#35

Adding motion to a characterful synth pad can completely revitalise your track. We take two LFOs and get modulating

As any regular to our synth tutorials will know, ZebraCM (our chosen steed for the Synth Masterclass, available in the CM Plugin Suite) is no slouch in the sonics department, despite being a relative freebie. One of its biggest strengths lies in its chameleon-like flexibility, seemingly able to glide from the most basic subtractive patch, to some seriously capable modulation duties.

This is where we’re taking our Zebra today, with the use of two LFOs, to apply different forms of modulation to different aspects of the patch. Firstly, we’ll use the LFO in its User waveform mode, which allows us to generate modulating sequences, up to 32 steps in length.

While not unique to ZebraCM, it’s not a function you find on many softsynths, even paid-for ones.

Secondly, we’ll exaggerate each modulating step, by introducing gating to the amplifier section, creating a form of gated synth effect. Arguably, the front-end of our patch is relatively basic, being reliant on a single oscillator and low-pass filter, but it proves the point that modulation can completely transform the most basic construct, from simple to complex.