I am looking to add a VCA module and ran across the Doepfer A-130 (Linear) and A-131 (Exponential) and while I understand "mathematically" what the difference between linear and exponential is, I'm trying to understand the use cases for each and which might be best suited for an overall general purpose VCA...I'm guessing the linear version would be but am interested to hear any feedback regarding the different use cases.
JB
it's to do with how we perceive loudness... our brains work exponentially...
so linear is usually for cv and exponential for audio...
althoug it also depends on the envelope that you feed them... an expenential envelope into a linear vca will behave in the same way as an exponential vca...
personally I'd get a veils clone instead (even if it means waiting a short while before buying it) - does both linear and exponential + loads more interesting features + more channels - which is always good (you can never have e nough vcas) and probably cheaper per channel!
"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia
Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!
sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities
This article by Chris Meyer (Learning Modular) will provide you with excellent insight into the subject:
‘Linear versus Exponential VCAs & Envelopes’.
https://learningmodular.com/linear-versus-exponential/
Two very educational videos are also included.
'On ne devrait jamais quitter Montauban' (Fernand Naudin).
My purely stupid brain just thinks Exponential makes for a more chewy filter sound when the envelope is applied.
Enjoy your spare HP, don't rush to fill every last space, this is not like filling sticker books. Resist the urge to 'complete' your rack, its never complete so just relax.
