X

Chapter 14 Ultrabeat 364
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 dened number. Ultrabeat enables
you to set the number of LFO cycles with the Cycles parameter. After completing the dened
number of cycles, the LFO stops oscillating.
m 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 innite 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 ams or hand claps. You can also use minor shifts of
the LFO phase, with the Cycle value set to Innity, to add an analog character to a drum sound.