tepples wrote:
Then what imitation of a synth pad does sound good, without having to resort to Japan-only expansions?
It can't make every sound. If the best imitation of something you can think of doesn't sound good, don't imitate that thing. Find a different substitute instead. There are many ways to express the function of harmony. (As a direct answer to that question, I've seen DPCM put to good use like this, though.)
FWIW I think arps work in certain contexts, but I try to be sparing with them. Almost never would I use them without a volume envelope, and I try not to make their presence prominent for more than a short burst (drop to very low volume quickly, or even silence). Otherwise I tend to find them rather overbearing on the sound.
Similarly, I think the 0xy/Jxy style triads are one of the least useful ways to do it. Arpeggios with 5 or 10 or 50 notes break that monolithic block sound into a more rhythmic cycle. Duty envelopes, volume envelopes, etc. give a ton of possibilities there to relieve the ear by having a contour on the sound.
Like I'd say 2 frame per note triads are probably less offensive than 1 frame ones, in general, but the real problem is leaving this static ugly sound hanging around in our ears. Similar problem as just playing a flat square wave for 2 seconds. Make that sound move and change before it becomes unwelcome.
If you like the sound though, go ahead and use it. You don't have to please me, or anybody else. I just personally think arpeggio envelopes are a far better solution than trying to automate it. This limited effect is a size optimization which probably only pays off in the case where you're already using the effect too much.
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