Studio Electronics Boomstar - Manual (Page 17)

Studio Electronics Boomstar Manual 13 Panels
5.2.4 VCO 2 - Voltage Controlled Oscillator 1
A
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.