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Table Of Contents
33
ES2 overview
ES2 combines subtractive synthesis with elements of FM and wavetable synthesis to help
you generate an extraordinary variety of sounds. This makes it the perfect choice for creating
powerful pads, evolving textures, rich basses, or synthetic brass.
If you’re new to synthesizers, see Synthesizer basics overview on page 471, which introduces you
to the fundamentals and terminology of dierent synthesis systems.
The three oscillators of the ES2 provide classic analog synthesizer waveforms (including noise)
and 100 single-cycle waveforms, known as Digiwaves. This raw material forms the basis for
sounds that range from fat analog to harsh digital sounds, or hybrids of the two. You can also
cross-modulate oscillators, making it easy to create FM-style sounds. Further options include the
ability to synchronize and ring-modulate the oscillators or to mix a sine wave directly into the
output stage, to thicken the sound.
ES2 features a exible modulation router that oers up to ten simultaneous (user-dened)
modulation routings. Further modulation options include the unique Planar Pad—which
provides control of two parameters on a two-dimensional grid. The Planar Pad itself can be
controlled by the sophisticated Vector Envelope. This is a multipoint, loop-capable envelope that
makes it easy to create complex, evolving sounds.
Lastly, Distortion, Chorus, Phaser, and Flanger eects are built into the ES2.
If you want to begin experimenting right away, there are a number of settings to try. There
are also two tutorials that provide tips and information, and invite you to explore the ES2. See
ES2 sound design from scratch overview on page 94 and ES2 sound design with templates on
page 103.
Note: You will nd tasks that cover the use of parameters as modulation targets or sources
throughout these pages. This underlines one of ES2’s greatest strengths—namely, the vast
modulation possibilities it oers. Follow the steps in these tasks to create expressive, evolving
sounds. See ES2 modulation overview on page 58.
ES2
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