14
OSCILLATOR INTERACTION
DFAM’s Oscillators can interact with each other to provide new timbres and to create new sounds.
HARD SYNC and FM are both useful tools that can be utilized individually or at the same time.
HARD SYNC
When set to ON, HARD SYNC forces the phase of Oscillator 2 to match — or to
be in sync with — the phase of Oscillator 1. This forced synchronization causes
the waveform of Oscillator 2 to take on a more complex waveshape as it works
to stay aligned with Oscillator 1. This is useful for creating sharp, metallic, and
flange-like sounds while also ensuring that the pitch of Oscillator 2 stays
locked to Oscillator 1.
TIP: With the HARD SYNC switch set to ON, turn the
VCO 2 FREQUENCY knob and listen. Notice that it has an
effect on the timbre of Oscillator 2, while maintaining a
synchronized pitch with Oscillator 1.
NOTE: When the HARD SYNC switch is set to ON and
the Frequency of Oscillator 2 is set below the Frequency
of Oscillator 1, Oscillator 2 may be unable to complete
a wave cycle before resetting to match the phase of
Oscillator 1. In this case, Oscillator 2 may have little
or no output. This is especially the case with Square
waveforms.
1�2 FM AMOUNT (FREQUENCY MODULATION)
A common application of modulation is pitch vibrato. This occurs when a Low
Frequency Oscillator (LFO) is used to smoothly vary the pitch of an audio
oscillator up and down. If the frequency of that LFO is increased enough, the
pitch of the audio oscillator is being moved up and down just as before, but at
an extremely fast rate. This creates new sidebands and other harmonics not
present in either of the original signals.
The sonic characteristics
of FM are highly
dependant on the pitch
of both Oscillator 1 and
Oscillator 2. Depending on
the settings, the sound of
FM can be described as
complex, springy, bell-like,
or aggressive.
Turning the 1�2 FM AMOUNT knob to the right will gradually increase the amount by which the
Frequency of Oscillator 2 is being modulated by Oscillator 1.
TIP: Slowly turn the 1�2 FM AMOUNT knob to the right and listen to how it affects the sound. Now
try adjusting the VCO FREQUENCY knobs and listen to how they interact with each other.
MASTER OSCILLATOR
HARD SYNC’D OSCILLATOR
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