by Psychic Modulation
Designed for the KVR Developer Challenge 2009 by Jack Resweber using SynthEdit
Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Oscillator Section
- 3. Filter Section
- 4. Envelopes
- 5. LFO Section
- 6. Arpeggiator
- 7. Sequencer
- 8. Delay Section
- 9. Modwheel And Other Features
1. Introduction
Metatron is a 2 oscillator phase synth with an arpeggiator that works alongside a gated modulation sequencer for creating unique rythmic patterns and sounds. The oscillator section uses waveforms that double up to create a phasing effect similar to pulse width for each waveform. This along with a powefull unison detune section and ring modulator give Metatron a rich, fat sound. With the addition of versatile graphical envelopes, LFO's and other modulation options, Metatron becomes an instrument that can create complex sounds, but at the same time keeps things simple without trying to do everything, making it a perfect 'go to' synth for one-finger basslines, rhythmic techno leads, spacey gated pads and other creative arpeggiated sequences.
2. Oscillator Section
The oscillator section displays all the controls that affect the tone's shape and color.
- Waveforms
Metatron has two oscillators that can be set to various waveforms by simply clicking on the black box that displays the waveform's name.
- Phase
Metatron uses two phase oscillators, which are layered waveforms that can be offset with the 'phase' control to create a phasing effect similar to pulse width.
- Sync
Syncs the pitch of the two oscillators, this can be usefull when modulating the pitch of oscillator 2 for interesting effects.
- Octave
Ranges from -2 trhough +2 octaves
- Tune
Finetunes oscillator 2, when offset from osc 1, will create a wider sound
- Level
Adjusts the volume of the two oscillators
- Ring
Combines the two oscillators using ring modulation to create a harsh, metalic sound
- D-tune
Detunes the voices set by the 'voice' control. The greater the number of voices, the wider the sound. This has a similar effect to detuning with the 'Tune' control above, but can produce much more extreme results.
- Drift
This control causes a pitch drifting effect similar to that of analog synthesizers. This can create interesting results with pads and leads, giving them movement and unpredictability.
- Stretch
This will expand the width of the detuned voices for yet more extreme widening.
- Voices
This is where to set the number of voices in unison to be detuned, ranging from 1-16. The more voices, the wider the sound. However, more voices leads to greater cpu usage.
3. Filter Section
The filter section is used to color the sound of the oscillators, further shaping the tone by making the sound brighter or darker.
- Filter Type
Selects which type of filter is in use: Lowpass, Highpass, Bandpass or Ringmod. Ringmod combines a low and high pass filter to create a harsh, yet unpredictable sound that can be usefull for experimentation.
- Cut
Sets the filter's cutoff frequency according to the filter type
- Rez
Adjusts the filter's resonance, defining the peak of the frequency for creating a sharper sound
- Graphical Envelope
The graphical envelope can open and close the filter for each note. More information on the operation of the envelope can be found here.
- Invert
The switch right above the envelope, next to the 'filter type' selector, will invert the envelope, flipping all stages opposite that of the current envelope settings.
- Level
This will adjust the level of the envelope
- Velo
Adjusts the filter velocity, or how the envelope level is affected by how the keys are pressed
- Time
Adjusts the overall time of the envelope by increasing or decreasing all stages respectively
- Limit
This switch turns on the limiter, which is post-filter for taming wild resonance using the 'limit' control
- Pre
This is a pre-gain control for boosting the volume prior to limiting
4. Envelopes
Metatron uses graphical envelopes that can be shaped by clicking and dragging each point to adjust the attack, decay, sustain and release. The sustain point is the point on the envelope where the black meets the blue. Clicking between points, on the center of each stage will change the contour shape, giving a more specific shape to each stage of the envelope.
- Velo
Adjusts the velocity, or how the envelope level is affected by how the keys are pressed
- Time
Adjusts the overall time of the envelope by increasing or decreasing all stages respectively
- Level
This will adjust the level of the envelope
The modulation envelope has an extra stage for further shaping to create interesting modulation. Click the black selector box above to set the parameter you wish to modulate with this envelope.
5. LFO Section
The LFO section consists of three LFOs, each with it's own editing page. Each LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) can be used to modulate a given parameter. The blue switches select the current LFO editor, while the orange switches turn each LFO on/off. The glowing lights displayed below each switch will dim and brighten along with the flow of modulation. This can be usefull for observing which LFO is doing what.
