Word about the oscillators as a whole – Studio Electronics Boomstar User Manual

Page 17

Studio Electronics Boomstar Manual

Panels

5.2.4 VCO 2 - Voltage Controlled Oscillator 1

word about the

Oscillators as a whole:

Oscillators are the Adam (and Eve) of Analog synthesis. An oscillator produces periodic or regularly repeating

waveforms, e.g., pitched sounds. The Oscillator’s tuning controls alter the frequency or pitch of the oscillators,

whereas its wave shape selectors determine the harmonic spectrum of the signal, its basic timbre, or tone

coloration. We here at Studio Electronics think Voltage Controlled Oscillators still sound best.

What do these tone colors sound like, you wonder?

Triangle: Fluty, with odd harmonics like the square wave, but its amplitude is quite

weak in comparison to its fundamental. The Triangle possesses more brilliance

than the similarly shaped sine wave.

Sine: The most elemental waveform with its smooth fundamental and limited

harmonics—perfect for sub waveforms, simple “worm” leads, and enriching and

thickening the sound.

Sawtooth: Bright, buzzy, brassy—the richest harmonically—features a very

smooth tone when a low-pass filter is engaged; it contains both even and odd

harmonics of the fundamental frequency.

Square: In its even state, it is a full bouncy sound—a bass beast for many. Near the

edges of its duty cycle, or width, It becomes a “clavi,” reedy, nasal sound, with odd

harmonics only.

The

RANGE

switch selects the octave: LO (low frequency—clicks and ticks below the audible range for humans; clicks

can make for very interesting rhythmic pulses and sequences), 32’, 16’, 8’, 4’, 2’. The LO setting of Oscillator 2 can be

employed as a very flexible modulator. These foot pitch numbers come from the lengths of organ pipes in the great

cathedrals and churches of old—half the length equals double the pitch.

The

SYNC

switch locks the pitch of Oscillator 2 to follow the pitch of Oscillator 1 in hard synchronization, so that OSC

2 will tune only to the harmonic frequencies of Oscillator 1. Intermediate frequencies of Oscillator 2 will produce

unusual, “metallic” wave shapes and timbres; both Oscillators sharing the same base frequency makes all of this

possible.

The

SUB LEVEL

switch selects a half or full volume octave down Square wave with a center off position—a common

feature of the Boomstar enabling quick escapes from more complex programming settings.

The

WAVE MIX

switch selects single waveform settings or blending combinations of Triangle or Saw with Sine or

Square waveforms. The center position is null, or off.

The

PULSE WIDTH

knob sets the width of the Square waveform, ranging from wide, square rectangular forms to

narrow, nasally tall skyscraper-like shapes. A classic Square wave dials in a little left of the 12 o’clock knob setting—

for that wonderfully warm and yet hollowed-out rubbery tone.