E-Mu EMAX II, Operation Manual

Page: 231 / 257

Emax II operation manual
220
SPECTRUM SYNTHESIS
Synthesis Tips
■
Use the Pitch/Ratio function to set the upper 12 partials so that they are just slightly
detuned from the first 12. For instance, set the ratio of partial 13 to 1.06, partial 14 to 2.06
and so on. This will cause beating between the oscillators and fatten up the sound just
as it does on an analog synth. Spectrums 11 through 20 (marked “1-12” in their titles) on
the Spectrum Synthesis development disk have their partials set up in this way.
■
Use the Pitch/Ratio function to change the ratios of the partials so that they are not
whole number multiples of the fundamental. This will get you into the realm of bell and
clangorous noises. Try changing the ratios of just one or two partials and note the effects.
■
Each partial has its own 24 stage pitch envelope. Many natural sounds have pitch
variations occurring at various points during their evolution. For instance, plucked
string instruments start off a little sharp, then return to pitch. Experiment by pitch
bending different partials and noting the effect.
■
Mathematics and music always seem to be closely related. Try applying mathematical
ratios and number series to the creation of sound. For instance, interpolate between
prime numbered harmonics and non-prime numbered harmonics. Fibonacci sequences,
ie. 1,1,2,3,5,8,13,21...., or squares, cubes, etc. You name it.
■
If you have Sound Designer by Digidesign, try taking a sampled sound and running
a frequency analysis on it. Next, make a print out of the frequency plot and try to copy
the partial envelopes using the Amplitude Contour function in Spectrum Synthesis. It
probably won’t sound exactly like the real sound but will put you into the general area
for further experiments.
OTHER TIPS
■
Save Time You have noticed that the Emax II takes time to perform the thousands of
calculations necessary for Spectrum Synthesis. You can save your valuable time by
working on short sounds (.6 sec to 1.2 sec), then lengthening it when it sounds the way
you want. You will still be able to hear the sound’s characteristics and the calculation
time will be cut dramatically. Also bear in mind that the fewer partials that are in the
sound, the less time it will take to synthesize. Interesting sounds can be created with just
a few partials.
■
Multisample Resynthesize your sound at at least 4 pitches and place them across the
keyboard to minimize the negative effects of pitch shifting.
■
Save Parameters When you have created an interesting sound, use the “Save
Parameters” function to save it to one the three backup banks. You can recall the
parameters later and use them as a starting point to create new sounds. Remember to
“Save Bank” or the parameters will be lost forever.