- Target
Selects the target parameter to be modulated by the LFO
- Shape
Selects the shape that the LFO travels during modulation
- Fade
Acts as a small envelope for the LFO. 'Fade In' defines how fast the LFO level will increase per key, while 'Fade Out' defines how fast the LFO level decreases after a key is released. Think of them as attack and release controls for the LFO level.
- Rate
The LFO rate can be set to 'Sync' or 'Manual' by using the two small blue switches. 'Sync' will let you define the LFO rate via a tempo synced beat selector, while 'Manual' allows the rate to be adjusted freely by turning the knob from slow to fast.
- Retrig
This will retrigger the LFO, causing it to restart it's path on each note
- Subtle
This switch is used for creating low-level LFO modulation, usefull for more subtle effects
- Level
Adjusts the level of modulation produced by the LFO
6. Arpeggiator
The arpeggiator creates note patterns that are cycled through the number of octaves specified for as long as a key is held. If multiple keys are held, it will cycle each note in layers. The arpeggiator can be used on it's own, but is designed to be used along with the sequencer for much more interesting results.
- Active
Switches the arpeggiator on/off
- Arp Type
Selects the direction the arp will travel through the octaves
- Beats
Selects the rate of the arpeggio sequence
- Velocity
Chooses how velocity will affect each layered note. Set to 'constant' for defining each layered note by the velocity of the first. Set to 'note' for giving each layered note independant velocity, this can create interesting rythmic sequences with a more human feel.
- Octaves
Selects the number of octaves to be cycled by the arpeggiator
7. Sequencer
Metatron's sequencer can be used in a variety of ways. It can function as a simple gate for rythmic, gated pads, it can be used as a sequenced modulator for various parameters, or it can be used alongside the arpeggiator for creative modulating arpeggiation sequences. To ensure that Metatron's sequencer follows your host and doesnt stray off course from the arpeggiator, make sure that the 'host' switch is active and you will have a perfect sync.
The sequencer functions as a 16 step pattern generator. Each step can be switched on/off for gating effects. Below the orange steps is the sequence modulator that can be defined by adjusting the bars under each step or by simply drawing across the whole range with the mouse for adjusting multiple levels at once. The target parameter to be modulated by the sequencer can be selected in the top right corner.
- Active
Switches the sequencer on/off
- Host
Ensures that Metatron's sequencer follows your host sequencer. This switch is set to 'on' by default and should be used to ensure that Metatron's arpeggiator and sequencer follow each other perfectly on-beat while your host sequencer is running.
- Retrig
This switch will retrigger the sequencer on each note, however should only be used in certain situations, as you may lose sync between the sequencer and arpeggiator.
- Rate
Selects the beat of the sequence
- Target
Selects the target parameter to be modulated by the sequencer
- Level
Adjusts the level of modulation by the sequencer
- Glide
Defines the gliding of modulation between steps during the sequence
8. Delay Section
The delay section is of a dual nature, with left/right controls for panning, levels and delay rates.
- Active
Switches the delay on/off
- Left/Right Panners
Pans the delayed signal left and right, the delay widens when the controls are furthest apart.
- Rate
Selects the bpm-synced rate of the left and right delays
- Level
Adjusts the volume levels of the left and right delays
- Feed
Controls the feedback of the delay
- Damp
Damping tames the feedback, applying a lowpass filter afterward
9. Modwheel And Other Features
Metatron's Pitchbender and Modwheel can both be assigned to control different parameters giving you even more modulation control, which can be especially useful in live situations.
Click on the black selector box that corresponds to each control in order to select it's target parameter. The level sliders on each side adjust thier modulation levels.
The group of controls on the bottom section are for various universal functions.
- Mono
Switches the synth into Mono mode, switch this off to remain in polyphonic mode
- Porta
Adjusts the portamento time, or the time it takes each note to glide into the pitch range of the next
- Pan
Adjusts the overall left/right panning of the synth
- Freq/Boost
These controls function for overall bass boosting. 'Freq' adjusts the bass frequency while 'boost' increases the level of that frequency. Setting 'boost' to -0- will bypass this effect.
- Volume
Adjusts the overall volume of the synth
Credits
Many thanks to the following for providing the tools to aid in the creation of this VSTi:
Chris Kerry - CK Modules
www.chriskerry.f9.co.uk
David Haupt - DH Modules
www.dehaupt.com/SynthEdit
Jeff McClintock - Synthedit
www.synthedit.com
Steinberg - VST Plugin Technology