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Introductory
Section
AN Synthesis (Analog Physical Modeling)
Although synthesizers have come a long way since the days of VCOs (Voltage Controlled Oscillators),
VCFs (Voltage Controlled Filters), and VCAs (Voltage Controlled Amplifiers), modern digital tone
generators can’t quite reproduce the punch, power, and interactive control capabilities of such older
systems. Yamaha AN Synthesis (Analog Physical Modeling), however, offers all the benefits of
traditional analog synthesis with the stability, reproduceability, and precise control of digital
technology. It is capable of accurately reproducing the sound of classic analog synthesizer without
patch cables, setting charts, or the frustrating instability that was the bane of the analog age. AN
Synthesis also offers many features that were simply not possible in pure analog systems. It is, for
example, also capable of FM synthesis similar to the type that made the legendary Yamaha DX7 one of
the most popular synthesizers of all time.
In addition to single-element AN voices, the EX5 and EX5R allow two AN elements to be layered to
create even thicker analog synth sounds.
■AN System Overview
VCO 1
Mixing
VCF AMP
NOISE
LFO
RING
MODULATER
MASTER SLAVE
SYNC
FM
VCO 2
VCO
Increases/decreases
harmonic overtones.
Increased: brighter sound
Decreased: softer sound
Filter
Adjusts amplitude over time
small
large
Amplifier
LFO wave LFO applied
Original wave
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