Tiptop Z3000 Smzrt VCO MKII - Manual (Page 19)

Voices and Operators.
Classic Analog Voice -­
A typical voice on a vintage analog synthesizer usually
starts with two or more VCOs with their pitch intervals
preset. The wavefroms of the VCOs are mixed together
and sent to a VCF, followed by a VCA. A modular
synthesizer gives the user the freedom to build
complex analog voices. On a modular, a voice is not
preset and can be made of several VCOs and other
modules. This allows for a variety of synthesis
techniques which can be mixed into a single output.
FM Operators Voice -­
The term operator is used to describe a complex
digital FM voice structure. An operator is a synthesizer
patch consisting of several tone generators, each
modulated through VCAs that are controlled by
envelope generators (EGs). An operator also includes a
mixer to combine the tones into a single output. The
gain of the mixer channels are dynamically controlled
by additional EGs. This entire structure generates
complex sound textures that evolve with time.
Both analog and digital voice structuring rely heavily
on the arrangement of frequency ratios to generate
harmonic and inharmonic voices. The Z3000mkII is the
ideal tool for both of these forms of voice structuring,
as it allows the user to quickly and easily set the
frequency ratios of any of the sound-generating
modules being used in a given voice and the
Z3000mkII’s Hard Sync Modulation allows for simple
and effective management of complex voice structures.