Oscillators
The oscillators are the first unit in the chain of the MicroWave II/XT/XTk’s sound generation.
In comparison to a classic analog synthesizer, the oscillator’s output signal itself is not used
as a sound source. It is the driving element for the wavetable synthesis.
Oscillator 1
Osc 1 / 1
Osc 1 / 2
Octave
-4…+4
Determines the octave setting of the oscillator. The reference pitch for the oscillator is
generated at MIDI note A3 (note no. 69) when
Octave, Semitone
and
Detune
is set to
0
and
Keytrack
is
100%. In this case the oscillator’s frequency will be the same as set in the
global
Tune
parameter (normally 440Hz). Set this parameter to
0 if you are creating a
typical keyboard sound, set it to
-1 for bass sounds. If you are programming strings or other
high pitched sound, set Octave to
+1. The following table shows the relationship between
the Octave setting and its corresponding register value, a common measurement based on
the length of organ pipes.
Semitone
-12...+12
Determines the pitch of the oscillator in semitone steps. The standard setting for this
parameter is
0, but there are cases where different values are required: Most organ sounds
include a quint, therefore one oscillator's semitone parameter must be set to
+7. There are
also many lead sounds with an interval, e.g. a quart (+5 semitones). When making ring
modulated sounds, try to use
+11 for the setting.
Detune
-64…+63
Fine-tunes the oscillator in increments of 128ths of a semitone. The audible result of
detuning oscillators is a flanging. Use a positive setting for one oscillator and an equivalent
negative setting for the other. A low value of
±1 results in a slow and soft flange effect. Mid-
ranged settings of
±5 are optimal for pads and other fat sounding programs. High values of
±12 or above will give a strong detune that can be used for accordeons or effect sounds.
Setting
Register
-4
128ft.
-3
64ft.
-2
32ft.
-1
16ft.
0
8ft.
+1
4ft.
+2
2ft.
+3
1ft.
+4
1/2ft.
Pitchbend Range 1|FM Amount
02
|
010
Octave 1|Semitone | Detune
|Keytrack
-2
|
+07
|
+00
|
+100%
User’s Manual MicroWave II • MicroWave XT • XTk
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