of Microprocessors

708 MUSICAL ApPLICATIONS OF MICROPROCESSORS
Clearly, the mass market for synthesizers at this time is live performance in
small bands by professional and semi-professional players. The term "mass
market" implies two things. First, it refers to the needs of average potential
customers, i.e., those with average skill, intelligence, and typically low
interest in the technical aspects of .their instruments. Second, because the
mass market of average potential customers is so large (maybe 70-90% of the
total market), it is where the competition is fiercest. There is a direct parallel
apparent in the personal computer industry where mass market computers are
promoted in terms of ease of use rather than flexibility or performance, and
low cost rather than quality or reliability.
A mass market live performance synthesizer must be able to change
patches ("sounds" and "programs" are common instruction manual terms)
quickly and surely at any time. Quickly usually means instantaneously such
as between musical phrases, and surely means a procedure so simple that
embarrassing mistakes are unlikely. Typically, each combination of sound
parameters is given a number and that combination can be called up by
pressing one of 50 or so numbered keys or entering a two-digit number on a
keypad. The parameters themselves are supplied by the manufacturer in
printed, ROM, or digital cassette form or possibly determined by experiment
during rehearsal. A live performance synthesizer must "sound good" in that
it must not sound cheap or overtly electronic. Great flexibility and generality
are usually secondary considerations as long as a reasonable range of sounds is
possible. During sales demonstrations, realism in simulating conventional
instruments is often promoted as an indication of the instrument's quality
and flexibility. In actual use, where just the mood of a particular instrument's
sound is preferable to a flawed duplication, such patches are infrequently
used. Finally, a live performance synthesizer must be reasonably portable, at
least by two people, and rugged and reliable enough so that it works upon
arrival.
Studio Synthesizers
Of course, there are other markets for synthesizers, although much
smaller than the mass market just described. One of these is studio
synthesizers, which are used for creating music directly in tecorded form rather
than in a live performance situation. Although much studio work goes into
creating record albums, the major use of studio synthesizers is in producing
soundtracks for radio and TV ads and for the thousands of movies, TV
programs, and documentaries released every year. Synthesized music has
become so pervasive in this field that 50-75% ofsuch "commercial music" is
synthesized now. Although no attempt is made to simulate an orchestra, the
sounds typically used are bland enough to avoid calling attention to
themselves for all but the most critical listener. It is interesting to note that,
although the studio synthesizer market is relatively small, its musical product