Modulation for the engines parameters

Using Zynthian
2

Hi @jubalsmith !

Currently you have 2 options:

  • Most synth engines have internal LFOs assignable to some interesting parameters. It’s limited, but is the easy way.

  • If you want (i think this is what you really want) to modulate ANY parameter in zynthian, currently the only way is using the “QMidiArp LFO” plugin combined with MIDI learning.

    • First you have to update to get latest changes :wink:
    • Create a MIDI chain and add “QMidiArp LFO” plugin. Configure as you want. It has a bunch of interesting options: waveform, frequency, amplitude, offset, loop mode, sync to host tempo, trigger, etc. You could take a look to QMidiArp documentation for learning the details.
    • From LFO’s chain options, route the MIDI output to the “Router Feedback”, so it gets into the router for MIDI-learning processing
    • Start transport. You can do it by starting any sequence from Zynpad. It can be an empty sequence.
    • Create a synth chain (or audio chain, …) and start MIDI learning on the desired parameter. It will be auto-assigned to the LFO that is already running.

A fast test that this really works:

Of course, this procedure is not very comfortable and we have plans to improve it iASAP, probably along the next few months:

  1. Parameter automation via the Step Sequencer. This could be really powerful and flexible and it will allow recording CC while playing, etc.

  2. Implement basic LFO functionality for all parameters, so you can easily assign a basic LFO to any parameter by selecting from the parameter options. Super easy and effective, but perhaps not the more flexible …

  3. … unless you combine 1 + 2 :wink:

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