Apple MainStage 3 Instruments - MainStage 3 Instruments
Apple MainStage 3 Instruments - MainStage 3 Instruments
Apple MainStage 3 Instruments - MainStage 3 Instruments
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Ultrabeat Synthesizer section overview<br />
Ultrabeat’s sound engine is optimized for creating electronic and acoustic drum and percussion<br />
sounds. It combines several synthesis approaches—phase distortion, sample playback, FM<br />
(frequency modulation), and physical modeling—to create tones. You can also use an audio sidechain<br />
input as a sound source. The sound engine provides comprehensive modulation functions,<br />
enabling nearly every Ultrabeat element to be modulated.<br />
The Synthesizer section is the heart of Ultrabeat. Each drum sound in a drum kit is<br />
an independent synthesizer and has its own set of synthesizer parameters—its own<br />
synthesizer section.<br />
The interface and signal flow of Ultrabeat’s synthesis engine are based on classic synthesizer<br />
designs. If you’re new to synthesizers, it might be best to start with Synthesizer basics<br />
overview on page 472, which will introduce you to the fundamentals and terminology of<br />
different synthesis systems.<br />
The Synthesizer section runs from left to right, following the layout and signal flow of a<br />
subtractive synthesizer. The basic tonal material is created by the oscillators, noise generator, and<br />
ring modulator. A filter then takes away certain frequencies from the raw sound, followed by<br />
volume shaping–envelopes.<br />
Note: Although the structure and layout mirrors classic subtractive synthesizer designs, Ultrabeat<br />
incorporates a number of different tone generation (synthesis) methods, including frequency<br />
modulation, component modeling, sample playback, and phase distortion. These provide unique<br />
qualities that greatly expand the range of sounds you can create.<br />
Signal flow button Filter Signal flow button<br />
Oscillator 1<br />
Ring<br />
modulator<br />
slider<br />
Oscillator 2<br />
Noise generator<br />
The details of Ultrabeat’s functions and their importance become more apparent when you look<br />
at the three-dimensional nature of the interface and recognize the different levels from front to<br />
back. The following descriptions refer to the third dimension, so keep this in mind while reading<br />
and exploring Ultrabeat’s interface.<br />
The large, round, elevated Filter (and Distortion) section is in the center. Its placement and<br />
design are both symbolic and practical, as the filter plays a central role in Ultrabeat. The Filter is<br />
discussed in Use Ultrabeat’s filter section on page 351.<br />
Chapter 14 Ultrabeat 338