Modulate ES2 Filter 2 frequency in MainStage
Filter 2 cutoff frequency can be modulated by the sine wave of oscillator 1, which is always generated, even when the oscillator is switched off. The level of this sine signal can be mixed in at the output stage with the Sine Level parameter (see Enhance ES2 sounds with Sine Level).
The effect of such filter modulations in the audio spectrum is unpredictable, but the results tend to remain harmonic if you avoid high modulation intensity values. The FM parameter is used to define the intensity of this filter frequency modulation.
Note: Don’t confuse this filter frequency modulation with the oscillator FM feature (oscillator 1 is modulated by oscillator 2). If oscillator 1 is frequency-modulated by oscillator 2, it does not influence the sine wave signal used to modulate the cutoff frequencies. See Use ES2 frequency modulation.
Filter 2 can also be driven to self-oscillation. If you set a very high resonance value, it produces a sine wave. This self-oscillating sine wave distorts at the maximum resonance value. If you mute all oscillators, you’ll only hear this sine oscillation. By modulating the cutoff frequency, you can produce effects similar to those produced by modulating the frequency of oscillator 1 with oscillator 2.
Modulate filter FM in ES2
In MainStage, set up a modulation routing as follows: modulation target LPF FM.
A sine wave, at the frequency of oscillator 1, is always used as the modulation source. Given this default assignment and the direct relationship between the filter FM intensity and oscillator 1 frequency, you can set up a second routing to modulate Oscillator 1 pitch.
Set up a modulation routing as follows: modulation target Pitch 1, source LFO1.
Adjust LFO settings.