Studio Electronics Boomstar - Manual (Page 21)

Studio Electronics Boomstar Manual 17 Panels
5.2.9 X MOD - Cross Modulation
A
word about Cross Modulation:
Is it just another term for frequency modulation, as some say, or is it a magical plane
where seemingly bizarre, almost entirely unpredictable results bring chaotic freshness
to any electronic vision or experimentation? Yes. It can also be coaxed into creating vocal textures à la the ATC-1.
The VCO 2 DEPTH (Voltage Controlled Oscillator 2 Depth) sets the amount of Oscillator 2 frequency modulation to
Oscillator 1’s frequency (VCO 1 FREQ) or pulse width (VCO 1 PW). Oscillator 2 also becomes an LFO when its range
switch is set to its LO position; in the higher range settings (8, 4, 2) audio frequency modulation can create metallic,
clangourous, planetary, searing effects, vibrant “colors,” and “waves.” Pulse width modulation was a feature found
on the legendary Prophet 5 synth, an expressive modulator capable of subtle or dramatic movements in the width
of the square wave—a feature rarely found on non-modular analog synths to this day. Use the switch to the right of
the pot to select either.
5.2.10 LFO - Low Frequency Oscillator
A
tardy word about Modulation as a whole:
Modulation is the use of a control signal to create an often repetitive pattern of pitch, level, or harmonic and
rhythmic content changes; it infuses sound with movement and color.
The shape of the Boomstar’s LFO is determined by the waveform that the software LFO outputs—selected by the
non-graduated WAVE knob, with the waveshapes being sine, triangle, reverse sawtooth, sawtooth, square, 10%
square, 90% square, slew random, and random. The amount of modulation is determined by either the MOD DEPTH
control, or modwheel—its speed, or rate, by the RATE knob.
The Boomstar’s LFO is assignable to VCO 1 PW, VCO 1 FREQ, VCO 2 PW, VCO 2 FREQ, and can be synchronized to MIDI via
the MIDI SYNC switch. Note: In the Filter section the LFO is assignable to filter frequency as well. [see p. 14, 5.2.6]
LFO Features and Functions in Review:
RATE : Sets the speed, which reaches audio frequency spectrum; MIDI SYNC ON locks
the LFO rate to clock: RATE sets the 12 MIDI sync beat divisions, i.e., 4 measures,
2 measures, whole note, 1/2 note, whole note triplet, 1/4 note, 1/2 note triplet,