If I may add my two cents . . .

By "preset" do you mean something imitating (or duplicating) a certain sound
created by a synth, or the algorithm that produces that sound? The latter
is, IMO, a better candidate for a new opcode. For example, in regard to the
DX7, I think it would be nice to have 6 operator FM, with all 32 algorithms
the DX7 had, implemented as an opcode (or family of opcodes), although each
algorithm has been emulated as an instrument. (Of course, it might also be
really difficult to code, or even possibly illegal, if the patent is still
in effect). But if you mean the DX7 bass (for ex.) itself should be
replicated with an opcode, that seems like an awfully limited-use opcode.
How exactly could you  "do whatever you wanted" with such an opcode? Would
it be merely the algorithm that is used in the DX7, with the appropriate
parameters as defaults, or would it use some modeling technique to emulate
that bass sound? Presumably, even in the latter case, there would be access
to certain parameters of the model which one could change to create
different sounds. But I would prefer to see more general synthesis
techniques implemented as opcodes and specific sounds made available as
orc/scos. Perhaps someone could explain to me the advantages of more
specific-purpose opcodes.

There are a number of orcs available on the internet already and more orcs
emulating classic synth sounds can always be made available by anyone who
has the interest and the knowledge to create them. This seems to me a better
way to make "presets" available, both for educational purposes, and as
starting points for one's own creative work. I would love to see differing
opinions, clarifications, corrections, etc., on this issue.

Terry Cast

Josep M Comajuncosas wrote:

> I agree the main goal of Csound is to provide a flexible and always
> growing set of tools for sound design, but I´d like to see implemented
> some really idiosynchratic presets from some old synths as new opcodes.
> Cook´s ones are a valuable addition, but I´m sure the DX7 has a dozen or
> so of established presets, the same with other synths. Hundreds of
> presets could be implemented this way. Of course you could do whatever
> you wanted with them ... but a DX7 bass is a DX7 bass, a piano is a
> piano, and so on. It is convenient to have them ready to be called.
> Btw I hate presets ;-) but you can learn a lot from them...