However, it can be also used more subtly on more mellow filter sweeps with the overdrive
adding gentle overtones to a solo synthesiser lead.
The actual input level is very important too. The Overdrive module will produce much more
strident results when the input level approaches 5V peak. If the input signal is too weak then
the resultant overdriven effect will be much less. This means it is possible to get voltage
controlled overdrive effects if you use a VCA in front of the module.
It is traditional to have the distortion after the final VCA. In a fixed architecture synthesiser
this is generally the only way you can do it. But I find that using it between the VCF and the
final VCA gives me right sounds for solo work. The VCF will naturally vary the signal level
as the cut-off changes and having the VCA last will ensure that any additional hiss produced
by the high gain amplifier in the overdrive module will be only heard along with the signal
and therefore drowned out.
More complex sounds, such as chords, drum loops and so on, will be far more effected than
simple notes too. The more varying frequencies that are present in the input signal the more
distorted the output will appear. Generally speaking if you are after subtle overdriven effects
it is best to keep the input signal to just a few harmonically related notes.
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