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Chapter 23 Ultrabeat 329
Note: The speed of the LFO in Ultrabeat can reach up to 100 Hz which, when compared
to analog synthesizers, offers a number of far-reaching possibilities.
Ultrabeat has two LFOs that offer identical feature sets. The parameters for each are
described jointly; you can, of course, adjust LFO 1 and LFO 2 completely independently
of each other.
The buttons labeled 1 and 2 select the corresponding LFO, allowing adjustments of
each LFO’s parameters. The blue On/Off button activates and deactivates the selected
LFO.
The LFO section display shows the LFO waveform, the shape of which is governed by
the Shape slider located underneath it. Dragging the slider from left to right causes the
waveform to fluidly morph from a sine to a triangle, and then finally to a square wave
(with variable pulse width), including all variations in-between. At the far right hand
position of the Shape slider, the LFO produces random waveforms.
The LFO speed (Rate) can be set independently (Free) or synchronised (Sync) to Logic’s
song tempo. Clicking either button once activates the corresponding mode.
The Rate knob determines the speed of the LFO. Depending on the Free/Sync setting,
Rate is displayed in either Hz or musical (measure) units.
The Ramp knob determines whether the output signal of the LFO is faded in or out.
Ramp works in a bipolar fashion: turning it to the right increases the Attack time of the
LFO, turning it to the left decreases the Decay time. In its middle position, Ramp has no
effect on the LFO. The Ramp value is displayed in milliseconds in its parameter field.
An LFO normally oscillates constantly. On percussive signals it can, however, be
interesting to limit the LFO cycles to a defined number. Ultrabeat allows you to set the
number of LFO cycles with the Cycle parameter. After completing the defined number
of cycles, the LFO stops oscillating.
Note: Try small Cycle values, and route the LFO to Osc Volume to create typical drum
flams or hand claps.
Note: The Cycle = 1 setting allows the LFO to function as an additional (albeit simple)
envelope generator.
The range of Cycle values extends from 1 to 100. Turning the knob to its maximum
value (all the way to the right) results in a permanent oscillation (an infinite number of
cycles).