Instruments and Effects

314 Chapter 21 ES2
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 cursor positions in the Square according to your
taste. As in the example above, the X/Y axes of the Square 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 cursor positions in the Square.
 Alter the Loop Rate from the pre-set 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 cursor to the very 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 (resulting from the division which occurs) to, say, 12.5%.
Bass Drum With Self-Oscillating Filter and 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/provide two independent decay
phases. The distortion effect applies the right amount of drive without losing the
original sonic character of the drum sound.
Note: In order to make the Vector Kick setting really punchy, you must activate Flt
Reset. This is necessary, 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!
Through tweaks to the Vector Kick setting, you’ll probably be able to create any
dancefloor kick drum sound your heart desires. These are the parameters which allow
for the most efficient and significant variations:
 Filter2 slopes 12 dB, 18 dB, 24 dB
 Distortion Intensity, Soft/Hard
 Envelope 3’s Decay Time (D)
 Vector Envelope Time 1 > 2 (Pre-set: 9.0 ms)
 Vector Envelope Time 2 > 3 (Pre-set: 303 ms)
 Vector Time Scaling