Native Instruments Retro Machines MK2, Manual

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2.1.6 LFO Section
A Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO) generates periodic (or in some cases random) signals,
which are typically used for modulation across all kinds of synthesizers and samplers.
Their name stems from the modular analogue synthesizer of the past, where they first ori-
ginated. Typically, LFOs were used in synthesis to recreate the fluctuations in pitch or
sound from traditional instruments, for example, the vibrato of a wind instrument. Further-
more, when an LFO modulates pitch, it creates vibrato and when modulating amplitude
(volume), it creates tremolo. However, the application of using an LFO for modulation is
varied since they can also be used for special effect in certain genres of music.
In RETRO MASCHINES MK2, the LFO section acts as a modulator for the Oscillator pitch
and the filter cutoff frequency. Unlike the Envelope Generator in the
AMP section, which
acts as a one-off modulation, the LFO modulates by using a cyclic repeating wave pattern.
The waveforms present in RETRO MACHINES MK2 are Sine, Square, Saw and Random.
The rate at which they can be used to modulate the oscillator pitch and the filter cutoff
frequency is adjusted with the Rate parameter.
The LFO section.
▪
LFO RATE : Sets the speed of the LFO. The LFO is monophonic and can modulate pitch
and filter cutoff frequency.
▪
TRIANGLE : Sets the LFO waveform to a Triangle wave.
▪
SQUARE : Sets the LFO waveform to a Square wave.
▪
SAW : Sets the LFO waveform to a Saw wave.
▪
RANDOM : Sets the LFO waveform to S/H (Sample and Hold) behavior, i.e., generating a
random and stepped waveform.
The amount that the LFO affects oscillator pitch and the filter cutoff frequency is set indi-
vidually in the respective section using the
LFO AMOUNT parameter.
Using the Instrument
SYNTH Page
RETRO MACHINES MK2 - Manual - 12