10.6

78Logic Pro Instruments
Create an additive sound from scratch
This example introduces the basic principles of additive programming in Alchemy.
When you create a new, initialized preset by choosing Initialize Preset from the File button
pop-up menu in the Name bar, source A is in VA mode.
For additive synthesis, a different default configuration is better suited. It is not necessary
to change any settings from their initial values as soon as you enter the Additive edit
window and start creating data; the configuration of source A switches, automatically, to a
sensible set of defaults for additive programming.
1. In Logic Pro, open advanced view and click the A button to view the source A subpage,
then click the source A Edit button to open the Main edit window. Click the Additive
button at the top of the Main edit window to view the Additive edit window.
2. Set the Detail knob to 100% for an accurate view of all data.
3. Make sure the Partial bar display Vol button is on and the Overall button is off.
4. Drag from left to right in the Partial bar display to draw in bars that define the harmonic
content at the beginning of the sound.
Play a few notes on your MIDI controller to confirm that the sound begins with a bright
timbre.
5. The default loop mode is Continuous which loops the sound indefinitely when you hold
a note. If you do not want the sound to loop, change the Loop mode to None.
6. Select point 2 in the Partial envelope, then click the Breakpoint button and choose Copy
Breakpoint from the pop-up menu.
7. Select point 3 in the Partial envelope, and drag it toward point 2. Release point 3 when
you are close to point 2.
8. Click the Breakpoint button, and choose Paste Breakpoint from the pop-up menu. Make
sure point 3 is selected.
The data from point 2 is copied to point 3, smoothing out the levels between points.
9. Click the X icon at the top right to close the Additive edit window.
The Additive element parameters are displayed.
10. Experiment with the Additive parameters to change the tone of your basic additive
sound. Feel free to use other synthesis, filter, modulation, and effect parameters to
make your additive sound more interesting.
Import an image file, and convert it to additive data
Alchemy is capable of importing an image in PNG (Portable Network Graphics) format and
translating it into additive synthesis data. You can convert an existing image into sound,
or you can design new sounds by drawing the image you want to import in an external
graphics application.
1. In Logic Pro, open advanced view and click the A button to view the source A subpage,
then click the source A Edit button to open the Main edit window. Click the Additive
button at the top of the Main edit window to view the Additive edit window.
2. Click the Image button at the top right of the Additive edit window, then choose a PNG-
format file in the file browser.
The selected file is translated into additive data using the criteria outlined below.