Digital vs analog synthesizers: a question for synth-heads and audio experts.

[I Got A Letter]

I'm generally an objectivist and believe that if two devices measure the same, they will sound identical.

I own several synths, including the analog Behringer Poly D and Pro-800, as well as the digital Novation Mininova. In theory, the Mininova is the most powerful of the three, with features like multiple envelopes and filters, a modulation matrix, and built-in effects. However, when compared side by side, its oscillators sound "thin" and less subjectively pleasing than those of the analog synths.

I'm not suggesting there's any mystical "analog magic" at play. I'm confident that the analog and digital outputs would measure differently in this case, and a better digital oscillator could likely match an analog one. What I’m trying to understand is this: in this specific instance, what might be causing the digital synth to sound worse? Could it be the filters?

I don’t think I have a particular bias toward analog, though all my comparisons have been sighted. That said, the differences still seem striking—dare I say, "night and day."

 

[somebodyelse]

Assuming there's really an audible difference, you should be able to find out why by measurement. Use something like REW to see the frequency spectrum of each. Any DAW should show the envelope.