Specifications

SUBTRACTOR SYNTHESIZER
100
Introduction
Subtractor is an analog-type polyphonic synthesizer based on subtractive syn-
thesis, the method used in analog synthesizers. This chapter will go through all
parameters of each section of Subtractor. In addition to the parameter descrip-
tions, the chapter also includes a few tips and tricks to help you get the most out
of the Subtractor synthesizer.
! 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 initializing.
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 al-
lows for complex filtering effects. See page 105.
D Two Oscillators, each with 32 waveforms.
See page 100.
D Frequency Modulation (FM).
See page 104.
D Oscillator Phase Offset Modulation.
This is an unique Subtractor feature that generates waveform variations. See
page 103.
D Two Low Frequency Oscillators (LFO:s)
See page 111.
D Three Envelope Generators.
See page 109.
D Extensive Velocity Control.
See page 113.
D Extensive CV/Gate Modulation possibilities.
See page 116.
! Loading and saving Patches is described in the chapter “Working
with Patches” in the Getting Started book.
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.
Oscillators 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 waveform 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 vari-
ous musical instrument sounds.
✪ It is worth noting here that all waveforms can be radically trans-
formed using Phase offset modulation (see page 103).
D To select a waveform, click the spin controls to the right of the
“Waveform” LED display.
The first 4 basic waveforms are shown as standard symbols, and the special
waveforms are numbered 5 - 32.
Here follows a brief description of the Subtractor waveforms: