Intellijel Rubicon - Manual (Page 7)

Intellijel Rubicon Manual Version 1
Page | 7
Patch Examples
Patch 1: Basic 2 Operator TZFM
This is the most basic FM patch and is known as “Two Operator FM”. It uses The Rubicon, another
VCO, two Envelope Generators and a VCA. In FM terminology the Rubicon becomes the Carrier and
the second VCO is the Modulator. Because they have similar pitch tracking we recommend the second
VCO be a Intellijel Dixie or another Rubicon. You will need a 1V/oct and gate source such as a CV
keyboard or MIDI to CV converter.
Connect your CV/Gate source to the 1V/oct inputs of both VCOs. Connect the gate out to both gate
inputs of your envelope generators. Arrange other connections as shown in the diagram above. Turn
the Symmetry of the Rubicon to full CW, place the TZFM switch in LIN mode and turn the TZFM knob all
the way down.
Tune both VCOs to the same octave using their coarse and fine tune controls. Now tune the second
VCO, or Modulator one octave above the Rubicon. This is the classic 2:1 FM ratio. Use the Index mini
knob to control the depth of FM that is applied to the Rubicon via the first envelope generator. The
TZFM knob acts as a offset to the FM depth so you should experiment with it as well. It is usually best to
set the envelope generator controlling FM to be shorter than the envelope controlling the output VCA.
The amount of harmonics is controlled by the Index amount and TZFM knob while the timbre of the
harmonics is controlled by the Modulator VCO pitch relative to the carrier VCO as well as the
waveforms used. It is recommended to use simple waveforms such as sine or triangle.