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Table Of Contents
198 Chapter 20 ES2
The ES2 Parameters
If given just a few words to explain the principles behind a subtractive synthesizer, it
would go something like this: The oscillator generates the oscillation (or waveform),
the filter takes away the unwanted overtones (of the waveform), and the dynamic
stage sets the volume of the permanent oscillation (the filtered waveform) to zero—as
long as no keyboard note is pressed.
In an analog synthesizer, these three sections are commonly called the VCO, VCF, and
VCA, with VC being the abbreviation for Voltage Controlled, and the other letters
standing for Oscillator, Filter, and Amplifier, respectively.
The basic parameters of a synthesizer are controlled (modulated) by voltages: pitch in
the oscillator, timbre in the filter, loudness in the amplifier.
These voltages are generated by modulation sources. In the ES2, the Router determines
which parameter is controlled by which modulation source.
Finally, the synthesizers sound is refined by effects such as distortion or chorus.
This simple signal path is followed throughout, to introduce you to the ES2’s sound
generation modules.