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Harmonic
At its maximum Depth and impact (100% wet)
the Harmonic mutator emphasizes individual
harmonics in a waveform and de-emphasizes
the others. Its effect is heard more obviously
on waveforms rich in harmonics, like a
sawtooth wave, than on a simpler waveform
such as a sine wave.
Harmonic parameter Range
Description
Ratio
0.250-64.000 in varying
increments
Selects initial harmonic for emphasis.
Hold [SHIFT] to jump by harmonics.
Depth
0-128 in increments of 0.1 Controls harmonic range
Feedback
0-150%
Feeds the harmonic output back into
itself;
can tame effect due to phase cancellation
Dry/Wet
0-100%
Mix raw wa harmonic; 100% =
pure Mutant
Try this experiment to see how the Harmonic mutator affects different waveforms:
1. Initialize a Single mode patch by
pressing [INIT] twice. This provides a saw
wave from Oscillator 1.
2. Access [MUTANT 1] and turn Control
knob 1 to select the Harmonic mode.
3. Set the Depth parameter to 0.0.
4. Set the Dry/Wet parameter to 100% so
only the effect will be heard.
5. Hold the second-lowest C until step 8.
You should hear almost nothing at this
point.
6. Slowly increase the Depth to 128. Each
of the frequencies in the harmonic series
is emphasized.
7. Return the Depth slowly to 0. Gradually
all harmonics disappear, even the
fundamental.
8. Release the note.
9. Access [OSC 1] and change the Wave to
Square.
10. Access [MUTANT 1] and repeat steps 5-8.
You will hear a limited set of harmonics
emphasized.
Here’s why they were different: As the depth increased the Harmonic effect revealed the
harmonics that are present in each waveform. A sawtooth wave contains all harmonics, but a
square wave contains only odd-numbered harmonics.
Try the experiment with other waveforms. It’s a good way to learn why the various waveforms
sound different: each contains a different set of harmonics in varying strengths.
