Operation Manual

SUBTRACTOR SYNTHESIZER
186
Introduction
Subtractor is an analog-type polyphonic synthesizer based on subtractive synthesis,
the method used in analog synthesizers. This chapter will go through all parameters of
each section of Subtractor. In addition to the parameter descriptions, the chapter also
includes a few tips and tricks to help you get the most out of the Subtractor synthe-
sizer.
! It is recommended that you start with default settings (an “Init Patch”) if
you intend to follow the examples in this chapter, unless otherwise is
stated. An Init Patch is created by selecting “Initialize Patch” from the
Edit menu. If you wish to keep the current settings, save them before ini-
tializing.
The Subtractor has the following basic features:
D Up to 99 Voice Polyphony.
You can set the number of voices for each Patch.
D Dual Filters.
A combination of a multimode filter and a second, linkable, lowpass filter allows for
complex filtering effects. See page 191.
D Two Oscillators, each with 32 waveforms.
See page 186.
D Frequency Modulation (FM).
See page 190.
D Oscillator Phase Offset Modulation.
This is an unique Subtractor feature that generates waveform variations. See page
189.
D Two Low Frequency Oscillators (LFO’s)
See page 195.
D Three Envelope Generators.
See page 194.
D Extensive Velocity Control.
See page 197.
D Extensive CV/Gate Modulation possibilities.
See page 200.
! Loading and saving Patches is described on page 29.
The Oscillator Section
Subtractor provides two oscillators. Oscillators are the main sound generators in
Subtractor, the other features are used to shape the sound of the oscillators. Oscilla-
tors generate two basic properties, waveform and pitch (frequency). The type of
waveform the oscillator produces determines the harmonic content of the sound,
which in turn affects the resultant sound quality (timbre). Selecting a oscillator wave-
form is usually the starting point when creating a new Subtractor Patch from scratch.
Oscillator 1 Waveform
Oscillator 1 provides 32 waveforms. The first four are standard waveforms, and the
rest are “special” waveforms, some of which are suitable for emulating various musical
instrument sounds.
✪ It is worth noting here that all waveforms can be radically transformed
using Phase offset modulation (see page 189).
D To select a waveform, click the spin controls to the right of the “Wave-
form” LED display.
The first 4 basic waveforms are shown as standard symbols, and the special wave-
forms are numbered 5 - 32.