User Manual

4.3. VCOs
Unless you bring in external instruments for processing, the raw soundwaves for the
MatrixBrute are generated by its three Voltage-Controlled Oscillators (VCOs). A fourth
oscillator produces random noise waveforms.
VCOs 1 and 2 are exponential, like the ones on the most famous original synthesizers. That
gives them a musical, slightly unpredictable character, because the pitch drifts a little over
time. You may have to auto-tune the instrument every once in a while (hold down Panel and
Keyboard Track).
VCO 3 is a multi-function oscillator. It can be used as a sound source and as an extra
modulator, and its pitch is more stable due to its being linear.
4.3.1. VCOs 1 and 2
The only difference between these two VCOs is that VCO 1 can be routed into VCO 2 to
modulate it (this is called frequency modulation , or FM). Both VCOs operate the same way.
The controls are laid out so the top knob refines the more fundamental setting of the knob
below it.
Coarse adjusts the pitch ± 2 octaves in semitone steps. The light comes on when it is
centered, when you're up or down one octave, and when you reach two octaves.
Fine adjusts the pitch continuously up to ± 1 semitone.
4.3.2. Sub oscillator
The sub oscillator is combined with the mixable waveforms (discussed next), an octave
below them.
Sub adjusts the level.
The waveform selection knob above it sweeps the sub wavefom between a pure sinewave
to the left and a clipped one, which sounds buzzier, to the right.
19 Arturia - User Manual MatrixBrute - Operation