Overview
This guide will give you an overview of how to setup partial oscillators In ZENOLOGY GX. Each partial can use one of five oscillator (OSC) types. A tone can contain up to four partials, so you can mix and layer different oscillator types within a single patch.
Use this guide a reference on how and when to use a specific oscillator.
Oscillator Types
PCMWhat it is: Sample playback synthesis.
| Oscillator Module |
Choosing waveformsYou choose waves from banks and categories by tapping in the waveform selection area. The PCM OSC supports loading up two unique waveforms for stereo operation. | Waveform selection area |
Waveform BrowserChoose from our library of over 7000 waveforms. | Waveform Browser |
PCM CustomizationsAfter you've selected one or two waveforms, you can apply gain and pitch adjustments to it using the Semi and Fine pitch settings and the Wave Gain knob. | |
VA (Virtual Analog)The VA is an Algorithmically generated analog-style oscillator with 9 selectable waveforms including:
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Selecting a waveformTap the Waveform section as shown in the image to choose desired shape. You'll see a pop-up menu showcasing the 9 available VA waveforms. | |
Editing the waveform: Width and PWMOnce you selected a waveform, you can customize in the waveform with the basic pitch and gain settings. In addition, you have controls that can dramatically alter the shape of the waveform with the following parameter. Width: The width knob adjusts the duty cycle (or waveform shape). PWM: PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) links the Width knob to LFO2 to enable you to modulate the width value while you play. | |
Editing the waveform: Fat and InvertFat: The Fat knob is a low frequency boost to any of the VA waveforms that sonically thickens the sounds Invert: This toggle utility simply inverts the waveform. While you may not head the immediate effect if you're only using one partial, it can have a dramatic effect when using it in conjunction with other oscillators. | |
Editing the waveform: Sync and XModYou can link Partials 1 and 2 or 3 and 4 using XMod or Sync. When you link two partials using SYNC or XMod, one partial becomes the carrier (the sound you hear) and the other becomes the modulator (the one influencing it) Sync: With oscillator sync, the carrier oscillator is forced to restart its waveform cycle every time the modulator completes a cycle, which creates a sharper, more harmonically rich sound—often heard as a bright, tearing or “sync lead” tone. In XMod: XMod uses the output of the modulator to alter the pitch of the carrier oscillator, causing more aggressive harmonic changes and complex, sometimes metallic or unstable tones. | |
PCM-SYNCPCM-SYNC allows you to load waveforms designed for oscillator sync. It uses sampled waveforms that is meant to be used with the XMod: Sync setting in which the oscillator is reset by another oscillator's cycle, creating harmonically rich sync sweeps. Good for:
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SUPER SAWSUPER SAW is Roland's famous multi-saw oscillator. It generates multiple detuned saw waves simultaneously, creating a wide, dense sound with minimal programming. Just dial in the Wave Gain amount and Detune amount to get that classic JP-8000 style SUPER SAW sound. Good for:
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NOISEThe NOISE waveform is a white noise generator that produces broadband noise instead of a pitched waveform. While the only editable parameter for the noise OSC is Wave Gain, you can still shape the noise with filters, envelopes, and LFOs. What is the Noise OSC Good for?
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