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Table Of Contents
Chapter 24 Ultrabeat 353
The Synthesizer Section
The Synthesizer section is the heart and soul of Ultrabeat. As noted above, each drum
sound has its own Synthesizer section. Don’t be intimidated by how many parameters
the Ultrabeat synthesizer squeezes into one plug-in window; in fact, its signal flow is
quite easy to understand.
The Signal Flow
Ultrabeat’s synthesis engine is based on classic subtractive synthesis principles.
If you look at the Synthesizer section from left to right, you’ll recognize the traditional
structure and signal flow of a subtractive synthesizer. First, the basic tonal material is
created by the oscillators and noise generator. A filter then takes away certain
frequencies from the raw sound, followed by volume shaping (envelopes). The details
of Ultrabeat’s functions and their importance become more apparent when you look at
the three dimensional interface, and recognize the different levels from front to back:
The elevated Filter section is in the middle. Its a large, round control object. Its
placement and design are both symbolic and practical, as the Filter section plays a
central role in Ultrabeat.
Oscillator 1
Oscillator 2
Noise generator
Filter
Ring modulator
Signal flow button
Signal flow buttonSignal flow button