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Table Of Contents
Using the Ultrabeat Ring Modulator
Ring modulation is a powerful tool for the creation of inharmonic, metallic, bell-like
sounds. Ultrabeat’s ring modulator functions as an independent sound source—its signal
can bypass or be sent into the filter, independent of the Oscillator 1 and 2 signals. Its
volume can also be regulated.
Important: Although the ring modulator signal is independent of the signals generated
by Oscillators 1 and 2, both oscillators need to be enabled if you want to use the ring
modulator signal. As the ring modulator is reliant on the signals of both oscillators to
produce an output signal, it is automatically muted when one of the oscillators is switched
off.
The actual sound produced by the ring modulator is largely dependent on the parameter
settings of both oscillators. In particular, the tuning relationships of each oscillator have
a direct effect on the sound of the ring modulator signal. The individual levels of the
oscillators, however, have no effect on the process (or output) of ring modulation.
Level slider (the mod”
and “via” menus above
and below the slider
enable you to modulate
the ring modulator level.)
Ring Modulator on/off
button
Signal Flow button
Ring Modulator On/Off button: Enables or disables the ring modulator. When switched
on, the label is highlighted.
Note: If you want to hear the ring modulators signal in isolation (in order to better
judge your settings), temporarily set the volume of both oscillators to a value of 0.
Level slider: Adjusts the output volume of the ring modulator.
“mod” and “via menus: Found above and below the Level slider, these determine the
modulation source (and via source) for the Level parameter. When either source is
active, small sliders (handles) appear on either side of the Level slider. See Working
with Modulation in Ultrabeat.
Signal Flow button: Determines the routing of the ring modulator signal. It is sent either
to the filter (the signal flow button turns red), or directly to the EQ section (the signal
flow button remains gray). The direction of the arrow on the signal flow button illustrates
the routing.
Note: The Signal Flow button determines how the ring modulator output signal is
routed. It doesn’t turn the ring modulator on or off.
265Chapter 11 Ultrabeat