User Manual

SUBTRACTOR SYNTHESIZER
(RECORD+REASON)
534
Adding a second oscillator enables many new modulation possibilities which can produce richer timbres. A basic ex-
ample is to slightly detune (+/– a few cents) one of the oscillators. This slight frequency offset causes the oscillators
to “beat” against each other, producing a wider and richer sound. Also, by combining two different waveforms, and
adding frequency or ring modulation, many new timbres can be created.
Oscillator Mix
The Osc Mix knob determines the output balance between Osc 1 and Osc 2. To be able to clearly hear both oscilla-
tors, the “Osc Mix” knob should be set somewhere around the center position. If you turn the Mix knob fully to the left,
only Osc 1 will be heard, and vice versa. [Command]/[Ctrl]-clicking the knob sets the Mix parameter to center posi-
tion.
Oscillator 2 Waveform
The waveform alternatives for Oscillator 2 are identical to those of Oscillator 1.
However, the Noise Generator provides a third sound generating source (in addition to the two oscillators) in Sub-
tractor, and could be regarded as an “extra” waveform for Oscillator 2, as it is internally routed to the Oscillator 2 out-
put. See below for a description of the Noise Generator.
Noise Generator
The Noise Generator could be viewed as an oscillator that produces noise instead of a pitched waveform. Noise can
be used to produce a variety of sounds, the classic example being “wind” or “rolling wave” sounds, where noise is
passed through a filter while modulating the filter frequency. Other common applications include non-pitched sounds
like drums and percussion, or simulating breath noises for wind instruments. To use the Noise Generator, select an
Init Patch and proceed as follows:
1. Turn Osc 2 off.
2. Click the button (in the Noise Generator section) to activate the Noise Generator.
If you play a few notes on your MIDI instrument you should now hear Osc1 mixed with the sound of the Noise
Generator.
3. Turn the Mix knob fully to the right, and play a few more notes.
Now just the Noise Generator will be heard.
D Thus, the output of the Noise Generator is internally routed to Osc 2.
If you switch Osc 2 on, the noise will be mixed with the Osc 2 waveform.