Can Korg Vector Joystick emulate EMS VCS3/AKS Joystick?

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Kevin Nolan
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Can Korg Vector Joystick emulate EMS VCS3/AKS Joystick?

Post by Kevin Nolan »

This is a loaded question only answerable by those who know the EMS VCS3 and AKS (and the music of Jean Michel Jarre) :-

Can the Vector Joystick on OASYS be configured to act in the same way as the Joystick on the VCS3 and AKS?

the loaded part of the question is really - what does the EMS VCS3 and AKS Joystick do to affect sounds - as heard for example on the modulaiton sounds on Equinoxe Part 4 by Jean Michel Jarre.

It sounds to me that he is adjusting LFO Rate, LFO Wave type and possibly LFO intensity, and also perhaps VCO Pitch all at the same time via different Joystick positions; most if not all of which are probabably assignable to the Vector Joystick on OASYS - but I suppose I'm asking if anyone know the actual settings to accurately emulate those famous EMS synths.

Sharp / KARO - if no one knows the answer - surely there's a product in this - configuring a set of MS20EX and/or AL-1 Programs & Combi's to emulate the EMS AKS / VCS3 !!!

Thanks,
Kevin.
fdspeck
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Post by fdspeck »

The VCS3/AKS are in principle modular synthesizers with no fixed connection between the modules. All connections have to be made via the 16x16 patch matrix. This is true for audio connections as well as for control signal connections. Thus the output of the joystick can be routed to any control signal input.

Each of the two joystick axis can be routed to 8 possible inputs. These are: frequency of oscillator 1, 2 and 3, filter frequency, decay of the envelope generator, wet/dry mix of the build in spring reverb and the output levels of channel 1 and 2.

From your description I would assume that the decay of the envelope generator is modulated. The envelope of the VCS3/AKS can be retriggered after a certain time. When the decay parameter is modulated it sounds like a LFO with a modulated waveform.

Of course the Oasys gives you all the modulation possibilities the VCS3/AKS have. It's more a matter of knowing what you need to do to achive a certain sound. Hope that helps.

-Frank-
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