LFO

Delay Knob

The Delay knob on the LFO (Low-Frequency Oscillator), with a range from 100ms to 16s, controls the onset time of the LFO's modulation effect after a note is triggered. Specifically, it sets the delay time before the LFO starts modulating its target parameter (such as pitch, filter cutoff, or amplitude).

Waveform Switch

The LFO (Low-Frequency Oscillator) waveform switch control allows you to select the waveform that the LFO uses to modulate its target parameter. Each shape has a distinct effect on the modulation:

1. Sine Wave (SIN):
   • Description: The sine wave produces smooth, continuous oscillations.
   • Effect: Modulation with a sine wave results in a smooth, cyclical change. For example, when applied to pitch, it creates a natural vibrato effect.
2. Square Wave (SQR):
   • Description: The square wave alternates between two levels, producing a stepped, on-off modulation.
   • Effect: Modulation with a square wave results in abrupt, periodic changes. When applied to volume, it creates a tremolo effect that switches the sound on and off rhythmically.
3. Sample and Hold (S/H):
   • Description: The S/H waveform produces random stepped values at a regular interval, holding each value until the next one is generated.
   • Effect: Modulation with a sample and hold wave creates random, abrupt changes. When applied to filter cutoff, it can create a randomized, stepped modulation effect often used for generating unpredictable, glitchy sounds.

Rate Knob

The LFO Rate knob controls the speed at which the Low-Frequency Oscillator (LFO) cycles. It’s set in Hertz when Sync is off, and in the beat divisions when Sync is on.

Sync Switch

When the Sync switch is set to On, the Rate is synchronised to the host DAW’s tempo and given in beats. In standalone mode, the tempo is set in the tempo window.

Retrig Switch

The Retrig (or Retrigger) switch is used to reset the phase of the LFO waveform each time a new note is played. Here's a detailed explanation of its function:

1. Phase Reset: When the Retrig switch is engaged, the LFO will start its cycle from the beginning each time a new note is triggered. This ensures that the modulation effect starts in the same way for every note, providing a consistent and predictable sound.
2. Without Retrig: If the Retrig switch is turned off, the LFO runs continuously, and the modulation effect will be at different points in its cycle for each new note played. This can result in a more fluid and evolving sound, as the modulation isn't reset with each note.
3. Use Cases:
   • Retrig On: Useful for percussive or rhythmic sounds where you want the modulation to be uniform and predictable for each note. For example, if you are using the LFO to modulate the pitch to create a vibrato effect, engaging the Retrig switch will ensure that each note starts with the same vibrato phase, producing a consistent vibrato effect across notes.
   • Retrig Off: Beneficial for creating more organic and evolving sounds. If the modulation should feel more natural and less mechanical, having the Retrig switch off allows the LFO to run freely, creating variations with each note.

Keyboard

Portamento