
7 - Synthesizer Basics
Modulation
104 Proteus VX Operation Manual
Modulation
Modulation means to dynamically change a parameter, whether it be the volume
(amplitude modulation), the pitch (frequency modulation), or whatever. Turning the
volume control on your home stereo rapidly back and forth would be an example of
amplitude modulation. To modulate something we need a modulation source and a
modulation destination. The source is your hand turning the knob, and the destination
is the volume control. If we had a device that would automatically turn the volume
control, we would also call that device a modulation source.
Turning the volume control back and forth on your home stereo is an example of Amplitude
Modulation.
The Proteus VX is designed so that for each of the variable parameters, such as the
volume, there is an initial setting which can be changed by a modulation source.
Therefore in the case of volume, we have an initial volume and we can change or
modulate that volume with a modulation source. Positive modulation Adds to the
initial amount. Negative modulation Subtracts from the initial amount.
Modulation Sources
The main modulation sources are Envelope Generators, Performance Controllers and
Low Frequency Oscillators. In the previous example, an envelope generator could be
routed to automatically turn the volume control as programmed by the envelope, or, a
low frequency oscillator could be routed to turn the volume control up and down in a
repeating fashion. The main mod sources are listed below.
Keyboard Key
Which key is pressed.
Key Velocity
How fast the key is pressed.
Release Velocity
How fast the key is released.
Gate
High if the key is pressed, low when the key is released.
Key Glide
A smoothly changing control source based on the Glide Rate and the interval between
the last two notes played.
Pitch and Mod Wheels
Keyboard pitch bend and modulation wheels.
Volume
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