nord modular G2 User Manual

12. Synthesis basics: The filter NORD MODULAR G2 V1.1
Page 210
In the Nord Modular G2, the Nord Filter filter can be switched between 12 and 24dB modes. For sounds
with high resonance (see below), similar to those in the Roland TB-303, we recommend the 12dB vari-
ation. For most other sounds we recommend 24dB.
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The most important parameter for a filter is its cutoff frequency, which is the setting that determines where
in the frequency material it should start cutting. If the cutoff frequency in a low pass filter is set to a very
low value, only the lowest harmonics (the bass) will pass through. If you raise the cutoff all the way up,
all frequencies will be let through, as the figure below illustrates.
Changing the cutoff frequency is often referred to as “sweeping the filter”. This is probably one of the
most important ways of shaping the timbre of a synthesizer sound. By using an envelope you can for ex-
ample have a high cutoff at the beginning of a sound which is then gradually lowered (the filter “closes”
as the sound decays). This would emulate the way most plucked string sound (piano, guitar etc.) behave;
the amplitude of the harmonics decreases as the sound decays.
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When you play different pitches, the oscillators produce different frequencies. This means that the over-
tones in the waveform appear at different frequencies. The cutoff frequency of the filter however, is fixed.
This means that different overtones will be cut off at different pitches. To be more precise, the further up
the keyboard you play, the muddier the sound will be.
To remedy this problem many synthesizers have a parameter called Filter Keyboard Tracking. When this
is activated, the filter Cutoff Frequency varies with which key you play, just as the oscillator frequency
does. This ensures a constant harmonic spectrum for all keys.

nord modular G2 Specifications

General

Year Released	2004
Polyphony	Varies depending on patch complexity
Oscillators	Multiple, user-configurable
LFOs	Multiple, user-configurable
Inputs	4 x 1/4" (audio)
Outputs	4 x 1/4" (audio)
MIDI	In, Out, Thru
USB	Yes
Display	LCD
Sequencer	Yes
Keyboard	No (desktop module)
Effects	Unlimited (dependent on DSP resources)