Vector synthesis

Vector synthesis implementations

There have been a number of different implementations of vector synthesis. These differ in what they use for the four sound sources, and what processing is done to the sound after the vector synthesis stage. The actual vector synthesis concept is identical.

Prophet VS vector synthesis

The Prophet VS used four digital wavetable oscillators as its four sound sources. The limitations, particularly the digital aliasing, of this design, coupled with its use of Curtis analogue filter ICs to process the mixed sound, gave the Prophet VS its distinctive sound.

Yamaha SY series

The Yamaha SY22 added to the Prophet's implementation of vector synthesis by providing two types of sound source. Each axis of the vector had both an FM sound source and a sample-playback source. Although it lacked any filtering, it added digital effects for processing the results of the vector synthesis.

Korg Wavestation

The Korg Wavestation went further still, allowing each of the four sound sources to produce not just a static tone, but a complex wave sequence, by playing back or cross-fading one wave after another.

Korg OASYS

The Korg OASYS workstation is one of the first synthesizers for over a decade to feature vector synthesis. It also features an updated form of wave sequencing, like the Wavestation. The Korg Kronos also features this synthesis.

Arturia Origin

The Prophet VS , a hybrid virtual instrument version of the original Prophet VS, features vector synthesis, as well as Arturia's Origin hardware synthesizer, which uses an automated mixer, the 2D Envelope.