Knowledge base
Sound Design
How can you create and blend synthetic trumpet and French horn sounds on the ARP 2600 using a sawtooth oscillator, the low-pass filter, ADSR envelope and different audio signal paths?
Learning the ARP 2600 by analysing patchesThe ARP 2600 is an iconic synthesizer, and there is no shortage… read more
What modulation sources, LFO modes, envelopes, filters, effects and performance controls does Cherry Audio Harmonia offer, and how can they be combined for expressive and evolving synthesizer sounds?
Harmonia is more than an oscillator conceptThe ability to combine eight frequency layers… read more
What does the Kitchen Sink oscillator in VCV Rack do, and how can you combine linear FM, through-zero FM, exponential FM, feedback and wave folding?
Introduction: One oscillator, many ways to shape soundAn oscillator is often presented as a relatively simple sound source: choose a waveform… read more
What is the difference between linear FM, through-zero FM and exponential FM, and how do they affect the sound spectrum of a synthesizer?
FM Synthesis Explained: Linear FM, Through-Zero FM and Exponential FMFrequency modulation is one of the most versatile ways to create complex sounds… read more
How Does Mutable Instruments Clouds Work for Granular Synthesis and Generative Music?
Mutable Instruments Clouds: Granular Synthesis for Generative Modular MusicGranular synthesis is one of the most powerful techniques available to modular synthesists. Instead of processing audio as a… read more
Can Rhythm Be Created Without Traditional Percussion?
Replacing Drums with Glitches, Wooshes and Melodic ElementsRhythm is often associated with drums.
Generative composition encourages a broader perspective.
Rhythm Is TimingA rhythm exists whenever sonic events occur in time.… read more
How Do You Create Contrast in Generative Music?
Creating Contrast in Generative MusicContrast is one of the oldest compositional tools in music. Long before modular synthesis, composers created interest by placing opposing musical ideas next to one another.
Generative music is no… read more
What Should Be Modulated in a Generative Music Patch?
Choosing Effective Modulation Targets in Generative MusicA common question among musicians exploring generative techniques is simple:
What should I modulate?
The answer is equally simple:
Almost everything.… read more
How Can Pitch Shifters Add Variation to Recorded Sounds?
Using Pitch Shifters in Generative Audio ProcessingPitch shifters are commonly used to correct tuning problems or adjust the relationship between audio sources.
In generative music they can become tools for controlled… read more
What Happens When Slew Limiter Parameters Are Modulated?
Using Slew Limiters as Generative Sound-Shaping ToolsSlew limiters are often viewed as utility modules.
Yet they can become surprisingly expressive modulation targets.
What Does a Slew Limiter Do?A slew limiter controls… read more