32 | NORD STAGE 3 USER MANUAL OS V1.X
sustain pedal for the Synth section. Read more on how to configure an
attached pedal in the Menus chapter, on page 53.
OSCILLATORS
The Nord Stage 3 synthesizer engine features smart oscillator configu-
rations utilizing one or two oscillators. Start with an oscillator waveform
from the Classic, Wave, F-Wave, S-Wave or Samp (Samples) categories,
select an oscillator configuration and use the Osc 2/Pitch dial and Osc
Ctrl knob to adjust the exact effects of the configuration.
The sonic potential is further enhanced by the fact that the oscillator
section actually contains a number of extra oscillators for each voice,
which are brought in by activating Unison (see page 39). You can add
several virtual oscillators per voice, without losing polyphony. This allows
for some really thick sounds.
OSC CTRL
Oscillator Control, OSC CTRL, is used to alter the sound in different ways
depending on the currently selected oscillator configuration. The Osc
Ctrl parameter can be modulated by the Mod Envelope or the LFO,
and morph controlled, allowing real-time use of the wheel, aftertouch or
pedal for controlling the sound. The amount of the Osc Ctrl parameter is
always visible in the Synth section display as it is being adjusted.
MODULATION
The two-way MODULATION control governs the amount of modulation
applied to the Osc Ctrl parameter. Turn the knob counter-clockwise from
the 12 o’clock zero position for LFO modulation or clockwise to instead
use the Mod Envelope.
SELECTOR BUTTON
These are the five oscillator types, selectable by using the Oscillator
selector button:
• CLASSIC (analog style) waveforms
• WAVE (wavetables)
• F-WAVE (formant waves)
• S-WAVE (super-waves)
• SAMP (samples).
The OSC1/WAVEFORM dial is used for choosing the specific waveform
or sample to be used. Use the LIST command (Shift + Osc1/Waveform
dial) to display a list view of the waveforms, wavetables or samples in
your current selection.
The FAST ATK mode gives samples a faster attack. Read more about
how this works on page 33.
CLASSIC WAVEFORMS
There are four “basic” Classic waveforms: Sine, Triangle, Sawtooth and
Square. Apart from these there are four additional waveforms: Pulse 33,
Pulse 10, ESaw and ESquare. The table below shows all waveforms and
how they behave when using the Shape Oscillator Configuration.
Shape Mode
Osc Ctrl = 0 Osc Ctrl = 5 Osc Ctrl = 10
Sine
Triangle
Saw
Square
Pulse 33
Pulse 10
ESaw
ESquare
SINE
The sine wave has a very pure sound with no overtones, or harmonics.
It is useful for many kinds of softer sounds, and could be considered the
“default” waveform when creating classic FM sounds, using the Freq
Mod oscillator configurations.
TRIANGLE
The triangle waveform has only odd numbered - and not very strong -
harmonics, giving it a more vibrant character than the sine wave while
still being much softer than the sawtooth wave.
SAWTOOTH
The sawtooth wave contains all harmonics and is the richest of the
available waveforms. It is suitable for all sorts of sounds.
SQUARE, PULSE 33, PULSE 10
A square wave is the same as a pulse wave at 50% width, Pulse 33
represents a 33% width and Pulse 10 a 10% width. At 50% width the
waveform can be described as having a somewhat “hollow” character,
containing only odd numbered harmonics (3, 5, 7 etc.). At narrower
widths the sound will become increasingly thin and nasal. Using the
Shape configuration, the Square wave can be narrowed down to 10%.
Pulse 33 and Pulse 10 waveforms can be widened up to 50%, with Osc
Ctrl at its max value.
M The fact that there are three Square/Pulse widths to choose from
enables using other oscillator configurations than Shape - while
retaining a desired pulse width.
ESAW
The ESaw, or “extended saw”, waveform is similar to a sawtooth
wave in its harmonic content. It has, however, a more pronounced
and “brassy” mid-range. Using the Shape parameter the ESaw wave
can be seamlessly morphed to and from a sine wave, which by using
modulation opens up for sounds that move between harsher and softer
characters.
To Next Page
Loading...