ARTURIA – Matrix-12 V – USER MANUAL
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The Page 2 parameters for VCO 1 & 2
We’ll cover these at the same time as the other VCO parameters. Here’s what they
do:
4.2.1.1
VCO Frequency (Freq)
The fundamental pitch of the oscillator is set here, with a range of 0-63 semitones
(chromatic steps). Click the button just below the value and the VCO frequency
parameter will come into focus on the Modulation Page. Any one of 27 mod sources
can then modulate the oscillator frequency, a lot or a little, in a positive or negative
direction.
4.2.1.2
VCO Detune
This is literally a fine tune control, able to gently nudge the oscillator frequency flat
or sharp in smaller increments. Its range is -31 to +31, and it is capable of even more
precision by holding the control key while adjusting the value.
4.2.1.3
VCO Pulse Width (PW)
This control affects only the Pulse wave form, changing it from “thin” to full and then
to a sort of “inverted thin” in a range from 0 to 63, with 32 as the midpoint. The value
of 32 is a full square wave, with a 50% duty cycle and the requisite “hollow” sound
caused by the presence of only the odd-numbered harmonics.
Note again the presence of a Mod button, meaning the pulse width can be
modulated by a source such as an LFO. This is a great way to bring a sound “alive”
by causing its harmonic content to shift constantly. (As long as we’re giving out
programming tips, you may want to use an additional, static mod such as the
keyboard to tame the PW modulation in the lower frequency ranges. Or not.)
4.2.1.4
VCO waveform
There are three choices here for each VCO (pulse, saw, triangle) and a fourth for
VCO 2 (noise). Here’s a brief description of each:
Pulse: A square wave. See the previous section 4.2.1.3 for its description.
Saw i.e., Sawtooth: When unfiltered it is sort of brash or buzzy, and great for leads
that cut through.
Tri a.k.a. Triangle: It’s a simple, pure waveform akin to a sine wave.
Noise (VCO 2 only): Random frequencies all at once; great for wind effects,
electronic drums, etc.