Overview
Current’s additive sub oscillator is built to produce precise and powerful low-end with minimal effort.
Additive synthesis uses a bank of sine waves, known as partials, to simulate different waveforms. This is especially useful for a sub oscillator because it allows you to select the desired number of harmonics. It also enables harmonic mixing and other creative effects to create movement in the low-end.
Features such as an integrated pitch envelope, additive wave-shaping, and spectrum effects make it a comprehensive tool for all bass-related needs.
1. Sub Controls
SUB WAVEFORM (TOP BAR): Choose the waveform type for the sub oscillator. The sub oscillator utilizes additive synthesis to provide a high degree of control over the low-end harmonics in your patch.
PARTIALS: Specify the number of partials (harmonics) that the sub oscillator can produce. A single partial means that the oscillator generates a simple sine wave. Adding more partials will introduce upper harmonics that depend on the current sub oscillator mode.
MONOPHONIC MODE: When activated, the sub oscillator will be forced into monophonic mode, even if the rest of the instrument is polyphonic. This can be useful for maintaining a clean, present low-end while still being able to play chords using the other engine modules.
SUB LOCK: When enabled, the sub oscillator will be forced to play within a one-octave range. This can be used in a variety of creative ways, particularly when combined with other engine modules.
SUB LOCK RANGE: Set the lowest note that can be played when sub lock is active. For example, if you set the range to start with C, all notes will be transposed to the same octave, and C will be the lowest available note.
OCTAVE: Transpose the tuning of the wavetable oscillator by one or more octaves.
TUNING MODE: This section explains how to set the tuning of the wavetable oscillator.
- KEY: This option provides standard key tracking behavior with variable semitone offset.
- FIXED: This option forces the wavetable oscillator to be tuned to a specific note, regardless of the notes played on the keyboard.
- RATIO: This option allows you to shift the tuning up or down by multiplying or dividing it by a whole number ratio. It is particularly useful for FM synthesis and creating layers based on the harmonic series.
- SCALE: Lock the tuning to the root note of the currently selected scale. Notes on the keyboard will be ignored, and the tuning will be transposed when the scale changes.
SEMITONE (KEY TUNING): Transpose the tuning of the wavetable oscillator in semitones.
FIXED NOTE (FIXED TUNING): Set the fixed note for the wavetable oscillator, which will remain constant regardless of the notes played on the keyboard.
TUNING RATIO (RATIO TUNING): Set the tuning of the wavetable oscillator by multiplying or dividing its current frequency with a whole number ratio.
SCALE TUNING INTERVAL (SCALE TUNING): Set the fixed tuning interval relative to the currently selected scale to the right of the keyboard.
OSCILLATOR PHASE: Set the start phase of the oscillator in degrees.
2. Harmonic Detuning & Routing
DETUNE: Adjust the amount of detuning in the upper harmonics. This detuning is applied to each harmonic differently, resulting in a rich yet stable sound that is perfect for sub-bass.
DETUNE MODULATION: Adjust the amount of modulation applied to detuning of upper harmonics. This uses internal LFOs that track the oscillator's frequency to create additional movement and flavors of detuning.
DIRECT OUT: When active, the sub oscillator will not pass through the filters or effects rack. This is useful for keeping the low end of your audio signal clean while still being able to process the rest of your patch.
3. Effects
SPECTRA MODE: Choose from a variety of additive spectrum effects.
SPECTRA: Adjust the currently selected spectrum effect. This control sets the balance between harmonics in various ways. Modulating it can be a great way to introduce movement to your low end.
KNOCK AMOUNT: Adjust the amount of pitch envelope applied to the sub oscillator. This can be used to quickly create kicks, 808s, stabs, or any bass sound that requires some punch!
KNOCK DECAY: Set the duration for the pitch envelope's decay. The knock envelope has been carefully tuned to maximize the sweet spots.
DRIVE TYPE: Choose from a variety of distortion types that are carefully tuned for sub-bass.
DRIVE AMOUNT: Adjust the amount of gain applied to the sub before passing through the currently selected distortion type. This gain is applied differently to each partial in the sub-oscillator to better emphasize the low end.
4. Generic Controls
PITCH: Adjust the pitch of the wavetable oscillator in semitones.
FINE: Adjust the pitch of the wavetable oscillator in cents.
WIDTH: Adjust the stereo width of the upper harmonics. This works especially well with MOD active, but it can also be used to add some mono-compatible widening if there are enough partials.
LEVEL: Adjust the gain of the wavetable oscillator.