10.6

590Logic Pro Instruments
Waveform Comments
Square and Rectangle Square/rectangular waves periodically switch the LFO
between two values. The right hand rectangular wave
switches between a positive value and zero. The left
hand rectangular wave switches between a positive and
a negative value set to the same amount above/below
zero.
Sample & Hold The right hand waveform outputs random values.
A random value is selected at regular intervals, as
defined by the LFO rate. Use a random modulation
of oscillator pitch to generate an effect commonly
referred to as a random pitch pattern generator
or sample and hold. Play very high notes, at high
LFO rates and high intensity—you’ll recognize this
well-known effect from hundreds of science fiction
movies. The term Sample & Hold (S & H) refers to the
procedure of taking samples from a noise signal at
regular intervals. The values of these samples are then
held until the next sample is taken.
Set Ultrabeat LFO waveform cycles
An LFO normally oscillates continuously. On percussive signals it can, however, be
interesting to limit the LFO cycles (repetitions of the entire waveform) to a defined number.
Ultrabeat enables you to set the number of LFO cycles with the Cycles parameter. After
completing the defined number of cycles, the LFO stops oscillating.
• In Logic Pro, rotate the Cycles knob to set the number of LFO waveform cycles. The
range of Cycles parameter values extends from 1 to 100. The Cycles parameter can also
determine whether the LFO waveform is started from the beginning, at a zero-crossing
point, with each note trigger, or continues oscillating.
• A Cycles value of 1 allows the LFO to function as an additional, very basic, envelope
generator.
• Set Cycles to its maximum value (full right position) for an infinite number of cycles
(standard LFO behavior). The LFO is not reset by incoming MIDI note-on messages.
• When Cycles is set to values under 100, the LFO is reset by each new MIDI note-on
message (Note On Reset).
Your choice to trigger an LFO cycle from the same spot or to allow it to oscillate
freely, regardless of phase, should be based on the needs of the sound. The random
element of free-running LFOs can make many sounds richer. This, however, can be
at the expense of a percussive attack—which is generally inappropriate for drum
sounds.
Tip: Try small Cycles parameter values, with the LFO source used to control the
Volume (Level) of one or both oscillators. This results in drum flams or hand claps. You
can also use minor shifts of the LFO phase, with the Cycle value set to Infinity, to add an
analog character to a drum sound.