Noise Generator

The Noise Generator could be viewed as an oscillator that produces noise instead of a pitched waveform. Noise can be used to produce a variety of sounds, the classic example being "wind" or "rolling wave" sounds, where noise is passed through a filter while modulating the filter frequency. Other common applications include non-pitched sounds like drums and percussion, or simulating breath noises for wind instruments. To use the Noise Generator, select an Init Patch and proceed as follows:

1. Turn Osc 2 off.

2. Click the button (in the Noise Generator section) to activate the Noise Generator.

If you play a few notes on your MIDI instrument you should now hear Osc1 mixed with the sound of the Noise Generator.

3. Turn the Mix knob fully to the right, and play a few more notes.

Now just the Noise Generator will be heard.

Thus, the output of the Noise Generator is internally routed to Osc 2.

If you switch Osc 2 on, the noise will be mixed with the Osc 2 waveform.

There are three Noise Generator parameters. These are as follows:

Parameter

Description

Noise Decay

This controls how long it takes for the noise to fade out when you play a note. Note that this is independent from the Amp Envelope Decay parameter, allowing you to mix a short "burst" of noise at the very beginning of a sound, i.e. a pitched sound that uses oscillators together with noise.

Noise Color

This parameter allows you to vary the character of the noise. If the knob is turned fully clockwise, pure or "white" noise (where all frequencies are represented with equal energy) is generated. Turning the knob anti-clockwise produces a gradually less bright sounding noise. Fully anti-clockwise the noise produced is an earthquake-like low frequency rumble.

Level

Controls the level of the Noise Generator.