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Table Of Contents
(Fine) Frequency value field: Used to fine-tune the oscillator frequency (pitch). The value
display works as follows: the left numbers show the semitone setting, the right numbers
show the cent (1 cent = 1/100th semitone) setting. These are denoted by an s or c to
the right of the value. You can adjust these two values independently. For example,
an oscillator with the value 12 s 30 c sounds an octave (12 semitones) and 30 cents
higher than an oscillator with the value 0 s 0 c.
Oscillator Mix (Triangle): Dragging the square icon in the Triangle cross-fades (sets the
level relationships) between the three oscillators. See Setting the Oscillator Level Balance
in the ES2.
Using the ES2’s Basic Oscillator Waveforms
All of the ES2 oscillators output a number of standard waveforms—sine, pulse, rectangular,
sawtooth, and triangular waves—or, alternately, any of 100 Digiwaves (see Using Digiwaves
in the ES2). The following table includes the basic waveforms:
CommentsBasic toneWaveform
Great for reed instruments, synth blips, and bassesNasal soundingPulse/Rectangular
Useful for basses, clarinets, and oboes. The pulse
width of (Oscillator 2 and 3) square waveforms can
be smoothly scaled between 50% and the thinnest
of pulses.
Hollow and woody
sounding
Square
Useful for strings, pads, bass, and brass soundsWarm and evenSawtooth
Useful for flutes and pad sounds.Sweet sounding, softer
than sawtooth
Triangle
The sine wave of Oscillator 1 can be frequency
modulated by Oscillator 2. This kind of modulation
forms the basis of FM synthesis (see Using
Frequency Modulation in the ES2).
A pure toneSine
Oscillators 2 and 3 also offer the selection of:
A rectangular wave, synchronized to Oscillator 1.
A sawtooth wave, synchronized to Oscillator 1.
A ring modulator, which is fed by the output of Oscillator 1 and a square wave from
Oscillator 2.
Colored noise for Oscillator 3 (see Using Noise in the ES2 (Oscillator 3 Only)).
Oscillator synchronization and ring modulation enable the creation of very complex and
flexible harmonic spectra. The principles behind oscillator synchronization are described
in Synchronizing the ES2 Oscillators. Ring modulation principles are discussed in Using
Ring Modulation in the ES2.
51Chapter 5 ES2