Use Ultrabeat LFOs in MainStage

• In MainStage, drag the Waveform Shape slider from left to right to morph the waveform from a triangle, to a sawtooth, sine, square, and finally a rectangular wave shape—including all variations in between. At the far right position, the LFO produces random waveforms.

  The graphical display shows the current LFO waveform shape.

The table outlines how different waveform shapes can affect your sounds. Intermediate waveform shapes result in hybrid waveforms and hybrid behaviors.

An LFO normally oscillates continuously. On percussive signals it can, however, be interesting to limit the LFO cycles (repetitions of the entire waveform) to a defined number. Ultrabeat enables you to set the number of LFO cycles with the Cycles parameter. After completing the defined number of cycles, the LFO stops oscillating.

• In MainStage, rotate the Cycles knob to set the number of LFO waveform cycles. The range of Cycles parameter values extends from 1 to 100. The Cycles parameter can also determine whether the LFO waveform is started from the beginning, at a zero-crossing point, with each note trigger, or continues oscillating.

  • A Cycles value of 1 allows the LFO to function as an additional, very basic, envelope generator.

  • Set Cycles to its maximum value (full right position) for an infinite number of cycles (standard LFO behavior). The LFO is not reset by incoming MIDI note-on messages.

  • When Cycles is set to values under 100, the LFO is reset by each new MIDI note-on message (Note On Reset).

    Your choice to trigger an LFO cycle from the same spot or to allow it to oscillate freely, regardless of phase, should be based on the needs of the sound. The random element of free-running LFOs can make many sounds richer. This, however, can be at the expense of a percussive attack—which is generally inappropriate for drum sounds.

  Tip: Try small Cycles parameter values, with the LFO source used to control the Volume (Level) of one or both oscillators. This results in drum flams or hand claps. You can also use minor shifts of the LFO phase, with the Cycle value set to Infinity, to add an analog character to a drum sound.