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Table Of Contents
Chapter 20 ES2 273
MW-Pad-Creator 3
This is an attempt to create a patch which is able to automatically generate new
patches.
The Basics
Again, Oscillator 2 is used for a pulse width modulation—which creates a strong
ensemble component (please refer to “Something Horny (Crescendo Brass)” section, on
page 271, for further information).
Oscillators 1 and 3 are set to an initial start wave combination within their respective
Digiwave tables. You can modify these if you wish, and start with a different
combination of Digiwaves from the outset.
Modulation 3 drives” the wavetables of all three Oscillators, via the mod wheel. Put
simply: you can simultaneously scroll through the Oscillator 1 and Oscillator 3
wavetables, and change Oscillator 2’s pulse width—by moving the mod wheel.
Try a careful, very slow movement of the mod wheel, and you’ll hear drastic changes
within the wave configuration. Each incremental position of the wheel offers a different
digital pad sound. Avoid rapid movements, or this will sound like an AM radio.
Another potential modification procedure is hidden in the modulation intensity of the
Oscillator 1, 2, and 3 wave parameters. As mentioned for the Stratocaster patch, the
value of this intensity parameter assigns both the step width, and direction, through
the wavetables. You may try modifications to the amount, using positive or negative
values.
An interesting side-effect of FM assignment to Filter 2 (Modulation 4/Lowpass Filter FM)
occurs when the mod wheel is moved to higher positions: the frequency modulation
of the filter is increased, causing all cyclical beats (vibrating pitches, detunes, pulse
width) to be emphasized. This also adds a rough, “hissing” quality to the overall sound
character.
FM offers vast scope for experimentation, and you can decide between:
 An initial FM, using Filter 2’s FM parameter, which you can redraw (set a negative
modulation amount for Modulation 4’s maximum) by moving the mod wheel to its
top position.
 Or you may have permanent FM (and another modulation setup, saved for a different
assignment). You can also switch off FM, if you consider its effect too dirty sounding.
Real-time control is via pressure for a vibrato (Modulation 10), and also for a slight
opening of the Cutoff to emphasize the modulation (Modulation 9).