Tutorial - What is Waveform Modulation? (Fixed)

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bobborries
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Tutorial - What is Waveform Modulation? (Fixed)

Post by bobborries »

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Sawtooth Waveform Modulation
Most classic synths have common static waveforms, but Korg decided to give these some life, let's start with the most common. Sawtooth waveforms contain even harmonics and sound like brass instruments and is commonly used for bass sounds. Morphs the sawtooth into a double sawtooth. Applying an LFO modulation sounds like 2 sawtooths detuned with only using 1 oscillator.


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Control 1: Applies static modulation, at 0 it's a pure sawtooth, at 127 it's a double sawtooth. (this can be modulated using virtural patch cords or a Modulation Sequencer)

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Control 2: Provides the amount of modulation from LFO 1. Usually, set Control 1 to 64 when using LFO 1 modulation.

Square Waveform Modulation
Square waveforms contain odd harmonics and sound like woodwinds when the pulse width is narrow it can sound very reedy. Can be used for string and pad sounds when the pulse is modulated by an LFO. This is the familiar Pulse width modulation (PWM) we all know and love. LFO modulation gives you a square wave that transforms into a narrow pulse.


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Control 1: Sets the Pulse width at 0 it's a pure square wave at 127 the pulse is so narrow you can barely hear it. (this can be modulated using virtural patch cords or a Modulation Sequencer)

Control 2: Provides the amount of pulse width modulation from LFO 1. Usually, set Control 1 to 64 when using LFO 1 modulation.

Triangle Waveform Modulation
Triangle waveforms contain little harmonics and is good for flute type sounds. This mangles the triangle waveform using a single-stage wave-folder. The triangle wave is amplified but instead of clipping, it is folded back upon itself approaching a double triangle. It sounds a little like FM.


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Control 1: Applies amount of folding, at 0 the triangle is unaltered, at 127 it is folded onto itself producing a double triangle wave. (this can be modulated using virtural patch cords or a Modulation Sequencer)

Control 2: Provides the amount of modulation from LFO 1. Usually, set Control 1 to 64 when using LFO 1 modulation.

Sine Waveform Modulation
Sine waveform is the most basic of all waveforms, it only contains one harmonic and is not well suited for filtering.
Not really sure what is going on here, but it sounds cool. It changes the overtone structure of the sine wave.


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Control 1: Applies harmonic modulation, at 0 the sine is pure, at 127 the waveform is more complex. (this can be modulated using virtural patch cords or a Modulation Sequencer)
Control 2: Provides the amount of modulation from LFO 1.

Comming Soon: Cross Modulation, Unison Modulation, VPM (Variable Phase Modulation), Formant Synthesis, Noise: Deluxe, Synth PCM 64 Samples (3 suitcase pianos with velocity switching, 2 claves, 8 organs, 3 guitars, 4 bass, 1 strings, 4 pad sounds, 4 noise sounds, 34 single cycle, 1 infinite barber pole), Drum PCM 128 Samples (17 Kick Drums, 31 snares, 4 claps, 12 Hi-hats, 5 cymbals, 10 toms, 5 percussion, 10 synth & noise, 34 Attack Sounds), Audio IN

All thiat is just Oscillator 1, Oscillator 2 includes the following, Classic waveforms with Ring, Sync and Ring/Sync
Last edited by bobborries on Thu Jun 27, 2013 10:05 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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xmlguy
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Post by xmlguy »

Damn nice animations, Bob!
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axxim
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Post by axxim »

Very nice tutorial Bob!

How do you make the animations?

Edit to xmlguy: parallel toughts?
Last edited by axxim on Tue Jan 04, 2011 11:10 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Post by Synthoid »

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Timo
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Post by Timo »

Wave modulation, in this way, is unique to Korg synthesizers. The Moss had it, the Radias, and no doubt many others.

Korg's wave modulation active on a saw wave uses the same technique as a chorus effect. The waveform is duplicated and then phase-shifted against the original. It's like having two, thick sounding oscillators for the price of one.

If anyone wishes to hear the waveform modulation affecting a saw-wave, versus using unison/detuning, click here: http://www.korgforums.com/forum/phpBB2/ ... 315#278315

I often prefer it to Unison.
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X-Trade
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Post by X-Trade »

The waveform modulation on a sawtooth wave often makes for great pads or stringsynths that don't sound as 'phasey' as two or more detuned oscillators. I suppose because you can choose the depth and not have them go all the way in and out of phase.

Anyway, great tutorial and very well presented thank you.
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Post by cello »

Great contribution to KF - thanks!
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Post by YorkshireLad »

I don't post often but that was a really cool tutorial, probably the best I have seen as it not only tells you what to to but also shows you visually the effect on the waveform making it much easier to understand.

Suberbly done!
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-Fordy

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rukaav
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Post by rukaav »

Great tutorial. Waiting for Ring, Sync and Ring/Sync most of all (I hardly understand how they work)
Thank you, Bob.
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Post by CharlesFerraro »

Bump.

I cross my fingers for the next tutorial appearance every time I log on.
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shivahuja
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Post by shivahuja »

rukaav wrote:Great tutorial. Waiting for Ring, Sync and Ring/Sync most of all (I hardly understand how they work)
Thank you, Bob.
+1

This would be very helpful to me too. I'm usually fiddling with those 3 settings randomly-without being able to understand how exactly they're shaping the sound.
winstonsmith
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Re: Tutorial - What is Waveform Modulation?

Post by winstonsmith »

Re: the tutorial above, thanks so much!! Regarding this:
bobborries wrote:
Comming Soon: Cross Modulation, Unison Modulation, VPM (Variable Phase Modulation), Formant Synthesis, Noise: Deluxe, Synth PCM 64 Samples (3 suitcase pianos with velocity switching, 2 claves, 8 organs, 3 guitars, 4 bass, 1 strings, 4 pad sounds, 4 noise sounds, 34 single cycle, 1 infinite barber pole), Drum PCM 128 Samples (17 Kick Drums, 31 snares, 4 claps, 12 Hi-hats, 5 cymbals, 10 toms, 5 percussion, 10 synth & noise, 34 Attack Sounds), Audio IN

All thiat is just Oscillator 1, Oscillator 2 includes the following, Classic waveforms with Ring, Sync and Ring/Sync
Bloody hell!! Cannot wait!
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Eat-Static
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Post by Eat-Static »

Almost hypnotic , Brilliant

Eat Static .
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Post by CharlesFerraro »

BUMP

never letting this thing get past page two.
Last edited by CharlesFerraro on Sun May 29, 2011 6:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Aciphecs
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Post by Aciphecs »

Thanks, I was thinking about this post while fiddling with my synth yesterday, trying to picture what the wave was doing. Love these animations!
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