LinPlug Alpha User Manual
Page 15
LFO
An LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) is an oscillator that generates a low frequency signal that
can be used to modulate certain parameters of the Alpha synthesizer. The Alpha contains
three LFOs on the right of the front panel.
First, the LFO can be set to either “M” Mono or “P” Poly mode with the switch below the LFO
number. In Mono mode, one LFO is shared by all voices, it is constantly running and not re-
triggered. In Poly Mode, each voice has its own LFO which is triggered when the note starts.
The waveform parameter is used to select one of the LFO waveforms. To select a waveform,
click in the shown shape. It will go through the six LFO waveforms with each click. The
available LFO waveforms are: Sine, Triangle, Sawtooth, Square, Noise and SamHo (Sample
and Hold).
The “att” (Attack Time) dial is used to set the time it takes for the LFO to reach the full
modulation depth. This can be used to slowly increase the amount of modulation applied. If
the Attack is set to 0% (i.e. the dial is turned completely counter-clockwise), modulation
commences immediately. If the Attack is is turned completely clockwise it takes 10 seconds
for the modulation to reach its full intensity.
The “freq” (Frequency) dial is used to set the the LFO's frequency. If the Frequency dial is
turned completely counter-clockwise, the LFO oscillates at 0.01 Hz (that is 1 complete cycle
every 100 seconds). If the Frequency dial is turned completely clockwise, the LFO oscillates
at 32 Hz (32 cycles per second).
The frequency is shown in a display above the dial, which, when clicked, turns into a sync
popup menu. This menu allows you to set the LFO so that it is "synced" to the tempo of the
current song (see Appendix C for the range of possible sync settings) For example, a setting
of 1/4 will make the LFO cycle last exactly one quarter note.
Choosing “Off” from the menu causes the LFO to be not synchronized to the song tempo,
instead the LFO speed can be adjusted with the “freq” dial below the display.
LinPlug Alpha 3.3 Series User Manual
Page 15