-meaning all the melody lines including the plucky, humming and bendy notes. The "Moogy" bass is Vermona MKII. I used the Roland VP7 for the female choir though.

https://soundcloud.com/wavescape-1/the-electric-altar

Sacred Synthesis · « **Reply #106 on:** April 26, 2018, 05:38:04 PM »

The main sound has a cross between a bowing and a strumming effect. Excellent programming on a whole variety of sounds.

Is your Poly Evolver still talking to you?

Soundquest · « **Reply #107 on:** April 26, 2018, 06:20:23 PM »

Oh Yes, PEK is not being replaced from my studio with a younger sexier model, well unless of course that model is like a PEK revision. I guess I feel a little guilty having the P12 now too, almost polygamy

Sacred Synthesis · « **Reply #108 on:** April 26, 2018, 07:15:54 PM »

Quote from: Soundquest on April 26, 2018, 06:20:23 PM

Oh Yes, PEK is not being replaced from my studio with a younger sexier model, well unless of course that model is like a PEK revision. I guess I feel a little guilty having the P12 now too, almost polygamy

I think in this case it would be poly polygamy.

ReubenJones · « **Reply #109 on:** August 24, 2018, 04:17:55 AM »

New techno track with heavy use of Poly Evolver

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxa5dzP19pk

Sacred Synthesis · « **Reply #110 on:** September 05, 2018, 08:14:44 PM »

A short demonstration of a HPF pad:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvVVMFZHHCk

Soundquest · « **Reply #111 on:** September 12, 2018, 05:36:14 PM »

Sacred Synthesis , just curious if you are applying the sweep with your foot or have that modulated in w an envelope? Strangely I've had my PEK for quite a few years now but only more recently started using it's HP filter. I think it's other features kept me preoccupied

Sacred Synthesis · « **Reply #112 on:** September 12, 2018, 05:53:38 PM »

The high pass filter was modulated by the third envelope. No pedal or wheel was used. It's rather difficult to get the balance right between the modulation amount and the high pass parameter setting. You have to go back and forth between the two until you've maximized the effect. And of course, the VCA attack is quite slow, so you only faintly hear the high pass at its peak. The patch demands a lot from three separate envelopes.

Soundquest · « **Reply #113 on:** September 13, 2018, 01:48:15 PM »

Quote from: Sacred Synthesis on September 12, 2018, 05:53:38 PM

The high pass filter was modulated by the third envelope. No pedal or wheel was used. It's rather difficult to get the balance right between the modulation amount and the high pass parameter setting. You have to go back and forth between the two until you've maximized the effect. And of course, the VCA attack is quite slow, so you only faintly hear the high pass at its peak. The patch demands a lot from three separate envelopes.

Ok, I listened again and yes smoother than one could do with a foot or pedal. Being the PEK fan that you are, have you ever tried using its sequencer to modulate filters and such. Not sitting in front the instruments at the moment, but I can't recall off-hand if it was the PEK that had the sequencer slew (or was that the PO8?). I found that filter "sweeps" could be done that way and erasing the abruptness between steps using the slew.

Sacred Synthesis · « **Reply #114 on:** September 14, 2018, 05:14:52 PM »

Soundquest,

I occasionally use the sequencer on the PEK as a mean of controlling the filter, but usually by key strikes. As for slew, could you be thinking of the Prophet 12? That instrument has a slew feature, for example, that I found wonderfully useful for rounding off S+H type effects and others.

Sacred Synthesis · « **Reply #115 on:** September 14, 2018, 05:29:42 PM »

I had to post this demonstration because it shows the incredible power and sonic range of the Poly Evolver Keyboard. A brilliant instrument! C'mon, Dave....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSFNEmJjl7c

Soundquest · « **Reply #116 on:** September 17, 2018, 10:48:45 AM »

And IMO, still the coolest looking keyboard synth too. Hope any revision would consider the same blue scheme.

Sacred Synthesis · « **Reply #117 on:** September 17, 2018, 11:01:55 AM »

Absolutely. If it wasn't blue, it wouldn't sound like an Evolver.

Soundquest · « **Reply #118 on:** October 14, 2018, 05:08:57 PM »

So my wife did raise an eyebrow when she saw me setting up a microphone in front of a steaming teapot on our stove

Well, I figured that might make an interesting source for a wave shape to import into the PEK. I'm satisfied with the result, as I was hoping for almost a calliope type sound, which can be heard somewhat in one of the examples. Though envelopes shortened attack on a few of these give a bell type sound. Key was using the HP filter to rid the bottom end. last patch has a touch of saw wave added. The wave form is sort of an angular sine. (see pdf)

https://soundcloud.com/wavescape-1/poly-evolver-tea-pot-wave-shapes

Sacred Synthesis · « **Reply #119 on:** October 15, 2018, 12:04:42 PM »

That's a fascinating collection of sounds, Soundquest. You've lived up to your name! I've always loved the general bell category of tones, and these are like exotic bells. Very pretty, and certainly musically useful.

I have to make a suggestion for naming the patches: "PEK Pots." Too cute?