The Modulator section

The Malström features two Modulators (mod:A and mod:B) These are in fact another type of oscillators, called LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators). They each generate a waveform and a frequency, much like osc:A and osc:B. However, there are a couple of important differences:

•	Mod:A and mod:B do not generate sound. They are instead used for modulating various parameters to change the character of the sound.

•	They only generate waveforms of low frequency.

Furthermore, both modulators are tempo syncable and possible to use in one shot mode, in which case they will actually work like envelopes.

Modulator parameters

The two Modulators have a few controls in common, but there are also some differences. Both the common parameters and the ones that are unique for each Modulator (the destinations) are described below.

To activate/deactivate a Modulator, click the On/Off button in the top left corner.

When a Modulator is activated, the button is lit.

An activated Modulator.

Curve

This lets you select a waveform for modulating parameters. Use the spin controls to the right of the display to cycle through the available waveforms. Some of these waveforms are especially suited for use with the Modulator in one shot mode (see below).

Rate

This knob controls the frequency of the Modulator. For a faster modulation rate, turn the knob to the right.

The Rate knob is also used for setting the time division when synchronizing the Modulator to the song tempo (see below).

One Shot

To put the Modulator into one shot mode, click this button so that it is lit.

Normally, the Modulators will repeat the selected waveforms over and over again, at the set rate. However, when one shot mode is activated and you play a note, the Modulator will play the selected waveform only once (at the set rate) and then stop. In other words, it will effectively be turned into an envelope generator!

Note that even though all waveforms can be used with interesting results, some waveforms are explicitly well suited for use in one shot mode. For example, try using the waveform with just one long, gently sloping curve.

Sync

Clicking this button so that it is lit synchronizes the Modulator to the song tempo, in one of 16 possible time divisions.

When sync is activated, the Rate knob is used for selecting the desired time division. Turn the Rate knob and observe the tool tip for an indication of the time division.

A/B selector

This switch is used for deciding which oscillator and/or filter the Modulator should modulate - A, B or both. With the switch in the middle position, both A and B will be modulated.

Destinations

The following knobs are used for determining what each of the two modulators should modulate.

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Note that these knobs are bi-polar, which means that if a knob is in the middle position, no modulation is applied. If you turn a knob either to the left or to the right, an increasing amount of modulation is applied to the parameter. The difference is that if you turn a knob to the left, the waveform of the modulator is inverted.

Mod:A

Mod:A can modulate the following parameters of either oscillator:

Pitch

Use this if you want Mod:A to offset the pitch of osc:A, osc:B, or both (see “Setting oscillator frequency”).

Index

Use this if you want Mod:A to offset the index start position of osc:A, osc:B, or both (see “Controlling playback of the graintable”).

Shift

Use this to have Mod:A affect the harmonic content of osc:A, osc:B, or both (see “Controlling playback of the graintable”).

Mod:B

Mod:B can modulate the following parameters of either oscillator:

Motion

Use this if you want Mod:B to affect the motion speed of osc:A, osc:B, or both (see “Controlling playback of the graintable”).

Vol

Use this if you want Mod:B to change the output level of osc:A, osc:B, or both (see “Vol”).

Filter

Use this if you want Mod:B to offset the cutoff frequency of filter:A, filter:B, or both (see “Filter controls”).

Mod:A

Use this if you want Mod:B to change the total amount of modulation from Mod:A.