ARTURIA – Matrix-12 V – USER MANUAL
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One way to visualize their function is to think of them like an FX insert: when
configured correctly they will exist between the source and destination of a mod
routing. Let’s say you have set up a simple mod route with LFO 1 as the source and
VCO 1 Frequency as the destination. Now instead of this direct connection, choose
LFO 1 as the Track 1 input and change the mod source from LFO 1 to Track 1. Now
the LFO will pass through the Tracking generator on its way to VCO 1 Frequency.
The Track points are evenly spaced, so in the case of an LFO, Point 1 affects the
initial stage of the LFO; Point 2 affects the value at ¼ of the way through the LFO
cycle; Point 3 affects the value at the halfway point; and so on until Point 5, which
affects the final stage of the LFO cycle. Then the process begins again. You can
shape some interesting peaks and valleys in the modulation routing, even with a
simple triangle wave as the Track input source.
The input can be any one of the 27 modulation sources, and the Point values are
from 0-63. Negative modulation directions are achieved through the Modulation
Page.
4.2.8
LFOs
“LFO” is the easy way to say “Low Frequency Oscillator.” Matrix-12 V has five of them
available per Voice, which can make for some very interesting modulation routings.
Each LFO has seven waveform choices that range from rounded (Triangle) to
potentially abrupt (Square, Saw Up/Down) to nearly unpredictable (Random, Noise,
Sample).
Let’s look at the waveforms before we talk about the other parameters in the LFO
group.
Triangle: On a graph this would look like a ripple on the surface of a pond after
tossing in a pebble, with a smooth rise and a smooth fall.
Square: More like the teeth of the gears within a clock: sudden rise, sudden fall, with
a steady state between transitions.
Saw up: Gradual, linear transition from zero to maximum with a sudden return to
zero.
Saw down: Gradual, linear transition from maximum to zero with a sudden return to
maximum.
Random: Capable of selecting any value within its range at regular intervals.
Noise: Completely arbitrary data points presented nearly simultaneously at
unpredictable intervals. “Rate” does not apply to the Noise selection, but Amp
controls the level.
Sample: Short for “Sample & Hold”. This option reveals the Input parameter, where
you can choose any one of the 27 mod sources. When selected, the LFO looks to
the input source for its next value at regular intervals. It’s more predictable than
Random but still can be pretty crazy.
