#35
Adding motion to a characterful synth pad can completely revitalise your track. We take two LFOs and get modulating
As any regular to our synth tutorials will know, ZebraCM (our chosen steed for the Synth Masterclass, available in the CM Plugin Suite) is no slouch in the sonics department, despite being a relative freebie. One of its biggest strengths lies in its chameleon-like flexibility, seemingly able to glide from the most basic subtractive patch, to some seriously capable modulation duties.
This is where we’re taking our Zebra today, with the use of two LFOs, to apply different forms of modulation to different aspects of the patch. Firstly, we’ll use the LFO in its User waveform mode, which allows us to generate modulating sequences, up to 32 steps in length.
While not unique to ZebraCM, it’s not a function you find on many softsynths, even paid-for ones.
Secondly, we’ll exaggerate each modulating step, by introducing gating to the amplifier section, creating a form of gated synth effect. Arguably, the front-end of our patch is relatively basic, being reliant on a single oscillator and low-pass filter, but it proves the point that modulation can completely transform the most basic construct, from simple to complex.
The net result is a patch that might normally be created using effects plugins, but we’re applying these intrinsic elements at source, avoiding the need to spend money. That’s got to be a good thing?
> Step by step
1 Let’s begin by initialising a patch on the ZebraCM. Open up your DAW and load up the plugin. Once the plugin window is open, move to the central display at the top of the window, click to reveal the drop-down menu, and select ‘init’ from the bottom. This will initialise the patch.
2 This patch is going to be a relatively loud one, so now would be a great time to reduce your master volume to a level of 70. Just as a reminder, every time you tweak a pot or setting on the plugin, you will an accurate value/numeric in the upper display.
3 We’ll begin creating our sound with OSC1; click and hold on the waveform display, and drag up to a value of 6.40. Don’t be too concerned about the sound of this particular wave at this stage, as we’ll be modulating it in a couple of steps’ time. By default, the volume of OSC1 should be set to a value of 100, which we can leave in place.
4 We’ll only use one oscillator for this patch, but we c
