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the sixth synthesis techniques challenge - In this weekly series we'll explore the myriad of ways one can synthesize sound.
This week, we're exploring one of the most useful yet least understood despite the hype devices: the ring modulator. Also known as a VC polariser, inverting crossfader, or invertable VCA (all of which should give you ideas on what you can use as a ringmod if you don't have a ringmod), ring modulators can do everything from generate inharmonic, metallic clangs to beautiful yet complex harmonic structures. Assuming 2 bipolar signals as the input and control signals, ringmod will act as a VCA with positive control signal, and be an inverted VCA with negative control signal, creating interesting metallic timbres similar in many ways to FM synthesis' phase shifting properties. You may find, like with FM synthesis, that using integer ratios/octaves will yield the most pleasing results, but you can get very interesting effects using fifths and subtle detuning. The same concepts apply to modulation as well! Please, only use oscillators being ring modulated as your sound source. You may use as many as you like (hello my fellow opsix users) and they may be of any waveform (but i recommend starting with sines). Modulation and subtle external effects like light reverb are open. Have fun, and I'll have a new one next Friday!

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from Cherish The Pale Blue Dot, released January 12, 2023

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Thomas Wulfe UK

As part of the waxcide collective, Thomas Wulfe Its the alias i have been unsing for Ambient, IDM, Chillout, Electronica, Breakbeat, Trip-Hop and more for near 25 years. Influenced by artists such as Orbital, Underworld and Richard D. James, I love using both hardware and software synthesisers, sampling, computers and especially analogue modular synths ... more

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