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Table Of Contents
Modulating ES2 Oscillator Pulse Width with an LFO
Pulse width modulation (PWM) can be automatically controlled with appropriate settings
in the router. A pulse wave (with PWM controlled by an LFO set to a sine wave) makes
a single oscillator sound vivid, undulating, and overtone-rich. Sonically, this is similar to
the sound of two slightly detuned, phasing oscillators, which is great for sustained bass
and pad sounds.
The graphic below shows a pulse wave, with the pulse width modulated by an LFO.
You can clearly see how the width of the pulses changes over time.
Note: Select the intensity and speed of the modulation with care, because the overall
volume decreases, and slight detuning occurs, when the pulses become very narrow
(below a width value of 10%).
Tip: Pulse width modulations via velocity-sensitive envelope generators sound very
dynamic—a great effect that is especially suitable for percussive bass sounds.
Using Frequency Modulation in the ES2
The principle of frequency modulation (FM) synthesis was developed in the late 1960s
and early 1970s by John Chowning. It was popularized by Yamahas range of
DX synthesizers in the 1980s. The ES2 can’t be compared with the DX series in the discipline
of pure FM synthesis, but it can certainly achieve some of the signature sounds of these
instruments.
How Frequency Modulation Works
Stated simply, the frequency of one signal generator, or oscillator, is
altered—modulated—by another signal generator. Positive values from the second
generator increase the frequency of the first generator. Negative values decrease the
frequency.
In a synthesizer, this type of modulation takes place in the audible range. Depending on
the design of the instrument, you can hear the signals of either the first oscillator alone
(being modulated by the other oscillator), or both oscillators. The interaction between
the two generators alters the waveform signal of the first oscillator and introduces a
number of new harmonics. This harmonic spectrum can then be used as the source signal
for further sound processing, such as filtering, envelope control, and so on. See Frequency
Modulation (FM) Synthesis for further information.
53Chapter 5 ES2