2009

These heterogeneous sound colors will be used as sound sources for the vector loop.
A slow, forward loop is preset. It moves from Oscillator 3 (PWM sound, point 1) to
Oscillator 1 (FM sound, point 2), then to Oscillator 3 again (PWM, point 3), then to
Oscillator 2 (wavetable, point 4), and finally it returns to Oscillator 3 (PWM, point 5). Points
1 and 5 are identical, which prevents any transition from point 5 to point 1 in the forward
loop. This transition could be smoothed out with Loop Smooth, but this would make the
rhythmic design more difficult to program.
The distances between the points of the Vector Envelope have been set to be rhythmically
exact. Given that Loop Rate has been engaged, the time values are not displayed in ms,
but as percentages. There are four time values (each at 25%), which is a good basis for
the transformation into note values.
• Switch off the Vector Envelope by setting Solo Point to on. This allows you to audition
the individual points in isolation.
• Take the opportunity to alter the square icon positions in the Planar Pad according to
your taste. The X/Y axes of the Planar Pad control the cutoff frequency of Filter 2, and
the panorama position. Adjustments to these make the sound more vivid.
• Activate the Vector Envelope by setting Solo Point to off. Check the result, and fine-tune
the square icon positions in the Planar Pad.
• Alter the Loop Rate from the preset value of 0.09 up to 2.00. You will hear a periodic
modulation, much like that of an LFO. At this point, the modulation is not synchronized
with the project tempo. To synchronize the loop speed with the project tempo, move
the Rate to the far left, and set a note or bar value.
• You can create faster rhythmic note values by clicking between two points and setting
the new time values—which result from the division that occurs—to a value of 12.5%,
for example.
Creating ES2 Bass Drum Sounds with a Self-Oscillating Filter and the
Vector Envelope
Electronic kick drum sounds are often created with modulated, self-oscillating filters. This
approach can also be taken with the ES2, particularly when the Vector Envelope is used
for filter modulation. An advantage of the Vector Envelope, in comparison with
conventional ADSR envelopes, is its ability to define and provide two independent decay
phases. The distortion effect applies the right amount of drive without sacrificing the
original sonic character of the drum sound.
Note: To make the Vector Kick setting really punchy, you must activate Flt Reset, because
all oscillators are switched off in this setting, and the filter needs a little time to start
oscillating. At the start of each note, Flt Reset sends a very short impulse to the
filter—making it oscillate from the outset.
122 Chapter 5 ES2